7 steps to Start a Company in Croatia as a Foreign Entrepreneur 2026

Starting a company imoving to croatia from ukn Croatia can be one of the smartest moves and investment options you make as a founder especially if you want an EU base that feels stable, predictable, and supportive of international business. Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or structuring investments, the process to open a company in Croatia is absolutely achievable as a foreign national.

Whether your goal is to open a business in Croatia for expansion, investment structuring, relocation, or long-term EU residency, the process is highly accessible for foreign nationals. What matters most is understanding how Croatia treats EU citizens versus non-EU nationals, and preparing for the administrative differences.

Below, you’ll find a clear, founder-focused breakdown of how incorporation works whether you’re an EU citizen or coming from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand,….

Choosing the Right Company Structure

This is important: before you officially open a company in Croatia, you need to choose a business structure that fits your long-term goals. Most foreign entrepreneurs choose the standard d.o.o. because it offers full limited liability, strong credibility, and 100% foreign ownership. To understand this structure more deeply, visit our article on d.o.o. limited liability company formation in Croatia and see what the process involves.

And if you’re unsure whether a d.o.o. or j.d.o.o. is a better fit for your plans, you can explore our comparison guide on d.o.o. vs. j.d.o.o. for a clearer decision.

EU citizens can form a standard d.o.o. with EUR 2,500 in share capital. For non-EU nationals-including founders from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand-Croatian banks and immigration authorities often expect around EUR 27,000. This higher threshold isn’t a strict legal requirement but a practical one that supports work/residence permit applications. Understanding this early helps you plan your timeline and funding strategy.

If you’re from outside the EU, Croatia categorizes you as a “third-country national.” This means you may encounter additional paperwork or slightly longer verifications, especially if you intend to apply for Croatian residency as a director.

EU citizens move through the process more easily. They aren’t subject to the higher capital requirement, and their residency, tax, and employment processes are significantly more flexible.

Step 1: Choosing and Verifying Your Company Name

Your first formal action in the process of starting a company in Croatia is selecting a business name and verifying its availability in the Croatian Court Register. Names must follow Croatian rules-they must be in Croatian or another EU language using the Latin alphabet.

If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can handle name selection remotely, but you still need a Croatian notary or lawyer to verify availability.
EU citizens follow the same rules, but authorities often process their applications slightly faster due to easier ID verification.

Even small similarities to existing companies can cause rejection, so checking availability upfront saves time and frustration.

Step 2: Preparing and Notarising Incorporation Documents

Your incorporation documents-Articles of Association or Declaration of Incorporation-must be prepared and notarised in Croatia.
For non-citizens, this is often the first moment when translation requirements arise. If you don’t speak Croatian, a certified court interpreter must be present during signing. This applies to all non-EU nationals, including those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, to ensure you understand each legal clause.

EU citizens also notarise documents, but notaries validate their identity faster due to harmonized EU identification standards. Translators may still be required if the founder does not speak Croatian, but overall, EU nationals usually experience fewer administrative barriers.

Step 3: Depositing Your Share Capital

After notarisation, you’ll deposit your share capital into a temporary bank account or through FINA.
For EU citizens, banks typically open this account with minimal delay, and the standard requirement of EUR 2,500 applies.

For non-EU nationals, including founders from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, banks may conduct additional due diligence. They may request proof of the source of funds, tax residency certificates, or business background information. This is not a problem, it’s a standard EU anti-money-laundering safeguard.

If you’re planning to apply for residency by investment in Croatia through company ownership, depositing EUR 27,000 often makes the process smoother because it demonstrates financial readiness.

Once the deposit is made, the bank issues a confirmation certificate required for the next step.

Step 4: Opening a Company in Croatia (Commercial Court Registration)

This is the legal moment when your business comes to life. Opening a company in Croatia requires submitting your notarised documents, share capital confirmation, and court fees to the Commercial Court.

If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you don’t need to appear in person as long as your power of attorney is properly notarised and apostilled. After approval, the Court issues the Registration Decision and your company’s OIB (Croatian tax ID). You’ll need this number to sign contracts, open a bank account, employ staff, and fulfill tax obligations.

EU citizens benefit from slightly faster verification, but both EU and non-EU founders follow identical legal steps at this stage.

Step 5: Registering with the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (CBS)

Once incorporated, your company receives its NKD code, the official classification of your business activity. This step is the same for everyone, regardless of nationality.

Whether you’re a non-EU founder from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, or an EU citizen, the registration process does not differ. After submitting the required form and your Court Decision, CBS issues your classification, which you’ll use for tax, employment, and compliance filings.

Step 6: Opening a Corporate Bank Account

A corporate bank account is required before your company can start operating.
Most Croatian banks require at least one director or shareholder to be physically present.

For non-EU nationals, including those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, banks may ask for additional compliance documents such as tax residency proof, identity verification, or business purpose explanations. This is typical for cross-border entrepreneurs and not an indicator of risk.

EU citizens usually face fewer compliance checks because their documents follow harmonized EU standards, but all founders must undergo KYC procedures.

Step 7: Registering for Taxes, Pension, and Health Insurance

Finally, your company must register with Croatian tax authorities and with HZMO (pension) and HZZO (health).

For non-EU founders , particularly those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, this is also the moment to plan your residency path. If you intend to live in Croatia as the company’s director, your minimum gross salary must meet the legal threshold of 1.5× the Croatian average. Without this salary, you cannot obtain a work and residence permit.

EU citizens skip this requirement entirely. They do not need a work permit, and there is no legally required director salary for residency.

Start Your Company in Croatia With Expert Legal Support

Imagine your company fully registered, compliant, and ready to operate in Croatia, without the delays, rejections, or paperwork setbacks that many foreign founders experience. The sooner you structure things correctly, the faster you can secure banking, residency options, and long-term EU stability. Don’t risk avoidable mistakes when one small step today can save weeks later.

Book a Free 20-Minute Strategy Call with us today (Low effort, high impact. One conversation now can save weeks later.).

At Mandracchio Capital, our legal experts help founders connect with the right Croatian lawyers and advisors – professionals who understand cross-border business, foreign ownership issues, and multi-step cases. Our role is simple: guide you through company formation in Croatia so you can start confidently and avoid the common mistakes newcomers make.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner start a company in Croatia?

Yes. Croatia allows 100% foreign ownership, making company formation one of the most accessible investment options in Croatia for both EU and non-EU nationals.
The legal process is largely the same, though non-EU investors must complete additional documentation and residency-related steps.

What is the minimum capital required to open a company in Croatia?

EU citizens can form a d.o.o. with EUR 2,500. Non-EU nationals, especially those from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often choose to deposit EUR 27,000 to support future residency applications.

How long does company formation in Croatia take?

Most founders complete the process in 2–4 weeks, depending on document preparation, translation, and bank due diligence.

Can I live in Croatia after opening a company?

EU citizens can relocate freely.
Non-EU nationals must meet the director salary requirement and follow the work/residence permit process.

Do I need a Croatian accountant?

Yes. Croatia has strict monthly and annual reporting rules. A licensed accountant is mandatory for VAT, payroll, annual statements, and corporate tax filings.

What are the main investment options in Croatia for foreigners?

Foreign investors typically choose between several investment options in Croatia, including:

• Setting up a d.o.o. (limited liability company) for long-term business operations
• Using a j.d.o.o. for low-capital experimental projects
• Capitalizing a company to support residence or work permit applications
• Investing through an operating business combined with director or shareholder roles

The most suitable option depends on your nationality, business goals, and residency plans.