Citizenship in Croatia can be obtained through naturalization in complete agreement with the international and local laws. The Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia oversees the citizenship procedure which is made at the consulate or embassy in Zagreb. The citizenship can be obtained by foreigners who have been living for at least 5 years in Croatia with a legal residence status. Foreign investors who fulfill the eligibility criteria can easily obtain citizenship. As for the company registration in Croatia, we suggest you address to our Croatian specialists in company incorporation.

Necessary documents when applying for citizenship in Croatia

Besides the mandatory forms found at the consulate or embassy, foreigners must consider other several documents necessary for citizenship applications, such as:

• a copy of the valid passport which contains information about the current nationality;
• the birth certificate;
• the residence permit for Croatia;
• the marriage certificate, if it is the case;
• a criminal record copy;
• a biography which must provide your knowledge about Croatia, its culture, the language and the Latin script.

Please bear in mind that the authorities might ask for other types of documents, but these are usually announced on the official website of the ministries in charge. For support in company formation in Croatia and help offered to investors who want to obtain Croatian citizenship in 2021, you may get in touch with our company formation agents in Croatia.

Foreign investors and citizenship in Croatia in 2021

From the start, we mention that Croatian citizenship offers the same legal rights for both nationals and foreigners. Investors from abroad who run their activities in Croatia can solicit citizenship after five years of residence in this country and are granted permanent residence if they are married to a Croatian citizen. Before obtaining the naturalization status in Croatia, foreigners can apply for permanent residence through the Croatia Residence Investor Programme, without having to consider minimum investments.

Who is eligible for citizenship in Croatia?

People born overseas, from Croatian parents, persons adopted by Croatian parents, foreigners married to Croatian nationals can apply for citizenship in Croatia. Citizenship based on lineage refers to Croatian migrants and their descendants in the straight line, such as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The good news is that there is no culture and language test involved, as established at the beginning of 2020. More details in this sense can be offered by one of our specialists. Also, foreigners interested in starting a business in Croatia in 2021 can discuss all the formalities with our team of company formation agents in Croatia.

What is citizenship based on naturalization?

Citizenship based on naturalization comes with several conditions and involves persons who already lived in Croatia for 8 continuous years with permanent resident status. If persons no longer hold a foreign nationality, Croatian citizenship is granted. Plus, underaged children will be granted Croatian citizenship at the same time as the parents. All the provisions are stipulated by the Croatian Citizenship Act and can be entirely explained by one of our specialists. You can find out more about business in Croatia in 2021 from our specialists.

What is citizenship based on special interests in Croatia?

Citizenship through naturalization can be granted to foreigners who represent a benefit to Croatia if the government has reasons to believe so. The requirement of living for at least one year is applicable. Plus, the family members can apply for residency established on family reunification. The special interest for granting Croatian citizenship is decided by the Ministry of Interior of Croatia, alongside other important ministers. More details about these aspects can be provided by our team of specialists. You can also solicit our help if you want to start a business in Croatia.

The citizenship application in Croatia – Important steps

Besides the aforementioned requirements related to documents for citizenship application, the immigration authorities might solicit proof of lineage, and proof of benefits provided to Croatia if it is the case. The citizenship application process might take a while, yet, it is best to have the support of a specialized team, to make sure you skip the possible misunderstandings in matters of requirements. Plus, once the citizenship decision is made, there will be other formalities to take care of, mostly related to the new documents, such as “Domovnica” which comprises information about the acquired citizenship or your new status in Croatia. A new birth certificate will be issued, and then, a new passport needs to be solicited.

Getting married to a Croatian national for citizenship

Citizenship in Croatia can be obtained through marriage. The legislation has been revised in 2020, and the obligation of having residence in Croatia is no longer valid. This means that it is sufficient to be married to a Croatian national to obtain citizenship. This subject can be discussed with our specialists, so make sure you send your inquiries and let us help you. Our company formation agents in Croatia are at your disposal for business registration and related aspects.

Obtaining citizenship in Croatia after living one year

There is also another option for foreigners to obtain citizenship in Croatia. The Ministry of Interior can be involved in special interest cases and accept the ones for which citizenship is needed fast. Foreign nationals who represent a benefit for the country and prove they respect the laws and customs can obtain citizenship right away, after living one year through legal residence in Croatia. We remind that this represents a special case that might involve different nationalities. You are invited to get in touch with our experts and find out more about the eligibility criteria for Croatian citizenship.

