You’ve already been processed and accepted. You’ve been all over town collecting the information you need to submit your home application. All necessary paperwork has been sent to the Policija. You have applied for and are now eagerly awaiting official authorization to extend your stay in Croatia past the required 90 days. The interview is the final remaining obstacle.
The process of immigration interview
After an application is received, it is forwarded to officials who will examine the file and conduct necessary verification checks. There are two possible outcomes following their examination. More information may be requested from you, or you may be called in for an interview.
The Policija may contact you by phone or mail, or they may show up at your home without prior notice. A letter with an interview date and time will arrive in a blue envelope within two business days of your letter’s receipt. The blue envelopes should not be neglected for too long in the stack of mail. You’ll likely need to provide your signature anyhow, so they’ll stand out. It is possible that the police will come up at your door or phone you, but this will vary based on the specifics of your case and the city you live in. Perhaps they won’t get in touch with you at all if you’re married to a Croat. If you come into the interview prepared, you should have no trouble succeeding.
Tips for acing the interview for your permanent residence
- Arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes early.
- Check-in and present identification prior to entering the interview room.
- Always remember to bring your passport. This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating.
- Use your words only when prompted.
Non-Croatian speakers may feel awkward throughout the interview due to the lengthy amount of time spent waiting. During this awkward pause, you may question whether or not you should initiate a conversation. It’s normal to feel anxious, especially if this is your first time doing it. Just keep in mind that you don’t have to do anything unless you’re actually asked to.
Just give in to their every demand
Always err on the side of minimalism when applying for residency programs. Don’t add anything extra, just give them what they’re looking for. An offhand remark made during small talk could endanger your residence since it conflicts with an outmoded regulation.
The typical questions asked at residency interviews
Thankfully, it only covers the very fundamentals. The interviewer will utilize the information gathered to fill up a standard form that will serve as the basis for their recommendation of approval. Simply confirming.
Inquiries may include:
- In order to verify your residence (in Croatia).
- In order to verify your marital status and the name of your spouse.
- The individual or company from whom you are renting space.
- To produce a valid passport.
- Which company you are working for, if any.
Your ability to work in Croatia may be restricted if you are a spouse asking for a residence permit on the Family Reunification claim. Before giving an answer, you should check the rules. The response would be “No” if, despite your physical presence in Croatia, you are employed by a corporation based outside of Croatia.
You, as a business owner, may be requested to verify the legal status of your company, its name, and even its location. Keep your employment agreement and articles of incorporation handy, just in case.
The interview for a temporary resident visa is not likely to take very long. You’ll get the final word at some point. It won’t live up to expectations at all.
The road gets smoother after this. The next step is to wait for a call from Policija to confirm your decision.
You may also find these articles helpful
Moving to Croatia: Full relocation guide
Working in Croatia as an expat
