Croatia is becoming a popular place for Europeans to visit. It boasts gorgeous beaches, a strong economy, and is part of the EU. A lot of investors and people who live abroad are asking whether they can gain Croatian citizenship by investing, like they can in Portugal or Greece with their “Golden Visa” programs. The short answer is that Croatia does not have a Golden Visa scheme or an official citizenship-by-investment program. However, you may gain legal residency by investing in a company or property. In the end, this might lead to permanent residence and citizenship.
No golden visa
Currently, there is no direct route for someone to gain Croatian citizenship by investing. It does allow foreigners, especially those from countries that are not in the EU, to create a company and use that business as a rationale to apply for temporary residence. This is often the greatest method to stay for a long period and finally blend in.
To be able to choose this path, the business must be up and operating and meet a number of conditions. The applicant usually needs to deposit a particular amount of money into the company’s share capital, rent an office space, and recruit at least three Croatians to work full-time. The firm also has to be legitimate and give the foreign owner a monthly salary that is at least the legal minimum. If all the prerequisites are met, a temporary residence permit is handed out. It may be renewed once a year. After staying in the nation lawfully for five years, the individual may be eligible to seek permanent residency. They may then seek for citizenship after eight years.
Real estate ownership does not equal residency
More and more people from other countries are purchasing homes in Croatia, especially along the Adriatic coast. But owning property doesn’t mean you can work or live there forever. People who own property but are not nationals of the EU may apply for temporary residence. But they normally have to leave the country for a certain length of time each year before they can apply again. Individuals who wish to live there full-time or become citizens shouldn’t do it. It’s best for retirees or individuals who only live there part-time. Still, having property may aid an application when it is combined with other qualifications. It shows that you have ties to the country and are ready to stay, which may help with evaluations of long-term residency.
Citizenship through naturalisation
Usually, persons in Croatia become citizens by naturalisation, not by investing. You usually have to be a permanent resident and have lived in Croatia for at least eight years without leaving in order to petition for Croatian citizenship. Candidates must be able to speak Croatian and comprehend Croatian culture and laws throughout this time to prove that they are a member of society. A person may have two citizenships, however this is quite unusual and depends on where they were born and the context. In certain extremely rare circumstances, such when someone is from Croatia or has made a huge impact in Croatian society, they could be able to receive their citizenship swiftly. On the other hand, these outliers are handled one at a time and are not part of any official investment plan.
Why Croatia has avoided golden visas
Unlike other EU countries, Croatia has opted not to provide a fast-track Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment program. One reason is to be honest and transparent and respect the norms of the EU. The European Commission has said that they are worried about security, money laundering, and corruption that have happened with similar plans in other nations. Instead, Croatia wants to improve long-term economic growth by encouraging actual business activity and integration.
Final thoughts
Croatia doesn’t offer a direct Golden Visa or citizenship-by-investment program, but you may still reside there by purchasing property or creating a business. If you wish to live in Croatia and help out, these legal ways to stay there may ultimately lead to permanent residency and then citizenship. If you’re considering this, it would be a good idea to consult to a local immigration lawyer or expert to assist you understand how the regulations and requirements are evolving.
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
