Many Russians are considering the prospect of moving to Croatia, a country that became an EU member in 2013. As of January 1, 2023, this Balkan state joined the Schengen Area. Under these conditions, Croatia has had to tighten its immigration policies towards Russians, and now a Schengen visa is required for them to visit the country. However, those who managed to obtain a national visa before January 1, 2023, can cross the border of the Balkan state without presenting additional documents (but without the right to enter other Schengen Agreement territories). Croatia attracts tourists, students, businesspeople, and those seeking family reunification.
The authorities of the Balkan Peninsula have provided standard entry permits for foreign visitors – short-term (category C) and long-term (category D) visas. The purpose of the trip and the duration of stay in the Balkan country determine the type of entry permit. A Schengen visa issued by the Croatian diplomatic mission (conditionally falling under category C) allows visits to the other 26 countries included in the Schengen Zone jurisdiction without bureaucratic barriers. Entry into Croatia with visas issued by Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus is not permitted. A long-term visa allows legal stay in Croatia for those coming to study, work, or do business. It is also possible to obtain a multi-entry Schengen visa at the Croatian diplomatic mission (the document allows multiple entries and stays in the country for up to 180 days a year).
The visa processing period ranges from 5 to 7 working days, and may be extended if additional information is requested. If the applicant chooses an expedited document processing option, it takes no more than 3 working days.
To obtain an entry permit to Croatia, you can contact the Consulate (Moscow, Ostozhenka St., 3). An alternative option is to submit documents to the Visa Center (Moscow, Kashirskoye Shosse, 3, Bldg. 2, Str. 4).