Student visa to Croatia 

Since Croatia joined the European Union (EU) in 2013 and the Schengen Area in 2023, issues related to the use of Croatian student visas for traveling to other Schengen countries have become particularly relevant. International students studying in Croatia seek to take advantage of the opportunities for free movement within the EU. This article explores the legal aspects of using a Croatian student visa for trips to other Schengen Agreement countries.

1. The Schengen Area and Croatia: Legal Foundation

The Schengen Area is a union of 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls and established unified rules for crossing external borders. Foreign students who obtain a student visa in one of the Schengen countries can generally travel to other Schengen countries without needing additional visas. However, it is important to note that until January 1, 2023, Croatia was not part of the Schengen Area, which imposed certain restrictions on the movement of foreign nationals.

Following Croatia's official entry into the Schengen Area, the rules for visa and residence permit holders issued by this country have significantly changed. Now, students studying in Croatia on a student visa can travel to other Schengen countries under certain conditions.

2. Can I Use My Croatian Student Visa for Travel to Other Schengen Countries?

Yes, if you have a valid student visa or temporary residence permit in Croatia, you are entitled to travel to other Schengen countries. However, there are certain rules and restrictions to consider.

2.1. Right to Short-Term Travel

According to the Schengen Agreement and EU regulations, holders of student visas or temporary residence permits issued by Schengen countries, including Croatia, can freely move to other Schengen countries for short periods — up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This rule is similar to that which applies to short-term tourist visas (Type C).

Thus, with a Croatian student visa, you can:

• Visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days without obtaining additional visas.


• Travel for tourism, business purposes, or participate in short educational events (seminars, conferences, etc.).

2.2. Restrictions on Long-Term Stay

It is important to understand that your Croatian student visa does not grant you the right to long-term residence or study in other Schengen countries. For that, you would need to obtain a separate residence permit or visa from another country. This means that:

• You cannot use your Croatian student visa for prolonged stays (more than 90 days) in other Schengen countries.


• You are not permitted to officially work or study in another Schengen country without obtaining the necessary permits.

3. Features of the Croatian Student Visa and Its Use

The Croatian student visa, or temporary residence permit, is issued for a duration corresponding to the length of the study program, but typically for no more than one year, with the possibility of extension. This document allows you to reside and study in Croatia, as well as travel within the Schengen Area within the legal timeframes.

3.1. Type of Visa and Travel Conditions

The Croatian student visa falls under the category of long-term visas (Type D), which grants the holder the right to temporary residence in the country for educational purposes. Such a visa is valid only in Croatia for primary purposes (study) but also allows for short trips to other Schengen countries.

Key conditions for using the Croatian student visa for travel include:

• The maximum stay in other Schengen countries is 90 days within each 180-day period.


• The purpose of travel must be tourism, business meetings, short courses, or participation in cultural and educational events (without the right to official employment or study).

3.2. Financial Means and Insurance Requirements

Before traveling to other Schengen countries, it is advisable to ensure that you have sufficient financial means to cover your travel expenses, as well as valid health insurance that covers medical services in all Schengen countries.

4. Responsibility for Visa Violations

Violating the terms of stay in other Schengen countries can lead to serious legal consequences:

• Exceeding the permitted stay in another Schengen country may result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering the Schengen Area.


• If a student uses the Croatian student visa for activities not related to the purpose of the visit (such as working without a permit), this may also lead to deportation and visa revocation.

Croatia's entry into the Schengen Area has opened up new opportunities for student visa holders, including free movement across the zone for up to 90 days within 180 days. However, the Croatian student visa does not grant the right to long-term residence, work, or study in other Schengen countries. International students must adhere to the established timeframes and purposes of travel to avoid visa violations.

International students planning to study in Croatia must comply with a range of immigration requirements to obtain a student visa. One of the key conditions is the availability of sufficient financial resources to cover living and educational expenses. This article discusses the legal norms governing the minimum bank balance requirements for obtaining a student visa in Croatia and the process of providing supporting documents.

1. Legal Foundation

The financial eligibility requirements for student visa applicants are regulated by the Aliens Act (Zakon o strancima) and other regulations concerning Croatia's visa regime. The law stipulates that foreign students applying for temporary residence for educational purposes must provide evidence of having sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay.

These financial requirements are designed to ensure that foreign students do not become a financial burden on the Croatian social system and can cover their expenses for accommodation, food, medical insurance, and education.

2. Minimum Bank Balance

The minimum amount required to obtain a student visa in Croatia is not specified as a fixed figure in the law, but it is determined based on an assessment of living expenses in the country. According to the practices and recommendations of Croatian immigration authorities, applicants must have at least 1,000 HRK (Croatian kuna) per month for living expenses. This translates to approximately 12,000 HRK (about 1,600 euros) per year.

However, to ensure a smoother and more convincing visa application process, it is advisable to have an amount exceeding the minimum requirements, especially if the educational institution is located in major cities like Zagreb or Split, where the cost of living is higher.

