Unlock the Secrets: Your Ultimate 2024 Guide to Embracing Croatian Citizenship (hrvatsko državljanstvo)

Unlocking Croatian citizenship is like pursuing a treasure, often reserved for individuals with Croatian roots, those who've married into the culture, or those who've dedicated a significant portion of their lives to living in Croatia. Navigating the Croatian citizenship application process is no easy feat, as it varies based on your unique circumstances. Fear not, for we've crafted this guide to transform your journey to Croatian citizenship into a more seamless and less daunting experience.

What criteria must individuals meet to be eligible for Croatian citizenship?

To initiate the citizenship application process in Croatia, it is essential to substantiate eligibility in accordance with the Croatian Citizenship Act. Valid claims can be established through various circumstances outlined in the Act:

• Origin (Articles 4 and 5)

• Descent (Article 11)

• Naturalization (Article 8)

• Marriage (Articles 10 and 11)

• Special interest to Croatia (Article 12)

• Re-admission (Article 15)

• Member of Croatian people (Article 16)

• International treaties

If none of these situations apply to you, unfortunately, you are not eligible to pursue Croatian citizenship. 

Unlock the captivating realm of Croatian citizenship rooted in heritage (as outlined in Articles 4 and 5).

Thinking about becoming a Croatian citizen based on your roots? Well, there are different paths for different folks. Check out the unique scenarios:

• If you were born outside Croatia but have at least one parent who was a Croatian citizen when you were born, and your birth got registered before you hit 21, you're in.

• For those born abroad after October 18, 1991, with at least one Croatian citizen parent at the time of birth, and you're still under 21, congratulations – you're eligible!

• Imagine being born or found in Croatia, not knowing your folks, and turning 14 without your true origin being known. Guess what? You're considered Croatian.

• If you're born in Croatia with at least one Croatian parent and you're under 18, good news! You can apply for Croatian citizenship.

• Did you get adopted by two Croatian parents abroad? Great news – you're on the citizenship journey too!

If you don't quite fit these scenarios or your parents got their citizenship after you were born, no worries! You can still apply for citizenship under Article 11

Feeling a bit legal? Dive into the Law on citizenship's nitty-gritty with excerpts from Članak 4 and Članak 5. They spell out how Croatian citizenship is a special story tied to your origin, parents, and even adoption under special laws.

Acquiring Croatian Citizenship through Descent: Article 11 Provisions

As of January 1, 2020, Croatian emigrants and their lineage, spanning across generations (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.), as well as the spouses of these descendants, can pursue Croatian citizenship without the obligation of language and culture tests. However, certain exceptions apply:

• Descendants (or spouses) are ineligible if the ancestor (or Croatian emigrant spouse) departed Croatia and relocated within Yugoslavia or former Yugoslavia.

• Descendants (or spouses) cannot apply if the ancestor (or Croatian emigrant spouse) left Croatia after October 8, 1991.

The relevant legal excerpts from the citizenship law pertaining to lineage are outlined in Article 11 (Official Gazette 102/19):

• Emigrants and their descendants can obtain Croatian citizenship through naturalisation, irrespective of Article 8 criteria.

• Foreigners married to individuals mentioned in paragraph 1 may acquire Croatian citizenship without fulfilling Article 8 requirements.

• An emigrant, as defined in paragraph 1, left the Republic of Croatia before October 8, 1991, with the intent of permanent residence abroad.

• An exception includes emigrants who are also members of the Croatian nation and left the territory of former states where the present Republic of Croatia was situated during their emigration.

• Certain individuals are not considered emigrants, including those who moved based on international agreements, renounced Croatian citizenship, changed residence to states within the state union of the Republic of Croatia, and those who emigrated from the Republic of Croatia without former citizenship in the region.

Exploring Citizenship by Naturalization under Article 8

Discovering your path to Croatian citizenship is an exciting journey, guided by the provisions of the Croatian Citizenship Act. If you're considering this endeavor, here are the key conditions to qualify for Croatian citizenship:

• Age Requirement: Individuals should be above 18 years old.

• Foreign Nationality Release: Candidates should no longer possess their foreign nationality or provide evidence of impending release upon obtaining Croatian citizenship.

• Continuous Residence: Eight years of uninterrupted residence in Croatia, holding the status of a permanent resident, is a prerequisite.

• Language and Culture Test: Except for those aged 60 and above, applicants must successfully complete a test on Croatian language and culture.

• Respectful Conduct: A positive demonstration of respect for Croatian legal norms and customs is crucial.

For those with underage children, Croatian citizenship through naturalization is a possibility under specific conditions:

• Both Parents: If both parents are granted citizenship through naturalization.

• Single Parent Residence: If only one parent is granted citizenship through naturalization, and the child resides in Croatia with valid permanent residency.

• Single Parent Abroad: If one parent is granted citizenship through naturalization, and the other parent is without citizenship or has an unknown status, even if the child resides abroad.

EU/EEA citizens can explore a dedicated guide tailored to their unique circumstances.

Dive into the details with the relevant excerpts from the Law on citizenship, encompassing Articles 8 and 8a:

Obtaining Croatian Citizenship through Marriage to a Croatian Citizen (Articles 10 and 11)

Gaining Croatian citizenship through marriage to a Croatian national, as outlined in Articles 10 and 11, involves specific criteria and processes. Spouses of Croatian citizens, residing permanently in Croatia, can seek Croatian nationality under Article 10. This entails meeting requirements such as holding permanent residence and adhering to the legal order and customs of the Republic of Croatia.

