The European Union is making effort on integration of third party nationals into European society. For that purpose, countries are organizing wide range of activities to help non-EU citizens to feel welcomed, included, and accepted.
Some of the integration actions include language training, enhanced employment opportunities and skills recognition, adequate and affordable housing, actions regarding providing basic needs of third party nationals, equal access to health, civics and other training, adjustments of legislation regarding third-party nationals to ensure their human rights and their wellbeing, and so on. To live and work in the EU, third party nationals have to apply for work and residence permit. Highly educated third party nationals and people with expertise in some areas may apply for EU Blue Card which has many benefits for it’s holder.
But what is EU Blue Card and who can apply for it? EU Blue Card is a residence and work-permit designed to attract highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries. It allows third-country nationals to work and live in an EU member state under favorable conditions. Croatia, as a part of EU, issues Blue Card to help fill labor shortages in specific industries.
In 2025, new regulations have improved the Blue Card application process, making it more accessible for highly qualified professionals. This article provides an in-depth guide on how to apply for the EU Blue Card in Croatia, covering eligibility, required documents, application procedures, fees, and recent legal changes.
Who is Eligible for the EU Blue Card in Croatia?
To obtain an EU Blue Card, an applicant must meet specific education, employment, and salary requirements. The main criteria include:
- Employment Offer
– the applicant must have a valid job offer and/or employment contract from registered Croatian company
– the contract must be for at least one year and for a highly qualified position - Educational Qualifications
– a university degree or equivalent higher education qualification is required
– in regulated professions (such as medicine or law) - Salary Threshold
– the salary offered must be at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Croatia
– the 2025 threshold will be based on updated official statistics - Proof of Financial Stability
– the applicant must prove financial self – sufficiency, meaning they must have sufficient resources to support themselves while in Croatia - Valid Travel Documentation
– a valid passport is required for the application - Criminal Background Check
– applicants must submit proof that they have no criminal record in their home country or any country where they have lived for more than one year
How to apply for an EU Blue Card in Croatia?
The application process involves several steps, and both the employer and employee play a role.
Step 1: Submitting the Application
The EU Blue Card application can be submitted in two ways:
1. By the employer – directly at a police station or relevant administrative office in Croatia
2. By the applicant: at a Croatian consulate or embassy in their home country before arriving in Croatia
Step 2: Required Documents
The following documents are necessary for a successful application:
– completed application form (Obrazac 4a)
– employment contract (at least 1 year; meeting salary requirements)
– proof of education (diploma, degree, or certification)
– proof of salary compliance
– valid passport
– criminal background check (pcc)
– proof of financial means
– passport-size photographs
Step 3: Processing Time
– the processing time is 30 to 60 days, depending on the workload of the Croatian authorities
– if any documents are missing or require further verification, the process may take longer
EU Blue Card Fees in Croatia in 2025
The administrative costs for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Croatia include:
– application processing fee: approximately 75€
– biometric residence permit fee: around 32€ (normal processing) or 60€ (accelerated processing)
– additional biometric card issuance fee: about 9€
These fees may be subject to slight adjustments in 2025 based on government regulations.
Validity and Renewal of the EU Blue Card in Croatia
Validity Period
As of 2025, Croatia has extended the validity of the EU Blue Card from two years to four years. If the employment contract is for less than four years, the permit will be issued for the contract duration plus three additional months.
Renewal Process
- When to apply? At least 30 days before the Blue Card expires.
- Where to apply? At the local police station or relevant administrative office
- Documents required are the same as the initial application, including updated contract and proof of salary compliance.
- Processing time: The applicant is allowed to stay in Croatia while their renewal application is being processed.
Benefits of the EU Blue Card in Croatia
Holding an EU Blue Card in Croatia offers several advantages:
- Family Reunification
– Spouses and children of Blue Card holders can apply for residence permits
– Family members are not required to pass a language test and seek employment - Mobility within the EU
– After 12 months in Croatia, a Blue Card holder can move to another EU country without needing a visa
– They can apply for another Blue Card in a different EU state under simplified conditions - Pathway to Permanent Residency
– After five years of living in the EU with a Blue Card (with at least two years in Croatia), the holder may apply for long-term EU residency - Unemployment Flexibility
– If the Blue Card holder loses their job, they have up to three months to find a new one without having to leave Croatia
Recent Changes and Predictions for 2025
Key Changes in Croatian Law
- Extended Blue Card validity: increased from two to four years
- Expanded eligibility:
– IT professionals and digital experts without formal degrees may qualify if they have significant work experience
– New pathways are being introduced for workers in STEM fields and healthcare sectors - Faster processing times: Croatian authorities aim to reduce bureaucratic delays by introducing an online application system
Predicted Trends for 2025
- Higher demand for foreign professionals
– Croatia’s labor marker will require more engineers, medical staff, and IT professionals - Digital nomad-friendly policies
– While the EU Blue Card is for employment, Croatia continues to expand options for remote workers - Closer EU Integration: Croatia’s full Schengen membership is expected to further simplify mobility for EU Blue Card holders
The EU Blue Card is a valuable opportunity for highly skilled third-country nationals looking to live and work in Croatia. The 2025 updates, including the four-year validity period and extended eligibility criteria, make it even more attractive. Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements, gather all necessary documents, and apply well in advance. By obtaining an EU Blue Card, professionals can benefit from job security, family reunification, and future mobility within the EU. For the latest updates and official information, it is always recommended to check with the Croatian Ministry of Interior or the nearest Croatian consulate. Also, to check more information provided by EU about the EU Blue Card in Croatia, you can check here. Also, if you want to ask some specific questions about EU Blue Card or you are considering applying for it, you can contact us here.