PUBLISHED: 30.1.2023.

Croatia has many paths to citizenship. Descent (you have a Croatian ancestor), origin (you were born to a Croatian), marriage (you are married to a Croatian), and naturalization (you’ve lived in Croatia long enough) are the most common paths.

If you have no Croatian heritage and are not married to a Croatian, usually, naturalization is the only option available.

There is one other path that is open to those who make significant contributions to the Republic of Croatia.

The path is regulated by Article 12 of the Law on Croatian Citizenship and is referred to as poseban interes, which means special interest.

When naturalizing, Croatia requires that you give up all other nationalities. Under poseban interes, you can keep your other nationalities – making it an attractive alternative.

This guide to citizenship will be a little different than the others. It will, of course, be structured as a detailed step-by-step guide, for which Expat in Croatia is infamous.

In addition, I will tell you my personal story about applying for citizenship based on Article 12. If you are not familiar, I am Sara Dyson, the founder of Expat in Croatia.

In June 2022, I applied for Croatian citizenship under Article 12 based on my work around Expat in Croatia. I will share my “case” for citizenship, what I included in my application, and the process thus far.

In this post, I cover:

• What the law says about Article 12
• Who is a good (and bad) candidate
• Table of contents for my personal application
• How to apply for citizenship under poseban interes
• How to get help with your Croatian citizenship application

The facts are these…

How to apply for Croatian citizenship based on special interest – poseban interes

What the Croatian law says about Article 12 – poseban interes?

Citizenship is regulated by the Zakon o hrvatskom državljanstvu (Law on Croatian citizenship), which you can see here.

The excerpts from the law on citizenship regarding special interest applications is as follows:

Članak 12 (NN 102/19)

Stranac čije bi primanje u hrvatsko državljanstvo predstavljalo interes za Republiku Hrvatsku, može prirođenjem steći hrvatsko državljanstvo iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 1. -4. ovoga zakona.

Hrvatsko državljanstvo može steći i bračni drug osobe iz stavka 1. ovoga članka koja je stekla hrvatsko državljanstvo, iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 1-4. ovoga zakona, ako godinu dana živi u Republici Hrvatskoj s odobrenim boravkom.

Na zahtjev Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova, nadležno ministarstvo odnosno središnji državni ured daje obrazloženo mišljenje iz kojeg nedvojbeno proizlazi postojanje interesa Republike Hrvatske za primitak u hrvatsko državljanstvo stranca iz stavka 1. ovoga članka.

Which translates to…

Article 12 (NN 102/19)

A foreigner whose admission to Croatian citizenship would be in the interest of the Republic of Croatia may acquire Croatian citizenship by birth even though they do not meet the requirements from Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4. of this law.

Croatian citizenship can also be acquired by the spouse of a person from paragraph 1 of this article who has acquired Croatian citizenship, even though they do not meet the requirements from article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4. of this law, if they live in the Republic of Croatia with an approved residence permit for one year.

At the request of the Ministry of the Interior, the competent ministry or the central state office gives a reasoned opinion from which the existence of the Republic of Croatia’s interest in the admission to Croatian citizenship of a foreigner referred to in paragraph 1 of this article is undoubtedly derived.

As you can see, Article 8 is referenced a couple of times. Below are the referenced paragraphs so you can see the full picture. In the name of clarity, you can apply for citizenship under Article 12 even if you do NOT meet the following criteria listed under Article 8.

Članak 8. (NN 102/19)

Prirođenjem može steći hrvatsko državljanstvo stranac koji je podnio zahtjev za primanje u hrvatsko državljanstvo ako udovoljava ovim pretpostavkama:

1. da je navršio 18 godina života;
2. da ima otpust iz stranog državljanstva ili da podnese dokaz da će otpust dobiti ako bude primljen u hrvatsko državljanstvo;
3. da živi u Republici Hrvatskoj s prijavljenim boravkom 8 godina neprekidno do podnošenja zahtjeva i ima odobren status stranca na stalnom boravku;
4. da poznaje hrvatski jezik i latinično pismo, hrvatsku kulturu i društveno uređenje;

Which translates to…

Article 8 (Official Gazette 102/19)

A foreigner who has applied for Croatian citizenship can acquire Croatian citizenship by birth if they meet the following conditions:

1. that they have reached the age of 18;
2. that they have a release from foreign citizenship or submit proof that they will receive a release if they are admitted to Croatian citizenship;
3. that they live in the Republic of Croatia with a registered residence for 8 years continuously until the application is submitted and have an approved status of foreigner on permanent residence;
4. they know the Croatian language and Latin script, Croatian culture and social order;

Who is an ideal candidate for Croatian citizenship based on Article 12?

