Croatian Citizenship Requirements, Do You Qualify?
UNDERSTANDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLYING FOR CROATIA CITIZENSHIP
Requirements for Croatian Citizenship
There are four primary ways of applying for Croatian citizenship. Each of these paths has its own unique set of qualification requirements and documents that will be required in order to successfully apply.
The following guide lists the exact requirements you’ll need to meet for each pathway to Croatian citizenship.
For more information, check out:
Croatian Nationality Requirements
Croatian nationality requirements differ depending on your situation. So wrapping your head around the best pathway for you is a good first step—and we’ve made that easy with this guide on how to get Croatian citizenship where we break down each way.
1. Croatian Citizenship by Descent (Lineage)
If you have Croatian ancestors, you might be eligible for citizenship based on descent, known as stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva podrijetlom. This path is particularly appealing because it doesn’t require residence in Croatia or proficiency in the Croatian language.
Requirements:
- Proof of Ancestry: Obviously, the first step is showing that a direct ancestor was a Croatian citizen—that could be a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. Unlike many other countries, Croatia has no limit to how many generations you can go back.
- Documentation: You’ll need evidence for this, like birth certificates that establish the unbroken chain of descent.
- Proof of Emigration: Evidence that your ancestor left Croatia permanently, such as immigration records or naturalization certificates in another country.
- No Criminal Record: A certificate proving you have no criminal history in your current country.
2. Croatian Citizenship by Birth in Croatia
Were you born in Croatia but moved abroad before the country’s independence in 1991? You might qualify for citizenship based on your birthplace and the reason for your leaving.
This route acknowledges those with inherent ties to the land, even if they’ve spent much of their lives elsewhere. It also reflects the turmoil the region has experienced over the past 35+ years.
Requirements:
- both parents are citizens by naturalization, or only one parent naturalizes and the child lives in the Republic of Croatia under permanent residency
or
- one parent gains citizenship by descent or by affiliation with the Croatian people
3. Croatian Citizenship by Marriage or Civil Partnership
Love knows no borders, and neither does citizenship when it comes to marriage. In respect of that, the Croatian government gives you an easy path.
Article 10 of the Croatian Citizenship Act states: “A foreign citizen married to a Croatian citizen who has been granted permanent residence within the area of and who lives in the Republic of Croatia can acquire Croatian citizenship by naturalization even if he or she does not fulfil the requirements under Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1 – 4 of this Act.”
Requirements:
- Valid Marriage: Your marriage must be legally recognized and registered in Croatia.
- Permanent Residence Status in Croatia: You need to live in Croatia under permanent residence status.
4. Croatian Citizenship by Naturalization
For those who have already made Croatia their home for many years, naturalization offers a path to citizenship. This is open to just about anybody, but the residency requirements are high.
Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- Released from foreign citizenship: Either this or proof this will happen if granted Croatian citizenship.
- Continuous Residence: At least eight years of legal residence without major interruptions.
- Permanent Residence Permit
- Language Proficiency Exam
- Cultural Integration: Understanding of Croatian culture and the social system.
- Good Character: A clean criminal record and respect for Croatian laws and customs, as well as lacking any “security obstacles”—i.e., the government does not consider you a threat to its own security.
5. Citizenship by Special Interest to the Republic of Croatia
In exceptional cases, citizenship may be granted to individuals whose naturalization is considered beneficial to the country. You may not want to rely on this method, but it does exist.
Requirements:
- Significant Contribution to Croatia: You’ll need to have made some kind of massive achievement in science, culture, economics, sports, or other areas that benefit Croatia.
- Recommendation
- Government Approval: The decision rests with the Ministry of the Interior and requires a favorable opinion from the government.
6. Citizenship by Reacquisition
If you previously held Croatian citizenship and renounced or lost it, there might be a way back. But the foreign citizenship must have been imposed as the only way to maintain a profession or activity. You’ll be able to apply without having to satisfy the usual requirements.
7. Citizenship for Members of the Croatian Nation
Individuals who identify as part of the Croatian people, even without direct lineage or residence, may be eligible. This is all thanks to Article 16 of the Croatian Citizenship Act.
You’ll need to qualify “by respecting the legal order of the Republic of Croatia, by paying public contributions, and that there are no security obstacles for him or her to receive Croatian citizenship.”
Croatia Passport Requirements
Once you’ve navigated the path to citizenship, the next exciting step is getting your hands on a Croatian passport. This single, small document unlocks the door to visa-free travel across the European Union and numerous other countries worldwide. And with citizenship, the only thing standing in your way is knowing passport requirements for Croatia.
Requirements for a Croatian Passport:
- Proof of Citizenship: Before applying for a passport, you must obtain a domovnica, which is the official certificate of Croatian citizenship.
- 35 x 45 mm Photo: This let’s you get a biometric passport.
- Old Passport: If applicable—won’t be possible in some cases.
- Fees and Receipts: Pay application fees to receive a receipt, which will also be needed for the application.
- Request for Passport: You get this at the police station where you’ll be applying.
Remember that passport applications must be submitted in person, either in Croatia or at a Croatian consulate in your local jurisdiction.
Embracing Your Croatian Heritage
Would you like an expert on the matter double check if you meet the requirements? We offer a free consultation call to give you a chance to speak with a team member who can help you with the exact requirements you need to meet to apply for dual citizenship with Croatia.
This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian
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