Stay and Work Permit for Self-Employment/Business
Croatia
Last updated: December 24, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$90-$130
1-3 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you start a business in Croatia and live there legally. You need to invest money and hire Croatian workers. After a few years, you can become a permanent resident or even a Croatian citizen. There are two ways to use this: a short 3-month tourist visa for business meetings, or a 1-year work permit if you're actually starting a business. This visa is active right now and the government is accepting applications.
Key Benefits
- Legally own and run a business
- Work without restrictions
- Bring spouse and children after 1 year
- Access to Croatian healthcare
- Travel freely in Schengen area
- Apply for permanent residency after 5 years
- Apply for citizenship after 8 years
- Dual citizenship allowed
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18 or older
- No criminal record
- Valid passport required
- Sufficient funds to invest and live
- Real business plan (not immigration-only)
- Own 51%+ of business
- Actively manage the business
- Hire 3+ Croatian citizens full-time
- No EU bans or alerts
- Not required to speak Croatian (documents translated)
Financial Requirement
Minimum €26,500 investment, €2,757 monthly income from business, 3+ full-time Croatian employees at average wage (~€1,838/month)
Documents
- Valid passport3+ months validity remaining
- Health insurance$30,000+ coverage required
- Bank statementsLast 3 months showing sufficient funds
- Proof of residenceWhere you will live in Croatia
- Criminal background checkClean record required
- Business registration papersOfficial business documents
- Capital deposit proof€26,500+ in business bank account
- Employment contractsWith 3+ Croatian full-time workers
- Payroll recordsProof of employee salary payments
- Business viability proofEvidence business is real and profitable
- Apostille and translationAll foreign documents must be official and translated to Croatian
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.