How to Get Croatian Citizenship Through Descent (step-by-step). My 6 Year Journey

In this video, I explain how to get Croatian citizenship through descent and I also explain how I got my Croatian citizenship and passport. If you are trying to get you r Croatian citizenship and passport, this video is for you. Who is Eligible for Croatian Citizenship by Descent? Descendants of Croatian Emigrants (Article 11) This is the most common path for members of the diaspora. Under Article 11 of the Citizenship Act, descendants of an ancestor who emigrated from the territory of present-day Croatia can apply for citizenship. • Generational Limit: There is currently no limit on how many generations back you can go (e.g., great-great-grandparents). • The "Emigrant" Definition: The ancestor must have left Croatia with the intent of living abroad permanently. • Exclusions: You generally do not qualify under Article 11 if your ancestor moved to other countries within the former Yugoslavia (like Serbia or Bosnia) or if they left after October 8, 1991. How long does it take to get Croatian citizenship? It usually takes around 2 years to get a Croatian citizenship. It will likely take another 6 months to get your passport once you achieve citizenship. The 2020 Legal Amendments: Why It’s Easier Now Prior to January 1, 2020, applicants had to pass a complex Croatian language, culture, and history exam. This was a significant barrier for those whose families had been abroad for generations. Current benefits include: • No Language Test: Descendants and their spouses are no longer required to speak Croatian or pass a proficiency exam. • Spousal Eligibility: If you qualify as a descendant, your spouse can also apply for citizenship simultaneously, provided they meet certain criteria of "becoming a part of the Croatian community." Required Documents for Croatian Citizenship Application The "Paper Trail" is the most critical part of your application. The Croatian Ministry of the Interior (MUP) requires original or certified copies of the following: Proof of Ancestry You must create a direct line from yourself to the "original emigrant." This involves: • Your birth certificate. • Marriage certificates of your parents, grandparents, etc. • Birth certificates of the ancestors in the line of succession. • The "Golden Document": A birth certificate or baptismal record of the ancestor born in Croatia. Proof of Emigration You must prove the ancestor left Croatia. Useful documents include: • Original ship manifests or immigration records from the destination country. • Old passports or travel documents. • Naturalization records in the new country. Personal Documentation • A valid passport and photo ID. • A certified criminal background check (FBI check for Americans, RCMP for Canadians) from your country of residence, usually issued within the last six months. • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) written in the Croatian language, explaining your family history and your connection to Croatian identity. How to Apply For Croatian Citizenship: The Step-by-Step Process Step 1: Gather and Apostille All foreign documents (birth certificates, background checks) must be "legalized" for use in Croatia. For most countries, this means getting an Apostille stamp. Step 2: Professional Translation Every document not in Croatian must be translated by a Certified Court Interpreter in Croatia. While some consulates allow local translations, using a Croatia-based interpreter is often preferred to ensure the terminology matches legal standards. Step 3: Submission Applications are typically submitted at the Croatian Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. If you are physically in Croatia, you can apply at the local police station if you have residency. Step 4: The Wait The processing time can vary significantly, usually ranging from 12 to 24 months. During this time, the Ministry of the Interior and the Security and Intelligence Agency (SOA) conduct background checks. Proving Your "Connection to the Croatian People" While the language test is gone, you still need to demonstrate that you respect the legal order and customs of Croatia. In your biography, emphasize: • Participation in Croatian fraternal unions or clubs. • Attendance at Croatian church services. • Family traditions, holiday celebrations, or culinary heritage. • Visits to Croatia or efforts to learn the language. Can I have dual citizenship? Yes. Croatia allows those acquiring citizenship by descent to retain their original nationality. You do not have to renounce your current citizenship. What if my ancestor left when it was "Austro-Hungary"? As long as the ancestor was born within the geographical borders of the Republic of Croatia as they exist today, you are generally eligible. #croatia #citizenship #hrvatska