The very first statement from the law says, “A foreigner whose admission to Croatian citizenship would be in the interest of the Republic of Croatia”.

This may seem vague if you think too hard about it, so don’t. To be granted citizenship on this basis, Croatia needs to know it is in their best interest to do so because you provide a substantial benefit to the country.

Being a skilled worker is not a substantial benefit – no matter what the skill is. Employing people is also not enough either. You need to showcase a pattern of tangible contributions to Croatia that goes above and beyond – or show that you WILL provide tangible contributions.

For example, when you play for a national sports team, you must be a Croatian citizen. It is common for Croatia to offer nationality to non-Croatians so that they can move to Croatia and play football or basketball.

Article 12 is most commonly used for this purpose, but it is not the only purpose.

Table of contents for my personal application for Croatian citizenship

My application was submitted to the Split police station in June 2022 and at the time of publishing, is still in process. Once approved (as it is expected to be), this post will be updated accordingly.

My application was 142 pages long and included:

• My completed application – download a blank copy here
• My CV biography (like a cover letter) – It was 4 pages
• 10 letters of recommendation
  • 4 from lawyers with whom Expat in Croatia collaborates
  • 1 from the lawyer who recommended me for Dobro jutro, Hrvatska, who was also on our Women’s Month panel from 2022
  • 4 from fans of Expat in Croatia
  • 1 from Marija Tkalec, our Content Manager
• 22 client reviews from this page on our web site, translated into Croatian
• 8 articles from this web site, translated into Croatian
  • 8 ways Croatia changed me in 8 years – read here
  • A day of olive picking on island Brač – read here
  • A local’s guide to shopping at the market – read here
  • Available visas and residence permits – read here
  • How to get an OIB identification number – read here
  • The kindness of strangers – read here
  • Which documents you should bring with you to Croatia – read here
  • Why you must have health insurance – read here
• 3 television interviews delivered on a USB drive
  • Dobro jutro, Hrvatska – watch here
  • RTL Danas – watch here
  • Split Tech City – watch here
• 3 Croatian news interviews
  • Dalmacija Danas – read here
  • Slobodna Dalmacija – read here
  • Večernji list – read here
• 2 Croatian news articles
  • Dalmatinski portal – read here
  • Index.hr – read here
• 4 international news articles translated into Croatian
  • CNN Travel – read here
  • EuroNews – read here
  • International Living – read here
  • Independent – read here
• Proof that I was part of the Croatian delegation for the Croatia/Romania Bilateral Conference celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations in the form of a schedule where I was listed as a speaker – watch this speech here
• Proof that I was the recipient of the 2023 Croatian Women of Influence Award in Entrepreneurship
• Apostilled, officially translated FBI background check from the United States
• Apostilled, officially translated birth certificate from Texas
• Excerpt from the land registry showing that I own my apartment in Split
• Excerpt from the commercial court showing registration and ownership of my company
• Copy of my United States passport
• Copy of my Croatian permanent residence permit
• Power of attorney giving my lawyer privileges to act on my behalf during this procedure

So far in the procedure, I was also asked to make two statements in person at the police, which were also added to my file.

How to apply for Croatian citizenship under Article 12 – poseban interes

The following procedure is very similar to applying for citizenship on any basis. It only has a few differences, which are directly related to the specific basis of Article 12.

[Read: How to apply for Croatian citizenship (hrvatsko državljanstvo)]

#1 Prepare your application

The most important step is putting together your application. For this specific purpose, I see it more as a case file. You are preparing a presentation – putting your best foot forward.

You really want to throw everything you’ve got at this. Include all your accomplishments. Brag, even if it feels unnatural.

Below is a comprehensive list of requirements:

• Completed application form depending on your scenario:
  • Application for the acquisition of Croatian citizenship by the birth of an adult – download form here
  • Application for the acquisition of Croatian citizenship by the birth of an adult and a child/children – download form here
• Your biography with supporting documentation, including the reasons for applying, written in Croatian
• Your birth certificate (original, apostilled, officially translated)
• Background check issued by your country of nationality proving you have not been criminally prosecuted, not older than six months (original, apostilled, officially translated) – view guide here
• Proof of nationality, such as a copy of a passport or domovnica equivalent
• Valid identity document with a visible photo (with a copy apostilled, officially translated)
• Proof that you provide a benefit to the Republic of Croatia if applying based on special interest (what this entails will vary by case)
• Marriage certificate, if applicable (original, apostilled, and officially translated, if foreign)
• Proof of residence
• Excerpt from land registry, if you own a property

Please note that ALL foreign public documents MUST be originals that are apostilled and officially translated into the Croatian language unless other rules are specified by bilateral and multilateral international agreements. Read more about the apostille and full legalization of documents here.

