Translating your documents into Croatian
On this page
Key takeaways
- All official documents that are not in Croatian must be translated by a certified translator.
- Translate after the apostille, so the stamps and certification are translated too.
- Cost: about A$35–A$70 per page in Australia (NZ$40–NZ$75 in New Zealand). Time: usually 3–7 business days.
Why translation is required
Everything you submit with your Croatian citizenship application must be in Croatian. Your Australian or New Zealand documents therefore need an official translation by a certified translator, in a form Croatian authorities accept.
The translation must be accurate and complete, including every stamp, seal and notation on the original, and the translator must certify that they are competent to translate from English into Croatian.
Which documents need it
- Your birth certificate, issued in Australia or New Zealand
- Your marriage certificate, if it applies to your application
- Your police check, the certificate showing you have no criminal record
The process
- Get the apostille first. Make sure each document is authenticated with an apostille. Read the apostille guide.
- Find a certified translator who specialises in Croatian: one accredited by NAATI in Australia or NZSTI in New Zealand, or recognised by the Croatian embassy.
- Send clear copies of your authenticated documents to the translator.
- Receive the certified translation with the translator's certification statement. That package is what you submit with your application.
A standard translation usually takes 3–7 business days. Rush services are available for an extra fee.
Finding a translator: Australia
The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) lists certified translators in Australia.
Finding a translator: New Zealand
The New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters (NZSTI) lists certified translators in New Zealand.
Whichever directory you use, check that the translator is certified for Croatian specifically and that Croatian authorities will recognise their credentials. Not sure who to use? Ask us.
What it costs
Prices depend on the translator, the document and how quickly you need it. As a guide, for a certified translation:
| Document | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Birth, marriage or death certificate | about A$35–A$70 | about NZ$40–NZ$75 per page |
| Police check | about A$35–A$100 | about NZ$85 |
| Other documents | about A$35–A$70 per page | about NZ$40–NZ$75 per page |
| Rush service | 30–50% extra | Not listed |
| Shipping or courier | about A$10–A$30 | Not listed |
For a typical application, expect to spend about A$200–A$300 on translation, depending on how many documents you need. New Zealand police checks cost more to translate because of their length.
Last reviewed 13 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Do all documents need to be translated?
Yes. Every official Australian or New Zealand document in your application needs a certified Croatian translation, including birth and marriage certificates and police checks.
Can I translate the documents myself?
No. Croatian authorities require translations by certified translators, so that they are accurate and authentic.
How long does translation take?
A standard translation usually takes 3–7 business days per document. Rush services are often available at extra cost.
Do I need to translate my documents before or after apostille?
After. Get the apostille first, then the translation, so that every stamp and certification is translated too.
Do I need a translator in Australia/New Zealand or can I use one in Croatia?
Either works. A translator in Australia or New Zealand who knows both languages and these documents is often more convenient. Sending documents to Croatia can be cheaper but slower, because of international shipping.