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The law in English

The Croatian Citizenship Act, in plain English

A clear overview of the Croatian Citizenship Act and its 2022 amendments, with English translations next to the original Croatian, so you can see how the law applies to you.
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Key takeaways

  • For most applicants of Croatian descent, Article 11 is the primary legal basis: it defines who is an emigrant and which descendants can claim citizenship.
  • If Article 11 does not apply, Article 16 offers another route for those who identify as part of the Croatian people.
  • Only the original Croatian text holds legal authority; the English translations are here to help you understand it.

About This Page

This page breaks down the Croatian Citizenship Act into clear, plain English so that individuals with Croatian ancestry—especially those in Australia and New Zealand—can understand how the law applies to them. You’ll find simplified explanations alongside translated excerpts from key legal sections relevant to eligibility and the application process.

Key Highlight: For most applicants of Croatian descent, Article 11 is the primary legal basis. It outlines who is considered an “emigrant” and which descendants can claim citizenship. If Article 11 doesn’t apply, Article 16 offers another route for those who identify as part of the Croatian people.

Legal Disclaimer: These summaries and translations are intended to assist with understanding. Only the original Croatian text holds legal authority.

Typical Pathway for Citizenship by Descent

Article 11 / Članak 11

English Version

Article 11: "An emigrant and their descendants may apply for Croatian citizenship by naturalization even if they do not fulfill the requirements from Article 8, paragraph 1, points 2-4.

A foreign spouse of someone from paragraph 1 may also acquire Croatian citizenship even if they do not meet the standard requirements.

An emigrant is defined as someone who left the territory of the Republic of Croatia before October 8, 1991, intending to live permanently abroad.

Additionally, emigrants include members of the Croatian people who moved from territories that were part of former states encompassing today’s Croatia.

Persons who moved due to international agreements, renounced Croatian citizenship, or relocated from Croatia without prior citizenship are not considered emigrants."

Original Croatian Text

Članak 11:

»Iseljenik i njegovi potomci mogu prirođenjem steći hrvatsko državljanstvo iako ne udovoljavaju pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 2. – 4. ovoga Zakona.

Stranac koji je u braku s osobom iz stavka 1. ovoga članka može steći hrvatsko državljanstvo iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 2. – 4. ovoga Zakona.

Iseljenik iz stavka 1. ovoga članka je osoba koja se prije 8. listopada 1991. godine iselila s područja Republike Hrvatske u namjeri da u inozemstvu stalno živi.

Iznimno, iseljenik iz stavka 1. ovoga članka je i pripadnik hrvatskog naroda koji se iselio s prostora u sastavu bivših država u kojima se, u vrijeme iseljenja, nalazilo i područje današnje Republike Hrvatske.

Iseljenikom se ne smatra osoba koja je iselila s područja Republike Hrvatske na temelju međunarodnog ugovora ili se odrekla hrvatskog državljanstva, osoba koja je promijenila prebivalište u druge države koje su u to vrijeme bile u sastavu državne zajednice kojoj je pripadala i Republika Hrvatska te osoba koja je iselila s područja Republike Hrvatske, a nije imala bivše hrvatsko republičko državljanstvo, odnosno zavičajnost na području Republike Hrvatske.«

What this means for Australians & New Zealanders: If you are a descendant of someone who emigrated from Croatia or relevant territories before October 8, 1991, you may qualify for Croatian citizenship by descent even if some standard criteria are not met. This is the main route for applicants from Australia and New Zealand.

(Article 16 / Članak 16. — NN 102/19)

2nd Most Common Pathway to Croatian Citizenship

Who this applies to: Australians and New Zealanders with Croatian heritage who can prove connection to Croatian culture or community — even if they do not qualify under Article 11 (emigrant pathway).

English Translation

Article 16: A member of the Croatian people who does not have residence in the Republic of Croatia may acquire Croatian citizenship if they meet the conditions from Article 8, paragraph 1, point 5 of this Law.

Membership in the Croatian people is determined by previous declaration of such membership in legal transactions, stating such membership in public documents, protection of rights and promotion of interests of the Croatian people, and participation in Croatian cultural, scientific and sports associations abroad.

As an exception, if a person's parents already established membership in the Croatian people, they do not need to provide separate evidence.

Original Croatian Text

Pripadnik hrvatskog naroda koji nema prebivalište u Republici Hrvatskoj, može steći hrvatsko državljanstvo ako udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točke 5. ovoga Zakona.

Pripadnost hrvatskom narodu utvrđuje se ranijim deklariranjem te pripadnosti u pravnom prometu, navođenjem te pripadnosti u pojedinim javnim ispravama, zaštitom prava i promicanjem interesa hrvatskog naroda i aktivnim sudjelovanjem u hrvatskim kulturnim, znanstvenim i sportskim udrugama u inozemstvu.

Iznimno, dokaze o pripadnosti hrvatskom narodu ne mora priložiti osoba za čije je roditelje nesporno utvrđena pripadnost hrvatskom narodu.

Practical summary for Australians and New Zealanders: No Croatian language test. No residency required. Cultural connection or heritage proof is enough.

Full Text of the Croatian Citizenship Law

General Provisions / Opće Odredbe

Article 1

English: This law regulates Croatian citizenship, including the conditions for acquiring and terminating citizenship.

Article 2

English: A citizen of the Republic of Croatia who also holds another citizenship is regarded solely as a Croatian citizen before Croatian state authorities.

II. ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP / II. STJECANJE DRŽAVLJANSTVA

Article 3 / Članak 3.

English: Croatian citizenship is acquired by:

  1. origin;
  2. birth on the territory of the Republic of Croatia;
  3. naturalization;
  4. by international agreements.

Croatian: Hrvatsko državljanstvo stječe se:

  1. podrijetlom;
  2. rođenjem na teritoriju Republike Hrvatske;
  3. prirođenjem;
  4. po međunarodnim ugovorima.

