A blue card is a work permit that is the basis for employment of highly qualified workers in one of the EU countries. Find out what requirements for obtaining a permit are relevant in Croatia in 2024 and what changes to the migration legislation were recently approved by the country's leadership

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Highly qualified third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA members) can apply for an EU blue card (EU plava karta) if they want to work in Croatia. This permit is a good opportunity for talented expats to move to Croatia for work. Especially given that in 2024 the country plans to extend the validity of the EU blue card and expand the eligibility criteria. Everything you wanted to know about the employment of highly qualified specialists in Croatia, we have collected in this article.

What is the EU Blue Card in Croatia?

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals that allows them to live and work in EU member states. It is designed to attract qualified professionals and fill labor shortages in key sectors. The Blue Card offers several advantages, including the ability to move between EU countries under certain conditions and faster access to permanent residence.

The EU Blue Card can be issued without passing a labor market test. This means that you do not need to apply for a labor market test at the Hrvatski zavod za sempluje - HZZ (Croatian Employment Service) in order to obtain an EU Blue Card.

Which foreigners have the right to obtain an EU Blue Card?

To apply for an EU Blue Card in Croatia, applicants must meet a number of the following requirements:

1. Have a valid employment contract for at least one year. It is necessary to work in a highly qualified profession that meets the needs of the country's labor market.

2. Minimum Salary Requirements – Candidates must find a job that meets the minimum salary threshold, which is 1.5 of the average annual salary in Croatia. As of October 2024, this is €24,845.64 per year.

3. Appropriate level of educational or professional qualifications – for unregulated professions, applicants must provide proof of appropriate educational qualifications. However, regulated professions must meet the requirements of Croatian law, ensuring that candidates have the appropriate authority to practise.

4. Adequate level of financial support – in addition to salary requirements, applicants must provide proof of having sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Croatia. This ensures that they will not rely on public funds.

The procedure for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Croatia

Stage 1 – Prepare the necessary package of documents

The first step is to prepare a package of documents that you must submit together with the application. Standard requirements include:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport

- Certificate of no criminal record.

- Confirmation of the purpose of your temporary stay in Croatia.

- Confirmation of the availability of a sufficient amount of funds for living in Croatia.

- An employment contract to perform highly qualified work for a Croatian employer under his supervision for at least one year.

- Confirmation of higher education, issued by an institution recognized in the country of residence.

- Diploma.

- Certificate.

- Other confirmation of the appropriate level of qualification.

- Confirmation of compliance with the conditions corresponding to the special provisions on professional qualifications during the performance of the regulated profession specified in the employment contract

Step 2 – Apply for a Blue Card to Croatia

After preparing the required package of documents, you can apply for the EU Blue Card. You can apply on your own or through a Croatian employer.

- For those who are abroad, contact the Croatian embassy or consulate.

- Expats staying in Croatia - go to the Police Department at the address of your place of residence in Croatia.

If your employer is going to make a request, they should contact the police station closest to their company's head office or your place of work.

Step 3 – Waiting for the EU blue card

After submitting the application, you need to wait for your application to be reviewed.

The duration of obtaining an EU Blue Card in Croatia is usually between 30 and 60 days. Applicants must pay an initial fee of €74.32, which covers the cost of processing the Blue Card.

You may be denied an EU blue card if: you do not meet the requirements, you violate the provisions of the Law on Foreigners, your employer violates labor regulations, etc.

Step 4 – Get permission

After receiving the notification about the EU Blue Card, you must visit the police station at your address of residence and collect the document. In Croatian it is called biometrijska boravašna iskaznica.

To obtain a residence permit, you must have with you:

- Passport photo 30×35 mm

- Valid foreign travel document/passport.

- Confirmation of payment of fees.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Peculiarities of working under the EU Blue Card in Croatia

An important feature of the Blue Card is that citizens of third countries can work only in the job for which the card was issued. Also, they can work only for the employer for whom the card was issued and with whom they established employment relations.

If your employment contract is terminated or you no longer meet the other requirements for holding an EU Blue Card, you or your employer must notify the Migration Service within 8 days.

How to change EU Blue Card employer in Croatia?

If you change your employer during the first 2 years of your temporary stay in Croatia, you must inform the Migration Service and apply for a new EU Blue Card. This must be done within 8 days of the termination of employment with your first Croatian employer.

If you change your employer after 2 years, you must notify the migration service within 8 days of the change of employer. You must also provide them with your new employment contract. In this case, your EU Blue Card is valid until it expires.

Changes to the procedure for obtaining a Croatian Blue Card in 2024

In October 2024, Croatia announced its intention to make changes to the procedure for obtaining a Blue Card.

The country's leadership plans to increase the permitted period of stay in the country on the basis of a permit from 2 to 4 years and expand the eligibility criteria to accept qualified IT specialists without specialized education. Such changes are aimed at attracting highly qualified foreign workers and solving the problem of labor shortages in key sectors.

1. Longer stay in Croatia on the basis of a Blue Card

Once the changes are approved, foreign workers with an EU Blue Card can stay in Croatia for up to four years, significantly longer than the current two-year limit. Such changes will provide greater stability for skilled professionals seeking long-term employment in Croatia.

2. Expanded qualifications for IT specialists

In addition to extending the validity period of the EU Blue Card, Croatia also plans to expand the eligibility criteria, in particular for IT professionals. The new rules provide that individuals without relevant education in the IT sector, but with a set of skills and work experience, will be entitled to an EU Blue Card.

However, in order to obtain a permit, you will need to provide proof of your work experience in this field, which will be evaluated by a special commission.

How many work permits did Croatia issue in 2024?

From January to September 2024, Croatia issued 158,837 residence and work permits to foreign citizens. Workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nepal and Serbia received the most permits, with most of these people holding positions in the construction, tourism and trade sectors.

Croatia is implementing reforms to accept the maximum number of foreign workers and overcome the shortage of personnel. Moving here can be a good stage in your professional activity.

We will remind you! We have already told you what the blue card allows, which European countries issue it, as well as what list of documents you need to have to issue a blue card in 2024.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.