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Zagreb – AGS Cares about the Expatriate

AGS Zagreb joined a task force of members in Croatia, established by AmCham, whose primary aim was amending the Law on Foreigners, which came into effect on 1 January 2008. This law negatively affects all foreign executives working or intending to work in Croatia.

Out of the enquiry undertaken by the task force, a few proposals have been made. These proposals have resulted in a number of positive changes to the current legislature, which will be ratified by the Croatian Parliament in early 2009. The current legislation on work permits and residence permits for foreigners is not in their favour and is even more so damaging to potential foreign investment. The task force, which includes AGS Zagreb, and which is fully supportive of the international business community stimulating foreign investment, has met with several ministries and established a good rapport with these key players. The task force sought to change certain stipulated procedures, such as having to submit applications for temporary stay permits at the Croatian diplomatic mission in the applicant’s home country. Also, the temporary stay permit is cancelled if a foreigner resides outside of Croatia for more than 30 days. This time period should be doubled and made consecutive. In addition, it should also be possible to apply for work and residence permits simultaneously. Amongst all the other restrictions, foreigners are only able to have their families join them after being in Croatia for at least a two year period, which is evidently discouraging them from coming to Croatia. The proposed amendments involve the addition of a list of exemptions which encompass executives, key personnel and other professionals. We thank AGS Zagreb, but more specifically, Jasna Nanac for her persistence and commitment to the global community and to AGS in the hope of promoting international foreign investment.