Article 4 / Članak 4. (NN 102/19)

English: A child acquires Croatian citizenship by origin if:

  1. both parents are Croatian citizens at the time of the child's birth;
  2. one of the parents is a Croatian citizen at the time of the child's birth, and the child is born in the Republic of Croatia;
  3. the child is of foreign citizenship or stateless and has been adopted by Croatian citizens according to the provisions of a special law.

Croatian: Podrijetlom stječe hrvatsko državljanstvo dijete:

  1. čija su oba roditelja u trenutku njegova rođenja hrvatski državljani;
  2. čiji je jedan od roditelja u trenutku rođenja djeteta hrvatski državljanin, a dijete je rođeno u Republici Hrvatskoj;
  3. stranog državljanstva ili bez državljanstva kojeg su prema odredbama posebnog zakona posvojili hrvatski državljani.

Article 5 — Članak 5. (NN 102/19, 138/21)

English: A person born outside Croatia, where one parent was a Croatian citizen at the time of birth, acquires Croatian citizenship by origin, provided they are registered as a Croatian citizen at a diplomatic mission, consulate abroad, or at a registry office in Croatia before turning 21.

Individuals older than 21 who were born abroad to a Croatian parent at birth may also obtain citizenship by origin if they apply within three years from the date this law came into effect, and the Ministry of the Interior confirms that there are no obstacles under Article 8, paragraph 1, point 5 of this Law.

A person born abroad to a Croatian parent who doesn't meet the first condition may still obtain citizenship if they would otherwise be left stateless.

Article 6 — Članak 6.

Repealed. Brisan. The consolidated text (NN 53/91 … 138/21) lists this article as deleted.

Article 7 — Članak 7.

English: A child born or found within the territory of the Republic of Croatia acquires Croatian citizenship if both parents are unknown, of unknown citizenship, or are stateless. Croatian citizenship will cease if, before the child reaches the age of 14, it is determined that both parents are foreign citizens.

Article 8 / Članak 8. (NN 102/19)

English: A foreigner who has submitted a request for admission to Croatian citizenship may acquire Croatian citizenship by naturalization if they meet these conditions:

  1. has reached 18 years of age;
  2. has a release from foreign citizenship or submits proof that they will receive a release if admitted to Croatian citizenship;
  3. has lived in the Republic of Croatia with registered residence for 8 years continuously until submitting the request and has approved status of a foreigner with permanent residence;
  4. knows the Croatian language and Latin script, Croatian culture and social system;
  5. respects the legal order of the Republic of Croatia, has settled due public charges and there are no security obstacles to their admission to Croatian citizenship.

It will be considered that the condition from point 2, paragraph 1 of this Article is met if the request was submitted by a person who is stateless or who will lose citizenship according to the law of the country of which they are a citizen by naturalization itself.

If a foreign state does not allow release or sets conditions for release that cannot be met, a statement by the person who submitted the request that they renounce foreign citizenship under the assumption of acquiring Croatian citizenship is sufficient.

Fulfillment of the condition from paragraph 1, point 4 of this Article is determined by testing knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script, culture and social system.

Persons over 60 years of age do not have to meet the conditions from paragraph 1, point 4 of this Article.

Croatian: Prirođenjem može steći hrvatsko državljanstvo stranac koji je podnio zahtjev za primanje u hrvatsko državljanstvo ako udovoljava ovim pretpostavkama:

  1. da je navršio 18 godina života;
  2. da ima otpust iz stranog državljanstva ili da podnese dokaz da će otpust dobiti ako bude primljen u hrvatsko državljanstvo;
  3. da živi u Republici Hrvatskoj s prijavljenim boravkom 8 godina neprekidno do podnošenja zahtjeva i ima odobren status stranca na stalnom boravku;
  4. da poznaje hrvatski jezik i latinično pismo, hrvatsku kulturu i društveno uređenje;
  5. da poštuje pravni poredak Republike Hrvatske, da je podmirio dospjela javna davanja te da ne postoje sigurnosne zapreke za njegov primitak u hrvatsko državljanstvo.

Smatrat će se da je udovoljeno pretpostavci iz točke 2. stavka 1. ovoga članka, ako je zahtjev podnijela osoba koja je bez državljanstva ili koja će ga prema zakonu zemlje čiji je državljanin izgubiti samim prirođenjem.

Ako strana država ne dopušta otpust ili za otpust postavlja pretpostavke kojima se ne može udovoljiti, dovoljna je izjava osobe koja je podnijela zahtjev da se pod pretpostavkom stjecanja hrvatskog državljanstva odriče stranog državljanstva.

Ispunjenje pretpostavke iz stavka 1. točke 4. ovoga članka, utvrđuje se provjerom poznavanja hrvatskog jezika i latiničnog pisma, kulture i društvenog uređenja.

Osobe starije od 60 godina ne moraju ispunjavati pretpostavke iz stavka 1. točke 4. ovoga članka.

Article 8a / Članak 8a.

English: A foreigner who has submitted a request for admission to Croatian citizenship, and at the time of submitting the request does not have a release from foreign citizenship or does not have proof that they will receive a release if admitted to Croatian citizenship, may be issued a guarantee of admission to Croatian citizenship if they meet the other conditions from Article 8, paragraph 1 of this law.

The guarantee is issued with a validity period of two years.

Croatian: Strancu koji je podnio zahtjev za primitak u hrvatsko državljanstvo, a u trenutku podnošenja zahtjeva nema otpust iz stranog državljanstva ili nema dokaz da će otpust dobiti ako bude primljen u hrvatsko državljanstvo, može se izdati zajamčenje primitka u hrvatsko državljanstvo ako udovoljava ostalim pretpostavkama iz članka 8., stavka 1., ovoga zakona.

Zajamčenje se izdaje s rokom važenja od dvije godine.

