How to move to Croatia for permanent residence from Russia?

What does a residence permit in Croatia give?

By choosing this country for integration into the European community, emigrants receive a number of advantages. The main advantages of the country:

• proximity to Vienna, Budapest, Venice, Munich;
• medieval architecture;
• clean beaches (blue flag), many nature reserves;
• low crime rate;
• affordable healthcare and free education for children;
• the similarity of the Croatian and Russian languages ​​makes adaptation easier;
• no real estate tax;
• products of decent quality and inexpensive;
• loyalty to the residents of Russia due to the similarity of mentality;
• the opportunity to receive European level pensions.

Having assessed the advantages of moving, it is worth studying the disadvantages that former compatriots write about on websites and thematic forums about emigration. Reviews point to tightening immigration policies, difficulties with employment, expensive heating in winter, the lack of a centralized water and gas supply system, as well as different dialects in the regions. If the above does not change the plan to obtain a residence permit in Croatia, all that remains is to choose a method of relocation.

Methods allowing obtaining this status

The main ways to obtain a residence permit in Croatia may be on the following grounds:

• official conduct of labor activities in the Republic;
• obtaining a specialty at the country’s universities and other specialized educational institutions;
• investing in the economic growth of the country, while the purchase of real estate is not the basis for obtaining citizenship in the future. Whether it can help in obtaining a residence permit is a controversial issue, since this fact is not regulated by law;
• opening and running your own business in Croatia;
• family reunification.

Also, the basis for obtaining a residence permit may be an application for political asylum. Any individual method has both its disadvantages and advantages. The procedure for registering and obtaining a residence permit cannot be called a simple process. But having a residence permit in the Republic, you can be sure that in the future there will be an opportunity to become a full-fledged citizen of this country.

Methods and grounds for obtaining a residence permit

First of all, foreigners planning to obtain a residence permit apply for a visa. This can be a Schengen visa or national category D. Having determined the most suitable basis for emigration, you can begin collecting documents. The authorities' requirements for applicants for a residence permit: having a sufficient amount of money to live in the country, renting or purchasing real estate, obtaining health insurance, no entry ban and no threat to society.

Buying a property

The method of legalization through the acquisition of real estate is not as expensive as with a “golden visa” in other countries, but it is long-term and does not provide guarantees. According to Croatian law, a real estate transaction does not give the right to immediately own the property. First you need to obtain permission from the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs. The period for obtaining permission is uncertain.

For those who are not afraid of uncertainty, there are 2 options for purchasing real estate:

1. On behalf of an individual. The investor is only required to have a foreign passport and a sum of money. A request is sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and when (if) permission comes, the deal will take place.
2. For a legal entity. A request and the company's statutory documents are sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The need to purchase housing is determined by migration legislation. A residence permit is issued for 1 year with the condition of residence within the country for 10 months out of the year. Having your own place of residence will remove from the agenda the question of where to spend these 10 months so as to save money on rent.

It is not difficult for those who have an apartment or house to register and indicate the place of registration in all government agencies where paperwork will be required. It is profitable for Russians to buy real estate in Croatia, since housing will help in obtaining permanent residence; it can be taken into account as an investment in a business or used as a passive source of income. Such an investment is potentially profitable.

Employment

Statistics indicate that in 2021 the unemployment rate in Croatia was 8.5%. This is the lowest figure in the long history of the state. Specialists planning to conquer Croatia with a residence permit should find out in advance how to get the desired vacancy. Local companies give preference to Croatian specialists or people from European countries. An exception is made for foreigners who speak excellent English and have high qualifications and experience. Prestigious vacancies are in the field of tourism and modern technology, but the authorities limit the influx of migrant workers with quotas. Therefore, finding a good job is difficult.

Useful activity

By analogy with other countries, obtaining a residence permit under a simplified scheme is provided for representatives of professions capable of making a significant contribution to the economy and reputation of the state. Benefits go to outstanding athletes, scientists and figures from various fields who are ready to realize their talents for the benefit of their new homeland. A list of such preferential professions can be found on the website of the migration service.

