Immigration laws are complicated, and navigating them may be difficult, particularly if you have a criminal history. This is true of Croatia as well. There are a few things you should know about how your criminal history may impact your immigration status if you have one and are thinking about moving to Croatia.
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Croatia’s stance on Immigration
Since Croatia is a member of the EU, it has incorporated many of the EU’s immigration regulations. EU immigration policies seek to ease human mobility while upholding the region’s safety and security. These measures have been taken by Croatia, and its immigration regulations are comparable to those of other EU members. People must have a legitimate cause for entering Croatia, which is one of the main prerequisites for immigration. This might be for a variety of reasons, including employment, school, or family reunion. People must also meet certain standards, such as having enough money to support themselves while in the country and not posing a threat to public safety or national security.
Crimes that may prevent anyone from entering Croatia
The Croatian government will do a comprehensive background check on everybody seeking immigration. Any criminal histories you may have, both in Croatia and abroad, will be made public by this background check. Any conviction, in general, may affect your ability to immigrate to Croatia. However, certain criminal histories might be more detrimental than others. The most severe categories of criminal histories consist of:
- Inhumane treatment of people or war crimes
- Offenses connected to terrorism
- Drug trafficking or crimes associated with drugs
- Criminal offenses using force or weapons
- Sexual crimes
- Financial offenses, such as money laundering or fraud
If you have a criminal record for any of these crimes, Croatian immigration will be far less likely to be granted to you.
Croatia’s immigration laws for people with criminal records
The Aliens Act, which outlines the requirements for foreigners’ admission and stays in Croatia, serves as the primary legal foundation for immigration to Croatia with a criminal record. The Act describes the conditions, including criminal histories, under which a foreigner may be refused entrance into the nation. A foreigner may be denied entry into Croatia following the Aliens Act if any of the following circumstances apply:
- They have been convicted of a crime in their home country or another country;
- They are the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings;
- They constitute a danger to public order or national security; or
- They are sought for a crime.
Croatia also has a Criminal Code, which outlines the charges and punishments for crimes committed there, in addition to the Aliens Act. Your immigration status may be affected if you have been convicted of a crime in Croatia, and you can be refused entrance or residence.
Consequences that may follow if you seek Croatian immigration and have a criminal record
If you have a criminal past and apply for immigration to Croatia, there might be several negative outcomes. These outcomes may include:
- Being barred from entering the nation
- Being refused a residence visa or status as a permanent resident
- Being expulsed from the nation
- Being put on a watchlist or being prohibited from visiting the country again
Alternatives for people with criminal records
Knowing your alternatives is crucial if you want to immigrate to Croatia but have a criminal history. Having a criminal past might make it more difficult, but not impossible, to get a visa or residency permit. Applying for a pardon or erasure of one’s criminal record is one option available to those with a such record. During this procedure, the relevant authorities are petitioned to have the conviction struck from their records. If successful, this may raise someone’s prospects of getting a visa or residency permit. Getting legal counsel from an immigration attorney is an additional choice. A skilled attorney can evaluate a person’s circumstance and advise on the best course of action. Additionally, they may assist with the application process for a visa or residence permit, making sure that all required paperwork is submitted and that the application is filled out.
