Applying for Croatian Citizenship - Your Options
If you're not a legal resident of Croatia and seeking Croatian citizenship, the application process is straightforward. As of January 1, 2020, the requirement is to apply at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate to your current location.
However, if you're a Croatian parent aiming to register your child for citizenship, you have the flexibility to do so both within Croatia and abroad.
For those considering relocating to Croatia and applying for citizenship based on descent, there's a dedicated residence program.
Article 11 of the Citizenship app is the go-to source of information for anybody who is applying for Citizenship. Be sure to refer to it for clarification in your individual situation.
Criteria for Spouses
Spouses of Croatian Citizens:
If you're married to a Croatian citizen, you need to live in Croatia with your spouse for four years continuously prior to applying for Croatian Citizenship
You must first get permanent residency before applying for citizenship.
Spouses of Croatian Descendants :
If you're married to someone who is a descendant eligible for Croatian nationality under Article 11 of the Citizenship Act, you can apply for citizenship.
There's no need for you to live in Croatia for a specific period in this case and in the event that your partner of Croatian descent isn’t a citizen yet, you are free to apply simultaneously.
Understanding the Permissible Contents of Your Background Check
During the application process, it is crucial to submit an authorized and translated criminal background check obtained from your country's national authority. It's important to note that background checks from state, provincial, or private institutions will not be accepted.
For individuals outside the EU/EEA(a.k.a third-country nationals), it's essential to be aware that past misdemeanors may be visible in the background check which in most cases wont pose any concern or put an end to your application. It is a far bigger problem to have a felony show up, as this will indefinitely terminate your application.
Ensuring Consistency in Names for Citizenship Applications
As Croatians relocated to English-speaking nations, it was customary for the respective authorities to alter their surnames. This poses challenges in the citizenship application process, where establishing a link to Croatian ancestors is vital and validated through birth records that connect applicants to their kin.
To reconcile disparities in names, applicants might be required to synchronize records in the foreign country with those in Croatia or present documentation from the foreign jurisdiction explicitly addressing any name alterations. If providing such documentation proves impractical, individuals above the age of 18 should elucidate any name changes in the CV biography submitted.
Applicants will be informed by the consulate (or MUP office in Croatia) if concerns arise regarding the alteration of names.
Why it is important to retrace the steps of your Relatives
The eligibility criteria for Croatian citizenship reflect a blend of Nationalistic and governmental considerations, outlining specific regulations governing the application process.
If a relative relocated from Croatia to another country within the former Yugoslavia, the entitlement to citizenship is automatically nullified for all subsequent generations, in accordance with the law. Conversely, if a relative departed Croatia for a nation outside the former Yugoslavia, the entitlement to citizenship is theoretically maintained, although the consistent application of this provision is questionable.
Challenges seem to emerge within the Ministry concerning descendants of Croatians who migrated to other European countries, especially in Eastern Europe. Despite the unequivocal nature of the law, individuals in this category, who should rightfully be eligible for citizenship, often encounter rejection or protracted delays in the decision-making process.
While there is no legal foundation for denying citizenship to European descendants of Croatian nationals, those facing such circumstances are advised to proceed with their applications.
Determine your relative's departure from Croatia
Your eligibility for citizenship, as stipulated in Article 11, hinges on the timing of your ancestor's departure from Croatia.
If your forebear departed Croatia before October 8, 1991, the commencement of the independence war, your eligibility to claim citizenship is upheld. Conversely, if your ancestor left Croatia post-October 8, 1991, regardless of the destination, any claims to citizenship for their progeny are invalidated. The critical factor is the date of departure, as leaving after the onset of the war implies a relinquishment of ties to Croatia.
Your official papers need to undergo legalization
All documents from foreign governments, excluding Croatia, require legalization, which involves the authentication of a document by the issuing state authority. The primary aim is to deter fraud and the creation of counterfeit documents. Numerous countries adhere to the Apostille Convention, a standardized form of legalization. If your country is not a participant in this convention, your documents must undergo complete legalization along with official translation.
Curious about Apostilles?
An apostille is a unique certification, often accompanied by an official seal, which a nation can furnish and affix to documents originating within its borders. This certification acts as an additional layer of authentication, enabling the document to be accepted and utilized in international jurisdictions ( Birth Certificates etc of those not born in Croatia).
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that the 6 month rule for documents kicks off from the date of Authorisation/Legalization. It's actually from the date of issue of the document. Little mistakes like this could lead to unnecessary delays and frustration. So keep an eye out on your dates!
Never presume that all Government bodies are the same. Always check the requirements of your own Consulate or embassy when submitting documents as rules tend to differ slightly from country to country , thus again posing the threat of time delays due to misunderstandings, and in most cases nobody will budge or turn a blind eye because you didn't know.
Are you confused regarding who has the final say?
To navigate the Citizenship process effectively, it is imperative to adhere to the requirements stipulated by the Ministry of the Interior as they have the final word.
It can be daunting to find that you may be given the runaround by certain embassies and consulates but it is important to note that they don't make the final decision on your application, rather they serve to collect your documentation and ensure their completion. Long story short, the Ministry of Home Affairs ( consulate, embassy) are not authorised to make a decision on your application. Only the Ministry of the Interior ( ZagrebHQ) can do that.
Are you considering Naturalization?
Should you seek Croatian citizenship based on your residency duration alone, an opportunity for naturalisation arises. This is not the most common type of Citizenship, as it applies to a niche group. Those undergoing naturalisation must forfeit their existing nationality as a prerequisite for obtaining Croatian citizenship—the sole instance where Croatia mandates such renunciation. Understandably this is not an easy decision to make for most people, so they have to be absolutely certain in their decision.
Want to know more? Get in touch with our friendly experts by downloading your CitizenHR App today!