Education

Russian schoolchildren planning to continue their education at one of the Croatian universities must meet certain requirements. These are high scores on the Unified State Exam (it is possible to take the exam in Croatia, but this requires funds and knowledge of the language), the availability of 5–10 thousand euros per year of study, the ability to provide accommodation and meals for the entire duration of the educational program. Students are allowed to work, but not more than 80 hours per week.

Business immigration

A steadily developing economy increases the interest of Russian entrepreneurs in Croatia. To successfully solve the problem, it is advisable to follow the following sequence of actions:

• come up with a company name, send it for verification to the local Companies House for matches;
• open an account in a local bank (authorized capital amount from 2600 euros);
• choose a field of activity according to a previously drawn up business plan;
• provide employment for at least three local residents with a salary not less than the average;
• order a stamp, obtain a license, etc.

A residence permit is issued to both the owner of the company and the main shareholder. Conditions for business immigration: investments from 200 thousand kuna (Croatian currency), profitability of the company.

Marriage

Marriages between foreigners do not surprise anyone in 2021, so those who wish to legalize can take advantage of the program for spouses of residents. For the authorities, it does not matter where the marriage is registered; the main condition is to provide documents a month before registration. The list includes copies of passports (of the bride, groom, witnesses), birth certificates of future spouses (originals), confirmation of the absence of previously taken marital obligations at the time of registration of marriage with a resident of Croatia.

Attention! Those who have their sights set on a fictitious marriage should prepare for a detailed interview. If fraud is detected, foreigners are denied a residence permit and are deported to their homeland.

Family reunion

The program is designed for foreigners who have close relatives in the country with a residence permit or permanent residence permit, or Croatian citizenship. Sisters and brothers, spouses, and minor children of residents can participate in the program. 4 years after obtaining a residence permit for family reunification, it is possible to obtain an independent residence permit if you have health insurance and meet the requirements for migrants. A child born in the country to foreigners can stay legally in Croatia for the first month of his life without status.

Immigration to Croatia from Russia

Russians who plan to live in Croatia for more than three months need to obtain a residence permit. First, you need to apply for a visa to legally cross the border. For a long-term visa, citizens from Russia should apply to the Croatian embassy after filling out the application form and submitting the required package of documents. Your application will be sent to the Croatian Migration Service. All documents must be submitted in full, in Croatian or English, with notarization. If necessary, the long-term visa document can be renewed at the Croatian police station in 2021. Job

Most employers prefer to hire native Hungarians, with the exception of highly qualified specialists with good knowledge of English. Current vacancies in the field of information technology and tourism. Every year there are new limits on the number of foreigners in each specialty. The restriction does not apply to top management of organizations. To get a job, Russians in 2021 will need an invitation from an employer and a work visa.

Studies

Croatian education is of high quality. Students from Russia who successfully pass entrance exams after graduation, complete language proficiency testing, and provide a school leaving certificate can enter universities. Once accepted, the student can reside in the country for a year. The permit must be renewed every year until graduation.

Marriage

Upon official registration of marriage with a citizen of Croatia, Russians will have a residence permit in the state, which can be renewed every year. Minor children of a foreigner will also receive permission in 2021. In case of simple cohabitation, you receive a residence permit if you have lived with your partner for at least three years (the period is reduced if a common child is born). After five years, a foreigner can apply for citizenship.

Family

If you have relatives in Croatia, you can move to live with them. The rule applies to brothers and sisters, parents, children, husband or wife of a citizen of the country.

Business

Starting a business is a common way to immigrate to Croatia. You are required to have a detailed business plan and information about your planned activities. Your company must comply with the established rules:

• The minimum authorized capital is 2800 euros.
• The organization must make a profit, and its leader must pay taxes and provide reporting.
• It is necessary to hire at least three workers with Croatian citizenship, providing them with wages above the national average.

Refugees

Citizens can apply for this status after crossing the Croatian border, provided that you meet the requirements of the Aliens Act. Permission to stay in the country is issued by the refugee detention center.