Article 9 / Članak 9. (NN 102/19)

English: A person who was born on the territory of the Republic of Croatia and lives in the Republic of Croatia and has approved permanent residence, may acquire Croatian citizenship by naturalization even if they do not meet the conditions from Article 8, paragraph 1, points 3 and 4 of this Law.

Croatian: Osoba koja je rođena na području Republike Hrvatske i živi u Republici Hrvatskoj te ima odobren stalni boravak, može prirođenjem steći hrvatsko državljanstvo iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točke 3. i 4. ovoga Zakona.

Article 10 / Članak 10.

English: A foreigner who is married to a Croatian citizen and has been granted permanent residence and lives on the territory of the Republic of Croatia, may acquire Croatian citizenship by naturalization even if they do not meet the conditions from Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4 of this law.

Croatian: Stranac koji je u braku s hrvatskim državljaninom i kojem je odobren stalni boravak i živi na području Republike Hrvatske, može prirođenjem steći hrvatsko državljanstvo iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 1-4. ovoga zakona.

Article 11 / Članak 11

Note: Article 11 is covered in detail in the highlighted section above as it is the most important article for Australians and New Zealanders seeking citizenship by descent. Please refer to the "Most Common Way to apply for Citizenship by Descent" section for the complete text and translation.

Article 12 / Članak 12. (NN 102/19)

English: A foreigner whose admission to Croatian citizenship would represent an interest for the Republic of Croatia, may acquire Croatian citizenship by naturalization even if they do not meet the conditions from Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4 of this law.

Croatian citizenship may also be acquired by the spouse of the person from paragraph 1 of this Article who has acquired Croatian citizenship, even if they do not meet the conditions from Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4 of this law, if they have lived in the Republic of Croatia for one year with approved residence.

At the request of the Ministry of the Interior, the competent ministry or central state office provides a reasoned opinion from which the existence of the Republic of Croatia's interest in admitting the foreigner from paragraph 1 of this Article to Croatian citizenship clearly follows.

Croatian: Stranac čije bi primanje u hrvatsko državljanstvo predstavljalo interes za Republiku Hrvatsku, može prirođenjem steći hrvatsko državljanstvo iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 1. -4. ovoga zakona.

Hrvatsko državljanstvo može steći i bračni drug osobe iz stavka 1. ovoga članka koja je stekla hrvatsko državljanstvo, iako ne udovoljava pretpostavkama iz članka 8. stavka 1. točaka 1-4. ovoga zakona, ako godinu dana živi u Republici Hrvatskoj s odobrenim boravkom.

Na zahtjev Ministarstva unutarnjih poslova, nadležno ministarstvo odnosno središnji državni ured daje obrazloženo mišljenje iz kojeg nedvojbeno proizlazi postojanje interesa Republike Hrvatske za primitak u hrvatsko državljanstvo stranca iz stavka 1. ovoga članka.

Article 13 / Članak 13. (NN 102/19)

English: A minor child acquires Croatian citizenship by naturalization:

  1. if both parents acquire citizenship by naturalization, or
  2. if only one parent acquires citizenship by naturalization, and the child lives in the Republic of Croatia and has approved permanent residence, or
  3. if one parent acquires citizenship by naturalization based on Article 11, paragraph 1 or Article 16 of this Law, or
  4. if only one parent acquires citizenship by naturalization, the other is stateless or of unknown citizenship, and the child lives abroad.

The request for acquiring Croatian citizenship for a minor child is submitted by one of the parents with the written consent of the other parent or by the child's guardian.

As an exception to paragraph 2 of this Article, the request may be submitted independently by one parent:

  • if the other parent has died or has been declared dead,
  • if the other parent has been deprived of legal capacity in the part relating to deciding on the child's status issues,
  • if based on a court decision they independently exercise parental care in whole or in that part, or if the other parent's exercise of parental care is suspended based on a court decision,
  • if the other parent's whereabouts are unknown.

In the case from paragraph 3, subparagraph 4 of this Article, the request can be submitted only with the prior consent of the competent social welfare center.

Croatian: Prirođenjem stječe hrvatsko državljanstvo maloljetno dijete:

  1. ako oba roditelja stječu državljanstvo prirođenjem, ili
  2. ako prirođenjem stječe državljanstvo samo jedan od roditelja, a dijete živi u Republici Hrvatskoj i ima odobren stalni boravak, ili
  3. ako jedan od roditelja stječe državljanstvo prirođenjem na temelju članka 11. stavka 1. ili članka 16. ovoga Zakona, ili
  4. ako prirođenjem stječe državljanstvo samo jedan od roditelja, drugi je bez državljanstva ili nepoznatog državljanstva, a dijete živi u inozemstvu.

Zahtjev za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva za maloljetno dijete podnosi jedan od roditelja uz pisanu suglasnost drugog roditelja ili skrbnik djeteta.

Iznimno od stavka 2. ovoga članka, zahtjev može samostalno podnijeti jedan od roditelja:

  • ako je drugi roditelj umro ili je proglašen umrlim,
  • ako je drugi roditelj lišen poslovne sposobnosti u dijelu koji se odnosi na odlučivanje o statusnim pitanjima djeteta,
  • ako na temelju sudske odluke samostalno ostvaruje roditeljsku skrb u cijelosti ili u tom dijelu odnosno ako drugom roditelju miruje ostvarivanje roditeljske skrbi na temelju sudske odluke,
  • ako je drugom roditelju nepoznato boravište.

U slučaju iz stavka 3. podstavka 4. ovoga članka zahtjev se može podnijeti samo uz prethodnu suglasnost nadležnog centra za socijalnu skrb.

Article 14 — Članak 14.

Repealed. Brisan. Deleted by the 2011 amendment (NN 130/11, Article 7), in force from 1 January 2012.

ARTICLE 15 — ČLANAK 15.

