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How to obtain Croatian citizenship: and become an EU passport holder

Croatian citizenship opens the door to living and working in EU countries, visa-free travel, and European social guarantees. We accompany our clients through every stage of the process: from verifying eligibility to obtaining a Croatian passport.

Live & work freely in all 27 EU member states
Visa-free travel to 180+ countries worldwide
Access to top European universities & healthcare
500+
Clients helped
14
EU countries
98%
Success rate
10+
Years experience
Anna Kowalski
Anna Kowalski
Senior EU Immigration Lawyer
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Why Croatian citizenship

Advantages of Croatian citizenship

A Croatian passport opens the door to life in a modern European society with a high level of security and comfort. It allows you to travel freely, build a career or business in EU and Schengen countries, and enjoy social guarantees anywhere in Europe.

Visa-free travel to 160+ countries
With a Croatian passport, you can travel freely throughout the EU, the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, and other countries. The Croatian passport is recognized as one of the strongest in Europe.
Right to live and work in EU countries
Croatian citizens have the full right to live, work, do business, and receive education in any European Union country without visas or permits.
Citizenship for children and a simplified procedure for spouses
Children of Croatian citizens automatically receive citizenship by descent. Spouses can apply for citizenship through a simplified procedure after several years of marriage and cohabitation.
High level of security and European standards of living
Croatia is one of the most stable and secure countries in Europe, with a mild climate, affordable education, healthcare, and developed infrastructure.
Variety of legal grounds
Croatia grants citizenship by descent, birth, marriage, residence, restoration, and in exceptional cases, for special merits. We will help you choose the best path.
Tax and economic advantages
Croatian citizens enjoy the benefits of the EU tax system, the opportunity to start a business, and access to European investment programs.
Team supporting EU citizenship applicants
Official EU programs
Consultation and documentation
Eligibility

Who can obtain Croatian citizenship?

Croatian citizenship can be obtained by persons of Croatian origin, foreigners who have lived in the country for a certain period of time, spouses of Croatian citizens, and people who have lost their citizenship for historical reasons.

The main ways to obtain citizenship are:
By Croatian descent
By birth in Croatia
Through marriage to a Croatian citizen
Naturalization after residing in the country
usually for 8 years
Restoration of previously lost citizenship
For special services to the Republic of Croatia
All programs are based on official EU legislation and carried out with full documentary support.
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Find out if Croatian citizenship
suits you

Submit your application — a lawyer will conduct a free assessment of your grounds and help you choose the best option for obtaining citizenship.

Alexandra V.
Alexandra V.
EU Citizenship Specialist
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Step by step

Stages of obtaining Croatian citizenship

The process is regulated by the Zakon o hrvatskom državljanstvu law and consists of several steps. We accompany you from the initial consultation to obtaining a Croatian passport.

1
Verification of grounds and consultation
We determine the appropriate category — by origin, marriage, residence, or restoration — and assess your chances of approval. We also provide detailed recommendations on preparing documents and further steps to maximize the likelihood of success.
2
Preparation of documents
Certificates, translations, apostilles, and confirmations of origin are collected. We request archival data if necessary and prepare the entire package of documents in accordance with the requirements of the Croatian authorities. In the process, we check all documents for compliance and eliminate any inaccuracies.
3
Application submission
The application is submitted to the Croatian Ministry of the Interior (MUP) or the consulate at the place of residence. We accompany the application process and monitor the status of the case. If necessary, we also interact with the authorities to expedite the review.
4
Application review
The authenticity of the documents and grounds is verified. After a positive decision, a decree granting citizenship is issued. We keep you informed at every stage and help you prepare for the next steps.
5
Receiving a passport and ID card
After obtaining citizenship, the applicant receives a national identity card and a Croatian passport, which grants full EU citizenship rights. We help with the processing and receipt of documents for your convenience and to save you time.
Why choose us

Our key advantages

We've helped 500+ clients obtain EU citizenship. Here's what makes our approach different from everyone else.

01
Many years of expertise in immigration law
Our lawyers, with their in-depth knowledge of European legislation, will find the best solution for obtaining citizenship.
02
Transparent and fair terms
We work under an official contract, with clearly defined stages, deadlines, and a fixed cost for services.
03
Individual support
Each client is assigned a personal lawyer who accompanies the process from application to passport receipt.
04
A variety of citizenship programs
We offer different ways to obtain citizenship — through investment, repatriation, naturalization, or through a residence permit in the selected country.
05
Minimum bureaucracy for the client
We take care of all the preparation, verification, and submission of documents so that you can go through the procedure without stress.
06
Proven results
We are proud of our high success rate and positive feedback from clients who have obtained citizenship with our help.
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Alexandra V.
Alexandra V.
EU Citizenship Specialist
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Fill in your details and Alexandra will contact you within 2 hours.
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions
about Croatian citizenship

We have prepared answers to key questions related to obtaining Croatian citizenship. If necessary, our lawyers will conduct a personal consultation, analyze your case, and offer the best option for obtaining Croatian citizenship.

Yes, naturalization requires knowledge of the Croatian language and the basic principles of the Constitution. The exam is not required for persons of Croatian origin. Also, if necessary, exceptions may be made for people with certain physical or age limitations.

Yes, Croatia allows dual citizenship, so you can keep your current passport.

Passport, birth and marriage certificates, proof of origin (if applicable), proof of income and residence, translations, and notarizations.

Yes, minor children receive citizenship together with their parents or by separate application if one of the parents is a Croatian citizen. Children born in Croatia can also obtain citizenship if one of the parents has lived in the country for at least 8 years or if they cannot obtain citizenship of another country.

No, there is no direct investment program. However, when starting a business and residing in the country for a long time, it is possible to obtain citizenship through naturalization.

On average, up to 12 months, depending on the grounds and the workload of the authorities.

Yes, the applicant must be present in person when submitting the application and receiving the passport. Documents can be prepared remotely. We will organize all stages to minimize your presence and keep you informed at every step of the process.

Most applicants are required to have lived in the country continuously for at least 8 years. However, for persons of Croatian origin and spouses of Croatian citizens, this period may be reduced.

Anna Kowalski
Anna Kowalski
Senior Immigration Lawyer
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Client reviews

Our clients' reviews on obtaining Croatian citizenship

Real stories from people who trusted us with one of the most important decisions of their lives.

4.9
Based on 127 reviews
Google Reviews
Croatian citizenship

My assigned lawyer was knowledgeable, patient, and responsive to every question I had. The language test preparation advice alone was worth everything. Highly recommend to anyone considering this path."

SP
Sergey P.
Lisbon, Portugal
Verified
Croatian citizenship

GetLegalStatus operates transparently — signed contract, fixed fees, and regular status updates. My Bulgarian citizenship came through in just over a year. The entire family got it together, children included."

AK
Anna K.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Verified
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Alexandra V.
Alexandra V.
EU Citizenship Specialist
Online now
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Fill in your details and Alexandra will contact you within 2 hours.
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