How Can I Obtain Croatian Citizenship?

Thousands of people emigrated from Croatia to various parts of the world between the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. In Chile, many settled primarily in regions such as Punta Arenas and Antofagasta.

Today, it is estimated that the Croatian community in Chile is the sixth largest globally, with approximately 200,000 people of Croatian descent, including third and fourth generations.

Countries like the United States, Germany, Australia, Argentina, and Canada currently host the largest communities of people originating from “The Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Key Reform in Accessing Croatian Citizenship

There are three fundamental aspects to obtaining Croatian citizenship:

  • there is no need to speak the language
  • there is no generational limit
  • citizenship can be passed on to spouses.

This has been the case since 2020, when Croatia implemented significant reforms in its legislation, directly benefiting its diaspora worldwide.

These changes removed substantial barriers to obtaining citizenship, such as the requirement to speak Croatian—previously mandatory—as well as knowledge of the country’s culture, society, and politics.

Additionally, the generational limitation was eliminated, allowing descendants beyond the third generation to apply for Croatian citizenship.

Practical Aspects of the Process

Key requirements for applying for Croatian citizenship by descent include:

Essential Documentation:
It is crucial to have the literal birth certificate of the Croatian ancestor, issued by the corresponding civil registry in Croatia. Only one copy is required per family group.

Key Ancestor Information:

  • Full name.
  • Municipality and/or province of birth.
  • Date of birth.
  • Parents’ names (optional).

Options for Incomplete Documentation:
For those who lack all necessary details, genealogical research may be an option. However, the success of this process depends on the availability of historical records and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as success is not guaranteed.

The application process also requires that all foreign documents be properly legalized or apostilled and translated into Croatian by an official translator.
This step is critical to ensuring the documents are accepted by Croatian authorities.

AIM Global Helps You Reconnect with Your Croatian Roots

Obtaining Croatian citizenship by descent can open doors to unique opportunities in terms of international mobility and access to the European Union.

At AIM Global, we offer a comprehensive service for those wishing to undertake this process. Our team of experts provides personalized assistance, from document collection to coordinating the necessary translations and legalizations.

Schedule a meeting for more information and begin your journey toward a second citizenship, backed by professionals.

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