Croatia stay and work permit
Croatia's stay and work permit splits three ways on the labour market test: the default needs the test plus the Employment Service's opinion, high-demand professions need only the opinion, and extensions, short seasonal work and the Article 110 categories — including the Blue Card and self-employment with a 51 per cent share — need neither.
Core requirements
A third-country national may work in Croatia on the basis of a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate, unless the Aliens Act provides otherwise. The stay and work permit is a single permit covering both temporary stay and work.
You may work only on the jobs the permit or certificate was granted for, and only with the employer you entered employment with. Employers are bound by the same limit.
By default the employer must request a labour market test and the opinion of the Croatian Employment Service.
The Croatian Employment Service's Management Board issues a decision on high-demand professions, published on its website; no labour market test is required for those, though the Service's opinion still is.
Neither the labour market test nor the Service's opinion is required where a permit is extended for the same employer and the same person; for seasonal employment in agriculture, forestry, hospitality and tourism for up to 90 days in a calendar year; or for permits issued under Article 110 of the Aliens Act, such as key personnel, self-employment in a company or sole trade in which the person holds an ownership share of at least 51 per cent, the EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transferees, service providers, volunteers, trainees and crew members.
A work registration certificate comes in two forms: one valid for up to 90 days, and one valid for up to 30 days in a calendar year, under Articles 140 to 144 of the Aliens Act.
Employers may not employ third-country nationals staying in Croatia illegally, nor make use of their work.
A legal-person employer employing or benefiting from the work of a third-country national staying illegally is fined between EUR 9,290 and EUR 19,900 for each such person.
Employing someone without a stay and work permit or work registration certificate, or on activities the permit does not cover, is fined between EUR 6,630 and EUR 13,270 for each such person.
Official sources
- Work of third-country nationalsMinistry of the Interior (MUP), Croatia · Reviewed 2026-09-06
How immigration works in Croatia — the process in order, the current figures with their dates, and what commonly blocks an application.
General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-06.