Stay and work permit (single permit) for employment
Non-EU nationals generally need a stay and work permit, a single permit to live and work in Croatia for a named employer and job. Before applying, the employer normally requests a labour market test and an opinion from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ); jobs on HZZ's high-demand list skip the test but still need the opinion, and some categories need neither. The worker or the employer applies, then the worker gets a D visa if needed, registers within 3 days of arrival and collects a biometric card.
Life in Croatia
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
59
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
15–33%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25%
Local governments set a lower rate (15-23%) up to EUR 60,000 a year and a higher rate (25-33%) above it; default 20%/30% if no decision. Basic personal allowance applies.
Living
1
Happiness
#68 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals with a job offer from a Croatian employer.
Eligibility
Job and employer
An employment contract or other relevant contract with a Croatian employer. The permit covers only that job and that employer.
Labour market test and HZZ opinion
- The employer requests a labour market test and the opinion of the Croatian Employment Service before the application.
- For high-demand professions on HZZ's list, no test is needed but the opinion is.
- Article 110 categories (e.g. key personnel, 51%+ owners, EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transferees) and same-employer extensions need neither.
Qualifications
Proof of qualifications and skills where needed, recognition of professional qualifications for regulated professions, and proof of meeting the employer's requirements when a labour market test applies.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementGeneral conditions
- Document checklistCopy of valid travel document
- FeesDecision on the stay and work permit
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 6 documents
- 3 fees
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Croatia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Croatia
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyTemporary stay for the purpose of university studies
- Investors & entrepreneursTemporary stay of digital nomads
Work permits in other countries
- HaitiHaiti residence permit
- HungaryEU Blue Card
- IndonesiaE23 Work Visa (Visa Kerja) and Limited Stay Permit (ITAS/KITAS) with approved RPTKA
- IrelandCritical Skills Employment Permit
- IsraelB/1 Work Visa – Foreign Expert
- Isle of ManIsle of Man Worker Migrant visa with Confirmation of Employment and work permit
