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Open a Startup in Croatia

Open a Startup in Croatia

Both local entrepreneurs and foreigners in Croatia can easily open startups in Croatia and can be helped by one of our company formation agents in Croatia who can provide guidance, information, and many more. Let one of our specialists handle the registration process of your startup in Croatia.

 Quick Facts  
Business entities suitable for startups

The limited liability company is a good option for starting a business in Croatia.

Who can open a startup in Croatia?

Entrepreneurs, whether from EU or non-EU countries, who want to make investments in Croatia in different fields

Legislation for startups in Croatia

Croatian Company Law

Minimum share capital for LLC EUR 2,500

 

Business plan required 

For raising funds for the newly-established company in Croatia. Approvals must be made by the investors.

Required documents

The Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association, with details about ownership, activities, general rules.

Business license  

For companies that will activate in sectors like construction, import and export, trading, energy, banking, etc.

Validation of business name

It is mandatory to make a name verification at the time you open a startup in Croatia.

Local bank account

Our agents can help you open a bank account in Croatia.

Tax registration

– VAT registration is required, 

– registration for payment of social contributions

Business address required (YES/NO) 

Yes

Number of directors

At least 1 director

Accounting services

Dedicated accounting services that include bookkeeping, payroll, preparation of annual financial statements.

Sectors of interest for startups in Croatia

– IT,

– innovation,

– fintech,

– banking,

– gamming,

– food and beverage,

– e-commerce

We offer company formation services for startups in Croatia

Registration formalities can be managed by our local agents.

What kind of fields can I choose for my startup in Croatia?

There are no restrictions in terms of business in Croatia, as long as the applicable laws are respected. Most of the startups in Croatia are found in the tourism sector, digital industry, software and data, manufacturing, design, e-commerce, retail, medicine, automotive, and many more. The interest in opening a startup in Croatia is quite big because great business ideas are supported and developed through all sorts of governmental programs. In matters of regulations, there are a few things to consider and pay attention to, such as:

  1. Choose the field in which you think you can develop your ideas and business.
  2. A business plan is needed for raising funds after company formation.
  3. Open a limited liability company for your startup in Croatia – this is the simplest business form available.
  4. Make sure you understand the hiring conditions, plus the ones related to accounting.

Opening startups in Zagreb, Croatia requires not only maximum attention to each step involved but also assistance and guidance from a specialist who can handle the entire process. This is where you can hire the services of our company formation representatives in Croatia, as they have experience in the startup sector. They can also help you prepare all the needed documents, plus the business plan when needed. Here is an infographic with details about startups in Croatia:

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How can I access funds for my startup in Croatia?

A good business plan that turns into a company will have to be promoted to attract investors. The main idea is to sign contracts with potential investors interested in the products or services you offer through your startup. There are lots of chances for success for those who develop applications meant to support the education system, not only locally, but also on an international scale. This means that your startup needs to be visible and must provide access to information to all those interested in your idea.

The startup program in Croatia also comprises a section with details about how you can promote the business, plus the costs involved. You should talk to one of our specialists and find out more about how you can prepare a business plan and about how you can start a company in Croatia. We are here to help you make the right investment decision and attract funds for your business in Croatia in 2022.

Looking for payroll in Croatia? It is essential to know the procedures by which taxes are paid and salaries are distributed in the company. Our accountants use various programs, with the help of which they align with the requirements in force. We invite you to discover our services and find out what are the benefits you can enjoy if you get in touch with us.

Steps in opening a startup in Croatia

The registration of a startup in Zagreb is not complex, however, some steps and conditions should be noted:

  • First, a name verification is necessary. This can be made with the Croatian Trade Register.
  • Drafting the Articles of Association, the main documents of the firm can be made with our help. Our specialists will then submit these documents.
  • Next, a local bank account must be opened. This will serve the company’s financial operations.
  • The registration for taxation and obtaining the company seal will close the registration process of your startup in Croatia.

