International Student Guide to Croatia

The first circle shows Town of Ilok church on the hill above lake, Slavonija region of Croatia; second circle: old city Dubrovnik in a beautiful summer day; third circle shows Majestic view on turquoise water and sunny beams in the Plitvice Lakes National Park

Glossary

Glossary
Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma

1. STUDYING AND LIVING IN CROATIA

Zagreb Cathedral on the Kaptol.  It is a Roman Catholic cathedral-church and not only the second tallest building in Croatia but also the most monumental sacral building in Gothic style southeast of the Alps. It is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus
Aerial view of the cathedral in Zagreb city, capital town of Croatia Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma; photo: Shutterstock

1.1. About Croatia

General facts & figures

General facts & figures about Croatia; Country name: Republic of Croatia; Local form: Republika Hrvatska; Capital city: Zagreb (population of 769.944 – 2021 census); Administrative divisions: 20 counties and the Capital city of Zagreb; Population: 3.888.529 (2021 census) Total area: 87.609 sq. km; Time zone: CET (GMT+1); International dialling code: +385; Monetary unit: Croatian Kuna – HRK (from 2023 – euro (EUR)); Power supply: 220V, 50Hz.
General facts & figures about Croatia, Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma
DID YOU KNOW: Croatia is the youngest EU member state; Croatia has the second-highest average of sunshine hours in Europe, Croatia has more than 1,200 islands., The city of Dubrovnik was the main film location for the King’s Landing in the popular HBO show Game of Thrones and the city of Split was also used as one of the film locations.
Did you know? Facts about Croatia. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma.
National Holidays in the Republic of Croatia
National Holidays in the Republic of Croatia Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma

1.2. Why choose Croatia as the study destination?

Beautiful beach near Brela town, Dalmatia; The Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb; Areal view of the famous cathedral in Osijek
Beautiful beach near Brela town, Dalmatia; The Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb; Areal view of the famous cathedral in Osijek Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma; photos: Shutterstock

Croatia is an ideal place for students wishing to study in a country renowned for its beautiful coast, mix of Mediterranean and South-Eastern European charm and a rich historical and cultural heritage. In total, Croatia has 133 higher education institutions located in all parts of the country - including the spectacular Adriatic coast. With its long academic tradition and more than 1600 study programmes to choose from, Croatia is also a safe country with reasonable living costs and a multi-lingual community.

The Croatian higher education system is structured according to three cycles (undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate) and higher education studies in Croatia are organised according to the system of transferable credits (ECTS), thus making it easier for international students (from Europe and beyond) to study in Croatia and have their studies recognised in their home countries.

Croatia has both public and private higher education institutions. Almost all universities and polytechnics are public institutions, while most colleges of applied sciences are private institutions.

To find the perfect study programme for you, please consult the list of available study programmes - Register of Study Programmes, searchable by different parameters.

Grading system
The Croatian national grading system consists of five grades with numerical equivalents, from the highest to the lowest grade as follows:

Excellent (izvrstan) - 5
Very good (vrlo dobar) - 4
Good (dobar) - 3
Sufficient (dovoljan) - 2 [minimum pass grade]
Fail (nedovoljan) - 1 [student has to retake exam/resubmit work]

Study in Croatia portal is the official source of information about higher education in Croatia aimed at prospective international students and teachers. Erasmus Student Network Croatia works to improve the social, practical, and academic integration of international students.
Study in Croatia portal and Erasmus Student Network Croatia. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma
Did you know: Croatian higher education institutions offer more than 1600 study programmes in all scientific fields with an ever-growing number of study programmes in English. The University of Zagreb is the oldest university in Croatia and the largest in South-East Europe. It was founded in 1669.
Facts about Croatian higher education institutions. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma

1.3. Students with fewer opportunities

Access to education at all levels under equal terms, without discrimination on any ground, is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia. If you are a student with disability in search of specific information and guidance, we recommend consulting the platform Inclusive Mobility. The platform aims to provide information about inclusion and support services offered by Croatian higher education institutions.
Additionally, students can get support and information at the respective university office for students with disabilities.

