1. Can a foreign citizen buy property in Croatia?
Yes, if the person buying the property comes from the country that has an agreement of the reciprocity with Croatia (most the EU countries); and with prior approval from the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fore more information on acquiring a property in Croatia see our section with property buying procedure in Croatia.
2. What is the usual down payment for the property purchase in Croatia?
It depends, but in most cases the down payment is 10% of the sales price if not agreed differently between the contractual parties.
3. Is the buyer obliged to verify his signature at the contract with the notary public?
No, in Croatia, only the seller needs to verify his signature with the notary public.
4. Who pays the sales tax in Croatia?
The real-estate tax is to be paid by the buyer; who by the Law in Croatia needs to send out the request for the sales tax payment within 30 days from the day of conclusion of the contract.
The sales tax is set @ 5% of the property value estimated by the Tax authorities.
5. Which documentation needs to be submitted to the Land register in order to register the title in the buyer’s name?
- A request for registering the ownership in the land register
- a purchase contract signed and verified at the notary public
- a Statement of Consent from the Croatian Ministry of foreign affairs
- a verified copy of the identification document or Power of attorney if the buyer is legally represented
- a proof of the administrative fee payment of HRK 250,00
6. When purchasing land what is the minimum size of the plot necessary to be able to build on the site?
In order to build on the site, the minimum plot size varies in each municipality; but it ranges between 300 m² - 600 m² for the construction up to 800 m² of built up area or in some areas where the development is restricted or/and if the developer wished to build multi-apartment building or tourist capacity, the minimum plot size should be 1 000 m² or more.
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7. What is a minimum distance from the sea when developing on the site?
It also depends on the municipality and location, but can be 70 m or 100 m (measured from the point of the highest tide) with new regulations been introduced concerning developments in the protected areas and the islands to 1000 meter.
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8. What is building permit, how can it be obtained and what is the time frame for acquiring one?
Building permit is the document that when approved is used as a proof that grants you to build on the site. The building permit will specify how and what you can build. It is obtained by the county planning department where you wish to build after you present the project of the construction and a receipt of the paid communal fees.
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9. What are the average costs of communal fees required for obtaining the building permissions?
This varies in each municipality but usually ranges between € 15 – 25/m³
10. Once granted, how long is the building permit valid for?
Once obtained, the building permit is valid for 2 (two) years. The investor is required to start with constructions within this period.
