Permanent residency in Croatia is not granted automatically. It is a legal status earned after 5years of continuous, qualifying residence under very specific rules.
We will explain exactly how permanent residency in Croatia works for both EU/EEA citizens and non-EU (third-country) nationals, based on the actual procedure guided by the Croatian Ministry of the Interior (MUP).
How to get Permanent Residency in Croatia
Permanent residency in Croatia gives foreign nationals the right to live and work in Croatia indefinitely without annual renewals. It is also the final legal step before eligibility for Croatian citizenship.
Permanent residency in Croatia is:
- Granted only after qualifying long-term residence
- Based on residence history, not just current status
- Processed by the Croatian Ministry of the Interior (MUP)
If you want to understand what permanent residence in Croatia actually means, including the rights it gives you, how it differs from temporary residence, and why it matters for citizenship and long-term EU status, read this first: How to Get Permanent Residency in Croatia
The Core Rule for Permanent Residency in Croatia
At the center of all permanent residency in Croatia rules is one requirement:
You must complete five continuous years of legal residence that counts toward permanent residence.
This five-year period:
- Starts from the issue date of your first qualifying residence permit
- Does not start from your arrival date
- Does not include tourist or visa-free stays
If your permit type in year one was wrong, permanent residency in Croatia may never arise — even after many years in the country.
How to apply for Permanent Residency in Croatia: Non-EU Citizens
This applies to citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Asia, and most of the world.
Step 1 — You Must Hold a Qualifying Permit
Permanent residency in Croatia is not a standalone application.
You must already hold a temporary residence permit that counts toward the five-year rule, such as:
- Work permit
- Family reunification
- Business or company director permit
- Study (only partially counts)
The following do not count:
- Seasonal work
- Posted workers
- Volunteers
- Trainees
- Service providers
- “Other purposes” permits
Step 2 — Prepare Documents Before Year Five Ends
About two months before your fifth year completes, you must contact your local MUP office. They will:
- Confirm whether your residence periods qualify
- Identify nationality-specific requirements
- Tell you if you must pass the Croatian language & culture exam
Documents for permanent residency in Croatia typically include:
- Passport and biometric photo
- Proof of continuous residence
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Language certificate (if required)
Language testing is done by accredited universities:
Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Zadar, Osijek, and Pula.
Step 3 — Timing Is Strict
You must apply for permanent residency in Croatia:
The day after your temporary residence permit expires
Not earlier. Not later.
Applying even one day late can result in:
- Loss of legal residence
- Forced status change
- Requirement to leave Croatia
Step 4 — Dual Filing (Form 1a + Extension)
On the filing date, two applications are submitted:
- Permanent Residence (Form 1a)
- Temporary Extension (Bridging Permit)
This keeps you legally resident while permanent residency in Croatia is being processed (often 12–18 months).
Step 5 — Review & Approval
MUP conducts:
- Background checks
- Residence verification
- Possible interviews
Once approved, you receive a biometric permanent residence card and no longer need annual renewals.
Permanent Residency in Croatia for EU / EEA Citizens: Application Process
EU/EEA citizens obtain permanent residency in Croatia under EU free-movement law, not the Croatian Aliens Act. After completing five years of continuous legal residence, the right to permanent residence arises automatically — but it must still be registered with the police (MUP).
Step 1 — Complete Five Years of Legal EU Residence
You must have been registered in Croatia as an EU resident for five continuous years (working, self-employed, studying, or financially independent). This includes:
- Registered address
- OIB
- Health insurance during the first five years
Once five years are completed, no income or insurance checks apply.
Step 2 — Apply for the EU Permanent Residence Card (Form 3b)
You submit Form 3b at your local police administration (MUP), together with:
- Passport or EU ID card
- Proof of five years of residence (registrations, address records, etc.)
- Photograph and fingerprints
This converts your EU temporary residence into permanent residency in Croatia.
Step 3 — MUP Verification
MUP verifies:
- That you were legally registered for five years
- That your identity is valid
They do not assess income, health insurance, language, or criminal records.
Step 4 — Receive Your Permanent Residence Card
Once approved, you receive an EU permanent residence card.
Your status becomes unlimited, and you no longer have to renew or prove financial means.
FAQ – Permanent Residency in Croatia
How long do I need to live in Croatia to get permanent residency?
Five continuous years of qualifying legal residence.
Does time as a tourist count toward permanent residency in Croatia?
No. Tourist and visa-free stays never count.
Can digital nomads get permanent residency in Croatia?
Not directly. Digital nomad permits do not count unless you change to a qualifying residence type.
Do EU citizens need to pass a language test?
No. Only non-EU applicants must pass the language and culture exam.
How long does the permanent residency in Croatia process take?
Typically 6 to 18 months, depending on nationality and MUP workload.
