Last updated: February 2026. This guide reflects Croatian VAT law and administrative practice applicable in 2026.
Croatia VAT rate in 2026 is 25% (Standard). Reduced rates of 13% and 5% apply to specific goods and services, while a 0% rate applies to exports and certain international transactions. VAT registration becomes mandatory once annual taxable turnover exceeds €40,000.
Below is a complete breakdown of VAT rates, registration rules, foreign business obligations, and common compliance risks.
Legal Framework and Administration
The Croatia VAT Rate is governed is governed by the Value Added Tax Act (Zakon o porezu na dodanu vrijednost) and related implementing regulations. It is administered by the Croatian Tax Administration (Porezna uprava).
VAT returns are generally filed monthly, although quarterly filing may apply to smaller taxpayers depending on turnover.
VAT is only one component of the broader Croatian tax framework. For a complete structural overview, see our guide to the Croatia Tax System.
Croatia VAT Rates (2026)
Standard VAT Rate – 25%
The standard VAT rate of 25% applies to most goods and services supplied within Croatia.
Croatia’s standard rate is among the higher rates within the EU.
Reduced VAT Rate – 13%
The 13% rate applies to selected categories, including:
- Accommodation services
- Certain food products
- Passenger transport
- Utilities in specific cases
- Selected hospitality services
Reduced VAT Rate – 5%
The 5% rate applies to essential goods such as:
- Certain medicines
- Books and newspapers
- Medical equipment
- Limited categories of basic food products
Zero VAT Rate – 0%
The 0% rate generally applies to:
- Exports of goods outside the EU
- Certain international transport services
Important distinction: A 0% VAT rate is not the same as VAT exemption. Zero-rated transactions typically allow recovery of input VAT, while exempt transactions usually do not.
Croatia VAT Rate 2026
The Croatia VAT Rate structure remains unchanged in 2026.
| VAT Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard VAT | 25% |
| Reduced VAT | 13% |
| Reduced VAT | 5% |
| Zero Rate | 0% (exports & specific services) |
| Registration Threshold | €40,000 |
Croatia VAT Registration Threshold (2026)
Under the Croatia VAT Rate system, VAT registration becomes mandatory once annual taxable turnover exceeds €40,000
This threshold applies to Croatian resident businesses.
If turnover remains below this threshold, voluntary VAT registration is possible.
In practice, voluntary registration is sometimes strategically used to recover input VAT on startup costs under the Croatia VAT Rate regime.
VAT Registration for Non-Resident Businesses
Non-resident companies generally must register for VAT in Croatia if they perform taxable supplies locally, unless the reverse-charge mechanism shifts VAT liability to the Croatian customer.
Foreign companies frequently underestimate how the Croatia VAT Rate applies to cross-border transactions.
In practice, VAT registration may be required even without a Croatian company, particularly for real estate transactions, event organisation, or direct B2C sales subject to the Croatia VAT Rate.
Reverse-Charge Mechanism
In many B2B cross-border transactions:
- The Croatian customer accounts for VAT under reverse charge.
- The foreign supplier does not charge Croatian VAT.
Correct classification of place-of-supply rules is essential.
Incorrect reverse-charge treatment is one of the most common VAT audit triggers.
OSS and IOSS for EU Cross-Border Transactions
For cross-border sales within the EU:
- OSS (One-Stop Shop) applies to B2C digital services and distance sales.
- IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) applies to low-value imported goods.
Foreign businesses may use OSS instead of registering directly in Croatia, depending on their structure.
Careful analysis is required to determine which system applies.
VAT vs Corporate Tax Residency
VAT registration does not automatically create corporate tax residency.
However, operational facts may create both VAT obligations and Permanent Establishment exposure under corporate tax rules.
Foreign founders relocating to Croatia should assess:
- Place of supply
- Location of management
- Fixed place of business risk
Early structuring significantly reduces compliance exposure.
If VAT activities evolve into a fixed place of business or management presence, corporate taxation may also arise. See our detailed guide on Croatia Corporate Tax.
E-Fiscalisation and Mandatory E-Invoicing (2026 Reform)
From 1 January 2026, Croatia expanded mandatory e-invoicing and real-time fiscalisation reporting.
This applies to:
- B2B transactions
- B2G transactions
- B2C transactions
Foreign businesses issuing invoices in Croatia must ensure:
- Compliant invoicing software
- Real-time fiscal reporting
- Proper invoice archiving
Failure to comply may result in administrative fines.
VAT Filing and Compliance
VAT returns are typically submitted monthly. Payment deadlines align with filing periods.
Failure to:
- Register on time
- File VAT returns
- Pay VAT
- Issue compliant invoices
may result in penalties and increased audit scrutiny.
Common VAT Mistakes Foreign Businesses Make
- Registering too late
- Misunderstanding €40,000 threshold
- Confusing 0% VAT with exemption
- Incorrect reverse-charge treatment
- Ignoring fiscalisation obligations
In practice, VAT compliance errors often arise during expansion into Croatia without prior structural review.
Frequently Asked Questions – Croatia VAT Rate 2026
What is the VAT rate in Croatia?
The standard VAT rate in Croatia is 25%.
Is VAT 20% in Croatia?
No. Croatia’s standard VAT rate is 25%.
What is the VAT registration threshold in Croatia?
€40,000 annual taxable turnover.
Do non-residents need to register for VAT in Croatia?
Often yes, unless the reverse-charge mechanism applies.
Is 0% VAT the same as exemption?
No. Zero-rating generally allows input VAT recovery; exemption typically does not.
Why This Matters for Foreign Investors
VAT is often the first tax obligation triggered when entering the Croatian market. Improper VAT structuring can lead to penalties, blocked input VAT recovery, and compliance complications.
Before supplying goods or services in Croatia, foreign businesses should assess:
- Registration obligations
- Reverse-charge applicability
- Fiscalisation compliance
- Interaction with corporate tax rules
Understanding VAT in isolation is not sufficient. It must be assessed within the broader Croatian tax framework.
VAT compliance should always be assessed alongside personal and corporate tax exposure. Read our full guide on Tax in Croatia for Foreigners.
Advising Foreign Investors in Croatia
Mandracchio Capital is a Croatia-based advisory firm working with international founders and investors navigating Croatian tax and regulatory matters. Our work focuses on practical implementation of VAT, corporate structuring, and cross-border compliance in real-world international scenarios.
This overview is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute formal tax or legal advice. Individual circumstances require tailored professional analysis.
