The Temporary Residence (Investment) is one of Croatia's primary residency routes for investors and high-net-worth individuals. No formal Golden Visa, but business investment route exists
This visa is designed for non-EU citizens. No income threshold — investment-based pathway.
After 5 years on this visa, you qualify for permanent residency in Croatia. Citizenship becomes available after 8 years of continuous residence.
Tax treatment
Tax treatment
Standard Croatian (10-30% income, 18% corporate).
Standard Croatia progressive taxation applies (top rate around 18%).
Requirements
Establish Croatian company (d.o.o.)
Minimum capital €2,500 (very low!)
Operating business with revenue/employees
OIB tax number
Health insurance
Application process — step by step
1
Form Croatian d.o.o. (LLC)
Notary, OIB, bank account, capital deposit
⏱ 2-4 weeks
2
Apply for residence permit (zoning by business activity)
Via Croatian consulate or in country
⏱ 60-120 days
3
Enter Croatia + collect 1-year permit
⏱ 1-2 weeks
4
Operate business + renew annually
Show revenue/employees as proof of legitimate business
⏱ ongoing
5
Permanent residency at year 5
Croatian language A2 required
⚠ Common pitfalls
No formal 'Golden Visa' — investment must be operating business
Croatian language requirement (A2) for permanent residency
Corporate tax 18% + dividend tax 10% — not as competitive as Cyprus/Malta
Cost breakdown
The total cost of obtaining the Temporary Residence (Investment) ranges from €1,600 to €5,000, depending on lawyer choice, document translation needs, and country-specific fees.
Application fee: €100 (paid to consulate)
Immigration lawyer (recommended): €1,500 on average — strongly recommended for complex cases
Health insurance (annual): €600-1,500 depending on age and coverage
Notary fees (where applicable): €50-200
Family inclusion
Yes — the Croatia Investor Visa allows family members to be included as dependents.
Spouse: Spouse can be included without additional income requirement
Children: Each dependent child adds 0% to income threshold
Same-sex partners: Generally recognized in Croatia, but verify with consulate (especially for non-married partners)
Path to permanent residency and citizenship
The Croatia Investor Visa is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Croatia.
Citizenship is available after 8 years, subject to language exam (typically A2-B1) and integration interview.
This pathway is therefore valuable not only for relocation but as a long-term route to EU citizenship and freedom of movement across the Schengen area.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the Temporary Residence (Investment)?
Establish Croatian company (d.o.o.). Minimum capital €2,500 (very low!). Operating business with revenue/employees. OIB tax number. Available to non-EU/EEA citizens.
How much income do I need for the Temporary Residence (Investment)?
No income requirement — this is an investor pathway requiring capital investment instead.
What is the tax rate for Temporary Residence (Investment) holders?
Standard Croatian (10-30% income, 18% corporate). Standard rate around 18%.
How long does the Temporary Residence (Investment) application take?
Typical processing time is 60-120 days from submission. Plus 2-6 weeks for document preparation beforehand. Account for additional time at consulate appointments and post-arrival residency permit processing.
What does the Temporary Residence (Investment) cost in total?
Application fee: €100. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €1,500 on average. Total: €1,600-€5,000 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.
Does the Temporary Residence (Investment) lead to permanent residency?
Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 8 years.
Can I bring my family with the Temporary Residence (Investment)?
Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically covered. Each child adds 0% to the income threshold.
What are the most common pitfalls with Temporary Residence (Investment)?
No formal 'Golden Visa' — investment must be operating business. Croatian language requirement (A2) for permanent residency. Corporate tax 18% + dividend tax 10% — not as competitive as Cyprus/Malta
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 · Sources: official government immigration websites + verified immigration lawyer firms.
This page is informational only — not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.