[Read: How to prepare your foreign documents for use in Croatia]

If you’d like help preparing your application to ensure you meet all requirements and have the best chance of acceptance, click here.

#2 Choose your ministry

MUP (Ministry of the Interior) is who processes citizenship applications. When applying based on Article 12, at least one other ministry will be involved as well.

As part of the application, MUP will need to request the opinion of the relevant ministry (or ministries) related to your basis.

[Read: All the Croatian ministries and what they do]

For example, if you are applying because you are going to play football for the national team, then the Ministry of Tourism and Sport must make an opinion on your application. If the national team approached you, then there should be no question that the Ministry of Tourism and Sport will agree that you should obtain nationality.

They form their opinion and then send it to MUP. MUP will then process your application as normal.

For my application, I picked the Ministries of Tourism and Sport as well as Foreign Affairs.

#3 File your application

The application for the acquisition of Croatian citizenship based on special interest must be submitted in person at the administrative police station closest to your address of residence.

Your lawyer may accompany you if using one, but you must be there. They cannot file it on your behalf for this basis.

[Read: List of administrative police stations in Croatia]

If the applicant is a disabled person, the claim may be filed by their legal representative or authorized proxy.

The application process for citizenship can take a significant amount of time. Estimate at least one year or more, depending on your situation and advocates.

#4 Make your statements

As part of the process, you’ll need to make several statements with the police – depending on your situation. In my process, I made the 3 statements:

Statement #1 – Surprise visit by MUP officer

A MUP officer came to my apartment without prior notice to ask me some basic questions. They were not informed of my application. The officer was just tasked with asking me some basic questions like:

• How long have I lived in Croatia?
• Do I own my apartment?
• Which religion do I have?
• What do I do for work?
• What are my hobbies?
• Am I married?
• Do I have children?
• Do I speak Croatian?

Statement #2 – Scheduled appointment at MUP

This appointment was with a case worker at the Split police station. For this, I verbally communicated how long I am in Croatia, what I do for a living, on what basis I am applying, why I deserve citizenship, and why I want it.

The caseworker wrote out the statement as I gave it, then printed it and had me sign it. Essentially, I provided a truncated summary of what I included in my CV biography.

Statement #3 – Scheduled appointment at MUP

I met with the same case worker, and she, again, wrote a statement while I was present. For this one, she asked from which ministries I wished for them to request an opinion on my application.

This statement most likely could have been combined with Statement #2, but Split MUP and Zagreb MUP had a difference of opinion on whether I (or MUP) should request this opinion.

It was decided that MUP had to request the opinion, so I was called back in to create a statement to be included in my application. There needed to be a paper trail for that process, which makes sense to me.

#4 Wait patiently

The time needed for MUP to request the opinions, the other ministry (ministries) to prepare their opinions, and then for MUP to do the final processing can vary.

It’s reasonable to follow up 2 months after the opinion request.

#5 You get citizenship! YAY!

Once approved, you will receive a document called Rješenje o primitku u hrvatsko državljanstvo (Decision on the admission to Croatian citizenship). It is the formal decision that you have been approved for Croatian citizenship.

You must pay 139,36 euro to get this document.

At this stage, you are a Croatian citizen. You are automatically entered into the Register of Citizens at the competent registrar’s office.

#6 Obtain your identity documents

After getting this decision, there are still some additional steps to take to get your identity documents if you so choose.

Domovnica

The document called domovnica proves the new status of a Croatian citizen. It can be acquired at any registrar’s office in Croatia.

[Read: How to get proof of citizenship (domovnica)]

Birth certificate

This is your official birth record. All Croatian citizens have a birth certificate, even if they were not born in Croatia.

To obtain this, you will need to register a legalized, officially translated copy of your foreign birth certificate first.

[Read: How to get a copy of a birth certificate]

Passport

After you have your domovnica or birth certificate, you can apply for a Croatian passport.

[Read: How to apply for a Croatian passport]

Osobna iskaznica

Osobna iskaznica is a Croatian national ID. You can use this ID card to travel within the EU/EEA without your passport. It also gains you access to additional services through the e-Građani system.

[Read: How to apply for a national ID card (osobna iskaznica)]

Then you’re done! Celebrate! Have a party! Dance your heart out! I know I will.

How to get help with your Croatian citizenship application

Interested in applying for Croatian citizenship but not sure where to start? We can point you in the right direction.