List of documents

To obtain a class D visa you will need to submit the following documents:

1. A completed application form.

2. Photo.

3. Foreign passport and national passport.

4. Medical insurance document.

5. Certificate confirming regular income.

6. Confirmation of the availability of your own or rented housing.

7. Certificate confirming no criminal record.

8. Availability of grounds for obtaining a permit.

9. Receipt for payment of state duty.

Lawyers for the Investor Visa website recommend paying attention to the fact that consulate representatives may request additional official papers from you. All forms are translated into Croatian and certified by a notary. Both originals and photocopies must be submitted.

Submission of documents

All documents must be handed over to the Croatian Embassy staff.

Validity period of the residence permit

The validity of the received permit extends to different periods, taking into account the category of the applicant, the basis for entry and other factors. Upon marriage, a residence permit is issued for three years, then they are allowed to apply for permanent residence. For most other foreigners, a residence permit is issued for a year with the right to annual renewal for 5 years. Next is the standard scheme in the form of obtaining permanent residence; after another 5 years, the Russian will receive citizenship (passport).

Important! Dual citizenship is not allowed in Croatia, so those wishing to put down roots here will have to give up their previous passport.

Final legalization requires knowledge of the Croatian language, successful passing of a test on knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic and a total residence in the territory of 10 years.

Croatian citizenship

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Croatia is called the country of a thousand islands. In fact, there are 1,185 of them here - these are picturesque corners that are visited annually by tourists from all over the world. The mild climate, mountains, Adriatic Sea, cozy cities, affordable real estate and inexpensive associated costs - all this makes the country popular among tourists. Since Croatia joined the European Union on July 1, 2013, many foreigners have looked at it as potential residents rather than just visiting holidaymakers. By obtaining Croatian citizenship , you receive all the rights of a citizen of the European Union, and the lawyers of International Business will help you with this.

Programs and stages of obtaining Croatian citizenship

The procedure for obtaining, restoring and renouncing citizenship is regulated by the Croatian Citizenship Law of 1991. According to the law, a foreigner can apply for citizenship:

1. by origin;
2. by right of birth;
3. through naturalization.

Croatian citizenship granted to foreigners who have special services to the country in the field of science, culture or sports. As well as persons who are descendants of ethnic Croats. The simplified procedure takes up to 1 year.

If the first two points concern children, then the naturalization program is designed for adult applicants. So, to obtain Croatian citizenship for Russians and citizens of other CIS countries means first obtaining a residence permit, then permanent residence, and only then applying for citizenship.

• Obtain a residence permit on the following grounds: official employment;
• registering your own business - for this you need to provide a business plan, an invoice and spend at least 4000 EUR on company registration;
• acquisition of real estate;
• marriage with a citizen of Croatia - after 5 years of marriage you can apply for citizenship;
• studying at a university with further employment.

A candidate for Croatian citizenship must meet a number of requirements:

Be over 18 years old

Pass an exam in the Croatian language, know the basics of the Constitution and culture of the country

Have no criminal record

Renounce previous citizenship

In total, obtaining Croatian citizenship takes from 5 to 10 years.

When considering Croatian citizenship as a way to obtain EU citizenship, be prepared for the fact that it is not the shortest or easiest path. You will need at least five years to obtain a residence permit or permanent residence permit. Every year you will need to confirm your financial independence and the absence of the need for social payments from the state.

In addition, dual citizenship in Croatia is prohibited by law, meaning you will have to officially renounce your citizenship status in your home country. An exception is provided for immigrants who were able to document that their ancestors were Croatian by nationality, and for those who entered into an official marriage with a Croatian.

The procedure for obtaining Croatian citizenship can take many years. If you are not satisfied with the option of long-term rooting, and you want to become an EU citizen as quickly as possible, consider the option of obtaining citizenship in countries that have recently been part of the EU. A Romanian, Bulgarian or Polish passport will make you a full EU citizen with the ability to live, work and travel in any of the European Union countries while retaining your first citizenship.

The next step towards successful immigration is seeking competent help. International Business offers its professional services for legally competent preparation of documents and guarantees obtaining EU citizenship in the shortest possible time.

