1.3.6. What is the difference between asylum and subsidiary protection?

An asylum seeker and a foreigner under subsidiary protection have the same rights and obligations. Asylum seekers and foreigners under subsidiary protection, among other things, have the right to stay in Croatia, which is proven by a residence permit (polycarbonate card). The difference between the status of asylum and subsidiary protection is that the residence permit for asylum seekers is issued for a period of five (5) years, while the residence permit for a foreigner under subsidiary protection is issued for a period of three (3) years. Upon the expiration of the residence permit, asylum seekers and foreigners under subsidiary protection submit a request for a new residence permit to the police department/police station in their place of residence.
Persons with approved international protection have the right to apply for a travel document. The difference in terms of travel documents between asylum and subsidiary protection is in the jurisdiction for issuing and the length of validity of the travel documents. Travel document for an asylum seeker, so-called Convention Travel Document is issued for a period of five (5) years, while a special travel document for a citizen of a third country (intended for foreigners under subsidiary protection) is issued in accordance with the provisions regulating the legal issues of ​​foreigners, for a period of two (2) years.
Also, there is a difference in the right to purchase real estate. Since it is prescribed by the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees from 1951, only persons with a recognized asylum have this right.