FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ LIST
Your Real Estate
Questions Answered
Whether you're buying your first property in Croatia or adding to your portfolio, here are the answers to the questions we hear most from international buyers and sellers.
Yes. EU citizens can purchase property under the same conditions as Croatian nationals — no restrictions. Non-EU citizens (including Americans, Canadians, British, and Australians) can also buy property, provided a reciprocity agreement exists between Croatia and their home country. Non-EU buyers require approval from the Ministry of Justice, which typically takes 2–6 months.
Budget approximately 8–10% on top of the purchase price. This includes: Real Estate Transfer Tax (3% of market value), agent commission (typically 3% + VAT), legal fees (1–2%), notary fees, and translation costs. For new-build properties from a VAT-registered developer, the 3% transfer tax does not apply — 25% VAT is already included in the price.
For EU citizens, the process can be completed in 4–8 weeks from accepted offer to signed contract. For non-EU citizens, Ministry of Justice approval adds 2–6 months. The total timeline from first viewing to keys in hand typically ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on complexity.
Only if you sell within two years of purchase. Capital gains are taxed at 10% of the profit, plus a small local surtax. If you have owned the property for more than two years, or if it was your registered primary residence, you are completely exempt.
You will need: a land registry extract (zemljišnoknjižni izvadak), proof of ownership, a valid energy performance certificate (energetski certifikat), building and usage permits, and your OIB number. Missing documentation is one of the most common reasons sales fall through — getting your paperwork in order before listing saves significant time.
Simply reach out — by email at info@385realestate.hr, call or WhatsApp at +385 99 385 7325, or use the contact form below. Tell us about your goals, whether buying, selling, or investing, and we’ll set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options. Initial consultations are always complimentary.
