Croatian citizenship by naturalisation
Official name: Stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirodnim putem
Foreigners can apply for Croatian citizenship by naturalisation if they meet the conditions of the Croatian Citizenship Act. People of Croatian ethnic origin and emigrants and their descendants have special routes. Citizenship starts on the day the positive decision is delivered.
Life in Croatia
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
59
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
15–33%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25%
Local governments set a lower rate (15-23%) up to EUR 60,000 a year and a higher rate (25-33%) above it; default 20%/30% if no decision. Basic personal allowance applies.
Living
1
Happiness
#68 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Long-term residents of Croatia, people of Croatian ethnic origin, and emigrants and their descendants.
Eligibility
Conditions of the Croatian Citizenship Act
Sign in to check this route against your profileCheck the Croatian Citizenship Act for the conditions; a 2011 amendment raised the naturalisation residence period from 5 to 8 years.
8 years
Residence period for naturalisation
- The Ministry page refers to the Act for the conditions
- The change comes from a 2013 government migration policy
Official wording
The Ministry page refers to the Act for the conditions. A 2013 government migration policy states that a 2011 amendment raised the residence period for naturalisation from 5 to 8 years.
Croatian ethnic originPeople of Croatian origin
Sign in to check this route against your profileProof of a previous declaration of Croatian nationality (employment, military or school records) or of promoting Croatian interests or taking part in Croatian organisations abroad.
Emigrants and descendantsEmigrants
Sign in to check this route against your profileProof of emigration from Croatia and, for descendants, of the family link.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 6 documents
- 3 fees
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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