Croatia Mandates Pre-Arrival Health Exams for Visa-Required Foreign Workers – Form 18a Now Compulsory
Updated: Aug 1
Zagreb, August 1, 2026 — The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has issued a critical reminder to employers and recruitment agencies: certain third-country nationals must complete mandatory health examinations before travelling to Croatia.
The requirement applies to citizens of visa-required countries applying for their first temporary residence permit for employment. Without a correctly completed Certificate of Health Status and Vaccination Status (Form 18a), the residence and work permit application cannot proceed.
Published: August 1, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
Who Must Complete the Pre-Arrival Health Exam?
The mandatory health examination applies to:
Requirement | Details |
Nationality | Citizens of third countries who require a visa to enter Croatia |
Application Type | First-time temporary residence permit for employment |
Primary Source Countries | India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Nepal |
Timing | All medical tests must be completed before arrival in Croatia |
The rule does not apply to workers extending their temporary residence. Those examinations are conducted in Croatia and are separate procedures.
Form 18a: What Does It Require?
Form 18a must be completed in English and consists of two parts:
Worker's Section
Personal details
Signed declaration confirming no chronic illnesses affecting health or ability to work
Medical Section (Completed by a Licensed Doctor)
Required Test/Information | Time Limit |
Confirmation of treatment for active tuberculosis | At time of examination |
Chest X-ray | Within 3 months |
Laboratory results: absence of Salmonella Typhi & Salmonella Paratyphi A, B, C | Within 3 months |
Vaccination records: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles (with latest dose dates) | At time of examination |
The form must be no older than 90 days when submitted with the residence application.
What Employers Must Do
Employer Responsibilities
Action | Details |
Verify Completion | Ensure every section of Form 18a is correctly completed, signed, and certified |
Submit with Application | Include Form 18a with documentation submitted to Croatia's Ministry of the Interior |
Arrange Before Travel | All necessary exams must be taken in the worker's country of origin |
What Croatian Health Institutes Will NOT Do
HZJZ has explicitly stated that county and city public health institutes, as well as HZJZ itself, will not:
Complete Form 18a after a worker arrives in Croatia
Conduct necessary assessments for Form 18a upon arrival
Key Takeaway: Without a correctly completed Form 18a before arrival, the application process cannot be properly carried out.
Timeline & Key Dates
Date | Event |
April 2026 | Form 18a became mandatory (Pravilnik o boravku državljana trećih zemalja amendments) |
July 31, 2026 | HZJZ issues official reminder to employers |
Ongoing | All visa-required first-time applicants must comply |
Quick Reference: Form 18a Requirements
Aspect | Details |
Form Name | Certificate of Health Status and Vaccination Status (Form 18a) |
Language | English |
Validity | 90 days from issuance |
Where to Complete | In worker's country of origin |
Who Completes Medical Section | Licensed doctor with signature, stamp, and institution stamp |
Who Submits | Employer or authorized representative |
To Whom | Ministry of the Interior |
Applicable To | First-time temporary residence for visa-required third-country nationals |
Related Reading: Latest European Immigration
Quick Reference
Update | Status | Effective |
Croatia Form 18a Mandatory | Active | April 2026 |
HZJZ Official Reminder | Published | July 31, 2026 |
Italy Calls for Schengen Suspension | Escalating | July 31, 2026 |
For the latest European immigration updates, work permit changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/croatia
VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub. Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.
Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.
Comments