Our expat-vetted lawyer network can take care of your application from beginning to end. We have excellent English-speaking lawyers across the country that specialize in citizenship and are in constant communication with the ministry. These are the same lawyers who help us vet all of our information on this site. Learn how we built this network here.

You do not have to live in Croatia to take advantage of this service.

For one flat rate, they can:

• Validate your claim and make recommendations on your case
• Prepare a plan specific to your case to ensure you have the best chance of approval
• Target possible red flags and prepare solutions
• Coordinate with the ministries on your behalf
• Provide guidance on preparing a successful CV biography (and coordinating translation into Croatian)
• 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.

Having Expat in Croatia and our lawyer network on your side will give you the best shot at approval. It takes 1-2 years on average for applications to be processed, so best not to risk denial. This is nationality, after all, and obtaining nationality is a big deal.

View reviews from people who have used our services for citizenship here, or jump to this section to view the last 20 reviews.

To get help with your application for citizenship, complete the form below, and we will match you with an expert.

See what our clients have to say about working with us…

Our Reviews

February 27, 2023

Nicholas P.

Canada

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

Sara was extremely helpful in answering our questions regarding applying for Croatian Citizenship. It can be a complicated endeavour, but Sara was able to walk us through it and put us in contact with the right people to start the process. Hvala!

December 12, 2022

Pia S.

Slovenia

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

Overall, I was very pleased with Ivona, since she helped me through the process, gave me very straightforward information and when I went to the consulate to make the request for determing Croatian citizenship nothing was missing. I do not know the outcome of my request but the whole process left me very pleased.

December 8, 2022

kent p.

United States

Introduced to a Professional

I asked about a Lawyer to help with getting citizenship, and have had nothing but professional help, can’t thank expat enough for pointing us In the right direction,

November 21, 2022

Christine B.

Australia

Introduced to a Professional

My brother and I required help with applying for Croatian citizenship. We found Expat in Croatia to be very helpful, emails were responded to quickly and we were referred to a professional who’s service was second to none. Pricing was very reasonable. We were surprised with the speed at which we received responses and how helpful and supportive the team was. The whole process was extremely daunting at first but the team explained every step in simple terms and checked in on us to offer help when we were stuck. Cannot express how highly we recommend Expat in Croatia, it has been without doubt an absolute pleasure to work with them.

November 21, 2022

Duane R.

United States

Introduced to a Professional

I needed a consultation in regard to temporary residence and potential citizenship and also how I could get an OIB. Ivona was very helpful explaining the hurdles involved and she was able to procure an OIB for me, an important first step.

October 19, 2022

Liz B.

United Kingdom

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

Initially I followed Expat Croatia for a number of months & found the articles interesting & factual. I then approached Sara & had a Zoom consultation. Sara was efficient, knowledgable & precise. She also followed up a very interesting meeting with an email with further feedback & professional contacts. I was so impressed that I have already recommended you to other family members. Thank you. (I was advised on citizenship, inheritance procedures & having a marriage recognised in Croatia).

September 22, 2022

Natalie C.

United States

Consulting

We met with Sara for an initial consultation on citizenship in Croatia. Sara explained the process clearly and with detail and provided us the contact information for a case manager and attorney. She answered all our questions and we felt very satisfied with the meeting.

September 12, 2022

Karen N.

United States

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

First, the Expat in Croatia website is incredibly comprehensive and helped us start thinking about what we needed to know about moving to Croatia. Once we decided to follow a Croatian citizenship route, we submitted a request for consultation so we could ask additional questions. Sara and Teri were both very prompt in replying and scheduling a phone consult, and answered a few questions by email prior to the consult. During our call with Sara, she was very thorough in helping us understand the process and pointing out best ways to approach our application. Sara seems to know Croatian culture well and provided a realistic timeline for the application process.

September 12, 2022

Leonnard P.

South Africa

Consulting

Sara was so informative and assisted us with all information we required, and followed with an email to guide us with this process. Expat have been amazing.

September 12, 2022

Catherine Z.

United States

Consulting

My consultation with Sara was concise and very informative.

August 25, 2022

Duane R.

United States

Introduced to a Professional

Ivona was very helpful in helping us understand the requirements for temporary residence and eventual citizenship in Croatia. For now, she is getting my OIB which will be of help to use for banking and other services. She’s very professional and I would look forward to working with her in the future.

August 18, 2022

Michael R.

