For many families with Croatian roots, one of the first questions that comes up is whether children can also benefit from Croatian citizenship by descent. Parents who are applying for their own recognition often want to know if their children will qualify automatically, whether the application form must be filed separately, and what steps are required.
The short answer is that most children of Croatian citizens are eligible for Croatian citizenship by descent, but the process varies depending on whether the parent is already a recognized citizen at the time of birth. This guide explains how citizenship law treats children, what documents you’ll need, and what families should expect when applying for Croatian citizenship by ancestry.
Why Citizenship for Children Matters
Securing Croatian citizenship by descent for children is about securing lifelong advantages. A Croatian passport opens the door to the Republic of Croatia and the European Union, which means your child will have the right to live, study, and work anywhere within Croatian territory or the broader EU.
Tuition fees at European universities are often much lower for EU citizens, and many scholarships are restricted to EU nationals. Healthcare access is another major benefit, with Croatia’s public system and reciprocal EU coverage providing a safety net.
Travel also becomes easier. Croatian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 170 countries, which can make family travel smoother and cheaper. Beyond the practical aspects, citizenship provides children with a legal tie to their family connection, Croatian culture, Croatian language, and heritage — something many Croatian emigrants abroad consider just as important.
How Croatian Citizenship Passes to Children
Croatian nationality law is based on jus sanguinis, or the right of blood. This principle means that citizenship is passed down through parents, not determined by where a child is born.
Automatic Citizenship at Birth
If a child is born to at least one Croatian citizen, they are considered Croatian from birth. This applies whether the birth takes place in Croatia or abroad. For example, if a Croatian mother gives birth in Argentina, the child is still entitled to Croatian citizenship. The main requirement is that the parents register the birth with Croatian authorities, either at the local registry office in Croatia or through a diplomatic mission such as a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad.
When Parents Gain Citizenship Later
Things become more complicated when a parent is recognized as a Croatian citizen after the child is born. In these cases, minor children are not automatically considered citizens but may apply for recognition. Typically, the parent submits the Croatian citizenship application on the child’s behalf. Once approved, the child becomes a citizen and enjoys the same rights.
Adult children (those over 18) cannot simply be added to a parent’s recognition. They must submit a separate application, which is treated more like a standard Croatian descent case. For this reason, many families prefer to apply while children are still under 18, as the process is easier and faster.
Adopted Children
Adopted children are treated the same as biological children once the adoption is legally recognized. If a Croatian citizen adopts a child under 18, that child is entitled to Croatian citizenship as well.
Legal Framework
The rules governing children’s eligibility for Croatian citizenship by ancestry are set out in the Croatian Citizenship Act, first passed in 1991 and amended several times, most recently in 2019. The law explicitly protects the rights of children born to Croatian parents and provides simplified procedures for recognition when a parent gains citizenship later in life. It also includes provisions for adopted children and children of the diaspora, reflecting Croatia’s effort to maintain ties with families abroad.
The Application Process for Children
If your child qualifies for citizenship, the application process depends on whether the parent is already a recognized citizen.
When Parents Are Already Citizens
If a parent is already a Croatian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, the main task is registration. Parents must register the birth with Croatian authorities, which involves submitting the child’s birth certificate (with apostille and translation if issued abroad) and proof of the parent’s citizenship.
Once registered, the child’s details are entered into the Register of Citizens, and the family can apply for a Croatian passport for the child.
When Parents Apply Later
If the parent is applying for recognition at the same time, children can usually be included in the application. In practice, consulates often ask parents to complete a separate form for each child, but the files are processed together. If the parent’s citizenship is approved, the child’s recognition typically follows automatically.
If the parent delays and applies years later, the child can still apply as a minor, but the file may take longer to process. Once the child turns 18, they must apply independently, which adds steps and may require demonstrating stronger ties to Croatia.
Where to Apply for Croatian Citizenship by Ancestry
Families living abroad usually apply through the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate. Parents submit the forms and supporting documents on behalf of their children. The consulate reviews the paperwork, conducts any necessary interviews, and forwards the file to the Ministry of the Interior in Zagreb for final approval.
If the family is living in Croatia, applications may be filed directly at the Ministry of the Interior.
Processing Time
Applications for minors are often prioritized, but families should still expect processing to take 6–18 months. Much depends on the consulate’s caseload and the completeness of the documents.
Documents Required for Children
The specific list may vary slightly by consulate, but most families should prepare the following:
- Child’s long-form birth certificate showing both parents.
- Parent’s proof of Croatian citizenship (passport, certificate, or registry entry).
- Parents’ marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Child’s passport or travel document.
- Adoption decree, if applicable.
- Apostilles and certified Croatian translations for all foreign records.
Police clearance certificates are not required for minors, though adults must provide them.
Dual Citizenship for Children
One of the advantages of Croatia’s law is that it allows dual citizenship. Children can retain their original nationality while also becoming Croatian. For example, a child born in Canada to a Croatian parent will hold both Canadian and Croatian citizenship. This dual status gives them the freedom to live and work in North America and Europe without restrictions.
Common Challenges in Acquiring Croatian Citizenship by Ancestry
Registration Delays
Parents sometimes delay registering their child’s birth with Croatian authorities. While this does not erase the child’s right to citizenship, it can create complications later, especially if the child is nearing adulthood.
Documentation Issues
Records are often inconsistent. A parent’s name may appear differently in Argentine or U.S. records than in Croatian ones. These discrepancies can cause delays until supporting affidavits or corrections are provided.
Processing Backlogs
Consulates handling large diaspora communities, such as those in the U.S. or Australia, often face long queues. Families should be prepared for waiting periods of a year or more.
Example Scenarios of Croatian Citizenship by Ancestry
- Born to a Croatian Mother Abroad
Ana, a Croatian citizen living in Canada, gives birth to a daughter in Toronto. By law, the daughter is Croatian from birth. Ana registers the birth at the Croatian consulate, submits the translated and apostilled Canadian birth certificate, and applies for her daughter’s passport. - Parent Recognized Later
Marko, born in the U.S. to Croatian grandparents, applies for citizenship in 2023. His 12-year-old son is included in the application. When Marko’s recognition is approved, his son is also registered as a Croatian citizen. - Adopted Child
A Croatian couple living in Germany adopts a six-year-old. Once the adoption is finalized and recognized under Croatian law, the child is registered as a Croatian citizen.
FAQs About Croatian Citizenship by Ancestry
Do children automatically qualify if one parent is Croatian?
Yes. Citizenship is automatic, though the birth must be registered.
What if the parent becomes a citizen later?
Children under 18 can apply with the parent. Adults must file independently.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Once a child turns 18, they must file their own application.
Do children need to speak Croatian to gain Croatian citizenship by ancestry?
No. Language requirements apply to naturalization, not descent cases.
How long does the process take?
Usually 6–18 months, depending on the consulate and completeness of documents.
Croatian Citizenship by Ancestry for Children
Children of Croatian citizens are entitled to citizenship, either automatically at birth or through recognition if the parent applies later. By securing citizenship for children early, families ensure they share the same EU rights, from education and healthcare to freedom of movement.
Not sure if your child qualifies for Croatian citizenship by ancestry? Take the eligibility assessment today and get clarity on your family’s path forward.
Our team of citizenship experts helps connect you with your roots in an easy, guided process.