Croatia's New 2-Year Residency Program for Diaspora Descendants
Croatia's new program lets Croatian descendants get a 2-year residence permit, apply for citizenship in Croatia, and bypass long consulate waits.
David, Croatian Citizenship Expert
December 14, 2025
With the new interest of the Croatian diaspora to return and live in Croatia, the Government has introduced a major upgrade for emigrants, their descendants, and family members from "third countries" (non-EU/EEA nationals): a new purpose of residence called "immigration and return of Croatian emigrants."
This matters for one key reason: if you're eligible for Croatian citizenship by descent but facing long consular wait times in the United States, Canada, or Australia, this program allows you to go to Croatia first, regulate residence with fewer requirements, and apply for Croatian citizenship while in Croatia.
What the Government Announced (and Why It's Different)
On 6 February 2025, the Government adopted the Final Bill on Amendments to the Aliens Act, creating this new residence purpose.
Minister Šipić highlighted the core shift: Croatian emigrants and their descendants are recognized as a special target community, no longer treated as ordinary foreigners. Status is proven using a Certificate issued by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration.
Who This Program Is For
This residence route is intended for:
Croatian emigrants
Descendants of Croatian emigrants
Family members who do not yet hold Croatian citizenship
Example:
If you have a Croatian parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent, this program is designed for you (and potentially your close family members).
Key Benefits (Why People Care)
According to the Ministry's published materials, the program offers:
Residence permit up to 2 years, with the option to extend
No proof of financial means required
No health insurance requirement
Right to work, self-employ, study, and access training programs
Ability to apply for Croatian citizenship immediately
After 3 years under this residence purpose, permanent residence may be regulated (based on the certificate)
Reality Check: Citizenship-by-Descent Is Still Document-Heavy
This program makes residence easier—but it does not remove the documentation required to apply for Croatian citizenship by descent.
For Americans especially, expect to prepare:
Certified birth, marriage, and death certificates across your family line
Apostilles (where required)
Certified Croatian translations
A clean criminal record certificate (often needed for residence and relevant for citizenship)
In short: applying from Croatia improves timing and access, but you still need a strong file.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Citizenship While in Croatia
Below is the practical workflow, translated and simplified:
Step 1: Register Short-term Stay
Register your short-term stay with the MUP (police) — in person
Step 2: Obtain Ministry Certificate
Obtain the Ministry Certificate for regulating residence from the MDU — by email
Step 3: Apply for Temporary Residence
Apply for temporary residence at the MUP — in person
Step 4: Submit Citizenship Application
After residence approval, submit your Croatian citizenship application at the MUP — in person
This process allows eligible descendants to apply for Croatian citizenship while in Croatia, bypassing consular appointments abroad.
What You'll Attach (Residence Permit Stage)
Per the Ministry's English materials, the residence application requires:
Valid travel document (passport)
Criminal record certificate (issued within the last 6 months)
Certificate issued by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration
Getting the Ministry Certificate (MDU)
The Certificate request is submitted after arrival in Croatia, by email to useljenistvo@mdu.hr, typically with:
Application form
Proof of belonging to the Croatian people
Family tree
CV
Where CroatianbyDescent.com Fits In
Because this pathway is new—and documentation-heavy—CroatianbyDescent.com is among the first companies offering structured assistance for descendants using the residence-first approach.
Support includes:
Eligibility assessment
Document planning and collection
Apostilles and certified translations
Coordination with Croatian citizenship lawyers
Readiness for residence regulation and citizenship filing inside Croatia
Get personalized guidance for the new residence-first pathway.
Key Takeaways
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I apply for citizenship from Croatia? | Yes, if eligible, you can apply while in Croatia. |
| Who is this for? | Croatian emigrants, descendants, and their families. |
| Is residence easier? | Yes—fewer requirements than standard permits. |
| Is paperwork still required? | Yes—citizenship by descent remains document-intensive. |
David – Croatian Citizenship Expert
If you're eligible for Croatian citizenship by descent and considering the new residence-first pathway, our team can help you navigate both the residence permit process and citizenship application. This new program offers an exciting alternative to long consular waits. Contact us today for a free consultation
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