In accordance with its immigration policy, the Croatian Government determines annual quota of work permits for foreigners.

Working permit

This permit is issued by the Ministry of Interior upon the request of an employer. It is issued for a limited period of time, which corresponds to the duration of the work contract or other appropriate contract, up to a maximum of two years.

A work permit is NOT necessary for certain key company staff:

• company founders, procurators, members of the company’s management or supervisory boards, who perform duties in the company, without having employee status and as long as that the work period does not exceed three months per year (according to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between Croatia and European Union)
• university professors, scientists/researchers involved in scientific or professional training
• foreigners performing tasks related to the delivery, installation/mounting and maintenance of machinery or equipment
• foreign correspondents accredited in Croatia
• artists (as long as their stay is not longer than 30 continuous days or a total three months with interruptions), and other similar cases

Business permit

This permit is issued also by the Ministry of Interior. It is given to foreigners who have a registered small business, who are engaged in small scale business activity, who are working as free lancers, or who conduct business in either their own registered company or a legal entity in which they hold the majority stake. A business permit is essential for foreigners who provide services on behalf of a foreign employer and meet other requirements for a temporary residence permit.