Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about obtaining Croatian citizenship and working with Croatian Citizenship Consultants.

1. Who is eligible for Croatian citizenship by descent?

If you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Croatian citizen and who emigrated from Croatia before 1991, you may qualify for Croatian citizenship by descent under Article 11 of the Citizenship Act. Eligibility depends on your family line and the documentation available to prove your ancestry.

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2. My ancestor became a citizen of another country before the birth of the next generation. Do I still qualify?

Yes. You may still qualify for Croatian citizenship by descent even if your ancestor naturalized elsewhere before the birth of the next in line. Each case is assessed individually based on available records and the interpretation of the Croatian Citizenship Act.

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3. I can’t find or obtain any document from Croatia showing my ancestor was born there. Can I still apply?

If a birth or baptismal record from Croatia is not available, there may be a possibility to reconstruct the birth record through the Croatian courts. To do this, you must have strong evidence that your ancestor was indeed from Croatia, such as family documents, immigration papers, or historical records. If court reconstruction is not possible or the evidence is insufficient, you may still be able to apply through another route, such as Article 16 (citizenship based on Croatian origin) or Article 11a (special cases of cultural or national connection). We can assess your case and help determine the best option for you.

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4. Can you help me find Croatian birth or marriage records?

Yes. We can guide you on how and where to request records from Croatian registry offices (matični uredi) or archives and we can also order and search for them on your behalf. We provide full assistance with record retrieval, document translations, and legalization (apostille) as required for citizenship applications.

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5. Do I need to travel to Croatia to apply?

No. You must apply at the Croatian consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence abroad. You can apply in Croatia only if you hold a registered temporary or permanent residence there. We can help you determine the correct consulate and ensure your documents meet all necessary requirements before submission.

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6. What is the difference between full and guided assistance?

With Full Assistance, we manage the entire process for you with minimal effort on your side, from document collection to application preparation. With Guided Assistance, you handle parts of the process yourself while we provide expert guidance, document review, and step-by-step support.

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7. How does citizenship by marriage work?

If you are married to a Croatian citizen, you may apply for Croatian citizenship after a certain duration of marriage or residence. Additionally, spouses of Croatian descendants (those applying for or already recognized as Croatian citizens by descent) may also be eligible to apply, depending on the circumstances. We assist you in understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and coordinating with your local consulate or Croatian authorities.

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8. What about citizenship by naturalization?

Citizenship by naturalization is typically available to individuals who have legally resided in Croatia for a number of years, or who have contributed to Croatian society in a meaningful way. We help assess eligibility and guide you through the entire process.

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9. How long does the citizenship process take?

Processing times vary based on your case, where you apply, and the specific citizenship category. On average, the process takes from 6 months to over 2 years, with most cases being completed between 1 and 2 years. We keep you informed throughout every stage of your application.

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10. What documents do I need to start?

The required documents depend on your citizenship category, but generally include:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates (if applicable)

• Proof of Croatian ancestry (for descent cases)

• Valid identification documents

We’ll provide you with a personalized checklist once we review your situation.

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11. How can I get started?

You can contact us directly at martina@croatiancitizenshipconsultants.com or through our Contact Form. We’ll review your details and recommend the best path to Croatian citizenship for your circumstances.