Croatia has a Startup Visa, which non-EU entrepreneurs can apply for to create an innovative startup in the country. The idea is to invite accomplished founders and support the Croatian start-up community.
The process
The process of getting a Croatian Startup Visa looks like the following:
In order to receive a Croatian startup visa, the applicants must form a company (normally a d.o.o. or obrt). And apply for a business-based temporary residence permit. This entails fulfilling some set prerequisites, such as investing in the entity and employing Croatian nationals, as well as demonstrating that one has enough money.
Company registration
Selection of Business Structure: It is usually a limited liability company (d.o.o.) or craft business (obrt).
Minimum Investment: In the case of d.o.o., the lowest amount of share capital to be registered is HRK 20,000 (approximately EUR 2,654).
Third-Country Nationals: Investment in the case of third-country nationals, the startup capital of the company is usually HRK 200,000 (approximately EUR 26,544.56) of investment, which can be spent on business expenses.
Application for a residence permit
Employment Contract: There will be an employment contract between you and your newly registered company, and you will be receiving a minimum gross salary at or above the minimum director wage.
Profession of Investment: Show your investment in tangible and intangible assets in the minimal amount indicated above.
Recruitment of Croatian Citizens: You will have to show that you have employed at least three citizens from the nation of Croatia with a salary above minimum wage, and there are pension and health insurance contributions.
Other documents
You will also be required to submit such routine documents as a copy of a passport, a photograph, and documents showing financial resources. Also, health insurance, and a criminal background check.
Key considerations
Financial means: show you have enough monetary resources to run your business and yourself through general bank statements.
Educational qualifications: Evidence of education and appropriate skills should be given.
Criminal record: A basic criminal record is needed.
Accommodation: You need to provide accommodation proof in Croatia, in the form of a booking confirmation or a lease agreement.
Processing times: The processing time of the work permits and visas is usually between 30 and 60 days.
Online application
Online portal: It has an internet-based portal that can be used to apply visa in the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible, your company should:
- Be innovative (tech-driven or with a unique business model).
- Have scalability potential (ability to grow internationally).
- Be or wish to become an owner of a company in Croatia.
- Have sufficient funds to support operations (at least €11,250*in a Croatian bank account per founder).
Apply for a temporary residence permit
Submit your application at the Croatian embassy/consulate in your home country or at a police station in Croatia (if already in the country on a different visa).
Pay the application fee (~€100–150).
Allow time to pass to get approved
Processing time: 30 60 days. In case it is accepted, you are rewarded with a temporary residence permit for 1 year, which can be prolonged to 3 years.
After approval
You may work and live in Croatia under your startup. You can request to shift to permanent residence after 5 years. The visa allows travel within the Schengen Zone (90/180 days rule applies).
Renewal and permanent residency
Renew on an annual basis by demonstrating that your startup is still in place and is thriving.
After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or even Croatian citizenship (subject to additional requirements).
You can also view these posts:
Things to know before immigrating to Croatia
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Croatia
Getting a job as an expat in Croatia