How to Buy Real Estate as a Foreigner (EU, non-EU, USA) in Croatia?

If you, as a foreign citizen, are planning to invest in a house or apartment in Croatia, it is crucial to first check your purchasing options.
Laws, rules, and conditions may vary depending on your citizenship, so it's essential to conduct thorough research to ensure you are well-informed before making the investment.
To provide you with the necessary information and streamline the purchasing process, we have prepared a guide with key guidelines and tips.

- How to buy real estate in Croatia as an EU/EEA citizen
- How to buy real estate in Croatia as a non-EU/EEA citizen
- How to buy real estate in Croatia as a U.S. citizen

Although purchasing residential properties is facilitated for foreign citizens, there are restrictions for other types of properties, such as agricultural land.
Citizens within and outside the EU/EEA cannot buy protected goods, cultural monuments, and forests to promote the local economy and encourage collaboration with domestic companies.
Purchasing agricultural land is possible only for EU citizens from July 2023, and for those outside the EU, it is only possible through a Croatian company, providing an alternative solution if you, as a foreigner, intended to buy such a type of property.

Buying residential real estate in Croatia is possible for almost all countries, but under different conditions, which must be followed to successfully and seamlessly purchase property in Croatia.




 

How to buy real estate in Croatia as an EU/EEA citizen?

European Union and European Economic Area

Since the Republic of Croatia became a member of the European Union in 2013, the benefits are particularly evident for those coming from EU member states or the EEA zone.
The European Economic Area (EEA) includes all EU member states, along with three European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
This extended zone provides additional conveniences and privileges for foreign citizens from these regions when buying real estate in Croatia.

 

Consent from the Ministry of Justice is not required

If you are a foreigner from an EU or EEA country, you can buy real estate almost like a Croatian citizen.
EU/EEA citizens can purchase residential real estate without obtaining the consent of the Ministry of Justice, simplifying the purchasing process and enabling a faster transaction implementation.
To acquire ownership of real estate, citizens of EU member states need to obtain a Croatian tax number (OIB) before making a purchase.

 

How to buy real estate in Croatia as a non-EU/EEA citizen?

Reciprocity Agreement

To purchase real estate in Croatia, your country must have a Reciprocity Agreement, i.e., an agreed reciprocity with Croatia.
Reciprocity ensures that citizens of both countries have equal rights regarding the purchase of real estate in both countries.
If you are unsure about the type of Reciprocity Agreement your country has with Croatia, you can find the necessary information on the official website of the Ministry of Justice and Administration.

Consent from the Ministry of Justice

To gain ownership of real estate, citizens of countries that have a reciprocity agreement on acquiring real estate in Croatia need to obtain the consent of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Croatia in addition to a tax number (OIB).
The process from application to obtaining consent can take from two to a maximum of six months. After the approval from the Ministry, foreign owners will be able to register their purchased properties.

Possibility of purchase through a company

An alternative approach is purchasing real estate through a company. This is useful, especially if you plan to rent or further invest in the property. In this case, the owner of the property is the company itself, not a private individual.

Special conditions for Swiss citizens

Although Switzerland is not part of the EU or EEA, citizens of the Swiss Confederation also have the right to acquire real estate in Croatia under similar conditions as domestic citizens.
When submitting a proposal for property registration, they need to provide a certificate of temporary residence registration, among other necessary documentation.

How to buy real estate in Croatia as a U.S. citizen?

Reciprocity in U.S. Agreements

Reciprocity agreements with the United States vary depending on the state from which you come.
The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Croatia determines the rights of U.S. citizens based on their last residence in the USA.
You can find a list of all states for which reciprocity agreements exist on the official website of the Ministry of Justice and Administration.

Determining rights based on the last residence

The Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Croatia analyzes the rights of U.S. citizens based on their last residence in the USA.
This adjustment ensures fair treatment depending on the laws of the state you come from.

Work limitations

In accordance with Croatian laws, property owners will not be able to work in the country during their stay.
This provision imposes restrictions on employment but allows flexibility regarding residency.

Temporary residence through property ownership

U.S. citizens can obtain temporary residence in Croatia by purchasing real estate.
Temporary residence allows a stay of up to 6 months per year, with an additional 3 months as a tourist.

Annual renewals of temporary residence

Although work is prohibited, U.S. citizens can renew their temporary residence every year.
This option provides stability for those who want to enjoy their ownership in the long term.

Conclusion

For foreign citizens considering buying real estate by the sea in Croatia, it is crucial to carefully check the procedure and conditions for acquiring ownership.
In this process, the CASA DE MAR agency represents a reliable partner, providing expertise, support, and security during the verification and the actual purchasing process of buying real estate either on the island of Krk or in the area of ​​Crikvenica and Novi Vinodolski.
We are ready to answer questions, provide relevant information, and ensure a safe and transparent path to realizing your investment in Croatia.