Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply for Croatian citizenship through descent if one of your ancestors was born in what is now the Republic of Croatia and emigrated before October 8, 1991, with the intention of permanently residing abroad. To be eligible, you must demonstrate a direct ancestral connection to Croatia. This typically means having at least one Croatian ancestor (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) who was a Croatian citizen. Since 2020, there is no generational limit, meaning children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond, of Croatian-born individuals can apply for Croatian citizenship through descent.

You can claim Croatian citizenship through both your maternal and paternal lineage, and having the same surname as your Croatian ancestor is not a requirement for the application.

Your spouse has the opportunity to acquire Croatian citizenship through marriage, but this can only happen after you have obtained Croatian citizenship yourself. There is no specific minimum duration for the marriage, and your spouse can apply even if they do not have any Croatian ancestry.

For children below the age of 18, they will be included in your Croatian citizenship application and will automatically receive citizenship once you become a Croatian national through descent.

If your children are 18 years or older, they will need to submit their own application for Croatian citizenship. It's advisable for family members to apply together whenever feasible.

Yes, it is possible to claim Croatian citizenship by descent if your ancestor was born in Croatia while it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire or Yugoslavia. Croatia recognizes the principle of ius sanguinis, which means the right to citizenship based on descent from Croatian ancestors.

Throughout the 20th century, Croatia was part of various states, including the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the Independent State of Croatia, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and the Republic of Croatia.

To pursue Croatian citizenship through descent, it's essential that your ancestor was born within the territory that now constitutes the Republic of Croatia (as current day Croatia is known formally). This requirement applies regardless of which state Croatia was part of when your ancestor was born. Additionally, your ancestor must have left Croatia prior to October 8, 1991, with the intention of establishing permanent residence abroad.

It's worth noting that due to the complex history of Croatia, many Croatian immigrants may have been registered under different nationalities, such as Austrians, Hungarians, Yugoslavs, or Italians in their new countries. However, the citizenship your ancestor held when emigrating is not relevant to your Croatian citizenship application. The primary condition is that your ancestor was born within the territory that now constitutes Croatia.

Individuals descended from those born within the regions now comprising the Republic of Croatia (as current day Croatia is known formally) can claim Croatian citizenship by descent as outlined in the Croatian Citizenship Act of 1991 . Your ancestor's nationality is not a determining factor for your Croatian citizenship application.

If your ancestor was born in Croatia, you are eligible to pursue Croatian citizenship through descent.

Yes, you can typically apply for Croatian citizenship by descent if your ancestor holds Croatian nationality or citizenship, even if they were born outside Croatia. Croatian citizenship laws generally recognize individuals with Croatian citizenship as eligible to pass down their citizenship to their descendants, regardless of where they were born.

If your ancestor was born outside the current borders of the Republic of Croatia (as current day Croatia is known formally), but possesses Croatian nationality, you are eligible to apply for Croatian citizenship under Article 16 of the Croatian Citizenship Act.

Article 16 allows descendants of individuals who are Croatian by nationality to seek Croatian citizenship through descent. 

There are specific circumstances outlined in Article 11 of the Croatian Citizenship Act that can lead to disqualification when applying for Croatian citizenship through descent. Here's a summary of these rules:

• If your ancestor left Croatia to move to another country within Yugoslavia (or ex-Yugoslavia), the right to citizenship based on descent is not applicable for any descendants.

• If your ancestor left Croatia after October 8, 1991, the right to citizenship based on descent is not applicable for any descendants.

• If your ancestor returned to live in Croatia, the right to citizenship based on descent is not applicable.

• If you are a Croatian emigrant and moved to another country within Yugoslavia (or ex-Yugoslavia), the right to citizenship based on descent is not applicable.

• If you are a Croatian emigrant and left Croatia after October 8, 1991, the right to citizenship based on descent is not applicable.

• If you returned to live in Croatia as a Croatian emigrant, the right to citizenship based on descent is not applicable.

• If you have a significant criminal record, you may be disqualified. Croatian authorities typically assess the applicant's criminal history as part of the evaluation process.

If you find yourself disqualified based on any of these reasons, you may explore the alternative option under Article 16 of the Croatian Citizenship Act, where you must establish your connection to the Croatian people as a pathway to citizenship.

Yes, as a Croatian citizen, you are eligible to reside and work within the European Union (EU). Croatia became a member of the EU on July 1, 2013, and as a Croatian citizen, you have the same rights as other EU citizens when it comes to living and working in EU member states.

Obtaining a Croatian passport offers many benefits, including:

Freedom of Movement – as a Croatian passport holder, you have the right to travel to and reside in any of the European Union (EU) member states. This allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area and other EU countries.

Easier Travel – a Croatian passport simplifies international travel, as it typically grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries worldwide, enhancing your travel options.

Work and Study Opportunities – you can live, work, and study in any EU member state without the need for additional visas or permits, making it easier to explore employment and education opportunities across Europe.

Yes, as a Croatian citizen, you are eligible to use the Croatian healthcare system. The Croatian healthcare system provides medical services to all Croatian citizens, and you have the right to access healthcare services in Croatia on the same basis as other citizens.

Croatian citizens enjoy the benefit of comprehensive healthcare coverage provided by the state. This includes access to medical services, hospitals, and clinics. To access healthcare services, you will generally need to present your Croatian identification, such as your personal identification number (OIB) and your Croatian health insurance card.

