Travel Visa

Croatia Revamps EU Blue Card, Extends Validity To Entice Skilled Employees

Croatia is ready to significantly modify its EU Blue Card scheme significantly, striving to improve the interest of highly eligible international employees.

The Croatian authority intends to double the authenticity of the EU Blue Card from 24 months to four years as part of an extensive reform of the Aliens Act, which is currently under investigation.

These enhancements are designed to address labor depletions in the nation and generate a more embracing setting for international experts.

Understanding The EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly eligible non-EU nationals, enabling them to settle and get employed in EU member nations. It is formed to entice internationally experienced experts to fill labor shortages in crucial industries. Advantages include the capacity to move between EU nations within specific requirements and expedited access to permanent residency.

Extended Stay To Improve Workforce Strength

With this extension, international employees with an EU Blue Card can now enjoy an extended stay in Croatia for four years, a significant improvement from the current 24-month restriction. This change opens new and exciting opportunities for those seeking long-term employment in Croatia.

This modification is anticipated to strengthen the workforce of experienced experts seeking long-term employment. The extension is also planned to assist Croatia in dealing with its labor depletions and developing a more welcoming environment for eligible experts. It is a step towards creating a robust workforce to support the nation’s economy. The extended stay will provide international employees with more stability and a better chance to integrate into Croatian society, which can lead to increased productivity and a stronger sense of belonging.

New Qualification Laws For It Employees

Croatia is making strides in inclusivity with the new qualification laws for the EU Blue Card, particularly for IT experts. Under these laws, individuals without formal degrees in information technology but with the necessary skills and expertise are now eligible to apply, recognizing the value of practical experience in the IT sector.

They will be required to ascertain their work skill, which a devoted council will assess. This initiative strives to entice skills in significant sectors such as IT, where practical experiences are usually more crucial than official certifications. For instance, a candidate might demonstrate their skills through a portfolio of their work or a practical test, rather than relying solely on academic qualifications.

Increasing The Number Of Work Permits Provided

Based on reports, from January to September 2024, Croatia awarded 158,837 residence and employment permits to international citizens.

These employees are mainly hired in construction, trade, and tourism, highlighting the diverse sectors benefiting from international labor. This information provides a comprehensive view of the employment landscape in Croatia.

Condition For Getting Croatia’s EU Blue Card

To be eligible for Croatia’s EU Blue Card, candidates are required to satisfy so many measures:

  1. Authentic job agreement: Candidates are required to have an authentic job agreement for a minimum of 12 months in a highly eligible occupation that matches the labor market requirements.
  1. Minimum income conditions: Candidates must satisfy an income threshold of 1.5 times the average yearly income in Croatia. This threshold is set to ensure that international employees can support themselves and contribute to the local economy without burdening public finances.
  1. Academic and occupational certifications: While uncontrolled occupations need evidence of applicable academic certifications, regulated occupations are required to satisfy specific lawful conditions in Croatia.
  1. Financial resources: Candidates are required to indicate enough financial resources to assist themselves during their visit, ensuring they will not depend on public finances.

Note: The processing period for the EU Blue Card naturally ranges from 30 to 60 days.