Can Foreigners Buy Property in Croatia?

A Complete 2025 Guide for International Buyers

5/8/20242 min read

A Complete 2025 Guide for International Buyers

Modern villa with sea view in Croatia, popular among foreign buyers
Modern villa with sea view in Croatia, popular among foreign buyers

🏛️ Is it legal for foreigners to buy property in Croatia?

Yes. Foreigners can legally purchase property in Croatia, though the process varies depending on citizenship.

  • EU Citizens

Have the same property rights as Croatians. Most real estate types are available (except agricultural land).

  • Non-EU Citizens

Can buy, but must request approval from the Ministry of Justice (3–6 months) — unless buying through a Croatian company (d.o.o.).

Sign showing Croatia direction
Sign showing Croatia direction

1. Define your goals

Vacation, rental, or relocation? Lumarum helps match your vision with location, type and budget.

2. Property search

Virtual tours, pre-selected options, honest listings.
✅ We work only with verified properties.

3. Legal due diligence

Lawyers check ownership, zoning, debts, condition.
We help you obtain an OIB (tax number).

4. Pre-contract

Sign the Predugovor and usually pay 10% deposit.

5. Final contract & registration

Sign the full contract, notarize, and register in the land registry.

💰 What are the costs?

When purchasing property in Croatia, buyers should consider the following approximate costs:

  • Real estate transfer tax is typically 3% of the purchase price, although this does not apply to new builds.

  • Legal and notary fees generally range from 1–2% of the property value.

  • Agency commission is usually around 2–3%, depending on the agreement with the agency.

  • Registration and administrative costs can amount to approximately €100–€300.

  • An optional property survey may cost between €300 and €1,000, depending on the complexity of the inspection.

These expenses can vary slightly depending on the region and the specific circumstances of the purchase.

Cost breakdown for buying property in Croatia
Cost breakdown for buying property in Croatia

💡 For new builds with VAT (PDV), 25% applies — no 3% transfer tax.

📈 Can I rent it out?

Yes — and it’s profitable.

We help you:

  • 🧾 Obtain permits

  • 🛋️ Furnish and set up the home

  • 🤝 Connect with trusted rental agencies

  • 📅 Optimize for bookings

You can also keep dates for personal use.

tourists on the beach in Croatia
tourists on the beach in Croatia
Tourists enjoying rented Croatian villa with pool
Tourists enjoying rented Croatian villa with pool

🏘️ Popular choices for foreigners

  • Villas with sea views

  • City apartments (Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik)

  • Stone houses in villages

  • New builds near marinas

🔒 Restrictions

  • Agricultural land: Only via company

  • Ministry approval: For non-EU individuals

  • Protected zones: Special rules may apply

We’ll help you avoid legal surprises.

📞 Ready to begin?

🙋 FAQ

Do I need to live in Croatia?
No — we help clients remotely.

Can I rent it out and still use it personally?
Yes — flexible ownership.

Can I open a Croatian bank account?
Yes, and we assist.

🌍 Why choose Lumarum?

✅ Tailored property search
✅ Full legal guidance
✅ Cost transparency
✅ Rental & furnishing support
✅ Multilingual team