Keep in mind that while basic healthcare services are covered, there may be additional costs or private healthcare options available for certain treatments or services. It's advisable to familiarize yourself with the specifics of the Croatian healthcare system and the services covered by your health insurance for a seamless healthcare experience.

Croatian citizens are eligible to access the Croatian education system. Croatia offers a comprehensive education system. You will have the opportunity to enroll in public schools, universities, and other educational institutions across the country.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements and processes for enrollment may vary depending on the level of education (e.g., primary, secondary, or higher education) and the institution you wish to attend. It's recommended to contact the educational institution of your choice or relevant government authorities to get detailed information on enrollment procedures and any documentation you may need.

The timeframe for compiling the documents required for a submission for Croatian citizenship through descent can vary based on several factors. The duration typically ranges from one month to one year. The timeline for the initial application is highly dependent on the available information about your Croatian ancestor and the time needed to prepare the documents required for submission. All foreign (non-Croatian) documents submitted to Croatia will need to be officially translated and have official government verification from your home country prior to being submitted. 

Once your application is submitted, the Croatian Ministry of the Interior's official stated policy is to expect a decision on citizenship by descent in approximately 3 to 5 years. We have found that our expert process and rigorous attention to detail have significantly improved outcomes for our clients – they are seeing much faster notifications, with many getting a decision in less than half of the official timeframe estimate.

To apply for Croatian citizenship, you need to do so at the Croatian Embassy or Consulate in the country where you currently reside. Applying for citizenship while in Croatia is only possible if you are a Croatian resident. It is not permitted for tourists.

Whether you apply within Croatia or through a Croatian Embassy in another country, the processing time for becoming a Croatian citizen by descent is essentially the same. All citizenship applications are forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior in Zagreb for evaluation and decision making.

As of January 1, 2020, there is no language proficiency requirement when applying for Croatian citizenship by descent. You are not required to know the Croatian language, and the previous language and culture test has been eliminated.

Absolutely, your application and accompanying documents will undergo a comprehensive review by our team, which includes legal professionals with extensive expertise in Croatian citizenship matters. Here's why you can trust the thoroughness of our review:

In-House Legal Expertise – our company founder is a Croatian lawyer, with extensive professional work experience in immigration. Additionally, we have numerous company advisors who are lawyers in Croatia.

Extensive Network – in addition to the expertise on our own team, we have established external partnerships with reputable law firms across Croatia. This network allows us to access resources and legal support in specific jurisdictions throughout Croatia, ensuring that your application is well-prepared and compliant with all relevant regulations.

Rest assured that your application will receive the highest level of scrutiny and expertise, making the citizenship process as smooth and successful as possible. 

We understand that each person's or family's journey to claim Croatian citizenship is unique. Our commitment is to provide you with the best possible service, tailored to your specific needs. Here's an overview of how we approach our fees:

Personalized Guidance – we offer a premium, full-service solution that ensures a seamless process for acquiring Croatian citizenship. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with expert guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Free Citizenship Consultation – during this consultation, we take the time to listen to your specific needs and requirements, with a particular emphasis on understanding your Croatian ancestry. We want to learn about the person(s) in your family who are of Croatian descent and where they are from. Our goal is to delve into the details of your Croatian heritage, such as the place of origin of your Croatian ancestors, as this information can be crucial in navigating the citizenship process effectively. We'll also discuss any challenges you may face and your ultimate goals.

Custom-Tailored Solutions – after the consultation, we custom tailor a solution that best suits your unique circumstances. We work closely with you to identify the best options available to you, taking into consideration your objectives, timeline, and budget.

Our fees are designed to reflect the high level of service and expertise we provide. We believe in transparency and will clearly outline the costs associated with your unique citizenship journey. Rest assured, our priority is to help you achieve your Croatian citizenship goals efficiently and effectively.

For specific fee details and to get started with your personalized citizenship consultation, please reach out to our team. We're here to assist you in the most cost-effective and client-centered way possible.

We offer a variety of convenient payment methods to ensure flexibility and ease of use for our customers. Here's a list of the payment methods we accept:

Credit / Debit Cards – we accept credit/ debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. 

Wire Transfers – we accept wire transfers from banks worldwide.

Bank Transfers – we accept US based bank transfers using ACH (Automated Clearing House).

If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding payments, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team on our Contact Us page.

Your tax obligations as a Croatian citizen are primarily determined by your residency status and the source of your income. Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Residency in Croatia – if you establish residency in Croatia, you are generally obligated to pay taxes in Croatia. Residency is typically determined by factors such as the amount of time you spend living in Croatia, your primary place of residence, and other relevant criteria.

Income Originating from Croatia – regardless of your residency status, if you have income originating from Croatia, such as earnings from employment, real estate, or investments within the country, you may be subject to Croatian taxation on that specific income.

Living Abroad – if you are a Croatian citizen living abroad and do not establish residency in Croatia, you will not have a tax obligation to Croatia. However, you may still be required to report and pay taxes on any income derived from Croatian sources.

It's essential to understand the specific tax laws and regulations that apply to your individual circumstances. Tax laws can change, and various factors can influence your tax liability. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor or the Croatian tax authorities to ensure compliance with current tax requirements and to receive personalized guidance based on your situation. Compliance with tax regulations is crucial to avoid any potential legal issues.

Military service in Croatia is based on voluntary enlistment. Individuals (men and women) who wish to join the Croatian Armed Forces can do so on a voluntary basis and are typically recruited through standard application processes. There is no legal requirement for all citizens to serve in the military.