3. Proof of Financial Capability

To obtain a student visa, applicants are required to provide documents that demonstrate their financial capability. Depending on the source of income and the student's situation, the following documents may be submitted:

3.1. Bank Statements

The applicant must provide a bank statement confirming the availability of funds, which should have been in the account for a specified period before the application. It is essential that the statement is current and shows transactions over the last few months.

3.2. Sponsor Support

If the student's education and living expenses are financed by a third party (such as parents or sponsors), it is necessary to provide documents confirming that the sponsor has sufficient funds, along with a letter of intent from the sponsor covering all student expenses. A bank statement from the sponsor is also required.

3.3. Scholarship Documents

If the student receives a scholarship, they must provide relevant documents confirming the scholarship award, its amount, and the regularity of payments. These documents may include scholarship agreements, letters from the educational institution, or from the funding organization providing the scholarship.

3.4. Other Income Sources

In the case of other sources of income (such as rental income or investment income), the applicant must provide documents proving the stability and adequacy of these funds to cover expenses during their study period.

4. Expenses That Must Be Covered

The financial resources required for obtaining a student visa should cover the following primary expenses:

• Accommodation: Housing costs can vary depending on the location of the educational institution and the type of accommodation (dormitory, rented apartment, etc.). The average rent in major cities is around 300–600 euros per month.


• Food and Transportation: Average monthly expenses for food and transportation amount to about 300–400 euros.


• Health Insurance: Students are required to have health insurance valid in Croatia. Insurance can be purchased either in Croatia or in the student's home country. The average cost of health insurance varies based on the service package and insurance provider.


• Educational Materials: Depending on the study program, students may incur expenses for textbooks, supplies, and other educational materials.

5. Responsibility for Providing False Information

The applicant bears full responsibility for providing accurate and truthful information regarding their financial capabilities. Providing false information can lead to the denial of a student visa, and if violations are discovered after the visa is issued, it may result in visa cancellation, deportation, and a potential ban on re-entering Schengen Area countries.

The minimum balance requirements for a bank account when applying for a student visa in Croatia are aimed at ensuring that foreign students have sufficient resources to cover their living and educational expenses. The typical minimum amount required in the account is around 12,000 HRK (approximately 1,600 euros) per year; however, this figure may vary depending on the location of the educational institution and the student’s cost of living.

International students planning to study in Croatia often wonder if they can work during their stay in the country. Croatia, as a member of the European Union, not only offers foreign students the opportunity to receive a quality education but also grants certain rights to engage in work activities. This article examines the legal aspects governing the possibility of working on a student visa, along with the limitations and requirements set forth by Croatian legislation.

1. Legal Framework: Student Visa and Right to Work

The primary legal acts regulating the employment of international students in Croatia include:

• Aliens Act (Zakon o strancima), which governs the conditions of foreign citizens' residence in Croatia.


• Labor Act (Zakon o radu), which regulates labor relations in Croatia, including the rights and obligations of foreign workers.


• Visa Regulation (Pravilnik o viznom sustavu), which defines visa categories and the legal possibilities provided by different visa types, including student visas.

Based on these regulations, international students can work in Croatia; however, their right to work is limited to ensure that their primary activity remains studying.

2. Students' Right to Work

According to Croatian law, foreign students enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Croatia on a full-time basis are allowed to work. However, there are specific restrictions on the number of hours that a student can devote to work to comply with visa requirements.

2.1. Working Time Limitations

International students in Croatia may work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year. This limitation is in place to ensure that the main purpose of the student's stay is education, and work should not interfere with their studies.

During summer breaks or semester breaks (e.g., winter holidays), students are allowed to work full-time since they are not obligated to attend classes during this time.

2.2. Types of Work and Employment Contracts

Students can work under an employment contract regulated by the Labor Act, which must meet the general requirements applicable to other employees in Croatia. This means that students must be employed while adhering to all legal norms, including:

• Signing an employment contract with the employer.


• Receiving at least the minimum wage (if working full-time).


• Employer contributions for social security and pension.

Additionally, students may work under short-term contracts (e.g., seasonal work, internships), but even in these cases, hour limitations must be observed.

3. Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit

Unlike other foreign citizens who are required to obtain a separate work permit in Croatia, students holding a valid temporary residence permit for study purposes (student visa) are exempt from the necessity of obtaining a separate work permit for work within the legally established limits.

Thus, students can commence employment based on their status without undergoing additional bureaucratic procedures.

4. Types of Jobs Available for Students

International students can be employed in various sectors of the economy, depending on their skills and qualifications. The most popular types of jobs for students include:

• Service industry (restaurants, cafes, hotels).


• Administrative and office work (including temporary positions in companies).


• Seasonal work in the tourism sector (especially relevant during the summer).


• Internships or temporary positions in companies related to the student's field of study.

5. Responsibility for Complying with Visa Regulations

While working in Croatia on a student visa, students must strictly adhere to the conditions of the visa regime. Violating these conditions, including exceeding the permitted number of working hours or working without an employment contract, may result in the following legal consequences:

• Cancellation of the student visa and deportation.


