The Law on Croatian Citizenship governs citizenship in Croatia. It lays out numerous methods to become a citizen, the most basic of which is being born a citizen. This approach shows that the government is dedicated to keeping close relationships with its citizens, particularly those who live abroad, and to avoiding statelessness. The law says that a person’s nationality, place of birth, and other legal requirements will determine whether they immediately become a citizen or have to register. If you have Croatian origins or relatives in the nation, you need to know how citizenship by birth works.
Children born to Croatian parents
The easiest way for someone born in Croatia to get citizenship is via their parents. If one of the kid’s parents is a Croatian citizen at the time of the child’s birth, the child immediately becomes a citizen. This is true whether the kid is born in Croatia or another country. If at least one parent is Croatian, citizenship is usually automatic for children born in Croatia. The situation is a little different for those who were born outside of Croatia. These kids may still be citizens of Croatia, but their parents have to register the birth with the closest Croatian diplomatic office (embassy or consulate). If the kid isn’t properly registered, they may not be officially recognised as a citizen, even if they are legally qualified.
Children born abroad to mixed-nationality parents
Registration is much more crucial if a kid is born outside of Croatia to one Croatian parent and one foreign national. If the Croatian parent doesn’t register the kid’s birth with the Croatian government before the child becomes 21, the youngster may lose the chance to automatically get citizenship. In some cases, the kid may subsequently be able to acquire Croatian citizenship by descent, although this is no longer regarded as citizenship by birth and may need a more complicated application procedure. Families residing abroad who want their kids to keep their Croatian citizenship and enjoy the advantages of EU citizenship must register on time, according to the legislation.
Citizenship for children born in Croatia to unknown or stateless parents
Croatia also automatically gives citizenship to children born in its territory to parents who are stateless or whose identity is unknown. This step is meant to stop people from becoming stateless, which is in line with international human rights standards. The authorities may look into the kid’s status again if they find the parents later and learn that the youngster might have acquired citizenship from another country. But these kinds of instances are handled properly so that the kid doesn’t end up having no nationality.
Children adopted by Croatian citizens
Adoption is another way for children to get Croatian citizenship. Croatian people may adopt a kid who is under 18 years old and give them citizenship. If the adoption is legitimate and complete under Croatian or international law, the kid becomes a citizen as if they were born to Croatian parents. This rule is meant to protect the idea of family unity and make sure that adopted children have the same rights and legal status as biological offspring of Croatian citizens.
Registration of citizenship through descent
The law lets those who were born outside of Croatia to Croatian parents or grandparents who didn’t record the child’s birth in time get citizenship by descent via registration. People who want to apply must send in papers such birth certificates, proof that the parent is a citizen, and proof of ancestry. This path is not exactly legal “citizenship by birth,” but it is nevertheless based on lineage and helps keep Croatia connected to its diaspora. This method may also work for grandchildren of citizens of Croatia, as long as they can show a real connection to Croatia and meet certain legal conditions. Many people who are descendants of Croatian immigrants in the Americas, Australia, and Western Europe have chosen this path to get back their ancestry and become EU citizens.
You can also view these posts:
Things to know before immigrating to Croatia
Getting an employment visa: Work permit in Croatia
Getting a job as an expat in Croatia
