How to Apply for Croatian Citizenship

The step-by-step application process to apply for Croatia nationality

The process of applying for Croatian citizenship can be quite detailed depending on the path you need to take. The first step is always to identify which path you will be applying through and then confirming that you qualify to apply through that path.

The 3 most common paths are:

By descent
By marriage
By naturalization

At CDC we work with clients applying through all three of these paths and know the most common questions that come up through the process. So, we created this free guide.

To learn more, consider these other resources:

Guide to the Different Paths How to get Croatian Citizenship
Guide to Requirements for Croatian Citizenship
Guide to Documentation for Croatian citizenship

Where to Find the Croatian Citizenship Application Forms

You can download and print off applications at home. The Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP) has three different application forms available on their official website:

Obrazac 1: For individual adults applying for citizenship (link)
Obrazac 2: For adults applying with children (link)
Obrazac 3: For applications solely for children (link)

You can also pick these up in person at administrative police stations in Croatia.

While you can obtain them online, you’ll need to submit the forms in person—more on that below.

Where to Submit Your Croatia Citizenship Application

The location for submitting your citizenship application depends on where you currently live. As of January 1, 2020, you must apply from your country of residence.

If You Live Outside Croatia

Applications must be submitted to the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate
You cannot submit your application within Croatia if you don’t have legal residence there
Each diplomatic mission may have slightly different procedures, so contact them directly before preparing your application
Schedule an appointment in advance, as most consulates don’t accept walk-ins for citizenship applications

If You Live in Croatia:

Submit your application at the administrative police station (policijska uprava) in your area of residence
Applications are only accepted at administrative police stations, not regular police stations
You must have legal residence (temporary or permanent) registered at your address
Some larger cities have multiple administrative police stations; you must go to the one serving your specific district

Special Cases

Disabled persons can have a legal representative or authorized person submit the application on their behalf. But this requires additional documentation proving the disability, as well as the authorization for the legal representative.

The Croatian Citizenship Application Process

Learn how to apply for Croatian citizenship step-by-step:

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

For consulates/embassies: Contact them directly to schedule
For administrative police stations: Some require appointments, while others accept walk-ins

If you opt for a walk-in, you’ll want to come in at a good time. Morning hours typically work best as offices tend to be less crowded, so you’ll be able to see someone fairly soon.

Step 2: Initial Submission

Arrive at least 15 minutes early
Bring all original documents plus copies
Expect the initial review to take 30-60 minutes
The clerk will review your documentation for completeness

Step 3: Payment of Fees

In Croatia:

Initial submission requires a small administrative fee
Pay at the station using cash or card
Keep your payment receipt

At Consulates:

Fees vary by location
Usually higher than in Croatia
May require specific payment methods (some don’t accept cash)
Payment is typically required at submission

Step 4: Tracking Your Application

Once submitted, your application will be assigned a reference number. You need to protect this number—it’s the only way to check your status. And when you are talking with the Croatian government about your application, this number is the only way for them to access it.

Chances are, you’ll get pretty antsy during the (sometimes protracted) processing time. Check your application status by:

Sending a written request to MUP
Emailing the department handling your case
Contacting the consulate where you applied
Using your reference number in all correspondence

Processing Times and Communication

So, just exactly how long are processing times?

Typically, applications take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Some cases can take even longer.

There are no legally codified timeframes, and so there is nothing bounding authorities to deliver a decision at any point.

During the process, you may be contacted by the Croatian government, often for additional documentation. Requests will come through the location you submitted your application to (i.e., the consulate or administrative police station). You’ll need to respond on time to prevent still further delay.

After Submission

Once submitted, you don’t need to remain in Croatia while your application processes, but you do need to make sure your mailing address is current. And let authorities know if you move during the process.

If documents expire during processing, you might need to renew them.

How to Apply for Croatian Citizenship with Practical Tips for Success

CDC recommends that you make the process easier on yourself with a few tips:

Create a digital folder for all documentation
Keep copies of everything submitted
Save all correspondence with authorities
Include your reference number in all correspondence
Start gathering documents several months before submission
Consider document expiration dates when planning
Account for translation and authentication time

Once Approved

Upon approval, you’ll receive a Rješenje (decision) document. The next steps happen at specific locations:

You’ll register citizenship at any registrar’s office in Croatia. This is the first step you need to take before you can get any other documents you need.

To get other identity documents:

Apply at MUP administrative stations
Consulates can handle passport applications
National ID cards require in-person application in Croatia

The Journey Begins

With this information, you’re headed in the right direction. But you might still want some help along the way—and that’s why we created CDC.

We have a team of experts who bring their specialties together to provide support in the process. Why not give them a call?

We are now offering FREE consultations to orient you to the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I apply for Croatian citizenship online?

No. While you can download application forms online, all applications must be submitted in person either at an administrative police station in Croatia (if you’re a resident) or at a Croatian embassy/consulate in your country of residence.

Where exactly do I submit my application if I live in Croatia?

Submit your application at the administrative police station (policijska uprava) in your area of residence. Note that regular police stations don’t handle citizenship applications – it must be an administrative station.

How long does it take to process a citizenship application?

Processing times typically range from 12-24 months.

Can I check the status of my application?

Yes. You can inquire about your application status by sending a written request to the Ministry of Interior using your reference number. Some Croatian consulates also offer status checking services.

Do I need to stay in Croatia while my application processes?

No. You don’t need to remain in Croatia during the processing period unless you’re applying based on residence requirements. However, ensure the authorities have your current contact information.

What happens if I move during the application process?

You’ll need to tell the person handling your case if you change your address.

If something is missing from my application, will they contact me?

Yes. The Ministry will contact you through your submission location (consulate or police station) if additional documentation is needed. They typically provide a deadline for submitting missing documents.

Do I need to write my CV/biography in Croatian?

Yes.

Can I submit copies of documents instead of originals?

Often both. For more information on documentation, check out our full guide.

Do I need an appointment to submit my application?

This depends on your submission location. Most consulates require appointments, while some administrative police stations in Croatia accept walk-ins. Always call ahead to confirm.

What if my documents are not in Croatian?

All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian by a certified court translator and properly legalized (usually with an apostille). The translation must be original, not a copy.

How will I be notified of the decision?

The decision (Rješenje) will be sent to your submission location. If you applied at a consulate, they will contact you. If you applied in Croatia, you’ll be notified through the administrative police station.

Can I appeal if my application is rejected?

Yes. You have the right to appeal within 15 days of receiving a negative decision. The appeal must be submitted in writing and in Croatian.

Do I need to pay fees more than once?

You typically pay an initial administrative fee when submitting your application and an additional fee when receiving the decision. Consular applications may have different fee structures.

Can someone else submit my application for me?

Generally, no. Applications must be submitted in person unless you have a disability, in which case a legal representative can submit on your behalf with proper authorization.

What if my documents expire during the processing period?

You may be asked to provide updated documents if crucial documents (like criminal background checks) expire during processing. Keep track of expiration dates and be prepared to renew if necessary.

This page was last updated with help by Marco Permunian

Additional Resources:

Do You Qualify?

Want to know if you qualify for Croatian citizenship? Contact us, we offer a free consultation to help determine your eligibility to become a citizen of Croatia.