Croatia Golden Visa Program: Legal Pathways to Residency by Investment

You’ve probably heard of Portugal’s Golden Visa or Greece’s real estate investor programs, but what about Croatia?
As one of the EU’s most promising destinations for investors and expats, Croatia is quietly becoming a new favorite for those seeking a balanced life by the Adriatic with secure, EU-based residency options.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur expanding into Europe, a retiree looking for coastal peace, or a professional exploring relocation opportunities, understanding the Croatia Golden Visa program or more accurately, Croatia’s residency-by-investment options is the first step. We’ll explain how you can gain temporary or permanent residence through property purchase, business investment, or company formation, and why Croatia might be your smartest move in 2025.

Does Croatia have a golden visa program​?

Unfortunately, Coatia doesn’t have a formal Golden Visa program. But that doesn’t mean it’s off the table for investors.

Instead, Croatia offers several legitimate and flexible pathways to residency through investment, property ownership, or company formation. This approach gives investors access to the same ultimate goal – long-term residence, business presence, and the lifestyle of an EU and Schengen member country.

So, while the Croatia Golden Visa Program isn’t an official label, there are two investment-linked residency options:

1. Property Ownership
   • Allows a temporary residence permit (up to 1 year).
   • Not renewable back-to-back – you must leave Croatia for 90 days before reapplying.
   • No work rights and no path to permanent residency or citizenship.
2. Business Investment (Company Formation) – the only viable route for long-term residency.
   • Open a Croatian company (most choose a d.o.o.) with €25,000–€27,000 share capital.
   • Employ 3 Croatian citizens full-time.
   • Pay yourself a salary at least 1.5× the national average.
   • Grants a renewable 1-year temporary residence permit.
   • Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 8 years (with language + integration requirements).

Required Documentation (Simplified)

Property-based applications typically require:

• proof of ownership, passport, financial means, health insurance, criminal record, and purpose-of-stay statement.

Business-based applications require:

• company documents, proof of share capital, employment contracts, tax compliance records, personal documents, and proof of accommodation.

All foreign documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Croatian, which can take several weeks.

Why Invest in Croatia? (Economic & Lifestyle Advantages)

Croatia offers a unique balance between opportunity and quality of life. As one of the newest members of both the EU and the Schengen Zone, it provides full European market access while maintaining lower entry costs compared to Western Europe. For investors, this means a stable business environment, real estate growth potential, and a steady tourism economy. For families, it means safety, healthcare access, and a lifestyle shaped by the Mediterranean rhythm. Croatia’s location – between Central Europe and the Adriatic – also makes it a strategic gateway for foreign investment in Croatia, linking markets in Western Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

Legal Pathways to Residency in Croatia

There’s no single “Golden Visa,” but multiple routes to obtain Croatian temporary residence through investment or professional activity. Each route serves a different investor profile.

Residency Through Property Purchase

Foreigners can purchase property in Croatia and apply for temporary residence based on ownership. While buying real estate doesn’t automatically grant residence, it supports your application as proof of ties to the country and financial stability.

Investors often use this route for second homes, retirement, or relocation. EU citizens can buy freely; non-EU nationals require reciprocity or approval from the Ministry of Justice.

Read more: [Buying Property in Croatia as a Foreigner]

Residency Through Company Ownership or Business Investment

Another route is forming or investing in a Croatian company. Business owners can obtain temporary residence by demonstrating active operations, local employment, or investment contributions.

For many entrepreneurs, this serves as a dual benefit – legal residency plus a functioning business within the EU.

Want to do it right from day one? Our Croatia business setup guide walks you through each step, from incorporation and taxes to local compliance. Click here to access.

Read more: [How to Start a Company in Croatia]

Minimum Investment Requirements (Quick Overview)

Route	Typical Investment Level	Key Conditions
Property Ownership	No official minimum	Ownership alone doesn’t grant long-term residency; you must actively live in the property and renew annually.
Business Investment (d.o.o.)	€25,000–€27,000 paid-in capital	Must show genuine business activity, employ 3 Croatian staff, and meet minimum salary + operational requirements.
Micro-Enterprise Investment	€50,000+	Designed for small investors; requires 3+ jobs and meeting eligibility criteria for investment incentives.
Standard Investment Project	€150,000+	Must create at least 5 jobs and qualify for state incentive schemes.
Large Investment Project	€3,000,000+	Significant capital investment with major job creation; eligible for enhanced government support.