Croatia

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

Sara is absolutely the best resource available should you wish to acquire Croatian citizenship, relocate to Croatia or simply learn more about Croatian legalities, bureaucracy and its culture. Sara is not an “app” that you simply can download, she is a primary resource that can personally answer your questions, etc. Extremely professional, Sara can answer most questions you may have about Croatia. She researches her answers thoroughly (if you are wise enough to send your questions before your consultation) and is quick to point out that she may not have the answer to an obscure, yet nonetheless important question, you may have, and she will get back to you. The “magic” of Sara is that she, herself, has gone through many of the situations that you may anticipate should you want to live in Croatia. Well-spoken, intelligent, and with a broad knowledge of many of the problems that you may encounter, Sara offers practical, well-founded and real advice as to how to navigate the complexities of moving to Croatia. I cannot praise Sara more my consultation (but, I can) than to simply say she helped guide me in obtaining Croatian citizenship, found excellent professionals when needed as well as “held my hand” through much of the process (and some of my fears). One needs only to look at the newsletter she manages: “Expat in Croatia.” It covers just about everything you could think of…and a bit more. Nonetheless, questions always arise…and for the answers, I would more than strongly suggest contacting her for a consultation. Thank you Sara, Michael R.

June 2, 2022

Monica A.

Australia

Consulting

Sara gave me guidance on citizenship and visa routes I could take. She gave advice that googling and reading various websites couldn’t, which has led to a vast amount of options being available for my move to Croatia. Sara has really put my mind at ease about the whole move as she has provided step by step information on how I go about getting each type of citizenship / visa. It is definitely worth meeting with Sara as she is able to provide custom advice to your situation. I look forward to meeting with Sara again and for her to provide more of her extensive knowledge.

May 25, 2022

Daniel C.

Australia

Consulting

Sara was great in talking through the process to obtaining Croatian citizenships in a very clear and concise way. She had answers for how to navigate through the system if it was to occur outside of your home country and provided contacts and advise when dealing with the local Croatian embassy in that country. It was also great just to understand some of the nuances that need to be dealt with first, as a priority. All up the 1 hr session was great and really crystalized the process for me and time it will take. Daniel.

April 14, 2022

Steve V.

United States

Free Guidance, Introduced to a Professional

My family and I worked with Teri who was immensely helpful in doing some initial research for us for me and my family’s quest for Croatian citizenship by descent. Teri connected us with Attorneys Ivona and Ema who have been guiding us expertly through the lengthy process. They have been able to complete needed tasks in Croatia that we are unable to accomplish being located in the States. I feel like we’re well on our way to getting our citizenship and I’m super grateful to Teri and the Expat in Croatia team for being so knowledgeable and understanding of the many ins and outs of the path to citizenship. I highly recommend working with them!

April 7, 2022

Todd M.

United States

Consulting

My wife and I spent an hour on the phone with Sara – she is excellent. She is personable and clearly very knowledgeable on the citizenship process in Croatia. We will certainly use her again.

March 15, 2022

Mark S.

United States

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

Sara has been very helpful by providing excellent advice on citizenship and relocation possibilities to Croatia. She has assembled an awesome team of professionals to help with every step of the way. Our consulting session was well worth the small investment. Sara was well prepared, listened, and answered all of our many questions within our scheduled time. She is a terrific resource and I’m sure we will continue to rely on her and her team as we move forward with our process.

March 15, 2022

Marko H.

United Kingdom

Introduced to a Professional

As a member of the Croatian diaspora, I was introduced by Teri Maxey to Kreso, a Croatian lawyer who assisted me with preparing and submitting my application for Croatian citizenship. I was delighted with the service at every step; Kreso is an excellent lawyer who was extremely helpful and supportive, and I could not have completed my application without him. I am very grateful to Expat in Croatia for putting me in touch with him, and I would not hesitate to recommend both Expat in Croatia and Kreso to anyone else seeking to apply for Croatian citizenship.

February 4, 2022

Marc C.

United States

Consulting, Introduced to a Professional

I found Sara to be very pleasant, informative, and efficient. She was able to answer my questions succinctly and guide me through the process.

February 2, 2022

Drazen G.

United States

Consulting

Efficient and knowledgeable. I received answers to all my questions on the process for applying for citizenship in Croatia. Sara was very familiar with the process and was able to clearly direct us to the steps to follow after the consultation.

View All Reviews

View our other citizenship posts

• 11 things to know before applying for Croatian citizenship
• All about the Croatian citizenship test
• Croatian Central State Office for Croats Abroad
• How children of Croatians can register their citizenship
• How members of the Croatian people can apply for Croatian citizenship (Article 16)
• How to apply for Croatian citizenship based on naturalization if you are an EU/EEA citizen
• How to apply for Croatian citizenship (hrvatsko državljanstvo)
• How to apply for citizenship based on descent
• How to get proof of citizenship (domovnica)
• How to relinquish Croatian nationality