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What documents are needed

Candidates fill out an application and submit it with a package of documents to a foreign consulate in the Russian Federation or the Croatian police department. Confirmation of the existence of grounds for emigration is added to the standard list of papers. All originals are supplemented by photocopies. Before submitting applications, you will need to translate documents into Croatian and be sure to have them notarized. Typically the following documents must be submitted:

• a foreign passport with a remaining validity of more than 90 days and containing at least 2 blank pages;
• 2 photos;
• health insurance;
• certificate of no criminal record in Russia;
• confirmation of residence;
• confirmation of sufficient financial security;
• check for payment of state duty.

Pros and cons of moving to Croatia

Having been on vacation at least once in a good place, you can quickly get excited about the idea of ​​going there for permanent residence. But impressions can be deceiving, and in real life everything may not turn out to be colorful. Before immigrating to Croatia from Russia, you should weigh all the pros and cons of moving.

Pros:

1. Wonderful climate. Every person will be able to find comfortable conditions here. Part of Croatia is located on the Adriatic coast, so it is dry and hot most of the year (average temperature is +23-25 ​​degrees), and in winter there is no sub-zero temperature (the thermometer stays at +5-10 degrees). The central regions are cooler, but in winter the temperature does not drop below -5 degrees. The only exceptions are mountainous areas, where winters are usually snowy.
2. Good ecology. Clean air, clear sea, a large number of protected areas that people do not touch. All this contributes to the health and longevity of local residents, because the average life expectancy of Croats is 78 years.
3. National language. The Croatian language belongs to the Slavic language group. Its pronunciation is close to Russian, so it can be learned fairly quickly. But even without this, difficulties rarely arise - most local residents speak Russian.
4. High quality of life. Comfort and safety, environmentally friendly products, affordable medicine. In addition, Croatia has a very low crime rate.
5. Friendly people. Croatians are friendly towards visitors and treat Russians well, so integrating into a new culture and society is quite easy.

The advantages of moving to this country are very tempting, but as with everything else, there are some disadvantages:

1. Residence permits are not easy to obtain. In order to legally reside in Croatia for several years, you must have compelling reasons and financial well-being. Paperwork will have a significant impact on the budget.
2. High prices. Quality products and good clothes are not cheap. Local residents even go specifically to shopping in neighboring countries. The Croats are trying to get their monetary benefit from everything. And although the standard of living in this country is the highest in all the Balkans, even relative to it the prices seem high.
3. Taxes. Residents have to give approximately ⅓ of their earnings to the state. At the same time, many cannot even name what exactly the collected funds are spent on.
4. Corruption. The level of corruption here is the same as in Russia. If necessary, many problems can be solved with the help of useful “connections”.
5. No central heating. Although this is typical for many countries in Europe, a lot of money will be spent on utilities in the winter season - approximately 150 euros per month.

Cost and processing time

Croatian immigration officials carefully check documents, so the processing period lasts 2 - 3 months. Taking into account the chosen basis, the cost of legalization varies. Costs begin with obtaining a visa (national – 60 euros, tourist – 35). Children under 12 years of age, government employees, disabled people, judges and some other categories of candidates are exempt from the fee. Other expenses related to residence permit:

• contribution to the Croatian Health Insurance Committee (670 euros for each foreigner’s family member);
• insurance for each non-working family member (60 euros);
• translation services (about 100 euros);
• notary services (about 30 euros);
• if necessary, legal services (from 1 thousand euros per person).

What to do if you receive a refusal

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for issuing permits and refusals for residence permits; decisions on citizenship are signed by the minister. The reason for refusal can be any of the following factors: you have a criminal record, you don’t have housing or money, the submitted documents contain false information, the grounds have become invalid, etc. After the refusal, you need to leave the country. If the reasons can be corrected on the spot, the documents can be re-prepared and submitted correctly.

Croatia is an ideal place for a measured, calm life. No one is in a hurry here, the climate is pleasant. The best option for emigrants from Russia is to open a business in Croatia. To earn money, you should choose more developed countries.

Who is the project intended for?

The project is designed for “digital nomads” who work remotely and can do this from anywhere in the world where there is Internet access. The main condition must be that you or the company for which you work are not registered as a legal entity in Croatia, do not provide services (employ or sell goods) to Croatian citizens and do not conduct activities in the country.

It turns out that any freelancer from Russia or another country that is not part of the EU can combine work and leisure in Croatia for up to 1 year.