For Erasmus+ incoming students:

The Erasmus+ Programme places a large emphasis on inclusion and diversity and encourages participation of students with fewer opportunities, such as participants with physical, mental and health-related conditions; students with children, students who work or are professional athletes and students from all study fields underrepresented in mobility. In order to strengthen the participation of underrepresented groups, students who are not able to physically participate in a long-term study programme or traineeship mobility because they have fewer opportunities, will be able to carry out short-term physical mobility by combining it with a compulsory virtual component.

As for additional financing through the Erasmus+ Programme, students with fewer opportunities can receive a top-up amount added to the individual support of their EU Erasmus+ grant in the amount of 200-250 EUR per month. Also, participants with special needs whose individual physical, mental or health-related condition is such that their participation in the mobility would not be possible without extra financial support, can receive funding based on real costs incurred on mobility.

We recommend checking the options and conditions for additional funding with the Erasmus+ coordinator and/or the International Relations Office at your higher education institution.

1.4. Scholarships and tuition fees

Some Croatian higher education institutions might offer financial aid or partial tuition fee waivers for international students. However, there is a number of scholarships available for exchange or degree students through Bilateral Scholarships of the Republic of Croatia, through university bilateral agreements and programmes such as CEEPUS and Erasmus+, managed by the Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes. More information can be found on the Study in Croatia portal.

Tuition fees for study programmes in Croatia are determined by each higher education institution. The level of tuition fees depends on the type of a study programme and its duration. It is therefore important that prospective students directly contact the higher education institution they are interested in for precise information about tuition fees. In the case of credit mobility, in general, no fees are charged to incoming mobile students for tuition, registration, examinations or access to laboratory and library facilities.

1.5. Accommodation and meals

If possible, international students should have accommodation arranged prior to arriving in Croatia. Students can contact the International Cooperation Office of particular higher education institutions in Croatia for information on appropriate housing options. The most affordable type of accommodation is a public student dormitory. Unfortunately, due to a lack of housing capacity, student dormitory accommodation is not available to all students (neither for all Croatian nationals nor all international students). International students do not automatically receive student dormitory accommodation and they have to contact the International Relations Office at the higher education institution to which they are applying in order to try to ensure housing.

The Student Centres (Studentski centar) are the institutions that manage all student dormitories according to a system of quotas for available spaces. Usually, HEIs have a limited housing quota via Student Centres for international students participating in exchange programmes. International students who are staying in Croatia within the framework of the CEEPUS and the Bilateral Programme are entitled to subsidised student accommodation according to the pre-defined yearly quota. Students staying in Croatia through other mobility programmes (e. g. Erasmus+) can use student accommodation depending on the availability of rooms. Also, EU nationals enrolled in full study programmes with a residence permit can apply to regular calls for accommodation published by Student centres (usually in January and June).

Students who plan to stay in student dormitories during their mobility in Croatia need to bring a filled-out Health Certificate after undergoing physical examinations in their home countries. Students should present the filled-out form when entering the dormitory, otherwise they will not be allowed to use student accommodation. Before coming to Croatia, students are advised to contact the Student Centre in the city where they will be staying for more information about the necessary Health Certificate.

Aside from student dormitories, there is ample private accommodation. The price of rent in private accommodation varies depending on the town, location, room size and accommodation quality.

There are several useful websites for finding accommodation in Croatia: Njuskalo.hr and Oglasnik.hr in Croatian, as well as Airbnb, grabAhome, Erasmusu, trawerk and HomeinZagreb (for Zagreb area). Please note that AMEUP does not take responsibility for the content and conditions of these external sites.

There are a lot of youth hostels in Croatia which can serve as a temporary or long-term housing option. It is worth noting that youth hostels tend to offer discounts for long-term stays.

All students entitled to subsidised meals (Erasmus+/CEEPUS/Bilateral Scholarships exchange students, EU nationals enrolled in full-time study programmes) by submitting the student card (iksica) can eat daily at student cafeterias (menza) at affordable prices. Every month, a specific amount of money per student card is authorised for meals. This amount cannot be exceeded or accumulated over more than one month (the amount is restored each month regardless of the amount left over in the previous month). The status of the student card can be checked at the bottom of each receipt or on the University Computer Centre (SRCE) webpage. Student cafeterias are usually located at faculties and student dormitories. A list of all student cafeterias and their addresses can also be found on the SRCE webpage.

