Croatia does not offer a traditional Golden Visa or a fast-track residency-by-investment scheme. Permanent residency here is not something you buy. It’s something you earn over time, by choosing the right residence basis and maintaining legal continuity.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get permanent residency in Croatia, what investment routes actually lead there, what does not count, and how Croatian authorities assess long-term residence applications in practice.
What Croatia Permanent Residence Really Means
When people ask us “how to get permanent residency in Croatia,” they often mix up two legally different statuses:
- Long-Term Residence (Dugotrajno boravište)
- Permanent Stay (Stalni boravak)
For most expats, investors, and foreign founders, long-term residence is the relevant status. Permanent stay exists, but it applies only to narrow family or humanitarian cases.
This guide focuses on long-term residence, and that is where Croatia immigration by investment realistically leads.
Permanent Stay in Croatia (Not All cases)
Permanent stay is not the standard route for most expats or investors. It is granted only in specific humanitarian or family-based situations, such as:
• spouses or life partners of Croatian citizens (after 4 years)
• ethnic Croats returning from abroad
• refugees with extended protected status
• minors under family reunification rules
• individuals born in Croatia with long-term factual residence
For most international founders, professionals, and investors, long-term residence – not permanent stay – is the relevant status. So when most expats ask “how to get permanent residency in Croatia”, it actually is “how to get long-term residence in Croatia”
Long-Term Residence in Croatia (Most Common Path for Expats)
Long-term residence is the standard route for third-country nationals who have legally lived in Croatia for several years.
According to official Croatian immigration rules, long-term residence may be granted if:
- You have legally resided in Croatia for an uninterrupted period of 5 years before applying
- Your residence was based on temporary stay, asylum, or subsidiary protection
- You hold valid temporary residence at the time of decision
To be approved for long-term (permanent) residence in Croatia, applicants must meet both substantive and procedural requirements. Timing and compliance are just as important as eligibility.
Croatia permanent residence requirements
Five years of continuous legal residence
You must complete five uninterrupted years of qualifying temporary residence in Croatia.
The five-year period is calculated from the start date on your first temporary residence permit, not from your arrival date.
Correct application timing with the police
Although permanent residence cannot be submitted early, applicants must demonstrate procedural readiness:
- The permanent residence application may only be filed the day after the temporary permit expires
- Applicants are strongly expected to contact the police two months in advance to:
- Declare intent to apply
- Receive nationality-specific requirements
- Begin document preparation
Failure to align timing correctly can result in loss of legal status.
Mandatory dual application (permanent + temporary extension)
Applicants must submit two applications at the same time:
- Long-term (permanent) residence application
- Temporary residence extension (bridging permit)
This is required because applicants must hold valid residence status at all times while permanent residence is under review.
- Non-EU/EEA nationals apply under “Autonomous Stay”
- EU/EEA nationals apply under “Extension”
Only one temporary extension is granted during the permanent residence process.
Ability to meet nationality-specific requirements
Depending on nationality, applicants may be required to provide:
- Proof of Croatian language proficiency (often the longest-lead requirement)
- Proof of financial stability
- Proof of legal accommodation
- Clean criminal record
Some requirements, such as the Croatian language test, are offered only once per month, making advance preparation essential. For a detailed, step-by-step breakdown, see our Croatia permanent residence requirements checklist.
Residence Periods That Do Not Count Toward Permanent Residence
This is where many expats lose years unintentionally.
The following periods do NOT count toward the 5-year requirement:
• seasonal worker permits
• service provider permits
• posted workers
• volunteers
• trainees
• intra-corporate transferees and their families
• frontier workers
• secondary school education
• “other purposes” permits
• time spent in prison
For university students, only half of the study period counts.
For asylum holders, only part of the pre-approval period may count, depending on duration.
This is why permit type selection from year one is critical if your goal is Croatia permanent residence.
Application Process for Third-Country Nationals (Simplified)
Meeting the Croatia permanent residence requirements is only part of the equation. Many applicants qualify on paper but lose time or legal status due to timing or procedural mistakes. Here’s how the process works in practice for non-EU/EEA nationals.
1. Prepare Documents Before Year Five Ends
About two months before your fifth year completes, contact your local police administration (MUP). This step is mandatory.
At this stage, MUP will:
- Confirm whether your residence qualifies
- Provide nationality-specific instructions
- Flag documents requiring advance preparation (especially language testing)
Common documents include proof of residence continuity, income, accommodation, health insurance, criminal records (if required), and a language certificate where applicable.
3. Apply at the Exact Right Time
You cannot apply early or late.
Correct timing:
- Apply the day after your current temporary permit expires
Before that, you must:
- Notify MUP of your intent
- Receive instructions
- Prepare documents
Applying even one day late can result in loss of legal residence or forced departure.