Reacquiring Croatian Citizenship

English Version

A Croatian citizen who requested and obtained release from Croatian citizenship in order to acquire foreign citizenship — when required by a foreign state as a condition to perform a certain profession or activity — may reacquire Croatian citizenship even if the requirements listed in Article 8, paragraph 1, points 1-4 are not met, provided they currently live in Croatia and have approved residence.

ARTICLE 16 — ČLANAK 16

Reference to Detailed Explanation

III. TERMINATION OF CITIZENSHIP / III. PRESTANAK DRŽAVLJANSTVA

Article 17 / Članak 17.

English: Croatian citizenship terminates by:

  1. release;
  2. renunciation;
  3. by international agreements.

Croatian: Hrvatsko državljanstvo prestaje:

  1. otpustom;
  2. odricanjem;
  3. po međunarodnim ugovorima.

Article 18 / Članak 18.

English: Release from Croatian citizenship may be granted to a person who has submitted a request for release and meets these conditions:

  1. has reached 18 years of age;
  2. has no obstacles regarding military obligation;
  3. has settled due taxes, fees and other public charges and obligations to legal and natural persons in the Republic of Croatia, for which an enforceable title exists;
  4. has legally settled property obligations from marital relations and parent-child relations towards Croatian citizens and towards persons who remain living in the Republic of Croatia;
  5. has foreign citizenship or has proven that they will be accepted into foreign citizenship.

Release from Croatian citizenship cannot be granted to a person against whom criminal proceedings are being conducted in the Republic of Croatia for acts prosecuted ex officio or if they have been sentenced to imprisonment in the Republic of Croatia until they serve that sentence.

Croatian: Otpust iz hrvatskog državljanstva može se dati osobi koja je podnijela zahtjev za otpust i udovoljava ovim pretpostavkama:

  1. da je navršila 18 godina života;
  2. da nema smetnji glede vojne obveze;
  3. da je podmirila dužne poreze, takse i druge javne dadžbine te obveze prema pravnim i fizičkim osobama u Republici Hrvatskoj, za koje postoji izvršni naslov;
  4. da je pravno uredila imovinske obveze iz bračnog odnosa i odnosa roditelja i djece prema hrvatskim državljanima i prema osobama koje ostaju živjeti u Republici Hrvatskoj;
  5. da ima strano državljanstvo ili da je dokazala da će biti primljena u strano državljanstvo.

Otpust iz hrvatskog državljanstva ne može dobiti osoba protiv koje se u Republici Hrvatskoj vodi kazneni postupak zbog djela koje se goni po službenoj dužnosti ili ako je u Republici Hrvatskoj osuđena na kaznu zatvora dok tu kaznu ne izdrži.

ARTICLE 19 — ČLANAK 19

Revocation of Release Decision

English (Explanation):

A person who requested release from Croatian citizenship may have that decision reversed if they fail to acquire foreign citizenship within three years. They must notify a Croatian consulate, embassy, or the responsible administrative body within the following three years for the revocation to take effect.

Article 20 / Članak 20. (NN 102/19)

English: A child under 18 years of age loses Croatian citizenship by release:

  1. at the request of both parents whose Croatian citizenship has terminated by release, or
  2. if Croatian citizenship has terminated in the manner from point 1 of this paragraph for one parent, and the other parent is a foreign citizen, or
  3. if Croatian citizenship has terminated in the manner from point 1 of this paragraph for one parent, and the other parent who is a Croatian citizen gives written consent for the child's release from Croatian citizenship.

A child under 18 years of age, adopted by foreign citizens, shall be released from Croatian citizenship at the request of the adoptive parents.

Croatian: Djetetu do navršene 18. godine života prestaje otpustom hrvatsko državljanstvo:

  1. na zahtjev oba roditelja kojima je hrvatsko državljanstvo prestalo otpustom, ili
  2. ako je hrvatsko državljanstvo prestalo na način iz točke 1. ovoga stavka jednom od roditelja, a drugi roditelj je strani državljanin, ili
  3. ako je hrvatsko državljanstvo prestalo na način iz točke 1. ovoga stavka jednom od roditelja, a drugi roditelj koji je hrvatski državljanin da pisanu suglasnost za otpust djeteta iz hrvatskog državljanstva.

Dijete do navršene 18. godine života, posvojeno od stranih državljana, otpustit će se iz hrvatskog državljanstva na zahtjev posvojitelja.

Article 21 — Članak 21 (NN 102/19)

English Summary

A Croatian citizen who is an adult and resides outside Croatia — and already holds another citizenship — has the right to voluntarily renounce their Croatian nationality.

Once renounced, Croatian citizenship cannot be regained by that same person.

Article 22 / Članak 22. (NN 102/19)

English: A child under 18 years of age loses Croatian citizenship by renunciation:

  1. at the request of parents whose Croatian citizenship has terminated by renunciation; or
  2. if Croatian citizenship has terminated in this way for one parent, and the other parent is a foreign citizen.

A child under 18 years of age, adopted by foreign citizens, will lose Croatian citizenship by renunciation at the request of the adoptive parents.

Croatian: Djetetu do navršene 18. godine života prestaje odricanjem hrvatsko državljanstvo:

  1. na zahtjev roditelja kojima je hrvatsko državljanstvo prestalo odricanjem; ili
  2. ako je hrvatsko državljanstvo prestalo na taj način jednom od roditelja, a drugi roditelj je strani državljanin.

Djetetu do navršene 18. godine života, posvojenom od stranih državljana, prestat će hrvatsko državljanstvo odricanjem na zahtjev posvojitelja.

Article 23 — Članak 23

English Explanation

Individuals who lost their Croatian citizenship while minors under Article 20 or 22 can regain Croatian citizenship if they have lived continuously in Croatia for at least one year and submit a written declaration affirming that they consider themselves Croatian citizens.

