Acquiring Property in Croatia for EU Citizens, Swiss Nationals and Non-EU Citizens
An overview of the rules on acquiring ownership rights in real estate in Croatia by foreign nationals. A distinction is made between EU citizens / EEA citizens and citizens of Switzerland or citizens of non-EU countries.
EU/EEA citizens (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
Citizens and legal entities from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway can generally acquire property in Croatia under the same conditions as Croatian citizens and companies based in Croatia. No approval from the competent minister is required to acquire property. This applies to all our houses and villas in Croatia, flats and apartments and building plots in Croatia. Certain areas are excluded, in particular agricultural land, which is governed by a separate law.
Swiss nationals
Swiss nationals can generally also acquire property under the same conditions as Croatian citizens. However, when applying to register ownership in the land register, they must also submit a certificate of temporary residence in Croatia. The procedure is governed by the Act on Ownership and Other Real Rights and the General Administrative Procedure Act.
Citizens of other non-EU countries
Nationals of countries outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland can acquire ownership of property in Croatia provided there is reciprocity in property acquisition between their home country and Croatia. In these cases, approval from the competent ministry is required. The procedure is an administrative procedure initiated at the request of the foreign buyer or the person selling the property. The application must be submitted in writing to the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation in Zagreb, either directly at the registry and archive office or by post. The application must be accompanied by, among other things, the legal basis for acquiring ownership (e.g. a purchase contract or deed of gift), a land register extract for the property, a certificate from the competent authority on the legal status of the property with regard to building and spatial planning, proof of the buyer's citizenship or, for legal entities, an extract from the commercial register, and where applicable a power of attorney for a representative. If the applicant lives abroad and has not appointed a representative, a person resident in Croatia must be named to receive documents. The ministry may request further documents if required.
Source: https://mpudt.gov.hr/acquisition-of-ownership-rights-in-real-estate-by-foreign-nationals/25360