For those abroad with Croatian lineage seeking citizenship, their spouses can also apply, either concurrently with the Croatian descendant or subsequently once the descendant has acquired nationality. If a Croatian, originally born in Croatia, relocates abroad, their spouse may be eligible to apply for Croatian citizenship under Article 11, provided the Croatian emigrant left the country before October 8, 1991.

The Law on citizenship stipulates the conditions for marriage-based citizenship acquisition, as illustrated in the following excerpt:

Article 10:

A foreigner married to a Croatian citizen, with approved permanent residence in the Republic of Croatia, may attain Croatian citizenship through naturalization, even if they do not meet the criteria specified in Article 8, paragraph 1, items 1-4 of this law.

Moreover, in accordance with the Same-Sex Life Partnership Act, individuals in same-sex life partnerships with Croatian citizens can acquire Croatian citizenship under conditions equivalent to those applicable to married couples. The relevant law excerpt reads:

Article 77:

A person in a life partnership with a Croatian citizen can acquire Croatian citizenship under the same conditions as someone married to a Croatian citizen.

This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the process of obtaining Croatian citizenship through marriage, offering a roadmap for those navigating the intricate legal landscape.

Croatian Citizenship through Demonstrated Special Affiliation with Croatia (Article 12)

Foreign individuals who could contribute significantly to the Republic of Croatia have the opportunity to apply for citizenship. However, a key requirement is demonstrating adherence to Croatia's legal norms and customs, coupled with evidence of legal residency in Croatia for a minimum of one year.

For those eligible, their spouses can subsequently seek residency through the family reunification route. Decisions regarding citizenship applications grounded in the special interest of the Republic of Croatia, considering the individual's capabilities or expertise, rest with the Ministry of the Interior and other pertinent ministries. 

Referencing Article 12 (Official Gazette 102/19), the law stipulates that a foreigner, whose acquisition of Croatian citizenship aligns with the Republic's interests, may attain citizenship through naturalization, even if they don't fulfill the prerequisites outlined in Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4 of the law.

Additionally, the spouse of an individual in the aforementioned category can acquire Croatian citizenship, provided they have lived in the Republic of Croatia with an approved residence permit for at least one year, despite not meeting the specified requirements in Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4 of the law.

Upon the Ministry of the Interior's request, the relevant ministry or central state office provides a well-founded opinion, unequivocally establishing the Republic of Croatia's interest in granting citizenship to the foreigner mentioned in Article 12, paragraph 1 of this law.

Reinstatement of Croatian Citizenship (Article 15)

Ever wondered about reclaiming your Croatian citizenship after once letting it go for another passport? Well, good news! You can now kickstart that journey back to being a proud Croatian citizen. Picture this: a chance to rediscover the beauty of Croatian culture and community.

Here's the lowdown on the scoop: According to the Citizenship Law's Article 15, if you, at some point, traded in your Croatian nationality for a foreign one, you can now seize the opportunity to regain it. The catch? Show us your love for the legal norms and traditions of the Republic of Croatia. Oh, and don't forget to pack your bags because you'll need to be residing in Croatia when you submit that application.

But wait, there's more! Let's break it down. Even if you don't quite tick all the boxes outlined in Article 8, Paragraph 1, items 1-4, you're still in the game if you're living it up in the Republic of Croatia with a shiny residence permit.

Now, let's switch gears to Article 16 – a game-changer for those who might not have Croatian nationality but have a heart that beats for the Croatian people. You could be the hero of this story if you've ever declared your love for the Croatian nation in legal documents or rolled up your sleeves for the rights and interests of the Croatian people. Throw in some action in Croatian cultural, scientific, and sports associations abroad, and you're on your way!

Hold on, there's a twist! You don't need to juggle proof of your Croatian affiliation if your folks have already nailed down their place in the Croatian nation. It's the exception that proves the rule!

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the adventure of reclaiming your Croatian citizenship and become part of the vibrant tapestry of the Croatian community! Your journey starts now.

Now - Here is the part where you apply!

1: Uncover Your Eligibility

Kickstart your Croatian citizenship quest by identifying your eligibility. This step sets the stage for the specific documents and info needed for your application. 

2: Craft Your Application

Once you've unlocked your eligibility, it's time to assemble your application materials. Each eligibility category has its unique set of requirements. The checklist includes must-haves for everyone and additional gems for specific scenarios.

General requirements include:

• Your completed application form, tailored to your situation.

• A captivating biography in Croatian, supported by documentation explaining your motivation.

• Your original, apostilled birth certificate (if born abroad).

• Proof of nationality (a snazzy copy of your passport or ID card).

• A recent background check from your home country.

• A valid identity document with a photo 

There are extra treasures for various eligibility scenarios, such as marriage certificates, language test victories, proof of lineage, and tales of your ancestors' citizenship.

If you're under 18, your adventure pack includes an excerpt from the birth register, proof of citizenship, and a permission slip from the other parent.

Note: All foreign documents must be original, apostilled, and officially translated into Croatian – unless the adventure takes a different turn as per international agreements.

3: Launch Your Application

Submit your application in person and make your mark on the path to Croatian citizenship. Since January 1, 2020, non-residents embark on their quest at the nearest consulate or embassy, while residents within Croatia head to the administrative police station nearest to their dwelling.

Gear up for a processing adventure, especially if you're a third-country national on the residency route. Keep in mind that Administrative fees vary!

4: Claim Your Bonus Documents

Upon approval, receive the coveted "Decision on the Admission to Croatian Citizenship." The journey continues as you gather identity documents like Domovnica, a birth certificate, a passport, and the elusive Osobna iskaznica.

With a positive decision from the Ministry of the Interior, you officially become a Croatian citizen, forever etched in the Register of Citizens at the registrar's office !