The Expat's Roadmap To Croatian Citizenship By Naturalization

Croatia is more than just a tourist destination known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches and family-oriented culture. It can also be a place of opportunity for those seeking new beginnings and a European home. 

Among other benefits, the country offers access to the Schengen zone, an affordable cost of living and favourable crypto policies. Plus, if you’re an expat dreaming of an EU passport, becoming a Croatian citizen might be the key to unlocking a Mediterranean lifestyle, as well as the benefits of European residency and increased mobility. 

In this article, you’ll discover how you can get Croatian citizenship by naturalization, breaking down the process, and making your dreams of getting a second EU passport come true. 

Let’s begin. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

WHY CROATIA?

Even though Croatia isn’t widely known as a top destination for expats, the country offers certain perks that make it an attractive choice. 

COST OF LIVING

One of the most attractive aspects of Croatia is its affordable cost of living. It should be noted that the Euro became the official currency in 2023, so the country has become more expensive. However, it’s still more affordable than other EU members and countries like the US, Canada and Australia. Your money will likely go further here, as housing and daily expenses are reasonably priced.

GASTRONOMY

As a coastal country, Croatia is a haven for seafood and fish enthusiasts, but you can also come across delicious dishes in the inland regions. Moreover, its proximity to Italy makes Croatian cuisine even more appealing, so expect delicacies like carpaccio to be offered in restaurants. Other tasty options include brodetto, a traditional fish stew, and black risotto. The country’s olive oil and wine industries are gaining international recognition, too.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Croatia presents breathtaking landscapes, from beautiful coastlines to lush forests and lakes. Visit the Plitvice Lakes, a national park filled with hiking trails and waterfalls; if you’re more interested in the coast, book a trip to Dalmatia, a region presenting multiple islands, including Lastovo, which features vineyards.

ICONIC LOCATIONS

The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, offers an interesting mix of traditional European charm and contemporary urban experience. Also, coastal cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Rovinj are famous for their unique beauty and vibrant nightlife. 

Croatia’s lifestyle benefits are excellent, but its passport's advantages should not be underestimated. This passport opens the door not only to this extraordinary country but also to Europe and beyond. 

In today’s world, enhanced global mobility is a must, and an EU passport like the Croatian one could make all the difference in your international strategy. Let’s check out how you can get this second passport by naturalization. 

Split at night, Croatia

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

According to Article 8 of the Law on Croatian Citizenship, a foreigner can fill out an application for Croatian citizenship by naturalization if he or she meets the following prerequisites:

• He or she is 18 years old, and his or her legal capacity has not been taken away;

• He or she renounces other citizenships or proves he or she will revoke them in case of being admitted to Croatian citizenship;

• He or she has registered a place of residence for five years or more within the country;

• He or she is proficient in Croatian and Latin script;

• He or she abides by the law of the country and accepts the culture;

• If the foreign country doesn't allow giving up citizenship or has specific requirements that can't be fulfilled, a statement promising to renounce that citizenship upon obtaining Croatian citizenship is sufficient.

It is important to note that the five-year residency requirement is a general guideline. In some cases, having more information about your specific situation can help you determine the best approach to obtaining Croatian citizenship.

Cavtat Town, Croatia

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application for Croatian citizenship is carried out in person at a police administration or a police station, depending on the location of the granted temporary or permanent stay. If you don’t have a visa to stay in the country, submit the application at a diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Croatia. 

On top of the application form for acquiring Croatian citizenship and its questionnaire, you must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae;

• Extract from the birth register in case of not being born in Croatia;

• Extract from the marriage register in case of not entering a marriage solemnized abroad in Croatia;

• Certificate of citizenship;

• Police certificate from the authorities in your home country and the country where you live. It must be an original or an officially verified copy, and it should be translated into Croatian. The certificate should not be older than six months;

• Certified copy of a valid identity document.

To simplify the certification process, consider getting your documents apostilled. You will become a Croatian citizen the day your application is approved, and you will be added to the Register of Citizens at the competent registry office. Also, you must pay a fee of HRK (Croatian Kuna) 1,050, amounting to around €139.36 or $152 USD). 

Zagreb, capital of Croatia

BENEFITS OF THE CROATIAN PASSPORT

According to Visa Index, the Croatian passport is one of the most powerful in the world, granting visa-free access to 177 destinations. As an EU passport, it will allow you to move freely to other European nations, and the country’s currency, the euro, will help you invest in the Eurozone without worrying about exchange rates. Other countries this passport grants visa-free access to are Japan, South Korea, and most of Latin America.

CONCLUSION

Getting a new passport in a country like Croatia is a step closer to a future of increased possibilities. This European country is a gateway to Europe and a ticket to a lifestyle balancing leisure and opportunity. 

Moreover, Croatia is an excellent location for lifestyle purposes. With its outstanding cuisine, scenic landscapes, and affordable cost of living, this country has much to offer expats. Having a Croatian passport in your portfolio could grant you access to job and business opportunities you may not have considered otherwise.