Croatia Schengen Work Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Croatia Schengen Work Permit Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices will be in charge of granting Schengen visas (Types A and C) and national long-term visas from January 1, 2023. (Type D).

Croatia is aggressively looking for a significant infusion of new employees in an effort to strengthen its economy and fill the many job openings on the market. There is a lack of workers in a number of areas, including transportation, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and construction, as a result of young, educated, and talented Croatians migrating to EU nations for employment. Foreign workers are required to fill these vital posts as quickly as feasible in order to alleviate this shortfall.

Country Official name:Republic of Croatia Republika Hrvatska
Capital and largest city:Zagreb
Official languages:Croatian
EU Member State:Yes
Schengen member state:Yes (since January 2023)

The construction sector saw the highest issuance of work permits up until August last year, followed closely by hospitality and tourism and transport and communications, according to the assistant director of the Croatian Employment Service, Ruzica Hrga. The majority of workers came from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Nepal.

Key requirements for obtaining a Croatia Schengen Work Permit

In order to obtain a residence and work permit for a new job in Croatia, it is necessary to go through the labor market test (TTR) conducted by the Croatian Employment Service. If no suitable unemployed candidates are found, the Institute will provide a notice allowing the applicant to submit their application for the permit within 90 days. This application should be submitted online unless the employee falls into one of the exception categories.

Employment in positions listed by the Administrative Council of the CES does not require the TTR and the application for a residence and work permit should be submitted directly online.

Exceptions to this process include: extending a residence and work permit for the same employer and citizen of a third country, seasonal employment in agriculture, forestry, catering, and tourism for up to 90 days per calendar year, and positions categorized under Article 110 of the Aliens Act (e.g. key personnel in commercial companies, self-employed individuals with 51% ownership in a commercial company or trade, EU Blue Card holders, transferred employees, service providers, volunteers, trainees, vessel crews, etc.). In these cases, the application should be submitted to the relevant police administration/station.

Croatia Schengen Work Permit Qualification requirements

Following the labour market test (TTR), specific papers are required to be presented as proof of credentials and experience when applying for a residence and work permit. If the original is not in a comparable Croatian language, it must be translated into Croatian, English, or Latin script. This might include diplomas, transcripts, references from previous employers, and certifications.

When the TTR does not specify a particular educational need and the employment is not regarded as a regulated profession, an employer’s declaration regarding the applicant’s credentials may be sufficient as proof of experience. For regulated professions, documentation of Croatian recognition of the qualification is necessary in order to carry out professional obligations. The only exception to this is when a foreign worker is hired in a comparable trade by an employer rather than starting their own business.

Please be aware that a candidate for a work visa in Croatia cannot be a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area.

What is the Croatia Schengen Work Permit?

The Croatia Schengen Work Permit is a type of work permit that allows foreign nationals to work in Croatia for a period of time and travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries.

Who is eligible for a Croatia Schengen Work Permit?

Foreign nationals who have secured a job offer in Croatia and meet the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience requirements are eligible to apply for a Croatia Schengen Work Permit.

Discovering Job Opportunities in Croatia

Securing a job opportunity in Croatia is the first step before obtaining a work permit. Without this, the applicant will not be eligible for a work permit. There are various ways to locate a job in every nation, but I’ll share with you the finest ones for Croatia as these are the ones that the majority of people choose to utilize.

  1. through Facebook Groups and Pages
  2. through recruitment agencies
  3. through Official Jobs Websites
  4. through companies in Croatia directly

Facebook Groups and Pages

Exploring Employment Opportunities through Expat Facebook Groups in Croatia. There are approximately 70 Facebook groups catering to experts in the country. These groups provide a platform to announce your job search and job postings may also be available from time to time. It is advisable to join the groups relevant to your job search.

Utilizing Facebook Groups and Pages Focused on Job Search in Croatia. The following is a list of such resources:

Recruitment Agencies

Any country can use recruitment agencies to obtain employment. They assist you in finding a decent job and charge a fee for their services. The best thing is that payment is only taken after you are hired. They are not required to be paid in advance. Second, government-issued formal licenses are held by recruitment agencies. They only provide their services to job seekers after getting the license.

