Do it yourself
Time-consuming but doable
A$0
+ archive, government and translation fees
- Handle everything on your own
- Research the law and trustworthy sources
- Take extra care to avoid delays and rejections
- Expect 50–100 hours over 1.5–3 years
Croatian citizenship by descent · Australia & New ZealandClaim your Croatian roots
If your parent, grandparent or great-grandparent was born in Croatia, you may be entitled to Croatian citizenship and an EU passport. We help Australians and New Zealanders prove it, apply and get approved.
Ways to qualify
Helping Croatian descendants across Australia and New Zealand
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Perth
- Adelaide
- Brisbane
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Geelong
- Wollongong
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Christchurch
176,000+
Australians and New Zealanders with Croatian roots
Generations of Croatians made new lives in Australia and New Zealand. Under Croatian law, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can claim the citizenship they left behind.
Eligibility
One Croatian ancestor is all you need
If you can prove a direct line to just one ancestor who was born in Croatia and emigrated, you are likely eligible. That ancestor can be a parent, a grandparent or even a great-grandparent. We help you find the proof.
No language test
Croatian language skills are not required for descendants.No residency
You do not need to live in Croatia.Keep your citizenship
Dual citizenship is allowed, so you stay Australian or a New Zealander.
Find your path
The process
Your path to Croatian citizenship
Simpler than you might think, with the right guidance.
- 1
Eligibility check
Start by confirming you qualify. If a parent or grandparent was Croatian, there is a good chance you do.
Take our 2-minute quizTypical duration: 2 minutes
- 2
Document collection
You will need your birth certificate, proof of your Croatian family line (often from official archives), a police check and more. Some documents need an apostille and a certified translation.
“Three documents carry the application: your birth certificate, your ancestor's Croatian birth record, and proof that they emigrated.”
Typical duration: 2–4 months
- 3
Consulate/embassy meeting
Lodge in person at a Croatian embassy or consulate in Australia or New Zealand. Appointments can be scarce, so book as soon as your documents are in order.
Typical duration: 1–3 months
- 4
Ministry review
Croatia's Ministry of the Interior reviews your file. This is the long stretch; polite follow-ups help keep it moving.
Typical duration: 12–18 months
- 5
Application approval
The consulate notifies you once your application is approved, then finalises the paperwork locally.
Typical duration: 2–3 months
- 6
Croatian citizenship certificate
You are officially Croatian when you receive your Domovnica, the certificate that confirms your citizenship.
Typical duration: about 2 months
- 7
Croatian passport
The quickest step: apply for your passport and start using your EU rights.
Typical duration: about 1 month
Total time: 16–36 months
Read the full step-by-step guide“We're a small team of Croatian descendants who went through the same confusing process ourselves. We built the simple, reliable service we wished we'd had.”
Find out if you qualify
Take the quiz
Two ways to apply
Guidance every step of the way
If you have the time and patience for research and bureaucracy, you can do this yourself and our guides will help. If you would rather hand it over, we manage the whole application for a fixed price.
- Fixed price
- Money-back guarantee*
- Croatian archive retrieval
- Unlimited expert guidance
Everything you need, either way
Pricing
Is it worth hiring an expert?
Two honest options. Pick the one that fits your time.
Explore the DIY path
Premium
Fixed price, guaranteed result
A$2,200per applicant
+ government and translation fees
- Unlimited expert guidance
- Save up to 90% of your time
- Full document review before the consulate
- We retrieve records from Croatian archives
- We track every step
- We follow up with the authorities
Pass our initial consultation and follow our instructions, and we guarantee your Croatian citizenship — or your money back.*Guarantee terms
The passport
A second passport that opens Europe
The Croatian passport is among the strongest in the world: 181 destinations without a visa in advance, including every EU member state.
Everything the passport gives youWhat changes when you're Croatian
EU freedom of movement
Live, work and study in any of the 27 EU countries without a visa.Education
Study at any EU university under the same conditions as local students.Healthcare
Access public healthcare systems as an EU citizen when you live there.Visa-free travel
Travel to 181 destinations visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an online travel authority.Pass it on
Your children can inherit Croatian citizenship from you.Property and business
Buy property and start a business across the EU on equal terms.
Start your journey home
Take the first stepFrequently asked questions
Questions? We've got answers.
Can an Australian or New Zealander get Croatian citizenship by descent?
Yes, if you can document a direct line to an ancestor who was born in Croatia and emigrated. That ancestor can be a parent, a grandparent or a great-grandparent.
Check your eligibilityDoes Croatia allow dual citizenship?
Yes. You keep your Australian or New Zealand citizenship when you become Croatian.
Dual citizenship explainedDo I need to speak Croatian or live in Croatia?
No. Descendants of Croatian emigrants are exempt from the language and residency requirements.
Article 11 of the Citizenship ActHow long does it take?
Typically 16–36 months from your first documents to your Croatian passport.
See each step and how long it takesHow much does it cost?
Doing it yourself costs only the third-party fees. Our Premium service is A$2,200 per applicant, plus government and translation fees.
Compare the two optionsWhat if my application is refused?
Premium clients are covered by our money-back guarantee, subject to its terms.
Read the guarantee termsFeatured guides
Know before you apply
176K+
Australians and New Zealanders with Croatian roots
97%+
Success rate with expert guidance
3+
Generations can qualify
181
Visa-free destinations (Henley 2026)
Already a client?
Follow your application and get updates at every stage.