1.6. Opportunities for work while studying in Croatia

International students can work in Croatia using the Student Service administered by the Student Centre, which provides matchmaking services and connects students with prospective employers. The Student Service offices are usually units of local Student centres (Studentski centar), which are also responsible for subsidised student accommodation and meals. The Student Service is available to both EEA/Swiss citizens and third-country nationals. Student work positions offered by the Student Service are part-time and temporary, which allows students to adjust their work engagement to their student obligations. The salary is calculated per hour and the minimum net amount is 5,25 EUR/hour.

International students can apply for a student service membership card under the following conditions:

  • the student is enrolled in a higher education institution (a certificate from student's home university should be provided as proof)
  • the student has a valid residence permit in Croatia (a certificate of registration should be provided as proof)
  • the student is following an exchange programme based on official documents between two higher education institutions (provide an internship/study programme certificate from his receiving higher education institution in Croatia)
  • the student has an open giro or current account in a Croatian bank (a contract with the bank or a bank certificate is required)

The membership can be opened in person at the Student Centre premises, by presenting the following documents:

  • Enrollment card and statement (picked up directly from the SC counter), student ID card (X-ica), ID card, registration residence certificate, certificate (certificate) of the student status for the current academic year, contract / bank certificate of the giro account, two small photos

SC – Student Centre

Interactive map of Croatian Student Centres

1.7. Learning Croatian

The official language in Croatia is Croatian. In writing, the Croatian alphabet is used, which is a variant of the Latin alphabet.
There are many opportunities for learning the Croatian language, even before your arrival in Croatia, such as:

You can also decide to learn Croatian in one of the private language schools which offer Croatian as a foreign language. In addition, you can try out free Croatian courses, lessons, exercises and quizzes.

Learning the Croatian language; Hello-Bok; Good morning-Dobro jutro; Good afternoon-Dobar dan; Good evening-Dobra večer; Goodbye-Doviđenja; Please-Molim; Thank you-Hvala; Nice to meet you-Drago mi je; Yes-Da; No-Ne; Excuse me-Oprostite; Here’s my passport-Ovdje je moja putovnica; A beer/coffee/tea, please-Pivo/kavu/čaj, molim.
Learning Croatian language. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma.

2. PROCEDURES FOR ENTERING AND STAYING IN CROATIA

2.1. Entering Croatia and the COVID-19 pandemic

Students are advised to check if there are any restrictions to travelling set in force by their home countries or/and Croatia that would prevent them from leaving their home country or from entering Croatia. All incoming student mobilities are subject to the rules in force, as well as other conditions which depend on the health situation and regulate visa procedures, opening of borders and operating of higher education institutions. The Re-open EU portal is an interactive tool launched by the European Commission that provides information on how to travel in Europe safely.

The website of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior contains the latest information in connection to entering Croatia as a foreign national and is being continuously reassessed and updated (for example, the restrictions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19). For accurate and verified information on the Coronavirus in Croatia, please visit the official government website KORONAVIRUS.HR. Maps in support of the Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the EU/EEA are published on the official website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

2.2. Gathering documentation prior to arrival in Croatia

There are different procedures in place for the regulation of entry and stay of foreign nationals in Croatia, depending on the country of origin of the foreign national, duration of stay, etc.

Illustration of Gathering documentation prior to arrival in Croatia
Illustration of Gathering documentation prior to arrival in Croatia. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma

2.3. Visa information

The illustration shows a girl filling out a visa application form
Applying for a visa. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma; photo: Shutterstock

The Republic of Croatia is a part of the Schengen Area and the visa regime of the Republic of Croatia is part of the EU acquis.

The applicants are required to check the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - Visa requirements overview to see if they require a Croatian (Schengen) visa. Third-country nationals who are subject to the visa requirement are obliged to apply for a visa prior to their entry into Croatia/Schengen Area.

Visa application is submitted at the embassy/consulate of the Schengen area Member State that is the main destination of the travel. If the main destination of the travel is Croatia, the visa application is submitted at the competent Croatian embassy/ consulate or at the VFS Global Visa Application Center.