• Fines for both the student and the employer if labor law violations are identified.


• Ban on re-entering Croatia and other Schengen Area countries.

It is important to note that if a student completes their studies or their student visa expires, they lose the right to work unless they obtain a new legal status that allows them to continue working, such as through a work visa or a temporary residence permit for employment.

6. Transition from Student Visa to Work Visa

After completing their studies, international students have the opportunity to apply for a status change to obtain the right to work in Croatia. To do this, the student must:

• Find an employer willing to offer them a job.


• Obtain a work permit based on an employment contract with the employer.


• Apply for a temporary residence permit for employment purposes.

This process requires meeting a series of requirements and obtaining a work permit, which is issued according to the quotas for foreign workers established by the Croatian government.

International students with a student visa in Croatia can work while studying, but with specific limitations on working hours—up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Students are exempt from the requirement to obtain a separate work permit but must comply with legal norms regulating employment activities.

Croatia, as a member of the European Union (EU), offers high-quality education for international students, attracting an increasing number of young people seeking diplomas from local universities. After graduation, many students are interested in remaining in Croatia for further employment, internships, or starting their own businesses. This article examines the legal aspects and opportunities for international students wishing to stay in Croatia after completing their studies.

1. Legal Basis for Post-Graduation Stay

The issues related to the residence of foreign citizens in Croatia, including students, are governed by several key legal acts:

• Aliens Act (Zakon o strancima), which regulates the conditions of entry, stay, and exit of foreign citizens from the country.


• Labor Act (Zakon o radu), which governs labor relations, including the employment of foreign citizens.


• EU Regulations related to migration, applicable to Croatia as an EU member state.

After completing their studies, international students generally lose the right to stay in the country under a student visa. However, there are options for extending their stay, provided certain legal requirements are met.

2. Extending Stay for Job Search or Business Start-Up

One of the main opportunities for international students wishing to stay in Croatia after graduation is to apply for an extension of temporary residence for the purpose of job searching or starting a business.

2.1. Job Search

According to Croatian law, international students have the right to apply for an extension of temporary residence for job searching after graduation. To do this, the student must contact the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia (Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova, MUP) before the expiration of their student visa. The residence permit for job searching is usually granted for a period of up to 12 months.

Important conditions include:

• The student must have proof of completion of the study program, such as a diploma or certificate of successful graduation.


• The student must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during the job search period.


• Health insurance remains a mandatory requirement for extending temporary residence.

2.2. Starting a Business

International students may also take the opportunity to start their own business in Croatia. To do this, they must register a company and apply for a change in temporary residence status for the purpose of entrepreneurial activities.

Key conditions for starting a business include:

• Registering a company in Croatia, usually as a limited liability company (d.o.o.).


• The student must provide a business plan and proof of sufficient financial means to launch the business.


• Payment of all state fees and taxes, along with having health insurance, is a mandatory requirement.

3. Employment and Obtaining a Work Permit

After successfully finding a job, the international student must apply for a change of status to obtain a work permit in Croatia. The work permit is granted based on an employment contract that must comply with the requirements of the Labor Act.

3.1. Procedure for Obtaining a Work Permit

To obtain a work permit, it is necessary to:

• Sign an employment contract with an employer willing to officially employ the foreign citizen.


• Submit an application to the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia for a temporary residence and work permit.


• The work permit is issued for a duration corresponding to the employment contract but not exceeding two years with the possibility of extension.

3.2. Quotas for Foreign Labor

The Croatian government establishes annual quotas for the employment of foreign citizens based on sectors of the economy and labor demand. However, quotas generally do not apply to highly qualified specialists (e.g., IT sector, engineering, medicine).

4. Permanent Residence and Naturalization

After several years of living and working in Croatia, foreign citizens may apply for permanent residence status. Permanent residence provides broader rights, including:

• The right to freely work without needing additional permits.


• The ability to remain in the country permanently without being tied to specific purposes of stay (study, work, etc.).

To obtain permanent residence, a foreign citizen must continuously reside in Croatia for at least five years under a temporary residence permit (e.g., for study or work).

After obtaining permanent resident status, a foreign citizen may also apply for Croatian citizenship through naturalization, provided they meet additional conditions such as knowledge of the Croatian language and integration into Croatian society.

5. Responsibility for Compliance with Migration Rules

International students must strictly adhere to the conditions of residence established by migration legislation. Violating visa regulations or failing to extend the residence permit after completing studies may lead to the following consequences:

• Deportation and a ban on re-entry to Croatia or Schengen Area countries.


• Fines and administrative measures, up to the cancellation of temporary or permanent residence status.

Students are advised to contact immigration authorities in advance to extend their status to avoid potential legal issues.

International students who complete their studies in Croatia have several opportunities to extend their stay for job searching, starting a business, or obtaining a work visa. Croatian legislation provides for temporary residence permits for job searching or entrepreneurial activities for up to one year. After successfully securing employment, a foreign citizen can obtain a work permit and subsequently apply for permanent residence.