Emigration to Croatia: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Planning to move to Europe? Find out how to emigrate from Ukraine to Croatia in 2025: do you need a visa, what documents are required to obtain a residence permit, the main reasons for moving, employment, study and living conditions in the country

Legal advice on migration issues

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Emigration to Croatia from Ukraine in 2025 is a relevant choice for those who seek a comfortable life near the Adriatic Sea, with a moderate climate, affordable European education and employment opportunities. The relocation process includes a number of legal, visa and household nuances that should be taken into account in advance in order to avoid difficulties with legalization in the country.

In this article, we will tell you how to move to Croatia for Ukrainians, what documents are needed for this, how to get a residence permit, what you should know about work, study and life of Ukrainians in Croatia in 2025.

Are you planning to emigrate to Croatia? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Do Ukrainians need a visa to Croatia?

Since 2023, Croatia has become part of the Schengen zone. Therefore, Ukrainians with a biometric passport can enter the country without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days for the purpose of tourism, visiting relatives, short-term treatment, etc.

Important! It is prohibited to work on the basis of a visa-free regime.

In addition, Croatia offers a certain list of temporary visas, in particular a seasonal work visa or a digital nomad visa. They allow short-term residence in the country (from several months to several years).

To move to permanent residence, a national visa (type D) is required, which paves the way for obtaining a temporary residence permit. The most popular grounds for issuing this type of permit are work, study or family reunification.

For details on when Ukrainians need a visa to Croatia and how to apply for it, read our previous article.

We talked about the prospects for employment in Croatia in this article.

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How to emigrate to Croatia as a Ukrainian: types of visas and grounds

Croatia offers several legal ways for Ukrainian citizens to move. The most common grounds for emigration:

- Work in Croatia for Ukrainians - conclusion of an employment contract with a local employer. A long-term visa (type D) and a work permit are required.

A Blue Card is a work permit, which is the basis for the employment of highly qualified workers in one of the EU countries. This material contains the requirements for obtaining a Blue Card in Croatia in 2025.

- Studying in Croatia - admission to a university or other higher education institution. Based on confirmation of enrollment, a national visa and a temporary residence permit are issued.

- Business and investment - opening your own company or investing in an already operating business. This makes it possible to obtain a residence permit for the purpose of entrepreneurial activity.

- Family reunification in Croatia – if close relatives already have a residence permit or Croatian citizenship.

- Digital Nomad status – a popular option for IT and freelance professionals.

Read in this article what types of work visas are available in Croatia, how to apply for a visa, what documents are required and many other useful information about employment in Croatia in 2025.

Documents for emigration to Croatia: what is needed to obtain a long-term visa and residence permit

To obtain a long-term visa and residence permit, Ukrainians need:

- passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip);

- visa application form;

- 35×45 mm photo;

- health insurance (minimum coverage – 30,000 euros);

- proof of financial capacity;

- rental agreement or confirmation of housing availability;

- certificate of good criminal record;

- documents depending on the reason (employment contract, invitation from the university, marriage certificate, etc.).

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How to move to Croatia: preparation stages

To plan a successful emigration from Ukraine to Croatia, you should follow the following sequence of actions:

Step 1 – Choose the reasons for moving

Determine what exactly will be the key to obtaining a residence permit (work, study, family, business, etc.).

Step 2 – Preparing documents for a visa

Depending on the chosen reason, you need to collect a package of documents: a passport, photo, proof of financial capacity, health insurance, a rental agreement or proof of housing, a certificate of good conduct.

Step 3 – Submitting documents to the Croatian consulate

Applications are accepted by the embassy or visa centers.

Step 4 – Moving to Croatia and registration

After entering, you must contact the police at your place of residence and apply for a residence permit in Croatia for Ukrainians.

Step 5 – Extension of the temporary residence permit

Temporary residence is usually issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Step 6 – Obtaining permanent residence

After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Obtaining a temporary residence permit is a complex process that requires careful preparation and compliance with the requirements established by law. For a successful move and to avoid troubles, you should contact specialists. Lawyers of the Visit Ukraine portal provide full support and consultations on visa and migration issues to successfully resolve any nuances.

How to get to Ukraine from Croatia in 2025, convenient routes, entry rules and useful tips - follow the link.

How can a Ukrainian obtain Croatian citizenship?

Croatian legislation provides for various grounds for obtaining citizenship, including long-term residence in the country, marriage to a Croatian citizen, special interests of the state, belonging to the Croatian people and renewal of citizenship, etc. The most common method is citizenship through naturalization. In this way, Ukrainians can obtain Croatian citizenship after 8 years of residence.

The administrative procedure for acquiring citizenship is carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The application is submitted in person to the local police department at the place of temporary or permanent residence. In the absence of such residence in Croatia, documents are submitted through foreign diplomatic missions or consulates.

The following supporting documents are attached to the application:

- resume and motivation letter for acquiring Croatian citizenship;

- a certified copy of a valid identity document (passport, identity document for foreign citizens) with a clearly visible photograph;

- a document confirming citizenship (certificate of citizenship, certified copy of a valid passport or identity card);

- an extract from the birth register, issued in a standard form in accordance with international treaties and conventions;

- an extract from the marriage register, issued within the last 6 months (for married persons);

- an extract from the Register of Civil Partnerships (for civil partners);

- a certificate of no criminal record, issued by a competent foreign authority of the country of which the applicant is a citizen and in which he has permanent residence, in the original language or a duly certified copy with a Croatian translation, issued within the last 6 months;

- the applicant's consent to verify the authenticity of foreign documents confirming the application.

Emigration to Croatia from Ukraine in 2025 is a real and affordable way for those who want to live in the EU. The choice of reason (work, study, business or family) determines what documents are required and how quickly you can obtain a residence permit.

To avoid mistakes and simplify the move, we recommend contacting lawyers specializing in visa and migration issues. Moving to Croatia is a challenge, but with the right plan and support from specialists, it can be a successful start to a new life in the European Union.

Get a consultation today to build your life in Croatia tomorrow!

Let us remind you! Canada for Ukrainians in 2025 remains one of the most popular countries for emigration. Thanks to its high standard of living and stable economy, the country offers many opportunities for those who want to start a new life abroad. Read here what are the rules of entry for Ukrainians to Canada in 2025, do Ukrainians need a visa to Canada, opportunities for moving and how to legalize their stay in the country after arrival.

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