Starting a Business - Croatia

Croatia imposes no foreign-ownership caps: EU and non-EU nationals alike may hold 100% of a Croatian company on the same legal footing as domestic investors, with no requirement for a Croatian co-founder, resident director, or local partner.

The standard form is the d.o.o. (LLC) requiring EUR 2,500 minimum share capital (individual shares min EUR 10). A simplified j.d.o.o. (max 5 members, 1 director) can be formed with as little as EUR 1.00 total capital. A joint-stock company (d.d.) requires EUR 25,000 minimum.

Core steps: (1) obtain Croatian OIB tax number for each founder/director; (2) draft and notarise the founding act before a Croatian public notary; (3) deposit share capital and obtain bank confirmation; (4) submit via HITRO.HR one-stop shop to the Commercial Court. If documentation is complete, court registration issues within 24 hours; full process typically 2–4 weeks.

EU/EEA nationals holding a Croatian digital ID (e-Citizens) may register a d.o.o. or j.d.o.o. fully online via the e-Osnivanje system. Non-EU nationals must complete formation in person through a licensed Croatian notary and file via HITRO.HR; remote power-of-attorney arrangements with a local lawyer are also available.

Every founder and director—regardless of nationality—must hold a Croatian Personal Identification Number (OIB) before incorporation. Non-residents obtain one free of charge at any Croatian Tax Administration office (Porezna uprava) on presentation of a passport; remote application via power-of-attorney is also accepted.

The Foreign Investment Screening Act (OG 136/25, in force 13 November 2025) requires non-EU investors acquiring 10% or more of voting rights or control in Croatian companies in sensitive sectors (energy, transport, finance, healthcare, media, digital infrastructure) to obtain prior Ministry of Finance approval. General new-company formation by foreigners is not subject to screening.