Buying Property in Croatia: Legal Guide

Purchase Process

1. 1. Property Search: Identify suitable properties through licensed real estate agents (registered with the Croatian Chamber of Economy) or online platforms. Consider both tourist and local agents.
2. 2. Legal Verification: Engage a Croatian lawyer to verify the property's legal status in the Land Registry (Zemljisna knjiga) and check for any encumbrances, mortgages, or legal disputes.
3. 3. OIB Number: Obtain a Personal Identification Number (OIB - Osobni identifikacijski broj), required for all property transactions and tax purposes.
4. 4. Pre-Contract Agreement: Sign a preliminary agreement (Predugovor) outlining terms and conditions. Typically requires a 10% deposit.
5. 5. Due Diligence: Verify ownership rights, building permits, utility connections, and compliance with local spatial planning regulations.
6. 6. Sales Contract: Sign the main purchase contract (Kupoprodajni ugovor) before a notary public. The contract must be certified by a notary to be valid.
7. 7. Payment: Transfer the purchase price, typically held in escrow until registration is complete. Payments over EUR 15,000 must be made through a bank.
8. 8. Land Registry Registration: Submit the contract to the Land Registry for property transfer. Registration typically takes 2-4 weeks.
9. 9. Tax Payment: Pay the property transfer tax (3%) within 30 days of contract signing.

Foreign Buyer Requirements

EU citizens face no restrictions when purchasing property in Croatia and enjoy identical rights to Croatian nationals. Non-EU citizens can purchase property subject to reciprocity agreements between Croatia and their home country, or by establishing a Croatian company. Some non-EU nationals may require approval from the Ministry of Justice, though this process has been streamlined. Agricultural land has additional restrictions for foreign buyers.