A jobseeker visa lets people from other countries come to a country for a short time to look for work without having a job offer ahead of time. These kinds of visas are available in countries like Germany and Austria, especially for qualified workers. Croatia does not presently provide a separate jobseeker visa. This implies that those from outside the EU/EEA who want to live and work in Croatia will have to look into alternative options. These usually need a job offer, a business plan, or a specified professional function.
Residence and work permits with a job offer
The most popular way for people from outside the EU to get a job in Croatia is to get a job offer from a Croatian company. The company must then apply for a combined residence and work visa for the candidate after they have received an offer. The Croatian Employment Service will also need to do a labour market test on the employer in many circumstances to make sure that there are no local applicants for the job. Once the application is granted, the person may lawfully go to Croatia and live and work there for the length of the permit, which is normally one year and can be renewed.
EU blue card for skilled workers
The EU Blue Card makes it easier for highly skilled workers to live and work in Croatia. This visa is for qualified workers from outside the EU who have a university degree and a job offer in Croatia that they can’t turn down. The pay has to be at least 1.5 times the average gross wage in Croatia. The Blue Card may not need a labour market test as a regular work permit does. It also gives the bearer and their family members better resident rights in the EU.
Digital nomad visa as an option
Croatia’s digital nomad visa isn’t a standard jobseeker visa, but it does let non-EU citizens reside in the country for up to a year while working for international enterprises from home. This visa is great for freelancers or those who work from home and don’t want to work for a Croatian firm. You need to provide evidence of remote work, enough money, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. It doesn’t give you permanent residence or citizenship, but it does let you live in Croatia legally while you learn about the culture.
Business and self-employment options
You might also apply for a residency visa to work for yourself or start your own business. This means setting up a business or sole proprietorship in Croatia, making a significant investment (usually at least €26,500), and hiring at least three Croatians. This kind of permission is for those who want to create a company instead of looking for a regular job. It may also be used to stay in Croatia for a longer time.
No pathway without a job offer
Croatia doesn’t have a scheme right now that lets people from other nations come to the country only to look for work, unlike several other EU countries. All normal means to get residence require you to either work, reunite with family, study, or run a company. This implies that the procedure will be more difficult for those who are not EU nationals and want to relocate to Croatia and find employment later. They will need to have a job offer in advance.
Conclusion
Croatia doesn’t have a jobseeker visa, but there are alternative ways for foreigners to get to the country and work. Getting a work offer, applying for the EU Blue Card, starting a company, or using the digital nomad visa are all good choices. There are different qualifications and rewards for each route, so it’s vital for those who want to apply to think carefully about which one suits their work history and long-term ambitions the best.
You can also view these posts:
Getting a job as an expat in Croatia
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Croatia
Things to know before immigrating to Croatia