The limited liability company is the main business structure that suits most of the needs of foreign entrepreneurs in Croatia, including for startups. The Trade Register in Croatia has a large database with information about all the companies registered in this country, so you can verify the chosen business name for your future startup prior to the incorporation. One of our specialists in company formation in Croatia can help. Below is a video presentation with information on this topic:

Short facts about the tax system in Croatia

The taxation structure in Croatia is appealing to foreign investors who are interested in a specific tax regime before setting the operations. The corporate income tax in Croatia, for instance, is set at specific rates, the taxation being imposed on the registered amount. As an example, the general income tax rate is set at 18%. However, taxpayers with revenues below EUR 995,421 must pay a corporate income tax of 10%. One should know that there is no dividend tax in Croatia, as such tax has been eliminated in 2005. As for the VAT in Croatia, the standard tax rate is set at 25% for most goods and services, mentioning that lower rates apply for food, medicine, utilities, etc.

There are also tax exemptions in Croatia: there is no wealth tax and no interest payments on loans and investments. There is no income tax for capital gains derived from trading activities in Croatia. If you would like to know more about the tax regime of Croatia before opening a startup in Zagreb, we kindly invite you to talk to our team of consultants. If you need accountants in Croatia for your business, we can offer professional services. 

Can I buy a shelf company for my startup in Croatia?

Yes, if you are interested in an already incorporated company, you can consider a vintage company and skip the registration formalities. This is often the choice of foreigners who would rather purchase a registered company instead of incorporating a new one from scratch. However, it is recommended to solicit company due diligence and make sure that the firm has no liabilities or other problems.

With the support of our company formation agents in Croatia, you can find out more about how to purchase a vintage company, respecting the formalities implicated right from the start. We remind that a shelf company can enter your possession quite fast if all the paperwork is correctly submitted and accepted.

International investors who know what business potential exists in Croatia can easily open a company. But the accounting aspects involved must also be taken into account. therefore, we recommend our accountants in Croatia who have the necessary experience in the field and who can deal with company accounts and bookkeeping, among others. Plus such services come with affordable costs compared to a whole department in the firm.

Can I open a recruitment company in Croatia?

A recruitment company is another great business idea for a startup in Zagreb, Croatia. Many companies collaborate with such companies for the excellent and professional services offered. A platform that offers support in the labor field is highly appreciated, so that company owners benefit from a skilled workforce, attentively verified in matters of qualifications and experience. This is how a recruitment company can provide the needed support, turning quite rapidly into a successful startup right from the beginning. Just like most operations in Croatia, the limited liability company represents the optimal choice for registering a recruitment agency. Once the documents are accepted and the Certificate of Incorporation is issued, it is time to focus on the development of such a business. A website is, without a doubt, the ideal solution for promoting the recruitment company in Croatia. Plus, you will allow potential customers to choose the right types of facilities they need for the companies they have, instead of creating a whole human resources department. If you believe that a recruitment agency is a great business idea for you, we suggest you get in touch with our specialists and find out how you can register a startup in Croatia in 2022.

Consider opening a travel agency in Croatia

Croatia is highly valued in terms of tourism and registers high profits in this sector every year. It is not surprising that many entrepreneurs, whether local or foreign, believe that such a business can be a good start in Croatia. Besides the domestic touristic packages, such a business can offer to those interested in other services, and more precisely travel offers abroad. In addition, a travel agency cannot be limited to hotel reservations, but can even offer complete packages that include plane tickets too, the services of a tour guide, activity recommendations, car rental facilities, and much more. These are just some of the benefits of a travel agency in Croatia, one of the countries with very high-profit potential in this sector. Those interested in a startup in the Croatian tourism sector are welcome to talk to our team of specialists and find out how they can be helped further. We are here to offer all the necessary support to all those interested in the Croatian business environment.

Can I open a truck company in Croatia?

Yes, a truck company can be an excellent choice for young entrepreneurs in Croatia. Truck companies can be established if all the licenses and permits are obtained. This means that you will have to collaborate with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport, and Infrastructures in Croatia, the institution that issues the needed licenses and permits. Truck companies can be established by any local or foreign investor in Croatia as long as they respect the startup conditions imposed by the legislation. Among these, one must prepare a solid business plan that should cover all the aspects, including the risks. Feel free to talk to one of our company formation specialists in Croatia and find out all you need to know about how you can open a startup in this country. Our consultants can provide in-depth support for the entire formation process, starting with the business plan.

