Croatia does not have a separate “Croatian Nationality Law.” Instead, Croatian nationality (narodnost) is a constitutional and cultural concept that influences eligibility for citizenship under Article 16 (and sometimes Article 11) of the Croatian Citizenship Law.
Croatian nationality (narodnost) is not a legal status on its own — it represents ethnic, cultural, and ancestral belonging to the Croatian nation. Croatian nationality by descent is governed by constitutional principles through the concept of Pripadnost hrvatskom narodu (“Belonging to the Croatian People”), which is protected by the Croatian Constitution and recognized in Article 16 (and sometimes Article 11) of the Croatian Citizenship Law as a valid basis for obtaining Croatian citizenship.
We are quoting the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, whose Preamble establishes the constitutional foundation for Croatian nationality (narodnost) as a cultural and ethnic concept, rather than a separate legal framework.
“The millennial national identity of the Croatian nation and the continuity of its statehood, confirmed by the course of its entire historical experience in various political forms and by the perpetuation and development of the state-building idea grounded in the historical right of the Croatian nation to full sovereignty, has manifested itself”— Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, Preamble
This is the actual legal framework that operationalizes the constitutional concept of Croatian nationality. Article 16 grants the right to apply for citizenship to persons who “belong to the Croatian people,” translating the constitutional concept into practical citizenship eligibility.
“A member of the Croatian people who does not have residence in the Republic of Croatia may acquire Croatian citizenship...”— Croatian Citizenship Act, Article 16
Ethnic identity (“narodnost”) may appear in birth, baptism, or census records and can serve as proof of belonging to the Croatian people.
Croatian nationality is also relevant to Article 11 applications. The law recognizes that emigrants from former Yugoslav territories who belong to the Croatian people may qualify under Article 11’s exceptional provision.
“Exceptionally, an emigrant from paragraph 1 of this article is also a member of the Croatian people who emigrated from areas within former states which, at the time of emigration, also included the territory of today’s Republic of Croatia.”— Croatian Citizenship Act, Article 11
Example: Someone who emigrated from present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina before October 8, 1991, but belongs to the Croatian people, may qualify under Article 11’s exceptional provision based on their Croatian nationality.
Croatian nationality (narodnost) is broader than citizenship and encompasses ethnic, cultural, and ancestral ties to the Croatian nation. Croatian nationality can be established through various means recognized by Croatian authorities:
While Croatian nationality (narodnost) does not automatically grant citizenship, Croatian nationality provides a pathway to apply for citizenship under Article 16. Croatian nationality by descent is specifically recognized as a valid basis for citizenship applications.
✅ Key Advantage: Those who can prove Croatian nationality under Croatian nationality may be eligible for citizenship without meeting residence or language requirements.
| Aspect | Croatian Nationality (Narodnost) | Croatian Citizenship (Državljanstvo) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Ethnic/cultural identity, not legal status | Official legal status with rights and duties |
| Acquisition | By birth, heritage, or cultural affiliation | By birth, naturalization, or descent |
| Rights | Right to apply for citizenship under Article 16 | Full rights: vote, passport, residence, etc. |
| Documentation | Birth records, census data, cultural evidence | Official citizenship certificate |
Croatian nationality is relevant to both Article 11 and Article 16 applications, depending on the specific circumstances of emigration and territorial connections.
Person born in Bosnia to Croatian parents, with Croatian ethnicity documented in birth records or census data. Applies under Article 16 regardless of emigration date.
American whose parents were Croatian but emigrated after 1991 (not eligible for Article 11). May qualify under Article 16 based on Croatian nationality.
Person with documented Croatian cultural ties, participation in Croatian organizations, or Croatian religious affiliation.
Croatian person who emigrated from Bosnia and Herzegovina before October 8, 1991. Qualifies under Article 11’s exceptional provision due to Croatian nationality and pre-1991 emigration from former Yugoslav territory.
Our experts specialize in Croatian nationality and can help determine if you qualify for Croatian citizenship thanks to your Croatian nationality and guide you through the Article 16 application process.