Croatian Citizenship By Marriage or Civil Union
APPLYING FOR CROATIAN CITIZENSHIP THROUGH MARRIAGE
Have you recently married a Croatian citizen? Then you have in front of you one of the most straightforward paths to citizenship in this beautiful country. That’s because citizenship law in Croatia is incredibly favorable to married couples in an effort to keep families together and incentivize relocation to the country.
While certainly more straightforward than other paths, it can still present issues for those who don’t understand the process. And that’s where CDC comes in.
We’ve put together the following guide to answer your questions about citizenship by marriage in Croatia.
What is Croatian Citizenship by Marriage?
According to Article 10 of the Croatian Citizenship Act, a foreign citizen married to a Croatian citizen can acquire Croatian citizenship by marriage through a simplified naturalization process. And it’s this legal framework that makes the route such a great method to become a citizen.
It offers a large number of exemptions, especially when compared to the standard naturalization process (which has the most stringent rules but is open to the highest number of people). You can learn about the different ways how to get Croatian citizenship.
Understanding the Requirements to Apply for Citizenship Through Marriage
Essentially, foreign spouses looking for Croatian citizenship by marriage only need to fulfill these two primary conditions:
- Hold permanent residence in Croatia
- Live in Croatia at the time of application
The significance of these reduced requirements cannot be overstated. Unlike other paths to citizenship, applicants for Croatian citizenship by marriage receive an exemption from a long list of arduous requirements like:
- The 8-year continuous residence requirement
- Croatian language proficiency tests
- Cultural knowledge requirements
- The minimum age requirement of 18 years
- Release from previous citizenship
That last one is particularly significant for those who want to obtain dual citizenship in Croatia.
Navigating the Marriage Application Process
How does one actually begin the journey toward Croatian citizenship by marriage?
Well, falling in love is the real start. But once you’ve finally tied the knot, the process starts at local police administrations or stations, where applicants must submit their requests in person. For those residing abroad, applications for Croatian citizenship by marriage can be submitted through Croatian diplomatic missions or consular offices.
The following documents are required:
- Proof of your current citizenship status
- A letter that describes your desire to become a citizen (written in Croatian)
- A CV (written in Croatian)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Document showing a clean criminal record
- Filled out application form
Once you’ve submitted all of these, it’s off to the Ministry of Interior for processing. You’ll have to wait anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. That timeline makes it a bit longer than most countries in Europe.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While Croatian citizenship by marriage offers a more streamlined path to citizenship (especially compared to naturalization), applications are not free from complications, and the process might hit a snag along the way. In our experience, the most common of these are:
- Proving the authenticity of the marriage
- Maintaining valid residence permits during the process
- Gathering all required documentation from multiple countries
- Navigating administrative procedures
But most importantly, remember that the Ministry of Interior retains discretionary power in citizenship matters.
Article 26 of the Croatian Citizenship Act allows authorities to reject applications even when basic requirements are met if deemed in the country’s interest. That means even if you’ve crossed your t’s and dotted your i’s, something might ping the system—which is why even the most obvious and simple cases can benefit with support from a professional team like the one at CDC.
Moving Forward With a Marriage Application
Are you interested in Croatian citizenship through marriage? It’s a wonderful way to strengthen the ties to your spouse, and what better place to start a family than in this country with its stunning land, low cost of living, and access to all of Europe?
To make it even more appealing? It’s probably the single easiest way to become a Croatian citizen.
But keep in mind that while this route is the easiest of its kind, it still requires strict compliance with the law. And innocent mistakes could cost you your citizenship.
For that reason, getting outside help can make all the difference. The experts at CDC are here to give you guidance and support with documentation, using our team to create the best case for your citizenship.
That all begins with a free call, where you can speak with someone about your unique situation and they can set you on the right path.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I keep my original citizenship when obtaining Croatian citizenship by marriage?
Yes, Croatia allows dual citizenship in this circumstance, and those acquiring Croatian citizenship by marriage are not required to renounce their original citizenship.
What happens if I divorce during the application process?
The application for Croatian citizenship by marriage must be valid at the time of decision. If divorce occurs during the process, the application typically becomes invalid. But if you divorce after you become a Croatian citizen, you’ll be allowed to retain that status.
Do I need to speak Croatian to apply for Croatian citizenship by marriage?
No, language proficiency is one of the requirements waived for those applying through marriage to a Croatian citizen.
How long must I be married before applying?
The law doesn’t specify a minimum marriage duration, but the marriage must be valid and genuine at the time of application.
Can I work in other EU countries after obtaining Croatian citizenship by marriage?
Yes, as a Croatian citizen, you gain full EU citizenship rights, including the right to work and live in any EU country.