Foreigners who need a visa for Croatia can also fill in a visa application form via the link crovisa.mvep.hr . After completing the online application, it is necessary to submit it to the competent Croatian embassy/consulate or visa centre accompanied by other required documents. If there is no Croatian embassy/consulate, nor a visa center in the applicant's country, visa application may be submitted at the nearest Croatian embassy/consulate.

Visa Categories:

Croatian embassies/consulates issue Schengen visas (Type A and Type C) and national long-term visa (Type D).

An airport-transit visa (A) is an authorisation for transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Member States.

A short-stay visa (C) is an authorisation for an intended stay on the territory of the Member States not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is issued for one, two or more entries for transit, tourist, business, private or other purposes.

Short-term visa applications application shall be submitted in person, no more than six months before the start of the intended visit, and, as a rule, no later than 15 calendar days before the start of the intended trip.

During a short-term stay on the basis of the issued C visa, a foreign national must have registered accommodation. Accommodation must be registered by the legal or natural person who provides it to a foreign national, within one day of the arrival of a third-country national, through eVisitor or a notification to the local police department/station in an appropriate form (available at: https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/281622). If registration cannot be made by the accommodation provider, it shall be made by a third-country national within 2 days from his/her entering the Republic of Croatia or the change of accommodation.

Documents needed to apply for a short-term Visa (C visa) are:

  • Visa application form, completed and signed by the applicant
  • Valid passport (the validity period must be at least three months longer than the date you intend to leave the Schengen Area, it must contain at least two empty pages for the visa and be issued in the previous 10 years)
  • Recent identity photo 35 × 45 mm
  • Travel medical insurance
  • Supporting documents that prove:
  1. purpose of the visit (Hosting agreement or another document, depending on the purpose of stay in Croatia)
  2. means of support to cover stay in Croatia/Schengen Area, return to the home country or travel to a third country (e.g., letter of guarantee, bank statement, proof of scholarship award)
  3. means of transport and intention to return to the country of origin or to a third country (return plane ticket)
  4. ensured accommodation (hotel reservation, private or other type of accommodation)
  5. travel health insurance
  6. Evidence of paid visa fee, if applicable (students who will be coming to Croatia for the purpose of studies are exempt from paying the visa fee).

During the processing of the application, the applicant may be asked to provide additional information or documents or may be invited for an interview.

If the application is lodged in a third country for which there is a harmonized List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for C visas, that List should be consulted in order to avoid any missing document when filing the application. For more info on the harmonized List of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for C visas lodging in certain third countries or territories on the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs please consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (https://mvep.gov.hr/services-for-citizens/consular-information-22802/visas-22807/issuance-procedure/enclosed-documents/22821).

If the application is submitted at the Visa application center, the additional service fee is also paid.

The fingerprints are taken when submitting the application.

Long-term Visa (D visa) is issued to a third-country national who has been granted temporary stay or issued stay and work permit, and requires a short-term visa to enter the Republic of Croatia. Long-term visa application shall be submitted no sooner than two months before and no later than two months after the beginning of validity of temporary stay or the issued stay and work permit in Croatia. Long-term visa is issued for one (1) or multiple (MULT) entries, with the period of validity no longer than six months and for a maximum 30-day stay.

Once you enter Croatia, you need to register your stay and apply for your Biometric Residence Card at the local police department or station.

Documents needed to apply for a long-term visa (D visa):

  • Application for long term visa (manually) or electronically through the visa application form available online at crovisa.mvep.hr
  • Valid passport (the period of validity must be at least three months longer than the validity of the granted temporary stay or issued stay and work permit, contain at least two empty pages and be issued in the last 10 years)
  • Recent identity photo 35 × 45 mm
  • Evidence of granted temporary stay or issued stay and work permit in the Republic of Croatia
  • Evidence of means of travel
  • Travel health insurance
  • Evidence of paid visa fee, if applicable (students who will be coming to Croatia for the purpose of studies are exempt from paying the visa fee).

If the application is submitted at the Visa application center, the additional service fee is also paid.

The fingerprints are taken when submitting the application.

During the processing of the application, the applicant may be asked to provide additional information or documents or may be invited for an interview.

