If you have Croatian ancestry, you may be eligible for Croatian citizenship by descent (called prirođenje in Croatian), allowing you to reclaim your heritage and strengthen your ties to your family’s homeland. This pathway honors your lineage, reconnecting you with Croatia’s rich culture, history, and traditions while preserving your family’s legacy for future generations.

At LetsGo2Cro, we simplify the process, guiding you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Claim your Croatian heritage through citizenship

You may be eligible for Croatian citizenship under Article 4, 5, or 11 of the Croatian Citizenship Act if:

1. Your ancestor was born in Croatia

Your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent must have been born in Croatia and later emigrated.

2. Your ancestor permanently left Croatia 

If they permanently left Croatia to live abroad, you may qualify under Article 11.

3. Your ancestor did not return 

If they later returned to Croatia or moved within the former Yugoslavia, they may not be considered an emigrant. 

Alternative pathway for Croatian citizenship 

There are additional pathways for individuals applying based on Croatian heritage and cultural ties.

If you don’t meet the criteria for Article 11, there are other options:

✅ Article 16: Apply with supporting evidence if you lack sufficient documents to prove direct descent.
✅ Naturalization route: If you have lived in Croatia for a certain period, you may qualify through residence-based citizenship.
✅ Marriage to a Croatian citizen: If you are married to a Croatian, you could be eligible for citizenship.

Belonging to the Croatian people

If you lack sufficient documentation to prove direct descent under Article 11, you may still qualify for Croatian citizenship under Article 16. This article allows individuals to apply based on their heritage and connection to the Croatian people.

To support your case of Croatian heritage, you may provide evidence of Croatian ancestry, such as family history, cultural ties and other supporting records demonstrating your Croatian identity.

Need help proving your eligibility?  Contact us today for expert help. 

Refer to Obtaining Croatian Citizenship – belonging to the Croatian people for further details.

Proving your Croatian Citizenship

If your parents have Croatian nationality, you must provide proof of leaving Croatia, while descendants (up to great-grandparents) need to demonstrate a direct ancestral link. To prove belonging to the Croatian people, applicants can submit evidence of supporting Croatian rights, participating in Croatian cultural, scientific, or sports organizations abroad, or show family lineage.

To prove your Croatian heritage, you must provide evidence such as:

✅ Certificate of belonging to the Croatian people (Potvrda o pripadnosti hrvatskom narodu)

✅ Records of Croatian ancestry (family surnames, family history, cultural ties)
✅ Evidence of cultural or community involvement in Croatian organizations abroad

Each case is unique, and missing documents can complicate the process. Our experts at LetsGo2Cro ensure that your paperwork is complete to maximize your approval chances.

Why choose LetsGo2Cro?

✅ Expert guidance – We specialize in Croatian citizenship applications, offering personalized support and expert advice to streamline your application process.

✅ Personalized support – Every case is unique, and we tailor our services to your specific needs to maximize approval chances.

✅ Document preparation & review – We help ensure all your paperwork is valid, authenticated, and correctly translated to meet all requirements for a successful citizenship application.

✅ Step-by-step assistance – From verifying your eligibility to completing your citizenship application, we guide you through every stage of the process.

✅ Hassle free process– Avoid costly mistakes and delays by letting us handle the complexities of your application.  

Citizenship e-Guide

Download our free e-Guide on how to obtain Croatian Citizenship.  Check out our detailed e-Guides on how to obtain your Croatian citizenship in our Shop. 

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📩 Schedule a consult now! Contact us to start your Croatian Citizenship application.

FAQs

What documents are needed to prove Croatian ancestry?

You may need birth and marriage certificates, proof of emigration, and records of cultural involvement, such as participation in Croatian organizations abroad.  

What are the requirements for Croatian citizenship?

The requirements for Croatian citizenship vary based on your application type, whether by descent, marriage, or naturalization.

Can I hold dual citizenship in Croatia?

Yes, under specific conditions, Croatian dual citizenship is allowed.

Can I apply if my ancestor left Croatia after 1991??

Article 11 applies only to descendants of Croatian emigrants who left before 1991. However, other pathways (like naturalization) may be available.

Can I apply Croatian residency?

Yes, you can apply for Croatian residency if you meet the requirements. If you are of Croatian heritage. you may be eligible for temporary or permanent residency.

Eligibility checks

Our expert team assists with eligibility checks, document preparation, and submission to help maximize your chances of approval.

Start your Croatian citizenship journey

Applying for Croatian citizenship by descent can be complex, but with the right assistance, it becomes a seamless process. Contact LetsGo2Cro today for a consultation, and let’s begin your journey toward reclaiming your Croatian nationality.

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Start your Croatian citizenship journey with confidence.