For many foreigners, marrying a Croatian citizen is a simpler method to become a citizen than the usual naturalisation process. The process is simpler because of Croatian law, which encourages foreign spouses to join Croatian society, even if marriage doesn’t immediately give them citizenship. People who wish to build their lives and future in Croatia via marriage are particularly drawn to this method.
What you need to do to gain citizenship via marriage
A foreigner may gain Croatian citizenship by marriage if they have been legally married to a Croatian citizen for at least three years. The pair also had to have lived together in Croatia for at least a full year before they applied. You must have lived in the country for a full year, and this must be officially documented. This is commonly done using temporary or permanent residence permits. This requirement demonstrates that the applicant has begun to settle down in the country and is serious about living in Croatia as a partner and as a resident.
This marriage-based approach has a shorter timeline than the long naturalisation process, which usually requires eight years of living in the country. The applicant must still be able to prove that they live together, have a stable marriage, and have a permanent address. They must also meet other fundamental standards, such as having a good character and respecting the law.
Language, culture and Integration
The Croatian government nevertheless checks to see how well the applicant has fit in with society, even if the process is simpler than normal naturalisation. This implies that you should know the essentials of Croatian law, language, and culture. In certain cases, a language test may be used to formally check this. However, candidates who have previously studied Croatian or who can clearly prove their language skills during the procedure may not be allowed to take the test.
Even if you want to become a citizen via marriage, you still need to learn about the culture of the country. It is expected that those who want to live in Croatia know about its customs and social norms. The state aims to make sure that new citizens can fully participate in public and civic life.
Application process and documentation
They submit in their application for citizenship by marriage to the local office of the Ministry of the Interior. You need:
- a real marriage certificate
- evidence that your spouse is a Croatian citizen
- proof that you reside and work in Croatia
- a valid passport
- criminal background checks from both Croatia and the applicant’s home country.
Applicants must also show that they can support themselves in Croatia, however this requirement may be more flexible depending on the scenario. After the application is received, it is thoroughly reviewed. The government checks to make sure the marriage is legitimate and that the applicant can live in Croatian society. If your application is approved, the final step is to swear devotion to the Republic of Croatia. This demonstrates that the person applying is dedicated to the country and its system of government.
Dual citizenship and legal considerations
If you marry someone from Croatia, you may typically gain dual citizenship. This means that a spouse from another country may not have to give up their original nationality. But the precise choice depends on both Croatian law and the laws of the applicant’s home country, as some countries don’t allow its citizens hold more than one nationality. Also, those who desire to marry a Croatian citizen to gain Croatian citizenship should realise that it’s not a formality. Authorities are keen to look for weddings of convenience and make sure that the relationship is sincere and will continue. Fraudulent applications will lead to denial and legal action.
You can also view these posts:
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Croatia
Things to know before immigrating to Croatia
Preparing for the immigration interview in Croatia