Official Jobs Websites

Here are some of the official job websites for Croatia:

  1. Danas radim
  2. Njuškalo
  3. Nova karijera
  4. Freelance.hr
  5. Jooble HR
  6. Moj Posao
  7. Adorio
  8. Bika
  9. Danas radim 
  10. MojPosao
  11. Oglasnik
  12. PickJobs
  13. Posao

Using these websites, you can search for job openings in your desired field, create a profile and apply for jobs directly online. Additionally, these websites often have job alerts, which can notify you of new job openings that match your profile and preferences.

Now Let’s Talk about the Requirements for a Schengen Work Permit in Croatia.

Eligibility Requirements for a Croatia Schengen Work Permit

To comply with the recently established immigration regulations in the Republic of Croatia, the following documents are necessary when applying for a work permit:

  • A legitimate job offer from a Croatian employer;
  • A contract of employment or written confirmation of having signed the contract of employment or any other relevant agreement;
  • Evidence of educational qualifications, such as diplomas, certificates, and degrees;
  • Proof of language proficiency in English or Croatian (optional);
  • A 35x45mm color photograph;
  • Proof of health insurance coverage;
  • A copy of your valid passport;
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself, such as a personal bank account with enough funds to cover your initial expenses in Croatia;
  • Evidence of registering a company, branch office, representative office, sole trade, family-run farm, association, or institution in the Republic of Croatia, with extracts from relevant registers not older than six months;
  • An approval report from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ);
  • A visa confirmation letter from the Croatian government.

The Application Process for a Croatia Schengen Work Permit

The process of obtaining a Schengen work permit for Croatia can be broken down into several steps, including:

  1. Secure a job offer and work contract from a Croatian employer
  2. Gather all necessary documents, including your passport, proof of financial means, and health insurance coverage
  3. Submit your application to the relevant Croatian government agency, typically the Ministry of the Interior
  4. Attend an in-person appointment for biometric data collection and an interview
  5. Wait for a decision on your application

Supporting Documents for a Croatia Schengen Work Permit

In addition to your passport, job offer, and work contract, you will need to provide the following documents to support your application for a Schengen work permit in Croatia:

  • Proof of financial means, such as bank statements or pay stubs
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Criminal background check from your home country
  • Proof of accommodation in Croatia, such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation
How do I get a work permit in Croatia?

You must first have a legitimate employment offer from a Croatian business in order to obtain a work visa there. A formal agreement that a contract has been reached, such as an employment contract, is also required. You’ll also need to present documentation of your school history, professional credentials, and health insurance. You’ll also need to present a copy of a valid travel document and evidence of enough money to maintain yourself. Obtaining authorization from the Croatian government and/or HZZ and supplying evidence of your employer’s registration in the Republic of Croatia may also be required steps in the process of getting a work visa in Croatia.

Which Schengen countries are open for a work permit?

Applications for working permits are accepted in all Schengen nations, however, each nation may have different procedures and restrictions. If you’re interested in working in a certain country, it’s necessary to research the immigration laws and processes of that nation to find out what paperwork and qualifications you’ll need.

How can I get a work permit in a Schengen visa?

To obtain a work permit on a Schengen visa, you must first have a valid job offer from an employer in the Schengen area. You’ll also need to provide proof of your qualifications and experience and meet any language requirements for the specific country. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of health insurance and sufficient funds to support yourself. You may also be required to provide a copy of a valid travel document, and to go through a background check.

Can a foreigner work in Croatia?

Yes, foreigners are permitted to work in Croatia as long as they satisfy the conditions for getting a work permit. This entails having a legitimate job offer, a contract of employment, documentation of one’s education and work history, evidence of health insurance, and enough money to cover one’s basic needs. Additionally, the foreign worker may need to get authorization from the Croatian government and/or HZZ and present a copy of a valid travel document. The employer must also be registered in the Republic of Croatia.

The founder of the "LegalYouTuber.com" channel aims to offer open source information on visa, immigration, jobs, and settlement abroad, free of charge. With 8 years of experience in this field, he closely tracks the latest developments in these topics.

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