Family Reunification (spajanje obitelji)

You can apply for temporary residence for family reunification (spajanje obitelji) either at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular post in your home country, or at a local police station (policijska uprava or policijska postaja) if you are already legally present in Croatia and do not require a visa for entry.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

You may apply if you are an immediate family member of a Croatian citizen or a foreigner holding a valid residence permit. This typically includes spouses, common-law partners, and minor children. Under the March 2025 Aliens Act updates, if you are joining a work permit holder, ensure their permit is valid for at least one year before you apply.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You must prepare a specific set of documents. All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian by a certified court interpreter and, depending on your country of origin, may require an Apostille or full legalization.

• A valid passport (must be valid for at least three months longer than the intended stay).
• Proof of family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Proof of health insurance (either a private policy or a certificate from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund - HZZO).
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (bank statements or the sponsor's employment contract).
• Proof of no criminal record from your home country (not older than six months).
• One color photograph (35x45mm).

Step 3: Submit the Application

• If applying from abroad: Visit the nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate. You must submit the Form 1a application. You can find the list of missions on the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs website.
• If applying in Croatia: Visit the policijska uprava (Police Administration) or policijska postaja (Police Station) based on your intended place of residence. You will submit the application in person.

Step 4: Biometrics and Processing

Once your application is submitted, the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) will review your file. If you are applying from within Croatia, you will be issued a certificate of application. You may be required to provide fingerprints and a signature for your biometric residence card during this stage.

Step 5: Collect Your Residence Card

If approved, you will be notified to collect your biometric residence permit (boravišna iskaznica). This card serves as your proof of legal residence and allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Total Estimate: Approximately €87.00 to €130.00 per person depending on where you apply and the speed of card issuance.

Does not include: Costs for professional translations, document legalization/Apostilles, private health insurance premiums, or travel expenses to the embassy or police station.

• Consular Applications: Usually take 60 to 90 days. It is recommended to apply at least three months before your intended travel date.
• In-country Applications: Typically processed within 30 to 60 days, though this varies significantly by the workload of the specific police station (Zagreb and coastal cities often take longer).
• Document Validity: Your criminal record certificate and proof of funds must generally be no older than six months at the time of submission.
• Permit Duration: Temporary residence for family reunification is usually granted for up to one year, or for the duration of the sponsor’s residence permit if it expires sooner.