Croatian citizenship offers a gateway to European markets, international mobility, and a high quality of life. Whether obtained through descent, ethnic connection, or investment, it provides access to the European Union (EU), the Schengen Zone, and one of the world’s most powerful passports.
The Strength of the Croatian Passport
One of the most valuable aspects of Croatian citizenship is its high-ranking passport, which grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including Japan, Canada, Australia, and the entire EU. This makes it one of the most powerful passports globally, offering greater travel freedom than those of many other nations.
Schengen Zone & European Freedom of Movement
Since Croatia joined the Schengen Zone in 2023, Croatian passport holders no longer face border checks when travelling within Schengen countries, making travel even smoother. This provides seamless access to 29 European nations, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, for work, study, or leisure. Additionally, as an EU member, Croatian citizens have the right to live, work, and conduct business across all EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.
Key Benefits of Croatian Citizenship
- Full EU Rights – Freedom to live, work, and establish businesses in any EU or EEA country.
- Schengen Freedom – No border checks when traveling across 29 Schengen countries.
- Access to the EU Single Market – A major advantage for entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand into Europe.
- A Safe and Stable Country – Croatia is consistently ranked among the safest places to live, ranking 15th in the 2024 Global Peace Index. It is also the safest country in Europe for walking alone at night (Numbeo, 2024).
- World-Class Healthcare and Social Benefits – Croatian citizens have EU-wide healthcare coverage, including access to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Political Rights Across the EU – Croatian passport holders can vote in European Parliament elections and local elections in any EU country where they reside.
How to Obtain Croatian Citizenship
There are three primary pathways to Croatian citizenship:
1. Citizenship by Descent
If you have Croatian ancestry, even if you were born abroad, you can apply for Croatian citizenship. Many of Croatia’s descendants live in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and across South America. To maintain a connection with these individuals, Croatian law offers a special opportunity for those of Croatian descent to obtain or reclaim citizenship. Even if neither you nor your parents are Croatian citizens, this pathway is still available to you.
To qualify, you need to provide proof of your Croatian ancestry, typically through official documents such as birth certificates or records that clearly trace your lineage back to a Croatian ancestor. For instance, presenting the birth certificate of a grandparent or great-grandparent born in the present-day territory of the Republic of Croatia or having had domicile in the same territory can be sufficient to demonstrate your eligibility.
It should be specifically emphasized that, based on this legal basis, it is no longer necessary to take a test on the knowledge of the Croatian language and culture.
This citizenship route is widely sought after by descendants born abroad, as it offers a formal way to reconnect with Croatian heritage while unlocking the benefits of Croatian and EU citizenship.
Finally, If you are married to a Croatian emigrant, this option also applies to joint children and spouse when a descendant of a Croatian emigrant applies for citizenship, allowing families to obtain citizenship together.
2. Citizenship for Members of the Croatian Nation Abroad
Ethnic Croats who strongly identify with the Croatian nation but lack direct family ties may still qualify. Applicants must demonstrate an active connection to Croatian culture, heritage, or social organizations.
This pathway is specifically designed for ethnic Croats or individuals who strongly identify as part of the Croatian nation, even if they don't have direct family ties to Croatian emigrants.
To apply under this category, candidates must provide evidence of belonging to the Croatian ethnic group or demonstrate a deep cultural connection to Croatia. This may include documentation of active participation in Croatian cultural, social, or religious activities abroad.
3. Croatian Citizenship Through the Strategic Investment Programme
Foreign nationals may qualify for Croatian citizenship if they engage in projects categorized as being of strategic interest to the country. These projects typically fall within sectors such as the economy, energy, tourism, transport, infrastructure, agriculture, science, technology, and defence. The selection of investors for strategic projects follows a structured public call process, which may include multiple rounds to assess investor interest and secure binding offers.
To be considered for Croatian citizenship under the Strategic Investment Programme, investors must meet certain financial thresholds:
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A minimum capital investment of EUR 9,954,210 + VAT.
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The same amount is required if the project has the potential to be co-financed through European Union funds.
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Investments in assisted areas or specific local government units may qualify with a reduced threshold of EUR 1,327,228 + VAT, provided they fall within sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, or forestry, or are located on Croatian islands.
Citizenship for Spouses
Spouses of qualifying investors can also obtain Croatian citizenship, even if they do not meet the general naturalization requirements. However, they must have resided in Croatia for at least one year with authorized stay.
The Process of Obtaining Croatian Citizenship
The process varies depending on the path you choose, but here’s how we help streamline the journey:
- Document Preparation and Legalization
We guide you through obtaining and legalizing all necessary documents, ensuring everything is in order before submission. - Croatian Documentation
We assist in securing the required documents from Croatian authorities, including translations certified by a sworn-in court translator. - Application Submission
After the documents are reviewed and ready, we will help you complete the necessary paperwork for submission. Applications must be submitted in person through a Croatian consulate or diplomatic mission nearest to your residence. - Government Processing
Your application will be reviewed by the Croatian Ministry of Interior, and we stay in constant communication with them to monitor progress. The entire process typically takes 9 to 12 months, but if urgent, we can help expedite it under certain circumstances.
Throughout this journey, we provide legal advice and support, ensuring the process goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
The Final Word
Croatian citizenship offers more than just a connection to a rich cultural heritage. It’s your key to a world of benefits, including EU access, a strong passport, and an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.
We provide dedicated support for Croatian citizenship applications, including for members of the Croatian Nation Abroad, descendants of emigrants, and those applying through Investment.
Ready to start your journey toward Croatian citizenship? Contact us at High Net Worth Immigration today to learn more about how we can help.
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