IV. PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS / IV. POSTUPOVNE ODREDBE

Article 24 / Članak 24. (NN 102/19)

English Explanation

Individuals who acquire Croatian citizenship by origin or by being born in Croatia are automatically entered into the citizenship registry when registered in the birth records. Registration can also be requested via a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office abroad.

Matters related to acquiring citizenship by origin or birth in Croatia are managed by the competent administrative body of the county or the City of Zagreb responsible for state administration duties regarding Croatian citizenship.

Requests for acquiring citizenship through naturalization, terminating citizenship, or confirming citizenship must generally be submitted in person at the local police administration or station according to the place of approved temporary or permanent residence.

As an exception for persons with disabilities, such requests may be submitted by a legal guardian or an authorized attorney.

These requests can also be submitted through a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office abroad.

Croatian: Osobe koje su hrvatsko državljanstvo stekle podrijetlom ili rođenjem na području Republike Hrvatske upisuju se u evidenciju o državljanstvu prilikom upisa u maticu rođenih. Zahtjev za upis u evidenciju može se također podnijeti preko diplomatske misije ili konzularnog ureda Republike Hrvatske u inozemstvu.

Poslove vezane uz stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva podrijetlom ili rođenjem obavlja nadležno upravno tijelo županije ili Grada Zagreba u čijem je djelokrugu obavljanje povjerenih poslova državne uprave vezanih za stjecanje državljanstva.

Zahtjev za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem, prestanak hrvatskog državljanstva ili utvrđivanje hrvatskog državljanstva podnosi se osobno u policijskoj upravi ili policijskoj postaji prema mjestu odobrenog privremenog ili stalnog boravka.

Iznimno, ako se radi o osobi s invaliditetom, zahtjev se može podnijeti putem zakonskog zastupnika ili ovlaštenog opunomoćenika.

Ovi zahtjevi mogu se također podnijeti preko diplomatske misije ili konzularnog ureda Republike Hrvatske u inozemstvu.

Article 24a / Članak 24a.

English: Individuals who acquire Croatian citizenship by origin are recognized as Croatian citizens from birth.

Citizenship obtained through naturalization takes effect on the day the decision granting Croatian citizenship is delivered.

Citizenship acquired via a formal declaration is effective on the date the declaration is submitted.

Termination of Croatian citizenship by release occurs on the day the release decision is delivered.

Citizenship ends by renunciation on the day the statement of renunciation is submitted.

Croatian: Osobe koje su hrvatsko državljanstvo stekle podrijetlom smatraju se hrvatskim državljanima od trenutka rođenja.

Prirođenjem, hrvatsko državljanstvo stječe se na dan uručenja rješenja o primitku u hrvatsko državljanstvo.

Hrvatsko državljanstvo stečeno temeljem dane izjave stječe se na dan davanja te izjave.

Otpustom, hrvatsko državljanstvo prestaje na dan uručenja rješenja o otpustu iz hrvatskog državljanstva.

Odricanjem, hrvatsko državljanstvo prestaje na dan davanja izjave o odricanju hrvatskog državljanstva.

Article 24b / Članak 24b. (NN 102/19)

English: Individuals acquiring Croatian citizenship through naturalization are required to take a formal oath.

The oath text states: "I swear on my honor that as a Croatian citizen I will respect the Constitution and laws, and uphold the legal system, culture, and traditions of the Republic of Croatia."

The procedure and method for taking this solemn oath are determined by the Minister responsible for internal affairs through official regulations.

Croatian: Osoba koja stječe hrvatsko državljanstvo prirođenjem daje svečanu prisegu.

Tekst svečane prisege glasi: »Prisežem svojom čašću da ću se kao hrvatski državljanin/državljanka pridržavati Ustava i zakona te poštivati pravni poredak, kulturu i običaje u Republici Hrvatskoj.«

Ministar nadležan za unutarnje poslove pravilnikom propisuje način i postupak davanja svečane prisege.

Article 25 / Članak 25.

English: The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for managing matters concerning the acquisition of Croatian citizenship through naturalization and international treaties, as well as overseeing the process for the termination of Croatian citizenship.

Croatian: Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova vodi poslove vezane uz stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem i prema međunarodnim ugovorima, kao i poslove vezane uz prestanak hrvatskog državljanstva.

Article 26 / Članak 26.

English: The Ministry of the Interior will deny any request for acquisition or termination of citizenship if the required conditions are not fulfilled, except when otherwise stated in this law.

Additionally, the Ministry may refuse a request even if all conditions are satisfied, if it determines there are reasons of national interest for the Republic of Croatia that warrant rejection of the request.

Croatian: Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova odbit će zahtjev za stjecanje ili prestanak državljanstva ako nisu ispunjene pretpostavke, osim ako zakonom nije drugačije određeno.

Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova može odbiti zahtjev iako su pretpostavke ispunjene, ako procijeni da postoje razlozi od interesa za Republiku Hrvatsku zbog kojih zahtjev treba odbiti.

Article 27 / Članak 27.

Records of Croatian Citizenship

English: Croatian citizenship records are officially maintained to track all citizens.

The registry office is responsible for maintaining these records.

Individuals born within the Republic of Croatia are recorded in the citizenship records of the registry office corresponding to their place of birth.

Individuals born abroad are recorded in the citizenship records of the registry office corresponding to the residence of the person submitting the citizenship request.

Those acquiring Croatian citizenship under this law, who do not reside in Croatia, are entered into the central registry.

The central registry is maintained by the administrative body responsible for general governance in the City of Zagreb.

Any corrections to the data in the Croatian citizenship records can only be made based on a decision issued by the competent authority that authorized the initial entry.

Croatian: O hrvatskom državljanstvu vodi se evidencija.

Evidenciju o državljanstvu vodi matični ured.

Osobe rođene u Republici Hrvatskoj upisuju se u evidenciju o državljanstvu koju vodi matični ured prema mjestu rođenja te osobe.

