Croatia offers the EU Blue Card for third-country nationals who wish to work in the country, provided they meet specific criteria. This permit is designed for highly qualified professionals, and the application process has several important requirements.

Key Eligibility Criteria

1. Employment Contract: Applicants must have a valid employment contract for at least one year, with the job classified as highly qualified.

2. Minimum Salary Threshold: To qualify, the applicant’s salary must be 1.5 times the national average annual salary. For 2024, this translates to a minimum annual salary of €24,845.64. This figure ensures that the foreign worker is earning well above the average in Croatia.

3. Professional Qualifications:

For regulated professions, applicants must submit documentation proving they meet the national legal requirements.

For unregulated professions, proof of educational qualifications is required.

4. Financial Stability: The applicant must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support themselves while residing in Croatia.

5. Travel Documentation: A copy of the applicant’s valid travel document is required, along with other standard documents necessary for residency applications.

Application Process and Fees

The Croatian EU Blue Card application takes between 30 to 60 days to process. Applicants should be prepared to pay an initial fee of €74.32 for the issuance of the Blue Card.

Simplified Regulations

In recent months, several EU countries, including Croatia, have simplified their Blue Card regulations to make the process more accessible to highly qualified foreign workers. These changes aim to attract top talent from around the world to the EU, benefiting both the workers and the host countries.

The EU Blue Card is a gateway for skilled professionals to work and live in Croatia, providing them with legal rights and pathways to further opportunities in the European Union.