How to get Permanent Residency in Croatia: It’s actually “Long-Term Residence”

Many articles online claim “how to get permanent residency in Croatia”, “permanent residency,” but for most expats and investors the legal status is Long-Term Residence (dugotrajno boravište); Permanent Stay (stalni boravak) applies to narrower humanitarian/family scenarios.

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:

1. Long-Term Residence (Dugotrajno boravište)
2. 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.

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:

1. You have legally resided in Croatia for an uninterrupted period of 5 years before applying
2. Your residence was based on temporary stay, asylum, or subsidiary protection
3. 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.

Who Qualifies for Permanent (Long-Term) Residence in Croatia?

In short: Croatia permanent (long-term) residence generally requires five years of continuous legal stay for third-country nationals, holding valid temporary residence (like work, family, study permits) and proving financial means, accommodation, and basic Croatian language skills (A1 level), with exceptions for EU citizens and specific family members of Croatians. Key criteria include uninterrupted residency with limited absences (max 10 months total, 6 months continuous over 5 years) and no serious criminal record.

1. Spouses & Life Partners of Croatian Citizens

If you are married to or in a registered partnership with a Croatian citizen, you qualify faster.

You may apply for permanent residence after:

• 4 years of continuous temporary residence
• Based on family reunification

This is Croatia’s fast-track route, but it still requires lawful residence, renewals, and compliance during those four years.

2. Most Expats, Workers & Business Owners

This is the standard path used by:

• Company directors
• Employees
• Self-employed persons
• Most long-term residents

You may apply after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay in Croatia

Important:

• Digital Nomad and Student permits often do not fully count
• Some count only 50%, others not at all toward the five-year requirement

This is why residence category selection at the beginning is critical.

3. Ethnic Croatians (Heritage Route)

If you are of Croatian descent, you may qualify faster. You may apply after:

• 3 years of residence in Croatia
• With proof from the Central State Office for Croats Abroad

This pathway is separate from standard expat routes and is based on national affiliation.

4) Minor Children

A child may qualify independently if:

• The child has lived in Croatia for at least 3 years, and
• At least one parent already holds Croatian citizenship or permanent residence

Croatia Permanent Residence Requirements​

Core eligibility: Overview

• 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay in Croatia before applying (temporary stay, asylum, or subsidiary protection). Absence limits: within those 5 years, you may be away up to 10 months total, or up to 6 months in one continuous absence.
• Valid status at decision time: you must still hold valid temporary stay/asylum/subsidiary protection when MUP decides.
• Proof of funds + accommodation + health insurance (MUP verifies you can support yourself and are properly registered).
• Language requirement: MUP requires knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script (with exemptions in some cases).
• Clean record / no security risk: serious criminal or public-order issues can disqualify an application.

Five years of continuous legal residence

If you’re researching how to get permanent residency in Croatia, the starting point is always the same: 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:

1. Long-term (permanent) residence application
2. 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 and it’s one of the most common reasons people misunderstand how to get permanent residency in Croatia.

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 (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)

If you want a complete, step-by-step legal walkthrough of how to get permanent residency in Croatia, read our full guide: How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Croatia: EU vs Non-EU Guide

Most Common Mistakes With the Croatia Temporary Residence Permit

Most applicants fail or face delays not because they are ineligible, but because they misunderstand procedure, timing, or long-term consequences.

• Confusing short stay with temporary residence.
• Assuming the first permit must be issued for 30–90 days.
• Missing mandatory address registration deadlines.

Explore more at: 8 Croatia Temporary Residence Permit Common Mistakes

What about “Residency by Investment in Croatia”

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. This pathway is explained in detail in our Starting a Business in Croatia 2026 Investor Handbook for EU and non-EU Entrepreneurs, which focuses on structuring a company not just to operate, but to qualify as a residence basis that counts toward permanent residence.

Typically, this involves:
• company formation in Croatia (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.

3 Benefits of Permanent Residence in Croatia

Many people ask: “How is PR better than temporary residence?”
The answer: stability + broader rights + less administrative risk.

1) No more annual permit renewals

Once approved, long-term residence/permanent residence is unlimited, and you stop living on a renewal calendar.

2) Easier life planning (work, change jobs, relocate within Croatia)

Long-term residence gives you durable legal footing in Croatia, which makes it easier to plan employment, housing, and long-term commitments without constant permit uncertainty.

3) EU long-term resident status and mobility options (not “free movement”)

Croatia’s long-term residence framework is aligned with the EU long-term resident concept and can support future mobility within the EU subject to conditions in the destination country (it’s not the same as an EU passport).

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

Why Legal Structuring Matters Early

Many expats lose years of eligibility because they:

• relied on property ownership alone
• held the wrong residence permit type
• misunderstood renewal or bridging rules
• failed to register or transition permits correctly

Croatia permanent residence is not difficult, but it is procedural. The system rewards accuracy, not assumptions.

At Mandracchio Capital, we do not sell visas or shortcuts. Our role is to help founders, investors, and long-term residents structure their presence in Croatia correctly from the beginning.

We work with experienced Croatian lawyers and advisors who understand:

• cross-border business and foreign ownership
• multi-year residence planning
• company formation tied to lawful stay
• nationality-specific requirements and timelines

By matching you with the right legal professionals based on your nationality, residence basis, and long-term goals, we ensure that every year you spend in Croatia actually counts, whether your objective is business stability, permanent residence, or eventual citizenship.

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 (Croatia residency by investment)?

There is no direct Croatia permanent residence by investment program but that’s also how to get permanent residency in Croatia.
However, Croatia 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.

What are the main conditions for obtaining permanent residence in Croatia?

Foreign nationals may qualify for permanent residence if they have held valid temporary residence in Croatia for at least five continuous years, or four years if married to a Croatian citizen. Applicants must show sufficient financial means and stable accommodation, demonstrate basic knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script, and not pose any risk to public security, public order, or public health. They must also hold a valid passport and health insurance at the time of application.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Croatia?

Obtaining permanent residency in Croatia typically requires a minimum of 5 years of legal residence, and the application process can take an additional 6 months to 2 years depending on individual circumstances.

How long does permanent residence take for spouses of Croatian citizens?

Croatian law allows spouses of Croatian citizens to apply for permanent residence after four years of continuous temporary residence granted for family reunification or life partnership. In practice, processing times can vary and, in some periods, may be longer due to administrative backlogs at the Ministry of the Interior (MUP). Typical processing time may range from approximately three months to twelve months or longer, depending on the case. Typical processing time can ranges from 3 to more than 12 months.

Why do expats work with a lawyer or law firm 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.

Me, my wife, and our children are family members of a Croatian citizen. Are we eligible to apply for permanent residency (Stalni Boravak)?

Yes, Croatia has a special rule allowing certain family members of Croatian citizens to apply for permanent residence sooner than the standard five-year rule that applies to most other foreigners. Permanent residence may be granted after 4 years of continuous temporary residence granted for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership with a Croatian citizen (for example, spouses, children, and other qualifying close family members). qualify, you generally must meet all of the following: Continuous Temporary Stay, Valid Status, and Clean Record and Security