Croatia is a European state between Central and Southeast Europe, and it is considered one of the most beautiful tourist sites in the Mediterranean. It is the recipient of millions of tourists annually, and it is mainly attributed to its diverse cultural and historic background and its natural beauty, but mostly to its coast. Croatia is a country located in the Schengen Area and the European Union, which means that the Croatian visa policy has much in common with the other EU countries. There are a number of countries that have entered into a Visa waiver agreement with Croatia. This means that their nationals can be capable of visiting Croatia without a visa, and this is after 90 days. There are, however, others who are still required to own a valid visa to Croatia.
To apply for a long-stay Visa in Croatia
All non-EU / EFTA foreigners interested in remaining in Croatia but for a stay that is more than 90 days have to make an application for a Croatia long-stay visa. It is also the case with those foreigners who do not require short-stay visas. The Croatian long-stay visas are generally given on employment, study or family reunion basis. This is a long-stay visa that enables one to enter Croatia with the aim of applying Croatian Residence Permit. The right to travel, live, study, and work without a visa in Croatia, both in the long and short term, has been enjoyed by just the EU/EFTA citizens. Owing to the EU Right of Free Movement. Applications that do not have biometrics are inadmissible and ineligible. Ensure that your supporting documents are complete when you will be submitting your application, because in the case that you have not completed your supporting documents, it might reflect on your application.
How and when do the passports of applicants get back
The Embassy of Croatia diligently examines your application and determines whether you would be provided a visa. The Embassy makes sure that your application is legally sound. The decisions normally take place within 15 days. This can, however, stretch up to the maximum of 45 days on a case-by-case basis where there is further review of the application required. The applications may be submitted no earlier than 6 months (within 9 months in the case of seafarers) before the planned date of departure. Unfortunately, the processing time cannot be used to make inquiries regarding the processing status. It is noted that all candidates are encouraged to make early applications since late applications may lead to travel arrangements being misplaced.
Visa requirements in Croatia
When applying for the Croatian visa, the document file has to include the following documents:
- Filled and signed Croatia Visa Application Form. On the part of minors, their parent or legal custodian must sign.
- Travel or passport document.
- Photocopy of passport/ travel document. Include all the used pages and all visas, old or current.
- Two passport photos, and of the following dimensions:
- Size: 35- 45 mm
- It is professionally done on a white background
- You have to be in the middle of the photo, looking in front with a neutral facial expression
- No glasses are recommended. Wearing them is something that you cannot hide behind your eyes or face. Washed-out glasses are prohibited. Only the headwear is permitted, and that too should be worn for religious reasons.
- Travel health insurance coverage for the period of stay in Croatia. It should include the length of time that you will be staying and at least 30,000 euros for sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation.
- Evidence of stay in Croatia, i.e. a hotel booking.
- A photocopy of the return flight ticket or booking of tickets.
- Evidence of the necessary financial resources to finance your visit to Croatia.
- The three-month bank statements
- Your employer should make your case by sending a letter that includes your pay package and title
Visa acceptance and refusal
When you apply, the original copy of your passport has to be produced. When the Embassy has made its decisions concerning your application, it will send your passport to the external service provider VFS Global. Where your passport will be couriered back to you or ready to be picked up, depending on your case. Where there are justifiable reasons, such as that you cannot leave your passport with the Embassy throughout the processing period (e.g. you have another trip scheduled, the next flight back to your country of residence). Then it can be taken back after you fill out the application form in person. The external service provider (VFS Global) should be left with a photocopy of your passport.
In case of a decline in your visa, a refusal letter with the information about the reasons for the refusal will be sent to you together with your passport. Individuals whose visa was denied have the right to make an appeal. Besides, a fresh application can be filed at any time without considering the old rejection. If your visa is issued, however, when you finally receive your passport, make sure you verify all the information to see whether there are any errors.
You can also view these posts:
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Croatia
Things to know before immigrating to Croatia
Preparing for the immigration interview in Croatia
