As an asylum seeker or a person under subsidiary protection, you have the right to reunite with your family members, meaning they have the right to come to Croatia and continue living there under conditions prescribed by law.
Family members eligible for this right include:
- your spouse or common-law partner or same-sex partner (if you have more than one spouse, you may only bring one husband or wife)
- your minor children or the minor children of your partner if they are under their care
- your adult child if they are ill or in a health condition that prevents them from taking care of themselves
- your parents, if you lived with them in a shared household and it is determined they depend on your care (for example, if they are seriously ill and elderly)
- for a child who arrived in Croatia and has been granted asylum or subsidiary protection, their parents or another person who cared for the child in the country of origin (instead of the parents) will be allowed to come.
In some cases, if there are special personal or serious humanitarian reasons, other family members may also be allowed to join you in Croatia.
If the application is approved, the family member(s) will be granted temporary residence for up to one year, which must be renewed annually. Minor children who have not established their own family will receive the same status as you (asylum or subsidiary protection).
Your family members will have the same rights in Croatia as you do.
How to prove you are family members?
You can prove family ties with official documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
If you do not have these documents or are unable to obtain them, this cannot be the sole reason for rejecting your application for family reunification. If you have asylum or temporary protection status, you are entitled to free legal aid. You should seek advice on the steps to appeal against a negative decision.
For a child in Croatia without family, an assigned guardian will assist with all necessary steps and communication with institutions and authorities during the reunification process.
Conditions for granting temporary permit of stay for the purpose of family reunification
Temporary stay for family reunification will be granted to a close family member if:
- the purpose of temporary stay is proven
- they have a valid travel document
- they are not banned from entering or staying in Croatia
- they do not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health.
Family members of asylum seekers or persons under subsidiary protection are in a more favourable position as they are not required to provide proof of health insurance or financial means of support.
What does the family reunification process look like?
The procedure consists of two stages. The first stage of the procedure involves submitting an application for granting temporary stay, while the second stage concerns obtaining a visa or permit of stay.
The family reunification procedure is initiated by a family member who wishes to be reunited by submitting an application for temporary stay at the diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia. If the person does not need a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia, they may apply directly at a police station or administrative office in the area where they plan to reside.
The application is submitted personally or via secure courier mail. All documents must be originals or certified copies. Foreign documents must be legalized and translated into Croatian. If no sworn court interpreter for Croatian is available in the home country or in the country where the diplomatic consular mission is located, a certified translation into English can be submitted.
Along with the completed application, the family member must provide:
- a copy of a valid travel document
- a colour photo size 3x3.5 cm
- police clearance certificate
- proof of purpose for the stay.
Once the application is received, the embassy or consulate will forward the application to the relevant police station or office in Croatia. The decision is made by the Ministry of the Interior via the police.
If additional documentation is needed, you, as the person in relation to whom the family reunification procedure is initiated, can also submit it. The competent police station/administration in Croatia shall inform the diplomatic mission or consular office of Croatia.
Once temporary residence is approved, the family member must apply for a long-term visa (D visa).
The application should be submitted no earlier than two months before, and no later than two months after the temporary residence begins. The application must be submitted at the Croatian embassy/consulate or VFS Global visa center.
The application should be accompanied by:
- a valid travel document
- a photo
- proof of approved temporary residence
- proof of travel arrangements
- proof of adequate and valid travel insurance
- proof of visa fee payment (plus VFS Global fee if applicable)
The application must be filled out in Latin script, uppercase letters, and signed by hand. Fingerprints will be taken at the time of visa D application submission.
The decision on the visa request is usually made within 15 days, but this may be extended to a maximum of 45 days if justified.
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