4. Submit Two Applications Together
You must submit both:
- Permanent residence application
- Temporary residence extension (bridging permit)
Permanent decisions often take 12–18 months, and this temporary extension is the legal mechanism that keeps you resident while waiting.
5. In-Person Submission and Review
Applications are submitted in person at the police station responsible for your registered address. Documents are reviewed, fees paid, and biometrics taken.
After submission, expect background checks and possible follow-ups. Silence usually means processing, not rejection.
6. Approval and Permanent Status
Once approved, you receive a permanent residence card. From that point:
- No annual renewals
- Free access to work and residence in Croatia
- Long-term legal stability (though not citizenship)
For a detailed, step-by-step breakdown including eligibility checks, document lists, and timing rules, read our full guide: Croatia Permanent Residence Requirements: Legal Guidance for Third-Country Nationals.
What “Residency by Investment in Croatia” Really Means
You’ll often see phrases like Croatia permanent residency by investment online. These terms are not legal categories in Croatian law. Croatia does not operate a formal investor visa or Golden Visa program.
What exists instead is an indirect structure: Investment → qualifying temporary residence → long-term residence → citizenship (optional).
We explain this clearly in our separate article: Croatia Golden Visa Program – What Exists and What Doesn’t
Business Investment: The Only Investment Route That Counts
If you are an entrepreneur or investor, business-based residence is the only investment-related path that can lead to Croatia permanent residence by investment.
Typically, this involves:
• forming a Croatian company (most commonly a d.o.o.)
• acting as director or active owner
• employing Croatian staff
• meeting salary, tax, and operational requirements
This is why founders and serious expats choose business structures when planning long-term relocation.
Can Buying Property Lead to Permanent Residency in Croatia?
Short answer: no. Property ownership may support a temporary residence application, but it does not lead to Croatia permanent residence. In most cases:
• the permit is limited in duration
• renewal may be restricted
• employment is not allowed
• time spent under this permit does not count toward permanent residency
This route works for:
• second-home owners
• retirees
• lifestyle stays
It does not work if your goal is permanent residency Croatia recognizes.
From Long-Term Residence to Citizenship
After obtaining long-term residence, you may later apply for citizenship.
Standard timeline:
• 5 years → long-term residence
• 8 years total residence → citizenship eligibility
Citizenship requires:
• Croatian language proficiency
• cultural integration
• continuous lawful residence
Croatia does not offer citizenship by investment.
Why Legal Structuring Matters Early
Many expats lose years because they:
• relied on property ownership
• held the wrong permit type
• misunderstood renewal rules
• failed to register correctly
Croatia permanent residence is not difficult, but it is procedural. Our role is not to sell visas.
It is to match you with the right Croatian lawyer, based on your nationality, residence basis, and long-term goals, so every year you spend in Croatia actually counts. Contact us today for a free 30 minute chat.
FAQs – Croatia Permanent Residence
How to get permanent residency in Croatia?
You must first hold temporary residence for at least 5 uninterrupted years, then apply for long-term residence (Dugotrajno boravište).
Time spent under qualifying permits (such as business activity or employment) counts – property-based residence generally does not.
Is Croatia permanent residence the same as permanent stay?
No. These are two different legal statuses under Croatian law.
Most expats qualify for long-term residence, while permanent stay (Stalni boravak) applies to limited family or humanitarian situations.
Can I get Croatia permanent residence by investment?
There is no direct Croatia permanent residence by investment program but that’s also how to get permanent residency in Croatia.
However, residency by investment through company ownership can lead to permanent residence over time, if all legal and employment conditions are met.
Does buying property in Croatia lead to permanent residence?
No. Property ownership can support temporary residence, but it does not count toward permanent residence.
This route is suitable for lifestyle stays, not immigration planning.
How long do I need to live in Croatia before applying?
You must live in Croatia legally for five continuous years under qualifying residence permits.
Absences are allowed, but they must stay within legal limits to avoid breaking continuity.
What documents are required for Croatia permanent residence?
You’ll typically need a valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, language certification, and evidence of lawful residence.
Authorities also assess criminal history and public-order risk.
Do I need to speak Croatian to get permanent residence?
Yes. Knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script is required for long-term residence.
Some applicants are exempt, but most expats must pass an official language test.
Can I work in Croatia with permanent residence?
Yes. Permanent residents have full access to employment and self-employment without needing a work permit.
This is one of the key benefits compared to temporary residence.
Does permanent residence lead to Croatian citizenship?
Yes, but only over time.
After holding permanent residence and completing eight years of total lawful residence, you may apply for citizenship if language and integration criteria are met.
Why do expats work with immigration lawyers in Croatia?
Because the rules are technical, time-based, and strictly enforced.
Mistakes in permit selection or renewals can reset the five-year clock, something experienced legal guidance helps prevent.