Osobe rođene u inozemstvu upisuju se u evidenciju o državljanstvu koju vodi matični ured prema mjestu prebivališta osobe koja podnosi zahtjev za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva.

U središnju evidenciju upisuju se osobe koje stječu hrvatsko državljanstvo na temelju odredaba ovoga Zakona, a nemaju prebivalište u Republici Hrvatskoj.

Središnju evidenciju vodi tijelo nadležno za poslove opće uprave u Gradu Zagrebu.

Ispravci podataka u evidenciji o hrvatskom državljanstvu mogu se izvršiti samo na temelju rješenja nadležnog tijela koje je odredilo upis u knjigu državljana.

Article 28 / Članak 28.

English: The domovnica is a public document that proves Croatian citizenship and is issued by the registry office.

Croatian: Domovnica je javna isprava kojom se dokazuje hrvatsko državljanstvo, a izdaje je matični ured.

Article 29 / Članak 29.

English: Croatian citizenship is proven by a valid identity card, military identity card or passport.

A Croatian citizen who does not have any of the documents from paragraph 1 of this Article proves Croatian citizenship with a domovnica which, based on citizenship records, is issued by the registry office.

Croatian: Hrvatsko državljanstvo se dokazuje važećom osobnom iskaznicom, vojnom iskaznicom ili putovnicom.

Hrvatski državljanin koji nema ni jednu od isprava iz stavka 1. ovoga članka dokazuje hrvatsko državljanstvo domovnicom koju, na temelju evidencije o državljanstvu, izdaje matični ured.

Article 30 / Članak 30. (NN 110/15)

English: A person who acquired Croatian citizenship under regulations valid until the day this law came into force is considered a Croatian citizen.

A member of the Croatian people who does not have Croatian citizenship on the day this law comes into force, but has registered residence in the Republic of Croatia on that day, is considered a Croatian citizen if they give a written statement that they consider themselves a Croatian citizen.

A person who was entered in the citizenship records in the period from March 1, 1978 to October 8, 1991, and was issued a public document proving Croatian citizenship, is also considered a Croatian citizen.

The written statement from paragraph 2 of this Article is submitted to the police administration or police station of the municipality in whose area the person has residence.

Determination of the conditions from paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article is carried out by the police administration or police station. If it determines that all conditions are met, it will order entry into the citizenship records without issuing a written decision. If it determines that not all conditions are met, it will reject the request by decision.

Croatian: Hrvatskim državljaninom smatra se osoba koja je to svojstvo stekla po propisima važećim do dana stupanja na snagu ovoga zakona.

Hrvatskim državljaninom smatra se pripadnik hrvatskog naroda koji na dan stupanja na snagu ovog zakona nema hrvatsko državljanstvo, a na dotični dan ima prijavljeno prebivalište u Republici Hrvatskoj, ako da pisanu izjavu da se smatra hrvatskim državljaninom.

Hrvatskim državljaninom smatra se i osoba koja je upisana u evidenciju o državljanstvu u periodu od 1. ožujka 1978. do 8. listopada 1991., a izdana mu je javna isprava kojom se dokazuje hrvatsko državljanstvo.

Pisana izjava iz stavka 2. ovoga članka predaje se policijskoj upravi odnosno policijskoj stanici općine na čijem području osoba ima prebivalište.

Utvrđivanje pretpostavki iz stavka 1. i 2. ovoga članka obavlja policijska uprava odnosno policijska stanica. Ako utvrdi da su ispunjene sve pretpostavke naložit će upis u evidenciju o državljanstvu bez donošenja pisanog rješenja. Ako utvrdi da nisu ispunjene sve pretpostavke odbit će zahtjev rješenjem.

Article 30a / Članak 30a. (NN 102/19, 138/21)

English: Upon proposal by the ministry responsible for Croatian veterans, a missing or deceased Croatian defender from the Homeland War who does not have an entry in the Croatian citizenship records is considered a Croatian citizen as of October 8, 1991.

A person born in the period from January 8, 1977 to October 8, 1991, whose both parents had Croatian citizenship at the time of their birth, but who has another citizenship entered in the citizenship records, is also considered a Croatian citizen if they submit a request for determination of Croatian citizenship within three years from the day this Law comes into force.

Croatian: Na prijedlog ministarstva nadležnog za hrvatske branitelje, hrvatskim državljaninom s danom 8. listopada 1991. smatra se nestali i smrtno stradali hrvatski branitelj iz Domovinskog rata koji nema upis u evidenciju hrvatskih državljana.

Hrvatskim državljaninom smatra se i osoba rođena u razdoblju od 8. siječnja 1977. do 8. listopada 1991., kojoj su u trenutku rođenja oba roditelja imala hrvatsko državljanstvo, ali joj je u evidenciji o državljanstvu upisano drugo državljanstvo, ako u roku od tri godine od dana stupanja na snagu ovoga Zakona podnese zahtjev za utvrđivanje hrvatskog državljanstva.

V. TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS / V. PRIJELAZNE I ZAKLJUČNE ODREDBE

Article 31 / Članak 31.

English: The Minister of the Interior prescribes forms for keeping citizenship records, the content of the domovnica and the manner of keeping records.

The Minister of the Interior determines the cost price of the domovnica form which is borne by the applicant.

Croatian: Obrasce o vođenju evidencije o državljanstvu, sadržaju domovnice i načinu vođenja evidencije propisuje ministar unutarnjih poslova.

Ministar unutarnjih poslova utvrđuje cijenu koštanja obrasca domovnice koju snosi podnositelj zahtjeva.

Article 32 / Članak 32.

English: Obstacles to release from citizenship regarding military obligation (Article 18, paragraph 1, point 2) are prescribed by the Minister of Defense with the prior consent of the Minister of the Interior.

Croatian: Smetnje za otpust iz državljanstva glede vojne obveze (članak 18. stavak 1. točka 2.) propisuje ministar obrane uz prethodno pribavljenu suglasnost ministra unutarnjih poslova.