Why make investments in Croatia

Croatia is a large business hub and a solid FDI recipient, according to the latest information and statistics. There are numerous tech companies that successfully opened the doors in Croatia, and then all over the world, registering profits of millions of euros on a yearly basis. The Croatian economy is stable and the business conditions are extremely competitive and appreciated on a global level. Zagreb, the Croatian capital attracts most of the foreign investments, however, the government also offers benefits for international entrepreneurs interested in other regions for business purposes in Croatia. Foreign investors might be interested in the following facts and figures:

  1. Croatia ranked 51st out of 190 economies in the world, as stated by the 2020 Doing Business report issued by the World Bank.
  2. The total FDI stock registered in Croatia in 2018 was approximately USD 33,000 million.
  3. Most of the FDIs registered in Croatia in 2019 were directed to the financial services sector (around 30%).
  4. The high-quality infrastructure, the skilled workforce, and the economic stability are important benefits for foreigners looking to open startups in Croatia.

FAQ about startups in Croatia

1. Is it hard to open a startup in Croatia in 2022?

No, the registration process of a startup is not complex, however, one must respect the steps involved, starting with a business plan that needs to be created.

2. Are there any restrictions for startups in Croatia?

No, there are no restrictions for startups in Croatia, as long as the legislation is respected. There are many government programs that sustain this kind of business in Croatia.

3. Do I need a business plan for a startup in Croatia?

Yes, it is a mandatory condition to create a business plan for your startup in Croatia. One of our company formation agents in Croatia can help you make the business plan, guiding you step by step.

4. Can I access funds for my startup in Zagreb?

Yes, it is important to promote your business and get in touch with investors. Being visible on the market means having lots of chances to develop and be successful in the chosen business field.

5. Can I solicit support for opening a startup in Croatia?

Yes, you can talk to our company formation representatives in Croatia and ask for support and assistance for opening a startup in this country. We can help you right from the beginning, and guide you throughout the entire process.

6. What is the proper type of business form for a startup in Croatia?

The limited liability company is the most popular business structure in Croatia that offers a wide range of benefits to both local and foreign entrepreneurs. The formalities are quite simple, and an LLC in Croatia can be established for minimum share capital of EUR 2,500.

7. Do I need a Croatian bank account for a startup in this country?

Yes, it is required to set up a local bank account when opening a startup in Croatia. There are no complicated procedures in this matter, and you can be helped by one of our Croatian company formation agents.

8. Do I need to visit Croatia for opening a startup?

You can be represented by one of our company formation specialists in Croatia when registering a startup in this country. This is a great alternative for those who want to have a business in Croatia and postpone the relocation for a specific period of time.

9.  Is a ready-made company a solution for a startup in Zagreb?

Yes, instead of creating a company from scratch you can buy one already registered. This offers more time for your new business in Croatia and for establishing other important aspects related to the business.

10. Do I need to register for taxation if I have a startup in Croatia?

Yes, the registration for taxation is required for a startup in Croatia. It is suggested to have a correct idea about the type of taxes you need to pay for your future operations in the country, respecting the legislation.

Choosing our agents in Croatia

Besides the fact that our Croatian company formation agents can provide support for business registration, they can also represent your company in Croatia and act on your behalf with a power of attorney. This solution helps many foreign entrepreneurs who would like to open a company in Croatia in a fast manner without traveling for all the formalities. 

We have a dedicated team of agents in charge of a wide range of aspects related to business formation in Croatia. Our specialists act in the best interest of customers who want to invest in Croatia and establish their operations as fast as possible. Professionalism, efficiency, confidence, and communication stand at the base of our collaboration with clients all over the world. You can rely on our full support for opening a startup in Croatia, regardless of the chosen business sector.

If you want to open a startup in Croatia, feel free to contact our team of company formation agents in Croatia.