If you are a foreign individual or legal entity planning to purchase property in the Republic of Croatia, it is essential to understand the legal requirements, including whether you need ministerial approval or legal assistance throughout the process.

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein, you are entitled to purchase real estate in Croatia under the same conditions as Croatian citizens. No prior approval from the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration is required.

Exception: Agricultural land was restricted until 30 June 2023; this restriction is now lifted under specific conditions.

Natural persons from Switzerland may freely purchase real estate (except agricultural land), but must provide proof of temporary residence in Croatia.

Swiss legal entities may acquire real estate without ministerial approval, provided the property is used for business purposes (e.g. offices, commercial spaces, or production facilities). Certain exceptions may apply.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you may only acquire real estate in Croatia if reciprocity exists between your country and the Republic of Croatia.

In this case, the following applies:

A formal request for approval must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration

Supporting documentation must be prepared and submitted

You must await a decision through administrative procedure

The list of countries with which Croatia has reciprocity is regularly updated on the Ministry’s official website (in Croatian).

Ministry approval is required only if:

You are not a citizen of the EU, EEA (Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland

Reciprocity exists between your country and Croatia

Reciprocity means that your country allows Croatian citizens to acquire real estate there under similar legal conditions.

If your country is listed as having reciprocity with Croatia, here’s how the process works:

Our law firm collects and prepares all necessary documentation, including:

We submit the complete application to the Ministry of Justice and Public Administration in Croatia — either in person or by mail via the relevant local office.

The Ministry reviews the request and issues a decision of approval or rejection. Processing time: typically 30 to 90 days, depending on case complexity and administrative backlog.

If approved: We finalize the purchase and submit the ownership registration with the Land Registry Court

If rejected: You may not reapply for approval for the same property for 5 years

Entering into a purchase agreement without required Ministry approval renders the contract legally null and void. That’s why qualified legal guidance is essential.

We specialize in providing comprehensive legal services for foreign individuals and companies seeking to legally and securely purchase property in Croatia.

Our services include: