Can Americans get Croatian citizenship through ancestry?

Yes, U.S. citizens can obtain Croatian citizenship by descent if they can prove they have Croatian ancestry through documentation like birth certificates and other vital records. There is no generational limit, meaning you can claim citizenship through a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or even further back.

What are the requirements for Croatian citizenship by descent for Americans?

The main requirements are: 1) Having a Croatian ancestor (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.), and 2) Being able to document your Croatian lineage through birth certificates, marriage records, or other official documents. You do not need to speak Croatian or live in Croatia to qualify.

How long does it take to get Croatian citizenship by descent?

The Croatian citizenship application process typically takes 18-24 months from submission to approval, though individual cases may vary depending on complexity and document availability.

What are the benefits of Croatian citizenship for Americans?

As a Croatian citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries without restrictions. You also gain access to EU healthcare systems, can vote in Croatian and EU elections, and can pass citizenship to your children. All while maintaining your U.S. citizenship.

What documents do I need for Croatian citizenship by descent?

You’ll need birth certificates, marriage certificates, and possibly death certificates for yourself and each person in your direct line back to your Croatian ancestor. You’ll also need your Croatian ancestor’s birth certificate or other proof of their Croatian citizenship. These documents must be apostilled and translated to Croatian.

How much does it cost to get Croatian citizenship by descent?

The total cost typically ranges from $500-1500 USD if you do it yourself or $1500-2500 USD if you hire a professional service. This includes document fees, translations, apostilles, and application fees. The Croatian government application fee is approximately $235 USD.

Do I need to speak Croatian to get citizenship by descent?

No, you don’t need to speak Croatian to apply for citizenship by descent. While some knowledge of Croatian culture is beneficial, there is no language requirement for citizenship by descent applications.

Can I keep my American citizenship if I get Croatian citizenship?

Yes, both Croatia and the United States allow dual citizenship. You can maintain your American citizenship while acquiring Croatian citizenship.

Croatian Citizenship By Descent.

For Americans.

Your complete guide to obtaining Croatian citizenship by descent & EU citizenship through your Croatian ancestry as a U.S. citizen.

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This page explains eligibility, documents, and the step-by-step process Americans follow to claim Croatian Citizenship. If you're researching how to get Croatian citizenship because you have someone that was born in present-day Croatia or has Croatian nationality in your family, start here. Many Americans qualify via acquiring Croatian citizenship by descent under the Croatian Citizenship Act.

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500,000+

Eligible Americans for Croatian Citizenship By Descent

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Generations of Eligibility

A European passport for U.S. citizens.

Dual U.S.-Croatian Citizenship

Keep your American passport while gaining this status and EU benefits. Understand dual citizenship Croatia–USA and how Croatia allows dual nationality under the Act and related international agreements, so you can plan confidently for your family and any future permanent residence needs in the EU.

EU Freedom

Live, work, and travel freely throughout all 27 EU countries with Croatian citizenship. This can be an alternative to country-specific permanent residence permits and work visas.

Family Citizenship

Give your spouse and children EU rights as well. In certain cases, an application for a minor may be submitted by only one parent (per consular guidance), provided you meet the requirements laid down by the Croatian Citizenship Act and supply documents proving identity and lineage.

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Eligibility for Croatian Citizenship by Descent

It’s really this simple.

Two Main Pathways to Apply

Do you have a Croatian ancestor?

If you have a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or earlier Croatian ancestor born in modern-day Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or former Yugoslavia, that emigrated to the USA (or possibly another country) before October 8, 1991, you may qualify for applications for acquiring Croatian citizenship by descent.

Learn more about Croatian ancestor eligibility →

Can you prove belonging to the Croatian people?

If you can demonstrate ethnic or cultural ties to the Croatian nation through you, one or both parents, or a combination — for example, being declared Croatian in past records or having Croatian heritage from Bosnia and Herzegovina or nearby regions.

Learn more about proof of belonging to Croatian people →

Do an Eligibility Quiz

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Application Process for Americans

Simple steps to obtain your Croatian citizenship as a U.S. citizen.

STEP 1

Prove Lineage

Gather birth certificates, marriage records, and other documents that establish your Croatian lineage for Croatian citizenship by descent.

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STEP 2

Criminal Record

Obtain a clean background check from U.S. authorities to include with your application for Croatian citizenship.

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STEP 3

Apostille & Translate

Authenticate U.S. documents with apostilles and arrange sworn translations into the Croatian language before submitting the application.

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STEP 4

Combine & Finalize

Assemble everything with the application form, CV, and a letter of motivation about your identity and connection to the Croatian language, culture and people to finalize your Croatian citizenship application.

Case file for Croatian citizenship application

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STEP 5

Embassy or Consulate Visit

Submit your application in person to the Croatian embassy or consulate in the United States to apply for Croatian Citizenship.

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STEP 6

Application Approval

Monitor your application and wait for approval from Croatian authorities; Croatian citizenship is granted upon successful review.

Croatian Minister of Interior case review and approval

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STEP 7

Croatian Citizenship Certificate

Apply for and receive your official Croatian citizenship certificate (Domovnica).

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STEP 8

Croatian Passport

Apply and receive your Croatian passport and gain full EU mobility—no need for separate residence permits in most EU countries once you hold Croatian citizenship.

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Should you Hire an Expert?

If you have the time to research everything and the patience to deal with bureaucracy, you can do it yourself—and still achieve Croatian citizenship.

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•Handle everything on your own
•Research trustworthy sources like our website and double-check rules under the Croatian Citizenship Act and related international agreements.
•Be meticulous with names/dates/documentation to meet the requirements laid down by law when submitting the application.
•Expect to spend 50+ hours over 1.5–3 years

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•Unlimited expert guidance on the procedure for acquiring Croatian citizenship
•Save up to 90% of your time
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•We retrieve documents from Croatian records and archives using a Croatian Lawyer
•We keep track of everything related to your application
•We manage the case with the Minister of Interior using a Croatian Lawyer

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Benefits for U.S. Citizens

Croatian citizenship opens doors throughout Europe for Americans.

Benefits of having Croatian Citizenship

Live and work in any EU country (no separate permanent residence track needed in most cases).
Travel freely within the EU
Access EU healthcare systems
Study at EU universities at local rates
Pass citizenship to your spouse and children

Without Croatian Citizenship

Limited to 90-day tourist stays in the Schengen Area or residency permits required.
Work permits required for EU employment
Limited access to EU healthcare
International student fees at EU universities
No EU rights for future generations

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Why Croatian Citizenship Matters

Americans pursue it for mobility, education, and family security. This status also safeguards future generations and aligns with rights recognized under the Croatian Citizenship Act and applicable international agreements. Talk to our team about submitting the application.

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Croatian Citizenship Law vs Croatian Nationality Law

Many people confuse Croatian citizenship with Croatian nationality. Croatian citizenship is the legal status that grants you rights and a passport, while Croatian nationality (narodnost) is an ethnic and cultural concept that can help you qualify for citizenship under specific legal provisions.

Croatian Citizenship Law Croatian Nationality “Law”

Quick Answers (FAQ)

Q: Can a USA citizen obtain Croatian citizenship by descent?

A: Yes—Americans that are eligible commonly apply for Croatian citizenship by descent when they meet the requirements laid down by law. A lot of Croatian diaspora/descendants in America already have Croatian citizenship by descent.

Q: How to apply for Croatian citizenship by descent?

A: Follow the first 6 steps on this page—which includes proving Croatian lineage, collecting Croatian records and USA documents, apostilling and translating most USA documents, then dropping off your application at a U.S. consulate.

Q: How to get Croatian citizenship by descent?

A: You can follow our step-by-step Process pages which includes determining eligibility, proving Croatian lineage, collecting Croatian records and USA documents, apostilling and translating most USA documents, then dropping off your application at a U.S. consulate, or simply contact our team — we will hold your hand through the entire process with the help of our Croatian lawyer partners from start to finish.

Q: How to obtain Croatian citizenship?

A: Most U.S. applicants use the descent route; others proceed via marriage or naturalization, depending on eligibility.

Q: How to become a citizen of Croatia?

A: If your parent, grandparent, great grandparent or great great grandparent was born in present-day Croatia and emigrated to the USA before 1991, you may become a citizen of Croatia via ancestry. There are also other ways to obtain Croatian citizenship such as through belonging to the Croatian people, through marriage, or through residence.

Q: What is Croatia dual citizenship?

A: Croatia dual citizenship allows you to hold your U.S. citizenship and passport and your Croatian citizenship and passport. This would be for Dual Citizenship Croatia USA.

Q: What are Croatian citizenship requirements?

A: For descent, requirements center on proof of lineage, identity documents, and consulate filing. Every case is slightly different.

Q: What is Croatian nationality vs Croatian citizenship?

A: While nationality usually refers to your Croatian heritage or ancestry, it does not grant you any legal rights. What you actually want is Croatian citizenship — this is the legal status that gives you all the rights and benefits, including recognition by the Croatian government, the ability to live and work in Croatia, and access to all privileges of an EU citizen.

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Featured In The News

We’ve spoken with media outlets about the rising interest in Croatian citizenship and the growing number of applicants.

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Suzana, CPA - Croatian Citizenship Expert

Guided by Experts in Croatian Citizenship

Our team of experts has personally navigated the Croatian citizenship process and is dedicated to helping Americans with Croatian heritage claim their EU citizenship rights. Our Croatian Lawyer partners are specifically chosen for the purpose of Croatian Citizenship By Descent.

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Applying from Australia, Canada, or outside the USA?

While our guide focuses on U.S. citizens, we can still help if you’re applying from Australia, Canada, or any other country. The Croatian citizenship process is similar, with just a few country-specific differences.

I am American