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Registration for Croatian Citizenship (for people with Croatian parents)

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This service supports Croatian-owned businesses.

If you were born abroad and have a parent who was a Croatian citizen at the time of your birth, then you may qualify to register for Croatian citizenship based on Article 5 of the Citizenship Act.

Registering for Croatian citizenship is not the same as applying based on descent.

Who qualifies to register for citizenship

You may register for citizenship if you meet ALL of the following requirements:

  • You were born after October 8, 1991
  • At least one of your parents was a Croatian citizen at the time of your birth
  • You are younger than 21

If you don’t meet all of these criteria or your parents did not gain citizenship until after you were born, then you must apply for Croatian citizenship by descent. To get help with your application for citizenship by descent, click here.

We can help you register for Croatian citizenship

We recommend using a Croatian lawyer specializing in citizenship to obtain all the required documents within Croatia and to prepare your application to increase your chances of approval on the first try.

Sara Dyson, creator of Expat in Croatia, has personally vetted a network of lawyers across Croatia that are specialized and experienced in citizenship. All of them speak excellent English and are currently helping people across the world register for Croatian nationality.

Learn how we vetted our lawyer network here.

For one flat rate, they can:

  • Validate your claim (which includes confirming if you qualify and checking the citizenship status of your relative)
  • Prepare a plan specific to your case to ensure you have the best chance of approval
  • Target possible red flags and prepare solutions
  • Collect birth records and domovnica in Croatia (new copies are required)
  • Confirm exact requirements with your embassy or consulate and coordinate with them on your behalf
  • Prepare supporting documentation
  • Coordinate translations for foreign documents, as needed
  • Assist with any issues or questions that arise after submission. They are with you throughout the process from start to approval.

As part of this service, you’ll have a dedicated Expat in Croatia caseworker who will follow up periodically to ensure you’re getting everything you need. You’ll also be able to reach out to them as well if any issues arise.

If you live abroad, you must register for citizenship at an embassy or consulate. While a lawyer cannot file applications on behalf of those living outside Croatia, they can prepare the application so all you have to do is turn it in.

What does the process look like?

The first step is to complete the form below so that we can better understand your situation. Next, Expat in Croatia will help validate your claim for citizenship.

If you meet the qualifications based on the Citizenship Act, we will provide you with the estimated cost of what a lawyer would charge to prepare your application. If you wish to move forward, we’ll then connect you with a vetted lawyer in Croatia best suited to handle your case.

The lawyer will schedule a FREE consultation with you to learn more about your family and situation. Based on this consultation, they will give you the exact cost for the preparation of the application for yourself (or your family).

Everything up to this point is completely free and without obligation.

If you decide to move forward, you’ll be provided with a dual English/Croatian language contract that outlines everything you’ll get and the terms of the service so you know exactly what to expect.

During the process, a dedicated member of the Expat in Croatia team will follow up periodically to make sure you’re getting everything you need. We will always be there for you throughout the process.

If you’re ready to take the first steps towards Croatian citizenship, complete the form below.

Start your journey towards Croatian citizenship now


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