Croatia to Extend EU Blue Card Validity from Two to Four Years: Changes in Immigration Law Expected Soon

Croatia is preparing to double the validity period of the EU Blue Card, allowing highly qualified foreign workers to remain in the country for four years instead of the current two.

The Croatian authorities revealed that changes to the Aliens Act are underway, and once approved, the extended validity will take effect.

This extension is seen as a major advantage for highly skilled foreigners seeking employment in Croatia, as they will be able to stay in the country for a longer duration without needing to renew their permits. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasized the importance of this move, stating that extending the EU Blue Card validity would help address the country’s workforce shortages while also offering more attractive opportunities to foreign workers.

“The extension of the EU Blue Card validity would help the country resolve workforce shortage issues and, at the same time, offer better opportunities for foreign workers,” Plenković said.

Davor Božinović, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the strategic goal behind the measure. “The main purpose of this measure is to attract highly qualified workforce,” he stated.

Expanding Eligibility for IT Professionals Without Formal Qualifications

In addition to extending the validity period, Croatian authorities plan to broaden the eligibility criteria for the EU Blue Card. This includes allowing IT professionals who may not have formal educational qualifications but possess the necessary skills to qualify for the Blue Card. These applicants will be required to demonstrate their experience in the field, and a designated committee will assess their applications.

As reported by tportal, the changes aim to make it easier for skilled professionals in the IT sector to obtain work permits. While these individuals will not need formal education, they must prove their expertise through relevant work experience.

Work Permits and Foreign Workers in Croatia: 2023 Statistics

Between January 1 and September 30 of this year, Croatia issued 158,837 residence and work permits to foreign nationals. The largest number of permits was granted to nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina (30,424), followed by Nepal (25,392), and Serbia (23,862). The majority of foreign workers required these permits for jobs in industries such as construction, tourism, industry, traffic and connections, and trade.

Requirements for Obtaining Croatia’s EU Blue Card

To apply for Croatia’s EU Blue Card, third-country nationals must secure a valid employment contract of at least one year in a highly qualified position. Applicants must also meet Croatia’s minimum salary threshold, which is 1.5 times the average annual salary, translating to a minimum of €24,845.64 per year.

Applicants are further required to provide proof that they meet national legal standards for regulated professions, as well as proof of educational qualifications for unregulated professions. Additional requirements include showing sufficient financial resources for self-support and submitting a copy of their travel document.

The processing time for the Croatian EU Blue Card ranges between 30 and 60 days, and the initial application fee is set at €74.32.

Several EU countries, including Croatia, issue EU Blue Cards to highly qualified foreign workers. Notably, four other EU nations have simplified their own Blue Card rules this year to further attract skilled workers to the region. 

By fLEXI tEAM