For more information about the process of issuing a visa, please check the issuance procedure on the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (https://mvep.gov.hr/en).

2.4. Regulation of stay in Croatia

The illustration shows a man filling out residence regulation forms.
Regulation of stay. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma; photo: Shutterstock

2.4.1. Short-term stay: mobility period up to 90 days

International students may stay in Croatia for a maximum of 90 days within any period of 180 days from the date of entry (short-term stay) and a 90-day stay can be used at once or intermittently. Neither EU nor non-EU citizens are obliged to apply for the approval of temporary stay if they are staying in Croatia for up to 90 days.

2.4.2. Temporary stay: mobility period more than 3 months

2.4.2.1. EU/EEA nationals

EU/EEA nationals who plan to stay longer than 3 months (e.g., for the purpose of study or traineeship) have to register their temporary stay (Application Form 1b) at the police administration according to their place of stay. More information about the stay and work of EU/EEA nationals can be found on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.

WHO: Students who are EU/EEA nationals who will be staying longer than 3 months in Croatia are obliged to register for temporary stay for the purpose of university studies or vocational training (Prijava privremenog boravka državljanina države članice EGP-a u svrhu studiranja ili strukovne izobrazbe).

WHEN: No later than 8 days following the expiration of their 3-month stay

WHERE: At a police administration/station, section for foreigners (Croatian: policijska Uprava, odjel za strance ili policijska postaja,) according to their intended place of stay.

Documents needed to apply for the approval of temporary stay:

  • original and a copy of a valid personal identification document (passport or valid ID)
  • proof of admittance to a higher education institution in Croatia for the purpose of studying or vocational training (in Croatian)
  • proof of means of support in Croatia
  • proof of health insurance

Administrative fees and a biometric residence permit:

A certificate confirming that an EU/EEA national has registered his/her temporary stay is printed out of the information system free of charge. EU/EEA nationals may, if they want to, apply for a biometric residence card which costs 13,27 EUR. More information is available at the website of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia.

2.4.2.2. Third-country nationals

Students who are third-country nationals are obliged to request approval for temporary stay if they will be staying longer than 90 days in Croatia. A third-country national needs to register his/her residence and address within 3 days from entering the Republic of Croatia at the local Police Administration Office (policijska uprava, odjel za strance ili policijska postaja). Third-country nationals on a temporary stay in Croatia (longer than 90 days) are obliged to report their temporary residence and address (boravište i adresa) and any change in their residence and address to the nearest police directorate within three days from their entry to Croatia and from the day of changing their home address, respectively. If students are staying at student dormitories or hotels/hostels, they will have their address automatically registered. This procedure is free of charge.

WHO: Students who are third-country nationals who will be staying longer than 90 days in Croatia are obliged to request approval for temporary stay for the purpose of studies (zahtjev za privremeni boravak u svrhu studiranja). Exception: international students who have Croatian citizenship do not need to obtain a residence/stay permit. According to the Croatian legislation in force, persons who hold Croatian citizenship are not considered to be aliens. However, they are obliged to register their residence as Croatian nationals at a police administration i.e. police station.

WHEN: Within 90 days of arrival to Croatia.

WHERE: An application for temporary stay is submitted at a diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Croatia. An exception applies in case of third-country students who need a visa for entry in Croatia, but are coming for the purpose of studies at a higher educational institution as regular students (Bachelor, Master or PhD level). These students can submit the application for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of studies in Croatia at the local police administration, section for foreigners (policijska uprava, odjel za strance ili policijska postaja). Third-country nationals who are not required to have a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia may also apply for temporary stay at a police administration/police station according to their intended place of stay.

Documents needed to apply for the approval of temporary stay of third-country nationals:

  • original and a copy of a valid passport*

The period of validity of a travel document has to be at least 3 months longer than the period of validity of a temporary stay permit.