Steps to Apply for Croatia Golden Visa – Residency by Investment

Whether through property or company formation, the Croatia immigration by investment process generally follows these stages:

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Route

Decide between real estate, company ownership, or another qualifying basis (employment, family, etc.). For many applicants, this first step is simply understanding which Croatia Golden Visa pathway aligns with their long-term plans.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Proof of income or investment funds
• Property ownership or company registration documents
• Background check (apostilled and translated)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation

Step 3: Submit Your Application for Croatia Golden Visa

Applications are filed at a Croatian consulate abroad or at a local police station (MUP) if you’re already in the country.

Step 4: Obtain and Renew Residence Permit

Temporary residence is typically granted for one year and can be renewed annually. After five years of continuous stay, you may apply for permanent residence under the Croatia permanent residence by investment pathway.

From Residency to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

One of Croatia’s strengths is that its residency system is designed for long-term integration. After five years of continuous legal stay, you can apply for permanent residence.

From there, after eight years, you may be eligible for citizenship – but note that citizenship by investment in Croatia doesn’t exist as a fast-track route.
Applicants must meet residence, language, and integration requirements like any other foreign resident.

In short: investment opens the door, but staying and integrating fully leads to citizenship.

Croatia Golden Visa Programs vs Other EU Programs

Compared to Portugal or Greece, the Croatia Golden Visa pathway is less formalized but far more flexible. There’s no mandatory minimum investment, no government bond purchase, and no fixed quota system.

Instead, foreign investors can gain residency by establishing real economic or social ties – through business, property ownership, or employment – all within an EU country that remains more affordable than Western Europe.

This is why many investors now view Croatia as a rising alternative to traditional Golden Visa destinations.

Costs, Taxes, and Ongoing Obligations

Investors should plan for:

• Property transfer tax: 3% of purchase value
• Corporate tax: 10–18% depending on revenue
• VAT: 25% (standard rate)
• Residence permit fees: around €100–150 per year
• Real estate maintenance costs and insurance

Croatia maintains double taxation treaties with over 60 countries, minimizing overlapping tax exposure for global investors. Mandracchio Capital assists clients in coordinating local and foreign tax obligations to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Read more: [Understanding Taxes for Investors in Croatia]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Croatia have a Golden Visa program?

No. Croatia does not offer a formal Golden Visa scheme.
However, foreign investors may obtain temporary residency through business formation or, in limited cases, property-linked pathways.

Can foreigners buy property in Croatia?

Yes. EU citizens may buy freely. Non-EU citizens can purchase property subject to reciprocity and approval from the Ministry of Justice.

What’s the minimum investment required for residency?

There is no legally fixed minimum. In practice, company formation and investment in the range of €50,000–€100,000 is commonly sufficient, depending on the business plan and supporting documentation.

How long does it take to get permanent residence?

Permanent residence is generally available after five years of continuous legal stay.

Can I get citizenship by investment in Croatia?

No. Croatia does not offer citizenship by investment. Citizenship is possible through naturalization after permanent residency subject to legal conditions.

Ready to secure your Croatia residency by investment?

Schedule a call with our advisors and get a precise roadmap for residency, business setup, or property investment in Croatia.

About Mandracchio Capital

At Mandracchio Capital, we help international clients build, move, or expand their businesses in Croatia with clarity and regulatory confidence. We are legal experts who guide you through the full process, connect you with the best tax consultants and lawyers in Croatia, and ensure your company setup, compliance, and documentation are handled correctly.

Whether you want to start a company in Croatia, move your company to Croatia, open a branch in Croatia, establish a new European base, launch a lifestyle business, or plan a long-term relocation, Mandracchio Capital is your trusted destination for entering Croatia with precision and support.