CROATIAN PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
APPLYING FOR AN CROATIAN PASSPORT OR PASSPORT RENEWAL
Obtaining a Croatian passport is one of the top benefits of becoming a Croatian citizen. Croatia is in the EU (European Union) so having a Croatian passport allows you access to the entire EU. It affords you the opportunity to live, work, and travel across all 27 member states.
How Good Is a Croatian Passport?
The Croatia passport is routinely ranked among the top 20 in the world. (Visa Index currently has it at number 15.)
That’s because the passport gives you 180 countries to travel to without the need for a visa.
It’s important to note that as a citizen of Croatia, you’ll be able to travel freely throughout the European Union. You can also buy property, get an education, and receive healthcare there as well.
Passport Requirements Croatia
Here is a list of requirements you will need for your Croatian passport:
For first-time applicants, the Croatia passport requirements are:
- Valid proof of Croatian citizenship (typically a Domovnica or citizenship resolution)
- Biometric photograph (35 x 45 mm)
- Valid identification
- Completed application form
- Proof of fee payment (receipt)
To renew your passport, you need:
- Your existing Croatian passport
- Updated biometric photograph (35 x 45 mm)
- Valid identification
- Proof of address
- Application form and fees
All of this will set you back $79.27 if you are 21 years or older. If you are younger, it only costs $59.45.
Where to Apply
Where you apply for a passport all depends on where you legally reside.
Within Croatia
At CDC, we recommend applying at administrative police stations in Croatia when possible. These locations typically process applications more quickly than consulates abroad. The Croatia passport requirements remain consistent across all police stations, but processing times can vary by location.
Abroad
If you live abroad and absolutely have to process the application outside the country, Croatian embassies and consulates will handle passport applications.
Timeline
Standard processing takes 30 days. But expedited passports take 48 hours in Zagreb or 3 days anywhere else.
Special Considerations for Children
Parents working to get a passport for their child will need to be aware of a few particulars. Children over 12 must appear in person for biometric data collection. The passport requirements Croatia establishes for minors include:
- Birth certificate (no older than six months)
- Parental consent
- Presence of both parents (with some exceptions)
- Child’s previous passport (if applicable)
E-Građani (Digital Passports)
For tech-savvy applicants within Croatia, the e-Građani system offers an alternative. However, our experience shows that the passport requirements Croatia mandates through this system can be more difficult because they include:
- Croatian electronic ID card
- Digital signature capability
- Existing biometric data in the system
Croatian Passport Photographs
Here is a list of requirements you will need for your Croatian passport:
Croatia has strict regulations regarding passport photographs. Our knowledge indicates that numerous applications experience hold-ups because of incorrect photos. The criteria include:
- Size: 35 x 45 mm
- Background: Plain white
- Face position: Straight at camera
- Expression: Neutral
- Face coverage: 75-80% of photo
- No shadows or glare
Emergency and Special Cases
The Croatia passport requirements provide for expedited processing in certain circumstances. While the basic passport requirements Croatia establishes remain the same, additional documentation proving the reason for such urgency may be required.
Multiple Passport Holders
For clients requiring multiple valid passports simultaneously, additional passport requirements Croatia enforces include:
- Detailed written explanation
- Supporting documentation
- Employer verification (if work-related)
- Proof of travel conflicts
How Much Will My Croatia Passport Cost?
The passport requirements Croatia sets include specific fee structures:
- €42.47 for biometric passport
- €46.45 for delivery to the address of the applicant’s permanent or temporary residence
- €54.42 for emergency delivery (when submitted at the Zagreb Police Department)
- €61.72 for emergency delivery (when submitted at any other police department or station)
Get Your Croatian Passport
Whether you’re applying for your first Croatian passport or renewing an existing one, understanding and meeting the Croatia passport requirements is the single most important part in getting this powerful travel tool.
Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step of the process right now. For personalized assistance with your Croatian passport application, contact us today. Our expertise transforms the complex web of requirements into a clear path to your new passport.
This page was last updated with with help by Marco Permunian
Additional Resources:
