Moving to Croatia

Country Guide

Country Guide: Croatia

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

Updated: February 21, 2018

 
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport, notarized by notary public in Croatia
  • Copy of visa / extended stay permit / work permit / proof of residence
  • Copy of lease / purchase contract
  • Detailed, valued inventory, signed by the owner of the goods (Croatian and English) (2 copies)
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Power of attorney (foreigners)
  • Statement from Croatian embassy at origin (returning citizens)
  • Employment contract or company registration documents (self-employed)
  • EORI number (returning citizens)
  • Croatian ID card (returning citizens)
  • Original letter of protocol (diplomats)
  • Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)

Specific Information

  • Owner of the goods must arrive prior to shipment.
  • Duties and taxes of approximately 35-45% of the total value apply if the owner of the goods does not qualify for duty and tax free import.
  • Diplomats can import household goods duty and tax free with following documentation:
    • Detailed packing list
    • Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
    • Diplomatic protocol from the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    • EORI number
  • Detailed, valued inventory should list all used items.
    They must have been owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 6 months prior to import into Croatia.
    Statement from Croatian embassy at origin must show that the owner of the goods has lived abroad for more than 12 months (returning citizens).
 
Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original vehicle documentation (title / registration) (in English and Croatian)
  • Invoice or pro-forma invoice with the vehicle value
  • Technical data (chassis number, weight, power, etc.)
  • Green card
  • Driver’s license
  • Proof of ownership by owner of the goods for at least 6 months
  • Diplomatic protocol, if applicable
  • Letter of Indemnity (LOI)
    • The owner of the vehcile as stated on the vehicle documents must provide a signed statement confirming that the fuel tank of the vehicle is empty and that the battery has been disconnected.

Specific Information

  • An owner of the goods with a temporary stay permit or who have a permanent residence in Croatia may
  • import used vehicles for a period of 12 months from the date following its import.
  • New cars can be registered to persons having a Croatian residence permit.
  • Car must not be older than 7 years old for import into Croatia.
  • Vehicles can only be imported duty / tax free with a diplomatic protocol issued by the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Without protocol, temporary import is possible but a fee will be charged.
    • Temporary import is possible without Customs clearance if the vehicle will stay in Croatia for no more than 6 months
      • After 6 months of using the vehicle in Croatia, the vehicle must be exported and will not be allowed back into Croatia until a total of 12 months from original imported date.
 
Pets

Documents Required

  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Vaccination record
  • Pet passport
  • Microchip / tattoo number
  • Pro-forma invoice
  • Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
  • RNATT test, if applicable
  • Import permit, if applicable

Specific Information

  • All species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) must enter across specific borders where health control inspections are performed.
  • Pets may be imported temporarily in some cases.
  • Import permit from Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development if needed – not required for dogs and cats, but is required for some birds (i.e., parrots).
  • Veterinary health certificate must be issued by government vet at origin no more than 10 days prior to arrival.
  • Rabies antibody neutralizing test (RNATT) may be required for pets originating from certain countries.
    • Contact destination agent for more information.
 
Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings
  • When importing jewelry / art antiques, these items must be registered upon arrival in Croatia.
    • No restriction on registered items as long as document from Croatian Ministry of Culture is available to show the presence of item in Croatia.
 
Restricted/Dutiable Items
  • All weapons and ammunition (permit required and must be reported to the police upon entry)
  • The following items may be brought in duty and tax free within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), cigarillos (100), tobacco (250 g)
    • Spirits (1 L), wine (2 L), liqueur (2 L)
    • Cologne (250 L), perfume (50g)
    • National currency (15,000 HRK)
 
Prohibited Items
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Stuffed animals
  • Alcohol, wine, & spirits
  • Tobacco
  • Narcotics
 
Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 
Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook Entry for Croatia

Wikipedia Entry for Croatia