Article 33 / Članak 33.

English: Regulations in the sense of the provisions of Articles 31 and 32 of this law shall be adopted within 60 days from the day this law comes into force.

Croatian: Propisi u smislu odredbi članaka 31. i 32. ovoga zakona donijet će se u roku od 60 dana od dana stupanja na snagu ovoga zakona.

Article 34 / Članak 34.

English: Data in citizenship records according to Article 4, paragraph 2 and Article 20, paragraph 2 of this law are official secrets.

Croatian: Podaci u evidencijama o državljanstvu prema članku 4. stavku 2. i članku 20. stavku 2. ovoga zakona službena su tajna.

Article 35 / Članak 35.

English: Procedures initiated based on the Law on Citizenship of the Socialist Republic of Croatia ("Narodne novine", No. 32/77) shall be completed according to the provisions of this law.

Croatian: Postupci pokrenuti temeljem Zakona o državljanstvu Socijalističke Republike Hrvatske ("Narodne novine", br. 32/77) dovršit će se prema odredbama ovoga zakona.

Article 36 / Članak 36.

English: Supervision over the implementation of this Law and regulations adopted based on this Law is carried out by the ministry responsible for internal affairs and the ministry responsible for administration.

The ministry responsible for internal affairs supervises the implementation of provisions relating to the acquisition of Croatian citizenship by naturalization and by international agreements and the termination of Croatian citizenship.

The ministry responsible for administration supervises the implementation of provisions relating to the acquisition of Croatian citizenship by origin and by birth on the territory of the Republic of Croatia.

Croatian: Nadzor nad provedbom ovoga Zakona i propisa donesenih na temelju tog Zakona provode ministarstvo nadležno za unutarnje poslove i ministarstvo nadležno za upravu.

Ministarstvo nadležno za unutarnje poslove nadzire provedbu odredbi koje se odnose na stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem i po međunarodnim ugovorima te prestanak hrvatskog državljanstva.

Ministarstvo nadležno za upravu nadzire provedbu odredbi koje se odnose na stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva podrijetlom i rođenjem na području Republike Hrvatske.

Article 37 / Članak 37.

English: Upon the entry into force of this law, the Law on Citizenship of the Socialist Republic of Croatia ("Narodne novine", No. 32/77) ceases to be valid.

Until the adoption of regulations from Article 31 of this law, the Regulation on the manner of keeping records, the form for keeping records and the form of citizenship certificate ("Narodne novine", No. 7/78, 42/81) shall be applied.

Croatian: Stupanjem na snagu ovoga zakona prestaje važiti Zakon o državljanstvu Socijalističke Republike Hrvatske ("Narodne novine", br. 32/77).

Do donošenja propisa iz članka 31. ovoga zakona primjenjivat će se Pravilnik o načinu vođenja evidencije, obrascu za vođenje evidencije i obrascu uvjerenja o državljanstvu ("Narodne novine", br. 7/78, 42/81).

Article 38 / Članak 38.

English: This law enters into force on the day of its publication in "Narodne novine".

Croatian: Ovaj zakon stupa na snagu danom objave u "Narodnim novinama".

TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS FROM NN 130/11

Prijelazne i završne odredbe iz NN 130/11

Article 18 (from NN 130/11) / Članak 18. (iz NN 130/11)

English: The minister responsible for administration adopts a regulation on the content and manner of keeping records of Croatian citizenship, prescribes the content and form of the domovnica and determines the price of the domovnica form.

The minister responsible for internal affairs shall prescribe by regulation the forms of applications for acquiring Croatian citizenship by naturalization and for termination of Croatian citizenship and the manner of keeping and content of records on acquiring Croatian citizenship by naturalization and by international agreements and records on termination of Croatian citizenship.

The manner of testing knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script, culture and social system shall be prescribed by the minister responsible for internal affairs by regulation, with the consent of the ministers responsible for education and culture.

The competent ministers shall adopt the regulations from paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article within 6 months from the day this Law comes into force.

Croatian: Ministar nadležan za upravu donosi pravilnik o sadržaju i načinu vođenja evidencije o hrvatskom državljanstvu, propisuje sadržaj i oblik domovnice te utvrđuje cijenu obrasca domovnice.

Ministar nadležan za unutarnje poslove pravilnikom će propisati obrasce zahtjeva za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem i za prestanak hrvatskog državljanstva te način vođenja i sadržaj evidencije o stjecanju hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem i po međunarodnim ugovorima te evidencije o prestanku hrvatskog državljanstva.

Način provjere poznavanja hrvatskog jezika i latiničnog pisma, kulture i društvenog uređenja propisat će ministar nadležan za unutarnje poslove pravilnikom, uz suglasnost ministara nadležnih za obrazovanje i kulturu.

Nadležni ministri donijet će propise iz stavka 1., 2. i 3. ovoga članka u roku od 6 mjeseci od dana stupanja na snagu ovoga Zakona.

Article 19 (from NN 130/11) / Članak 19. (iz NN 130/11)

English: It is considered that persons who had residence in the Republic of Croatia on October 8, 1991 and who were granted permanent residence, fulfill the conditions of required residence in procedures for acquiring Croatian citizenship.

Croatian: Smatra se da osobe koje su na dan 8. listopada 1991. imale prebivalište u Republici Hrvatskoj i kojima je odobren stalni boravak, ispunjavaju pretpostavke potrebnog boravka u postupcima stjecanja hrvatskog državljanstva.

Article 20 (from NN 130/11) / Članak 20. (iz NN 130/11)

English: All procedures initiated until the day this Law comes into force shall be completed according to the provisions of the Law on Croatian Citizenship ("Narodne novine", No. 53/91, 70/91 - correction, 28/92 and 113/93).