  • proof of means of support in Croatia
  • 1 colour photograph (3×3,5 cm)
  • proof of health insurance*

*Proof of health insurance is considered to be:

  • EHIC accepted by the CHIF
  • patient’s certificate issued by the CHIF
  • regular certificate of a foreign health insurance agency
  • any other proof provided under the agreement on social insurance
  • Certificate confirming that the applicant has no criminal convictions in his/her home state or in the state where he/she stayed for more than one year prior to arriving in the Republic of Croatia. Such document is required when applying for temporary stay for the first time and cannot be older than 6 months from the date of issue. This document can be submitted in English and does not need to be translated into Croatian. It is highly recommended that international students attain the document in question before they enter Croatia*

*Third-country nationals do not have to provide proof that they have not been finally convicted of a criminal offence if they are a posted worker or student, researcher, or intra-corporate transferee using their mobility rights to move from another EEA member state.

A residence permit is valid for up to one year and has to be renewed annually. An application for the extension of a temporary stay permit shall be submitted no later than 60 days before the expiry of the period of validity of the valid temporary stay permit.

Legalization of documents:

Public documents issued abroad can be used in Croatia (unless stipulated otherwise by bilateral or multilateral treaties) if they have been authenticated in accordance with the regulations of the country of origin and legalized by the diplomatic mission of Croatia in that country.

Or, after authentication in accordance with the regulations of the country of origin, the documents can be legalized by the diplomatic mission of that country to Croatia and certified by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. If there is no Croatian diplomatic mission to that country, and it has no diplomatic mission in Croatia, legalization can be performed in a third country in which both countries have diplomatic missions in the following manner: after authentication by the competent bodies of the country of origin, the document is legalized by its diplomatic mission in the third country, then the ministry of foreign affairs of the third country, and finally the diplomatic mission of Croatia to the third country.

All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian and an ˝Apostille˝ of all original documents and certified translations may be required. The documents may be certified translations in English if there is no certified sworn translator in the country of origin or the country that has diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia.

It is suggested to check with the Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office whether the need for an Apostille exists. More information about the ˝Apostille˝ is available at the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Additionally, the translations of the documents from English to Croatian are done in Croatia at a court interpreter’s office (sudski tumač).

Administrative fees and the biometric residence permit:

Students who are third-country nationals are obliged to apply for a biometric residence permit. Third-country students should pay the amount of 46,45 EUR to be granted temporary stay and 31,85 EUR for the production of a biometric residence permit (59,73 EUR under the accelerated procedure). International students who have received a scholarship/grant from the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia (e. g. CEEPUS and the Bilateral Scholarships) and/or the AMEUP are exempted from paying the 46,45 EUR fee. The aforementioned students are still to pay for the cost of the issuance of the biometric residence card in the amount of 31,85 EUR and 59,73 EUR under the accelerated procedure. Both amounts have to be paid with a payment slip (separately) to the state budget account, whose IBAN code is obtained at the competent police administration/police station. An additional administrative fee in the amount of 9,29 EUR has to be paid for the issuance of a biometric residence card either to the IBAN code of the state budget or in revenue stamps.

Documents needed to apply for the issuance of a biometric residence permit:

  • 1 colour photograph (3×3,5 cm)
  • valid passport

A biometric residence card will be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of the required documents and within the period of 5 working days during the accelerated procedure. It should be returned to the police administration office upon the expiration of stay in Croatia (before leaving the country). Further information on administrative fees can be found on the website of the Ministry of Interior. More information about the biometric resident permit can be found on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.

Reporting:

If a third-country national, who is in Croatia on a temporary stay, goes abroad for less than 30 days at a time, (s)he does not need to notify the authorities. If third-country nationals leave Croatia for a single period of 30-90 days for justifiable reasons, they need to notify a police directorate or police station with an official letter.

Prolongation of stay for international students

International students who have obtained their diplomas at Croatian higher education institutions are allowed to prolong their stay for a period of up to one year for the purpose of seeking employment. A request for the extension of their stay has to be filed no later than 60 days before their temporary residence permit expires, together with the proof of the acquired qualification.

2.5. Obtaining a Croatian personal identification number (OIB)

All international students studying in Croatia should have a Personal Identification Number (OIB). OIB is allocated and assigned to foreign nationals in local offices of the Tax Administration when there is a cause for monitoring (incurred tax liability, acquiring assets in the territory of the Republic of Croatia, registering in any of the official records or for other reasons at the request of a foreign national). The procedure of obtaining OIB is free of charge.