Choosing our team of specialists for support

We have an experienced team of agents specialized in immigration matters like visas for Croatia, work permits, residence permits, citizenship, and many more. Foreigners living in Croatia and interested in citizenship are suggested to send their inquiries to our team and discuss the legal aspects related. Living abroad? There is no problem because our specialists can collect the required documents, handle the translations and notarization, plus review the citizenship application before submission. Do not hesitate to talk to our agents for more details.

Investing in Croatia in 2021

Croatia is open to foreign investments and provides the needed support for international entrepreneurs interested in doing business in this country. The food industry, tourism, pharmaceutical sector, engineering, manufacturing, textile, and ICT are among the solid and representative sectors in Croatia for which the authorities implemented a series of important measures and incentives. The skilled workforce in Croatia and the simplified process of company registration are important advantages for international entrepreneurs in this country. The following facts and figures show a few aspects of the business and economy in Croatia:

• Around USD 30 billion was the total FDI stock for Croatia in 2019.
• Most of the FDIs are directed to the financial services sector in Croatia.
• 2020 Doing Business report ranks 51st out of 190 economies worldwide.
• The Netherlands, Italy, Austria, and Germany are representative investors in Croatia and the main business collaborators.
• The touristic potential of Croatia is impressive. There are many foreigners with businesses in the tourism sector.

FAQ about citizenship in Croatia

1. When can foreigners apply for citizenship in Croatia?

Foreign nationals living for at least 5 years in Croatia can benefit from permanent residence and then apply for citizenship. The entire procedure can be overseen by our specialists with experience in this field.

2. What are the necessary documents for a Croatian citizenship application?

A valid passport, the residence permit for Croatia, the birth certificate, and a copy of the criminal record are among the part of the required documents of citizenship in Croatia application. The authorities will also provide specific forms, and all the formalities in matters of papers can be managed by our team.

3. Is permanent residence required for citizenship application in Croatia?

Yes, applying for citizenship in Croatia cannot take place without having a permanent residence in this country. Such a status is normally granted after living in Croatia for at least 5 years.

4. Who can apply for citizenship in Croatia?

Citizenship in Croatia can be granted for foreigners in this country if they are eligible and align with the requirements imposed by the legislation. Foreigners married to a Croatian national, persons with a Croatian parent, and even adopted children in Croatia can be eligible for citizenship. You can ask our experts and see how you can be helped.

5. Should foreigners provide information about the language skills for citizenship application?

There is no need for a language test as part of the citizenship application, as having a satisfactory level of spoken and written is sufficient. This is a new rule that was recently adopted by the Croatian Immigration Law.

6. Is dual citizenship accepted in Croatia?

No, dual citizenship is not accepted in Croatia. This means that once you give up your foreign citizenship, the Croatian one is granted. You should talk to a specialist and see how you can be helped in a Croatian citizenship application.

7. Can citizenship in Croatia be acquired by making investments in this country?

There is no need for minimum investments in Croatia to apply for citizenship. Foreign investors can apply for naturalization after living in Croatia for at least 5 years. This is another topic you can discuss with our experts in the field.

8. Who managed the citizenship applications in Croatia?

The consular offices in Croatia are in charge of citizenship applications made by foreigners. Foreign citizens who want to apply for naturalization in Croatia can discuss all the details with our specialists. Moreover, if company formation in Croatia enters your attention, our agents can help.

9. Is a new birth certificate issued after obtaining citizenship in Croatia?

Yes, the authorities will offer a new birth certificate and a Croatian passport, once citizenship is granted to applicants.

10. How long does it take to become a Croatian citizen?

Candidates need to wait for a few months until the citizenship applications are accepted by the relevant authorities. The support of a specialist in immigration in Croatia is quite necessary because they have experience and can professionally manage the formalities. You can talk to us and ask for comprehensive guidance.

If you would like to know more about citizenship in Croatia, regulations imposed in 2021, and about the company incorporation in this insular state, please feel free to contact our team of advisors as soon as possible.

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Obtain Citizenship in Croatia