Croatia

Information for all students

Croatia is now part of Schengen as of January 1st 2023, this means that the visa free days you spend in Croatia now add to the total 90 visa-free days allowed in the Schengen area.

Students should ensure that their passports are signed and stamped when entering and exiting Border Control. These stamps will prove the duration of your visit and, more importantly, prove to the visa official that you have not overstayed your 90-day visit.

It is important to understand the Schengen 90/180 rule. You are allocated 90 visa-free days to use within the Schengen Zone, however you must remember these are rolling days and are added onto a cumulative total of days in the Schengen region. Leaving and entering does not reset your calculator – only leaving for a period of 90 days in a non-Schengen country will reset your visa-free 90-day allowance.

Read more about the Schengen rules

Studying for less than 3 months

UK Students can enter Croatia without a visa for a duration of 90 days within a 180 day period. You can complete the following activities during this time:

• tourism
• visiting family or friends
• attending business meetings
• cultural or sports events
• ahort-term studies or training

Check if you require a visa to stay in Croatia.

Citizens from Australia, Canada, the USA and Japan do not need a visa to enter Croatia. However, you will need to apply for a temporary stay in Croatia upon arrival.

Citizens from China, India and the UAE can apply for a tourist visa and a short-term student visa (visa C).

EU Nationals staying in Croatia for a duration of 90 days or less do not need to register or apply for a Residence Permit.

Gather your documents

In order to apply, you must gather the following documents:

• valid passport or travel document
• 2 passport photographs
• proof of travel insurance
• evidence of visa fee
• document detailing the purpose of your stay in Croatia
• proof of accommodation
• proof of funds
• return ticket/evidence of intention to return to home country

How to apply

Students should submit the visa application form (visa C).

You must apply online for an appointment at the VFS Centre in London.

Upon arrival

Non-EU nationals staying in Croatia for less than 90 days must report to the Foreigners Office within 48 hours to register their stay.

Studying for more than 3 months

EU/UK and non-EU students studying in Croatia for a duration of one year are required to obtain both long-stay and temporary Residence Permits upon arrival.

UK students do not need a visa to study in Croatia for up to 1 year. However, you are required to apply for a Resident Permit.

EU Nationals who wish to study for more than 90 days must apply for a student Residence Permit.

Non-EU citizens studying in Croatia for more than 90 days are obliged to apply for the approval of the temporary stay for the purpose of studies (dozvola boravka) within 48 hours of their arrival.

Gather your documents

In order to apply, you must gather the following documents:

• Form1b (EU citizens only)
• Form1a (non-EU citizens only)
• acceptance letter (in Croatian) from UNIZG, stating the purpose of your stay
• 1 photo in colour (35mm x 45mm)
• proof of sufficient means of subsistence*
• proof of secured accommodation⁺
• proof of health insurance (e.g.: a copy of the insurance policy)
• certificate of non-criminal record with apostille (non-EU citizens coming from non-EU country only)
• original and photocopy of your valid passport or identity card
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), valid for the entire period spent in Croatia (EU/EAA students only)

*Equivalent to:

• 800 HRK for EU citizens (approximately 110 EUR minimum per month)
• 2,000 HRK for non-EU citizens (approximately 270 EUR minimum per month)

⁺If staying in a student hall of residence, you are automatically registered in the police system – no additional documents are required. If you are staying in private accommodation, you require a rental contract and proof of ownership (vlasnički list) – no older than 6 months.

Your proof of sufficient means of subsistence can take the form of:

• bank account statement
• scholarship confirmation
• invitation letter, stating the scholarship amount
• similar document

How to apply

An application for a long-term visa (visa D) must be submitted before entering Croatia, at the competent Embassy/Consulate. If Croatia does not have an Embassy/Consulate your country, you should apply at the nearest one.

Your application for a long-term visa (visa D) should be submitted in person.

Upon arrival

To apply for your Residence Permit, you must submit the above documents at the Foreigners’ Office, Central Police Station.

Working for less than 3 months

UK Students working in Croatia for less than 90 days must apply for a work registration certificate.

You need either a 30-day or 90-day Work Registration Certificate, depending on what work you’re carrying out in Croatia.

Students carrying out the following activities will need a 30-day certificate:

• taking part in fairs or exhibitions where your employer is exhibiting
• writing or performing in musicals, stage performances and dance shows (including accompanying reporters, organisational and technical staff)
• filming for fashion editorials or commercial campaigns
• reporting/organising/part of a technical crew at a sports event or competition
• carrying out auditing or consulting services
• working at a circus or amusement park
• trainee work for the Croatian branch of a UK-based company
• professional training or education for employees in Croatia
• delivering, installing or servicing machinery and equipment, as part of a contract or warranty
• funeral activities in line with the Croatian regulations

Gather your documents

Students who need to apply for a Work Registration Certificate should gather the following documents:

• completed application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• diploma or qualification certificate (if applicable)
• work contract or service agreement for independent/temporary work activity (if applicable)
• employment contract/service agreement or relevant offer (if working in academic teaching/a highly qualified activity)
• document issued by a sports federation, certifying the practice of your preferred sport (if applicable)
• request letter from the Croatian company

excerpt from the trade court register for the company in Croatia

Working for more than 3 months

You must apply for a work permit with an employment visa if you have the following:

• Employment offer from a company in Croatia
• Relevant education or professional experience

Non-EU nationals will need to apply for the most relevant document from the below list:

• Business visa
• Employment visa
• Work permit

Your employer will need to apply for a labour market test from the Croatian Employment Service (CES).

Gather your documents

Students who wish to apply for a work permit alongside an employment visa, must gather the following documents:

• Completed application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• Passport-standard photo
• Degree or qualification certificate
• Employment contract with a Croatian employer
• Detailed job description
• Proof of accommodation in Croatia (e.g.: a tenancy agreement verified by a notary in Croatia)
• Health insurance
• Excerpt from the trade court register for the company in Croatia
• Police clearance certificate

How to apply

You should apply for your employment visa at the Croatian Embassy/Consulate in your current country of residence, or at the Ministry of the Interior in Croatia.