How to apply for a short-term work visa to Croatia for Ukrainians
Croatia is becoming a popular destination for employment of Ukrainians, offering a wide range of vacancies and simplified visa requirements.
What is a short-term work visa for Croatia?
A short-term work visa allows you to work in Croatia for up to 90 days within one calendar year. It is suitable for seasonal work or short-term contracts.
Step-by-step process of applying for a short-term work visa to Croatia
1. Find an employer
To apply for a visa, you need to have an official invitation from an employer who is willing to hire you. The employer is also required to apply for a work permit for your employment.
Where to look for a job:
- Online platforms (EURES, LinkedIn).
- Employment agencies specializing in work in Europe.
- Official websites of Croatian companies in the tourism sector.
2. Gather the necessary documents
You will need the following documents:
- Passport - valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip.
- Health insurance - a policy with coverage of at least 30,000 euros in case of medical expenses.
- Completed application form - a visa application form available on the embassy's website.
- Proof of financial solvency - bank statement or income statement.
- An invitation letter from your employer - an official document stating your position, working conditions, and remuneration.
- Letter of guarantee from the employer - confirmation of the employer's financial responsibility.
- Photo - color, 35x45 mm in size, taken no later than 6 months ago.
Attention! All documents must be translated into Croatian and notarized.
3. Submit the application
- Make an appointment to submit documents to the Croatian Consulate in Kyiv or a visa center.
- Pay the consular fee.
- Submit the full package of documents.
4. Wait for the decision
The application processing time is usually 15-30 business days, but during seasonal periods (for example, summer) it may increase.
5. Get your visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive a passport with a visa stamped in it. From that moment on, you can legally work in Croatia.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I work in Croatia without a work visa?
No, even with a visa-free regime for Ukrainians, employment without a work permit is prohibited.
2. What should I do if I plan to work for more than 90 days?
You need to apply for a long-term work visa or a residence and work permit.
3. Why do Ukrainians choose Croatia for work?
- Seasonal employment: a large number of vacancies in the tourism sector.
- Fast registration process: a minimum of documents is enough for short-term work.
- Competitive pay: even seasonal work is well paid.
4. Contacts of the Embassy of Croatia in Ukraine
Address: 51/50 Sichovykh Striltsiv St., Kyiv.
Phone: +380 44 489 87 50
E-mail: vrhukr@mvep.hr
Official website: mvep.gov.hr.
Long-term work visa to Croatia for Ukrainians
If you plan to work in Croatia for a long period of time (more than 90 days), you will need a long-term work visa. This type of visa allows you to officially work and reside in the country legally.
What is a long-term work visa for Croatia?
A long-term work visa (or residence and work permit) gives the right to work and reside in Croatia for more than 90 days. The visa is issued on the basis of an invitation from a Croatian employer and is usually valid for the entire period of your contract.
Who can apply for a long-term work visa?
This type of visa is suitable for:
- Ukrainians who have received an invitation from a Croatian employer.
- Employees who enter into long-term employment contracts in such areas as tourism, construction, IT, medicine, etc.
- Specialists with in-demand professions that are in short supply in the local labor market.
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a long-term work visa
1. Find an employer
You need to get a job offer and sign an employment contract with a Croatian company. The employer has to apply for a work permit for your employment.
Where to look for a job:
- The EURES portal (European platform with vacancies).
- Local employment agencies.
- Direct contacts with employers through their official websites.
2. Collect the necessary documents
To apply for a long-term work visa, you will need:
- Passport - valid for at least 6 months after the end of the contract.
- Employment contract - a formal contract with the employer that specifies the working conditions, salary, and duration of the contract.
- Health insurance - a policy with coverage of at least 30,000 euros.
- Completed application form for a long-term visa (available on the embassy's website).
- Proof of financial stability - a bank statement or other documents confirming your ability to support yourself in the first months.
- An invitation letter from your employer - a document stating your position, responsibilities, and duration of employment.
- Letter of guarantee - a confirmation from the employer that he/she assumes responsibility for you during your work.
- Photo - 35x45 mm in size, taken no later than 6 months ago.
- Certificate of no criminal record - issued in Ukraine and translated into Croatian.
Note: all documents must be translated into Croatian and notarized.
3. Submit the application
The application for a work and residence permit is usually submitted by the employer to the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia.
After the application is approved, you need to submit the package of documents to the Croatian Consulate in Ukraine or a visa center.
4. Pay the fees
The cost of obtaining a long-term work visa varies, but usually ranges from 100 to 150 euros. Check the amount directly with the consulate.
5. Wait for the decision
The processing time for a long-term visa application is approximately 1-3 months. The employer and the applicant are notified of the decision.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I change my employer after receiving a visa?
No, a long-term visa is issued for a specific employer. If you change your job, you need to apply for a new permit.
2. What should I do if my visa expires and I want to stay?
You can apply for an extension of your residence and work permit if your employment contract has been extended.
3. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can invite your family members after obtaining a work permit, but you will need to apply for separate documents for each family member.
4. Why do Ukrainians choose Croatia for long-term work?
- High wages: even in unskilled areas, earnings are much higher than in Ukraine.
- Easy start for specialists: the demand for foreign workers makes it possible to quickly integrate into the labor market.
- Possibility of legalization: after several years of work, you can apply for permanent residence.
Contacts for obtaining a long-term visa to Croatia
Embassy of Croatia in Ukraine:
Address: 51/50 Sichovykh Striltsiv St., Kyiv.
Phone: +380 44 489 87 50
E-mail: vrhukr@mvep.hr
Official website: mvep.gov.hr.
Visa centers in Ukraine
To make an appointment, check the addresses on the website of the official partner of the consulate.
