Croatian Citizenship Through Ancestry
Croatia is a land of historic walled cities, emerald coastlines, and centuries-old villages in the Adriatic hills. But it’s also a land of departure: millions of Croats left during the 20th century, seeking peace and prosperity abroad. Now, their descendants are being welcomed back.
If you have Croatian ancestry, you may have the right to reclaim citizenship. No language test. No need to move. No generational limits.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
No!
Croatian Roots. EU Options
Croatian citizenship means new options for European Union freedom. Live in Paris, retire in Tuscany, work in Berlin, or study in Amsterdam.
Why Does Croatia Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Croatia’s 20th-century history is marked by upheaval. Wars, forced migrations, and the breakup of Yugoslavia drove Croats across the globe – to the U.S., Canada, Australia, Argentina, Germany, and beyond. Recognizing this, Croatia passed laws allowing descendants of emigrants to reclaim their nationality.
In 2020, Croatia went even further, removing generational limits and dropping the language test. These changes reflect a core belief: your connection to Croatia isn’t defined by where you live or what language you speak, but by your history.
Today, citizenship by descent is also a strategic move. With one of Europe’s fastest-declining populations, Croatia is calling its diaspora home not just to visit, but to help shape its future.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if you can answer yes to one of the following:
- Did your parent, grandparent, or ancestor leave Croatia before October 8, 1991?
- Can you prove your descent from them, even if they didn’t have Croatian citizenship?
- Do you identify as part of the Croatian people through family, culture, or community?
Not sure if this applies to your family story? Take the assessment to see if you’re eligible.
I May Be Eligible
What Are Next Steps?
Confirm your Eligibility and Begin Your Application Today!
Step 1.
Sign Up and Assess Eligibility
Use our free eligibility assessment tool to learn if your EU lineage is potentially qualifying. For more complex lineages, subscribe for access to our Eligibility Report where we will verify your eligibility to apply.
Step 2.
Complete Citizenship Application Your Way
Whether you are looking for DIY-application instructions, additional genealogy research, or a vetted citizenship expert to help you file your citizenship application, our network of providers and tailored packages are ready to assist you.
Step 3.
Obtain Citizenship
Do you have questions about your recently obtained citizenship? Our network of country-specific experts can advise you about next steps related to your dual citizenship.
Your guide to Croatian Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you become a Croatian citizen by descent?
You can become a Croatian citizen by descent if you are able to prove that you have Croatian ancestry in a direct bloodline. This usually involves gathering birth and citizenship records that show your parent, grandparent, or earlier ancestor was a Croatian citizen and had emigrated from Croatia. Once you have the necessary documents, you can submit your application either at a Croatian consulate or directly in Croatia. The process requires careful preparation, but for those with verifiable lineage, it offers a clear legal path to citizenship.
How many generations for Croatian citizenship?
Croatian nationality law does not limit the number of generations explicitly. In practice, applications are often successful when the applicant can prove descent from a Croatian citizen going back as far as a great-grandparent or even earlier. What matters most is not the number of generations, but your ability to provide reliable documentation that connects you to a known Croatian citizen and shows that the ancestor left Croatia with the intent to settle abroad.
Who is eligible for citizenship by descent?
Anyone who can prove that they descend from a Croatian citizen may be eligible for citizenship by descent. This includes descendants of Croatians who emigrated before October 8, 1991, especially if they moved outside the territory of the former Yugoslavia. Applicants must demonstrate a continuous link through official documents like birth certificates, proof of Croatian citizenship, and evidence of emigration. The law allows for a wide range of generational connections as long as the lineage is clearly documented.
How hard is it to get Croatian citizenship by descent?
Obtaining Croatian citizenship by descent is generally considered straightforward if you have the right documentation and a clearly traceable family connection. The process does not require you to live in Croatia, speak the language, or give up your current citizenship. However, the challenge often lies in gathering the necessary documents — especially if your ancestors left Croatia many generations ago or if records are incomplete or lost. The Croatian government requires official birth and citizenship records for each generation that links you to the ancestor who held Croatian citizenship. If these documents are missing or difficult to verify, the process can become more complicated and time-consuming. That said, with strong genealogical research and professional support, many applicants are successful in reclaiming their Croatian citizenship through descent.
How can Citizenship.EU help me get Croatian citizenship by descent?
Citizenship.EU provides full-service support for individuals seeking to obtain Croatian citizenship through descent. Our team begins by assessing your eligibility based on your family history and Croatian legal requirements.
Can I get Croatian citizenship if my grandfather was Croatian?
Yes, you may be eligible for Croatian citizenship if your grandfather was a Croatian citizen, even if you were born outside of Croatia. The key requirement is that you must provide official documentation that links you to your grandfather and confirms his Croatian citizenship at the time of emigration. This typically includes birth certificates for each generation and a certificate of Croatian citizenship for your grandfather. If your grandfather left Croatia before October 8, 1991 and settled abroad permanently, you may qualify under Article 11 of the Croatian Citizenship Act. In this case, you are not required to speak Croatian or live in the country, and you are allowed to hold dual citizenship.
Does Croatia allow dual citizenship?
Yes, Croatia does allow dual citizenship, especially for individuals acquiring citizenship by descent. If you are applying based on your Croatian ancestry — such as through a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent — you can usually keep your current citizenship while becoming a Croatian citizen.
How long does it take to get Croatian citizenship?
The processing time for Croatian citizenship varies, but it typically takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on:
• Type of citizenship (descent, naturalization, marriage)
• Document completeness
• Any legal complexities or background checks
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
