Student visa & permits in Croatia
Student visa, residence permit, registration, fees, deadlines and document guidance for studying in Croatia.
Read the complete Croatia study abroad guide.
Visa & Immigration
Whether an entry visa is needed depends on nationality, but degree-level third-country students have an important exception: even a visa-required student may submit the temporary-stay application at a Croatian police administration/station when they hold proof of enrolment in a higher-education institution.
The earlier lower means-of-support rule is outdated. A January 2026 regulation changed the general monthly maintenance benchmark used for the relevant temporary-stay provisions to at least 57 percent of the average monthly net salary paid in the previous year. Students also need sufficient means for return travel. Because the benchmark is indexed and the police authority applies the current calculation, check the live MUP/official-gazette figure rather than copying an old euro amount. If you apply at a police administration/station, the published fees are EUR 46.45 for granting temporary stay plus EUR 31.85 for the standard biometric residence card (EUR 59.73 for accelerated production); additional administrative charges can apply to card issuance.
Source: https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/stay-and-work/temporary-stay-of-third-country-nationals/281661
Residence Permit
Under the May 2026 Aliens Act amendment, temporary residence for university study may be issued either for up to one year or through the expected end of the study programme, with a maximum validity of three years. Where the programme-length option is used, the student must provide the police administration/station with confirmation of enrolment for the current academic year by 31 October each year.
MUP's current student guidance also requires residence/address reporting after entry; it states a three-day reporting deadline for the address of stay. If a permit was approved through a diplomatic/consular post, follow the additional MUP deadlines for appearing at the police authority and obtaining the residence card. Keep the OIB and residence documentation for banking, contracts and administration.
Source: https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2026_05_55_692.html
Common questions
What should international students know about visa in Croatia?
Degree students can exceptionally apply from inside Croatia; the 2026 means benchmark is 57% of the prior-year average net salary.
What should international students know about residence in Croatia?
Study residence can cover the programme, up to three years; annual enrolment proof is due by 31 October.