MORE ABOUT Croatia

Croatia's Citizenship by Descent

Croatia offers citizenship by descent to individuals with Croatian ancestry, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage and gain the benefits of Croatian citizenship.

MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT

Discover Citizenship by Descent in Croatia

Citizenship by descent in Croatia, also known as "prirođenje," is available to individuals who can prove Croatian ancestry in a direct line. This path to citizenship has become more accessible since January 1, 2020, with no generational limit on how far back you can trace your Croatian roots.

Croatia
Mobility Asset Index Score
72.10%
Mobility Asset Type
Citizenship by Descent
Official Name
Croatian Citizenship by Descent
Launched in:
1991
Online Submission:
No
Residency Privileges
(in months)
Lifetime
Adjudication Time
(in months)
22
Minimum Stay Requirement
(in days)
None
In-Country Presence Requirement
(in months)
12

Overview

A Snapshot of Citizenship by Descent in Croatia

One-Liner: Reconnect with your Croatian heritage through citizenship by descent.

Eligibility Requirements

Proof of Croatian ancestry in a direct line

Anchor Ancestor restrictions

Months to citizenship

Length of Visa

Months to Visa

Approximately 18 months

Physical Presence Requirement

None specified

Availability

Medium

Family Allowance

Spouse and children

Overview

Overview

Discover How GlobalPassport Simplifies the Application Process for Croatia's Citizenship by Descent

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our experienced team will guide you through each stage of the application process, offering personalized assistance tailored to your needs.

Document Preparation

We'll help you gather and organize the documents you need for applying.

Application Submission

Once your documents are ready, we'll let you know where and how to submit your application to the relevant authorities.

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

Is there a generational limit for Croatian citizenship by descent?

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Do I need to speak Croatian to apply for citizenship by descent?

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How long does the citizenship application process take?

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Can spouses of Croatian citizens apply for citizenship?

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Where do I submit my application for Croatian citizenship by descent?

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benefits

Benefits of Citizenship by Descent in Croatia

Croatian citizenship offers numerous advantages, including EU membership benefits, visa-free travel to 183 countries, and the opportunity to live and work in Croatia and other EU countries.

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Overview

Why Croatia

Croatia offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and the benefits of EU membership. As a Croatian citizen, you'll have access to opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Benefits:

  • EU citizenship
  • Visa-free travel to 183 countries
  • Right to live and work in Croatia and other EU countries

Advantages:

  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Beautiful coastline and natural landscapes
  • Growing economy and tourism industry

Questions?

FAQ's

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.

Is there a generational limit for Croatian citizenship by descent?

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Do I need to speak Croatian to apply for citizenship by descent?

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How long does the citizenship application process take?

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Can spouses of Croatian citizens apply for citizenship?

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Where do I submit my application for Croatian citizenship by descent?

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REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Croatia - Citizenship By Descent

Check if you qualify based on your family history

Direct Ancestral Connection

No Generational Limit: Croatia allows claims regardless of generational distance, provided the connection is well-documented.

Documentation

General: Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation proving their lineage to a Croatian citizen+This typically involves proving that at least one ancestor was a Croatian citizen or held Croatian nationality+Specific Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates (if applicable)+All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian by a certified translator+ Documents, particularly those issued outside Croatia, may need to be legalized according to Croatian legal requirements and apostilled+Additional Proof of Lineage: In cases where standard records are unavailable, other documentation such as baptismal records, census records, military records, or immigration records may be accepted, but they must be officially substantiated.

Unbroken Chain of Citizenship

Citizenship Continuity: Citizenship can be claimed if at least one parent was a Croatian citizen at the time of the applicant's birth, regardless of birthplace. Those with Croatian ancestry but without a parent who was a citizen may also be eligible if they can prove Croatian ethnicity.

Legal Compliance

Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is generally required, particularly if the applicant intends to reside in Croatia or obtain a Croatian passport+Language Proficiency: Croatia usually require applicants to take a language test to prove minimum proficiency in Croatian language

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for Citizenship by Descent in Croatia

To apply for Croatian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Prove Croatian ancestry in a direct line (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.)
  • Demonstrate that your Croatian ancestor permanently left Croatia to move abroad
  • Provide necessary documentation to prove family ties and emigration
  • Submit a biography explaining family history and relevant circumstances
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Croatian language and culture (exemptions apply for those over 60)
  • Obtain a criminal records check from your country of citizenship

PROCESS

Citizenship by Descent Process

#1

Initial Assessment

• Complete mobility match survey

• Upload GEDCOM files

• Verify ancestral eligibility

• Review program requirements

#2

Selection Phase

• View initial results

• Filter based on preferences

• Assess documentation requirements

• Choose target country

#3

Application Preparation

• Gather vital records

• Obtain apostilles

• Complete translations

• Prepare application forms

#4

Submission

• Schedule consular interview

• Submit petition

• Pay application fees

• Provide biometrics if required

#5

Monitoring & Approval

• Track processing time

• Respond to any queries

• Receive citizenship confirmation

• Collect passport/documents

Start now by taking our free assessment

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PROCESS

Timeline for Croatia - Citizenship By Descent

DOCUMENTS

Documents Needed for Croatia - Citizenship By Descent

Important Notes
• All documents must be original or certified copies
• Non-English documents require certified translations
• Documents must be apostilled where applicable
Personal Identification Documents
Core identity documents required from the applicantis is some text inside of a div block.

Valid passport (original and copies)+National ID card (if applicable)+Passport-sized photographs (2-4)

Vital Records Documents
Birth, marriage, and death certificates from applicant and ancestors

Birth certificate of the applicant (apostilled and translated)+Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

Proof of Residence Documents
Evidence of current residence status

Proof of current address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.) required

Criminal Clearance Documents
Background check documentation

Criminal record extract from your country of residence+FBI Identity History Summary (apostilled): Required if the applicant is from the U.S+State Police Clearance (apostilled): Required from every state or country the applicant has lived in since age 14+Croatian Criminal Records Check: Required if the applicant has resided in Croatia.

Financial Documents
Proof of payment and financial requirements

Not applicable

DOCUMENTS

Costs Associated with Croatia - Citizenship By Descent

Pre-Application Costs
Essential document preparation and verification costs

Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences

Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization

Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services

Government Application Fees
Official fees charged by government authorities

Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees

$140

Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing

Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing

Post-Submission Costs
Costs after submitting your application

Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates

Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)

Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests

Professional Services
Optional external support services

Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees

Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services

Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services

Post-Acceptance Costs
Costs after approval

Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates

Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees

Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees

Rankings

GlobalPassport™ Mobility Asset Index

41

Overall Rank

Cost

Based on application fee

Residency Requirements

Based on residency requirements

Residency Privileges Length

Based on programs’s term

Processing Speed

Based on estimated processing time

Eligibility Requirements

Based on entry requirements

Program Stability

Based on years of activity

Time to Permanent Residency

Based on permanent residency timeline

Rankings

Global Rankings/ Comparisions

Safety

Croatia

15

Cost of Living

Croatia

47

Quality of Life

Croatia

33

Healthcare Quality

Croatia

33

Internet Speed

Croatia

92

Human Freedom

Croatia

34

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