Key Points
- New guidance is available for UK nationals living and working in Croatia
- All UK nationals must file an application for a new residence permit by June 30, 2021
- Application procedures vary by administration and police station
- Residents of Zagreb may submit their applications online
- UK nationals with five years' Croatian residency may apply for a permanent residence certificate
- UK nationals who have lived in Croatia less than five years will receive a temporary stay permit
- Non-EU family members with legal residence status before the Brexit transition may apply for a national residence permit through June 30, 2021
- Non-EU family members moving to Croatia after January 1, 2021 must apply for a temporary stay permit within six months of entry
- Cross-border workers who had legal status by December 31, 2020 must obtain a frontier worker certificate in 2021
- The government has yet to announce application fees for 2021
Overview
The Croatian government has provided new guidance for UK nationals living and working in the country after December 31, 2020.
What are the Changes?
All UK nationals must file an application for residency by June 30, 2021. Applications may be filed electronically for individuals in Zagreb, but UK nationals living in other locations must file their applications in person. The application process varies by administration and police station.
UK nationals who have been legal residents of Croatia for five years as of December 31, 2020 may apply for a permanent residence certificate. Those who have been in the country for less than five years will receive a temporary stay permit instead.
Similar provisions apply for family members of UK nationals. Non-EU family members of UK nationals who already had a residence permit before the Brexit transition can apply for a national residence permit through June 30, 2021. Non-EU family members who are moving to the country after January 1, 2021 can apply for a temporary stay permit within six months of arrival.
Cross-border workers who had established status prior to December 31, 2020 may continue with the same activities in 2021, but they must apply for a frontier worker certificate.
Looking Ahead
The Croatian government has yet to issue fees for applications in 2021. Information will be provided when available.
Originally published 15 January 2021
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.