Would you like to apply for citizenship in Croatia in 2026? This article outlines the key routes to this status and notes that our immigration lawyers in Croatia can guide you step by step.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted | Both EU and non-EU are accepted |
Legal grounds to obtain citizenship in Croatia | Through naturalization, marriage, origin, re-admission |
Formalities for citizenship by naturalization | Applicant must prove that he/she lived in Croatia for at least 8 years, present residence permit, birth certificate, clear criminal record. |
| Obtaining citizenship by marriage in Croatia | Documents required: – extract from marriage registry in Croatia or country of origin if applies, – birth certificate, – valid passport, – clear criminal record |
| Citizenship by investment (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Miminum investment to gain citizenship in Croatia | Starting at EUR 100,000 |
| Cost of our package | From EUR 4,000 |
| Family members allowed to join the program | – parents, – children, – grandparents in the case of citizenship by investment |
| Time frame to obtain citizenship by descent | Nearly 2 years |
| Company formation for obtaining citizenship | Opening a company in Croatia and hiring local staff can be the path for obtaining citizenship in Croatia. |
| Real estate investments | Applicants can purchase properties in Croatia and enter the citizenship by investment program. |
| Proof of residence permit | Candidates must live at least 8 years in Croatia to apply for citizenship. |
| Documents received after Croatian citizenship | – Croatian ID and passport, – Domovnica, a document that attests you are a Croatian citizen |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | Yes, except cases of citizenship by naturalization |
| How can our Croatian lawyer help you? | We can manage the paperwork, explain the formalities and repesent you in front of the immigration authorities. |
| Reasons to relocate to Croatia | – great business opportunities, – appreciated healthcare system, – great standards of living |
| Investments for residency in Croatia (YES/NO) | NO |
First application for residency in Croatia | A temporary residence permit is issued first. |
Validity of residence permit for non-EU nationals | 1 year |
| Conditions to get Croatian citizenship by marriage | At least 18 years of age, living in Croatia for at least 8 years, and knowledge of the Croatian language. |
| Do I need proof of residence for Croatian citizenship by marriage application? | No, this rule is no longer valid. |
| Conditions for special emigrants | Simple formalities for getting citizenship in Croatia by nationals from Serbia and North Macedonia. |
| Who can gain citizenship in Croatia after living one year in the country? | Foreign citizens who are believed they can bring solid benefits to Croatia. |
| Citizenship for persons born abroad and adopted | Croatian parents can apply for citizenship based on origin. |
| What is citizenship based on descent? | An option for Croatian emigrants and descendants like children, grandchildren, spouses, etc. |
| Croatian language and culture test imposed (YES/NO) | YES |
| Is re-admission to Croatian citizenship possible? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Background check | Verifications of foreign citizens interested in Croatian nationality are made by the authorities. |
| Croatian passport rank | 23rd most powerful in the world |
| Can citizenship applications be rejected? | Yes, if documents are missing or not filled in correctly. |
| Reasons to choose our law firm in Croatia | Experienced team of attorneys, knowledge in immigration matters, affordable prices |
Table of Contents
Who can apply for Croatian citizenship?
Any EU or non-EU/EEA citizen who respects the main conditions for acquiring citizenship in Croatia.
What are the key citizenship routes in Croatia?
- Naturalization,
- By birth,
- By descent,
- By marriage,
- By reacquisition.
Is citizenship by investment/Golden visa available in Croatia?
No, direct citizenship by investment is not possible in Croatia. However, one can start a business in Croatia, get permanent residency, and then apply for citizenship after 8 years.
You can also discover an infographic on this topic:
How do I apply for citizenship by descent in Croatia? What are the key conditions in 2026?
By preparing:
- valid ID,
- birth and/or marriage certificate and documentation proving Croatian ancestry,
- motivation letter, etc.
NOTE! All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian and notarized.
Can children obtain Croatian citizenship automatically?
Yes, if one of the parents is Croatian. This is citizenship by birth in Croatia.
What are the conditions for naturalization in Croatia?
- be at least 18 years old,
- hold a Croatian permanent residency permit,
- having knowledge of the Croatian language and culture,
- presenting a clear criminal record and good conduct, etc.
Is citizenship by investing in real estate possible in Croatia?
No. Croatia does not offer a direct route to citizenship through real estate investments. One must first obtain a temporary residence permit, then a permanent one, before applying for citizenship after 8 years in total.
Is there a Croatian language and culture test when applying for citizenship?
Yes, it is mandatory!
The following video presentation comprises information about how to get citizenship in Croatia:
How do I get Croatian citizenship by marriage?
By being married for at least 3 years to a Croatian citizen and holding a valid residence permit. There are no strict language requirements in this case.
Is there another way to get Croatian citizenship in 2026?
Yes, by special interest or national contribution. This means that the government and other relevant authorities in Croatia grant citizenship at their discretion for foreign citizens who make a valuable contribution to the country.
What is the cost of your package for citizenship?
Our package starts from EUR 4,000, half on engagement and half payable only on a successful outcome. The amount is exclusive of VAT and official fees; notarial costs and certified translations are charged separately at actual cost.
What are the Croatian passport benefits?
- freedom of movement – anyone can live, work, or retire in any European Union country, including Switzerland, Norway, or Liechtenstein.
- visa-free travel or on arrival if more than 183 destinations,
- top healthcare facilities & education,
- dual citizenship, etc.
Need to explore more about citizenship in Croatia? You may contact our law firm in Croatia and find the answers and solutions you are looking for.