Croatian: Svi postupci pokrenuti do dana stupanja na snagu ovoga Zakona dovršit će se po odredbama Zakona o hrvatskom državljanstvu (»Narodne novine«, br. 53/91., 70/91. – ispravak, 28/92. i 113/93.).

Article 21 (from NN 130/11) / Članak 21. (iz NN 130/11)

English: Throughout the entire text of the Law on Croatian Citizenship ("Narodne novine", No. 53/91, 70/91 - correction, 28/92 and 113/93), the words: "territory of the Republic of Croatia", "police station" and "diplomatic or consular representation", are replaced with the words: "area of the Republic of Croatia", "police post" and "diplomatic mission or consular office" in the appropriate number and case.

Croatian: U cijelom tekstu Zakona o hrvatskom državljanstvu (»Narodne novine«, br. 53/91., 70/91. – ispravak, 28/92. i 113/93.) riječi: »teritorij Republike Hrvatske«, »policijska stanica« i »diplomatsko ili konzularno predstavništvo«, zamjenjuju se riječima: »područje Republike Hrvatske«, »policijska postaja« i »diplomatska misija ili konzularni ured« u odgovarajućem broju i padežu.

Note: This article updates terminology throughout the citizenship law to use more modern and precise language.

Article 22 (from NN 130/11) / Članak 22. (iz NN 130/11)

English: This Law shall be published in "Narodne novine" and enters into force on January 1, 2012.

Croatian: Ovaj Zakon objavit će se u »Narodnim novinama«, a stupa na snagu 1. siječnja 2012.

Final Article: This completes the 2011 amendments (NN 130/11) to the Croatian Citizenship Law, which took effect on January 1, 2012.

TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS FROM NN 102/19

Prijelazne i završne odredbe iz NN 102/19

Article 15 (from NN 102/19) / Članak 15. (iz NN 102/19)

English: The regulation from Article 24b, paragraph 3, which was added by Article 14 of this Law, shall be adopted by the minister responsible for internal affairs within six months from the day this Law comes into force.

The minister responsible for internal affairs shall harmonize the Regulation on forms of applications for acquiring Croatian citizenship by naturalization and for termination of Croatian citizenship and the manner of keeping and content of records on acquiring Croatian citizenship by naturalization and by international agreements and records on termination of Croatian citizenship ("Narodne novine", No. 65/12) and, with the prior consent of the heads of central state administration bodies responsible for science, education, sport and culture, the Regulation on the manner of testing knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script, Croatian culture and social system in procedures for acquiring Croatian citizenship ("Narodne novine", No. 118/12) with the provisions of this Law within six months from the day this Law comes into force.

Croatian: Pravilnik iz članka 24.b stavka 3. koji je dodan člankom 14. ovoga Zakona ministar nadležan za unutarnje poslove donijet će u roku od šest mjeseci od dana stupanja na snagu ovoga Zakona.

Ministar nadležan za unutarnje poslove uskladit će Pravilnik o obrascima zahtjeva za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem i za prestanak hrvatskog državljanstva te načinu vođenja i sadržaju evidencije o stjecanju hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem i po međunarodnim ugovorima te evidencije o prestanku hrvatskog državljanstva (»Narodne novine«, br. 65/12.) i uz prethodnu suglasnost čelnika središnjih tijela državne uprave nadležnih za znanost, obrazovanje, sport i kulturu, Pravilnik o načinu provjere poznavanja hrvatskog jezika i latiničnog pisma, hrvatske kulture i društvenog uređenja u postupcima stjecanja hrvatskog državljanstva (»Narodne novine«, br. 118/12.) s odredbama ovoga Zakona u roku od šest mjeseci od dana stupanja na snagu ovoga Zakona.

Article 17 (from NN 102/19) / Članak 17. (iz NN 102/19)

English: All procedures initiated until the day this Law comes into force shall be completed according to the provisions of the Law on Croatian Citizenship ("Narodne novine", No. 53/91, 70/91 - correction, 28/92, 113/93 - Decision of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Croatia, 4/94, 130/11 and 110/15).

Croatian: Svi postupci pokrenuti do dana stupanja na snagu ovoga Zakona dovršit će se po odredbama Zakona o hrvatskom državljanstvu (»Narodne novine«, br. 53/91., 70/91. – ispravak, 28/92., 113/93. – Odluka Ustavnog suda Republike Hrvatske, 4/94., 130/11. i 110/15.).

Complete Legal History: This article references the complete evolution of Croatian citizenship law from 1991 to 2015, including Constitutional Court decisions.

Article 18 (from NN 102/19) / Članak 18. (iz NN 102/19)

English: This Law shall be published in "Narodne novine" and enters into force on January 1, 2020.

Croatian: Ovaj Zakon objavit će se u »Narodnim novinama«, a stupa na snagu 1. siječnja 2020.

Final Article: This completes the 2019 amendments (NN 102/19) to the Croatian Citizenship Law, which took effect on January 1, 2020.

Source Information

This is the official text of the Croatian Citizenship Law as published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia (Narodne Novine), with English translations added for clarity.

Source:

English: Law on Croatian Citizenship - consolidated text of the law - Official Gazette NN 53/91, 70/91, 28/92, 113/93, 4/94, 130/11, 110/15, 102/19, 138/21 - in force since January 1, 2022

Croatian: Zakon o hrvatskom državljanstvu - pročišćeni tekst zakona - NN 53/91, 70/91, 28/92, 113/93, 4/94, 130/11, 110/15, 102/19, 138/21 - na snazi od 01.01.2022.

Main source: mup.gov.hr/gradjani-281562/moji-dokumenti-281563/drzavljanstvo-325/zakon-o-hrvatskom-drzavljanstvo/637

Additional source: zakon.hr/z/446/zakon-o-hrvatskom-drzavljanstvu

Disclaimer: The English translations provided on this page are for informational purposes only and are not official translations. For legal purposes, the original Croatian text is the only valid and legally binding version.

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