Required Documents for Croatian Citizenship
The following is the complete list of documents needed for the interview for those applying for Croatian citizenship by descent. Present your documents in the order listed below on the date of your appointment.
Before you begin — preparation rules
Please have the following ready for each adult in your party who is of Croatian descent and in this order on the date of your appointment. Minors in Croatia are those under 18. Adults are 18 and older.
Two Piles System
Each adult must prepare two piles: Pile 1 contains all original documents. Pile 2 contains a photocopy of every sheet of paper in Pile 1. When you make photocopies, include the Apostille and translation as well.
Document Order Within Each Item
For translated documents, the order should be: translator cover letter with stamps and signatures, then the Croatian translation, then the Apostille, and finally the document in English (or another language).
Do Not Use Paperclips, Plastic Folders, Binders, or Post-its
If you have received a roped or stapled set of documents from a professional translator, do not undo those — they must stay as is. Staple original documents with original translations. You must have all of your original translations with you.
Long Form Required
For birth and marriage certificates from the United States and other countries outside of Croatia, if you have a choice between a short form and a long form, you must order the long form.
If a spouse is applying at the same time
The spouse will need two piles as well. Pile 1 will include originals of documents #1–7 and #14 below. Both the main applicant and the spouse will need to have a certified copy of a marriage certificate with Apostille seal and translation.
In Pile 1, the spouse will also need photocopies of each sheet of paper related to lineage of the Croatian applicant — that is, photocopies of the document, the Apostille seal for non-Croatian issued docs, and photocopies of all parts of the translation.
Pile 2 for the spouse will contain a photocopy of each sheet of paper in Pile 1.
Complete document list
Present your documents in the following order at your appointment.
Obrazac 1 or Obrazac 2 (Application Form)
- check_circleObrazac 1 must be completed in Croatian for each adult (18+) applying alone. One original per adult — no photocopy needed.
- check_circleIf a child under 18 is applying with you, use Obrazac 2 instead of Obrazac 1. No photocopy needed.
- check_circleDo not staple the pages of the Obrazac.
- check_circleDo not sign the Obrazac — you must sign it in person at your appointment.
- check_circleIf you are unsure how to fill out a particular item, leave it blank and ask at the appointment.
Valid US Passport
- check_circleOne valid US passport per adult, plus 2 clear photocopies of the passport photo page.
- check_circleThe name on the passport must match your birth certificate or marriage certificate exactly, letter for letter.
- check_circleFor minors, a passport is preferred but a current student ID might be acceptable.
- check_circlePassports do not need to be notarized. Your passport will be verified at the appointment and returned to you.
CV / Resume
- check_circleOne CV per adult, written in Croatian, plus a photocopy.
- check_circleInclude your name, address, telephone, email, date of birth, most recent education, and most recent employment.
- check_circleIt should not be more than two pages long — one page is preferred.
- check_circleIf you do not speak Croatian, include the English version as well. You will need a photocopy in each language.
Motivational Letter
- check_circleOne motivational letter per adult, written in Croatian.
- check_circleInclude your family tree, why you want to be a Croatian citizen, any explanations for name changes or adoptions, and when and how your ancestor left Croatia.
- check_circleWrite about yourself and your family and why you feel yourself to be part of the Croatian people. Include any Croatian events or activities you participate in — mass, festivals, commemorations, clubs, folklore groups, etc.
- check_circleIf you are planning on moving to Croatia, include when, where, and why.
- check_circleIf you do not speak, read, and write Croatian, include the English version as well. The English version must be signed and dated, then photocopied.
- check_circleIf you speak, read, and write Croatian, you only need the Croatian version — sign and date it, then photocopy.
- check_circleIf more than one page, staple pages together. If you have both Croatian and English versions, staple with Croatian on top, English underneath. Photocopies of both are needed.
Your Birth Certificate
- check_circleYour birth certificate per applicant, with Apostille seal, translated by a professional translator into Croatian.
- check_circleThe birth certificate cannot have been issued more than 1.5 years from the date of the appointment.
- check_circleStaple in this order: translator cover letter, Croatian translation, Apostille, then the birth certificate.
- check_circleYou will need a photocopy of all pages.
Marriage Certificate (if married)
- check_circleIf married, your marriage certificate with Apostille seal, translated by a professional translator into Croatian, plus a photocopy.
- check_circleThe marriage certificate cannot have been issued more than 1.5 years from the date of the appointment.
- check_circleIf you have a prior marriage, you must bring both marriage certificates and your divorce decree with Apostille seal, translated, and photocopied.
- check_circleStaple in the standard order: translator cover letter, Croatian translation, Apostille, then the document.
FBI Background Check
- check_circleFBI background check with Apostille seal per adult applicant. Recommended for anyone aged 16 and older.
- check_circleThe FBI background check cannot have been issued more than 6 months from the date of the appointment. It is strongly recommended that it not be older than 5 months, as the Ministry may request a newer one.
- check_circleOnce you receive the FBI background check with Apostille seal, have it translated by a professional translator and make a photocopy.
- check_circleIf you have dual citizenship, you will need a criminal record from that country as well. Check with the Croatian Consulate or Embassy that has jurisdiction over that country.
- check_circleDOJ background checks are not accepted in lieu of the FBI background check.
- check_circleYou will need fingerprints taken at a post office or location per FBI instructions. Once you receive results, send them to the U.S. Department of State in Virginia for an Apostille seal (normally takes about 4 weeks).
- check_circleThe name on the FBI background check must match your birth certificate or marriage certificate and US passport. Exceptions are for legal name changes through Court Decree or marriage.
Parent's Birth Certificate
- check_circleBirth certificate of the parent you are going through, with Apostille seal, translated into Croatian by a professional translator.
- check_circleIf the parent was born in Croatia, you only need the original Croatian birth certificate (a certified copy from the issuing office) and a photocopy. There is no date limit on Croatian documents.
- check_circleIf born in the USA, the birth certificate must be issued within 1.5 years of the appointment.
- check_circleIf born outside Croatia or the USA, check with the Croatian Consulate or Embassy that has jurisdiction over their country for acceptable verification or Apostille requirements.
- check_circleStaple in the standard order for all birth certificates from countries outside of Croatia. Photocopies of all pages are needed.
Parents' Marriage Certificate
- check_circleYour parents' marriage certificate with Apostille seal, translated into Croatian by a professional translator, unless the parents were married in Croatia.
- check_circleIf they were married in Croatia, you only need the original Croatian marriage certificate and a photocopy. There is no date limit on Croatian documents.
- check_circleAll marriage certificates in the USA must be issued within 1.5 years of the appointment.
- check_circleIf there is a choice between a long form and a short form, the long form is required.
- check_circleStaple in the standard order for all marriage certificates from countries outside of Croatia. Photocopies of all pages are needed.
Ancestors' Birth Certificates
- check_circleBirth certificates of ancestors you are going through, with Apostille seal, translated into Croatian — unless they were born in Croatia.
- check_circleIf born in Croatia, you only need the original Croatian birth certificate and a photocopy.
- check_circleImportant: the original birth certificate will not be returned to you.
- check_circleStaple in the standard order for all birth certificates from countries outside of Croatia. Photocopies of all pages are needed.
Ancestors' Marriage Certificates
- check_circleMarriage certificates of ancestors are needed in the following cases:
- check_circlea) You are going through a relative who changed their surname upon marriage.
- check_circleb) To show that the ancestor was married in the United States, establishing that they stayed here. This is optional but very helpful and can alleviate delays.
- check_circleStaple in the standard order for all marriage certificates from countries outside of Croatia. Photocopies of all pages are needed.
- check_circleNote: the marriage certificate of your parents with Apostille is always required (see #9) regardless.
Ship Manifest
- check_circleShip manifest of when your ancestor came to the United States.
- check_circleApostille is not required, but translation is required.
- check_circleDo not get these from ancestry.com. The ship manifest must come directly from the office that issues it (it usually comes with a red ribbon).
- check_circleYou only need to translate the information for your particular relative, not others on the same page.
- check_circlePlease provide a photocopy.
Death Certificate of Emigrant Ancestor
- check_circleDeath certificate of the ancestor who left Croatia is required.
- check_circleIt must have an Apostille seal and be translated into Croatian.
- check_circleYou will need a photocopy as well.
- check_circleThe date of issuance does not matter.
Proof of Address
- check_circleProof of address per adult, such as a driver's license, utility bill, or bank statement.
- check_circleNo translation or Apostille is needed.
- check_circleBring 2 copies.
Minor Child Requirements
- check_circleIf a minor child is applying, both parents are supposed to be present at the interview.
- check_circleIf both parents cannot be present, a sworn statement from the absent parent is necessary. It must be signed by that parent in front of a notary public and notarized.
- check_circleYou will need an Apostille seal for the notary's signature. All pages (sworn statement, Apostille seal, notary statement and certification) must be translated into Croatian by a professional translator.
- check_circleThe original and a copy of the English statement along with translation are needed.
- check_circle2 clear photocopies of the ID the parent used before the notary public are required. The ID must be a valid driver's license or valid US passport, with the name matching the passport or driver's license and child's birth certificate.
- check_circleChildren will also need a birth certificate (not older than 1.5 years) with Apostille seal and translation of both the birth certificate and the Apostille seal, plus a photocopy of both.
- check_circleFor minor children, the only documents needed are the birth certificates and US passports matching their names on the birth certificates.
FBI Background Check — How to Obtain the Apostille
Have your fingerprints taken at a post office or at a location as per FBI information on their website. Once you get your results, send them to the U.S. Department of State in Virginia to obtain an Apostille seal (which normally takes about 4 weeks).
Apostille Mailing Address:
Office of Authentications
U.S. Department of State
44132 Mercure Circle
P.O. Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206
If one of your parents already has Croatian citizenship
If one of your parents has Croatian citizenship, you would need a photocopy of their passport and domovnica (certificate of citizenship). In that case, you would not need anything from other ancestors.
However, you would still need that parent's birth certificate from Croatia (a photocopy is fine). This only applies if the parent has a domovnica.
If the parent was born outside of present-day Croatia, you will need a certified copy of the birth certificate with Apostille, translated into Croatian, and a copy.
Key reminders
Keep these critical rules in mind as you prepare your documents.
All Apostille seals as well as documents must be translated into Croatian. All birth certificates, marriage certificates, background checks, death certificates, and name change decrees require an Apostille seal, and both the seals and documents need to be translated.
You must provide all originals of all translations as well as copies of all translations and originals. You must bring these with you to the appointment.
For birth and marriage certificates from the US and other countries outside Croatia, if you have a choice between ordering a short form or a long form, you must order the long form.
If the document came with the Apostille seal behind the document, do not unstaple — just leave as is.
Application Fee
The current consular fee is $237.50 per adult (as of June 2025).
Payment options: personal check, money order, or credit card. Checks and money orders should be made out to Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia. You must include the entire name on the check per bank instructions.
Accepted credit cards (with a fee): American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.
Need help gathering your documents?
Document preparation is the most time-consuming part of the citizenship process. Our team can help with translations, apostilles, and ensuring everything is in order before your appointment.