Application for the determination and assignment of the Personal Identification Number (OIB) can be submitted in person at the local offices of the Tax Administration. For the purpose of assigning OIB, foreigners are obliged to submit valid documents with the filled-out application form confirming the stated data, primarily the European identity card or an identity document issued in the country of citizenship with the proof of citizenship. Exceptionally and with the view of observing the preventive measures as a safeguard against the coronavirus disease, application may be submitted via web form. After approving the application, the Tax Office will send an e-mail to the applicant that contains his/her OIB. For detailed information on navigating the web form, please visit the Tax Administration webpage.

NB, if you are an Erasmus+ student, your host institution can also submit the request on your behalf so be sure to contact your host institution beforehand.

2.6. Managing a bank account

In order to receive the monthly financial support (scholarship), you will need to open a giro bank account (žiro račun) at any bank in Croatia. To open your bank account, you will first need an OIB, which you will get from the Central Tax Administration (Porezna uprava). Account fees vary from bank to bank. Before you open your account, the bank should give you a document showing the most important services they offer and any related fees that you might have to pay. This is known as a "fee information document". You can use it to compare bank account fees at different banks.

2.7. Health insurance

International students are obliged to have a valid health insurance during their mobility in Croatia in order to obtain a residence permit or approval of temporary stay.

2.7.1. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

All EU/EAA/Swiss students can use the European health insurance card (EHIC) that is valid during the entire period spent in Croatia. More information on terms of using healthcare in Croatia is available on the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) website.

2.7.2. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are enrolled in full-degree study programmes in Croatia

All EU/EAA/Swiss nationals who are enrolled in full-degree (BA, MA or PhD) programmes in Croatia can, in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems, transfer their health care from their home countries to Croatia and have complete health care during their mobility in Croatia. This applies only to EU/EAA/Swiss nationals who are enrolled in full-degree programmes in Croatia and who can provide proof of the obtained health insurance in their home countries.

2.7.3. Third-country nationals from countries with bilateral health care agreements with Croatia

Based on the bilateral health care agreement on social insurance, Croatia regulates the issue of health care for foreign nationals from the following countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and North Macedonia. Students from the aforementioned countries are recommended to contact their public health insurance provider before arriving in Croatia in order to obtain the document which enables them to have health care in Croatia (bilingual form stamped by your health insurance company). The form should be presented at the CHIF, which will issue a health insurance document valid in Croatia (Bolesnički list).

2.7.4. Other third-county nationals

All third-country nationals are required to take out comprehensive private health insurance or travel health insurance or Croatian health insurance which is valid during the entire period spent in Croatia.
Additional information can be provided by the respective National Contact Point (NCP).

3. CHECKLIST BEFORE DEPARTURE

Checklist
Checklist of necessary steps before you leave Croatia. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma; photo: Shutterstock

Before you leave Croatia, please check if you have taken all the necessary steps:

  • return the key of accommodation and cover all accommodation costs
  • close your Croatian bank account at the same bank in which you opened it
  • return your biometric residence card to the Police (if applicable)
  • return the student card (iksica) to the Student Administration Office for cancellation

4. USEFUL CONTACTS

Emergency contacts: Emergency service 112; Ambulance 194; Police 192; Fire department 193
Useful contacts. Illustration: KO:KE kreativna farma

The descriptions of administrative procedures in the Republic of Croatia given in this guide are to be used for informational purposes only. Recommendations in this publication do not substitute official sources of information and the information given by the official public bodies should be taken into account in all cases. The Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes accepts no liability for the content of 'International Student Guide to Croatia' or for any consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information presented herein.

Publisher:
Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes
Frankopanska 26, 10 000 Zagreb
telephone: +385 (0)1 555 7858
e-mail: info@ampeu.hr

Authors:
Ivan Alić
Ivana Bijažić
Iva Vlastelica

Editors:
Ljubica Petrović Baronica
Katarina Bilonić

Graphic design:
KO:KE kreativna farma
Photos: Shutterstock

Proofread by:
INGLOSA, trade for translation services

Special thanks to:
Ministry of Science and Education
Ministry of the Interior
Ministry of Foreign Affairs