Step-by-step: How the buying process in Croatia works?

1. 🔍 Find the right property

The journey begins with defining your goals: do you want a coastal villa for summer escapes, an apartment in a historic city for long-term ROI, or a rustic stone house to renovate?

At Lumarum, we search for properties based on your exact preferences — location, size, budget, investment potential — and work only with verified listings.

We offer:

• Pre-selection & virtual tours

• Price negotiation support

• Honest feedback on condition & potential

2. ⚖️ Legal due diligence

Before signing anything, legal checks are essential. We coordinate with our network of experienced Croatian lawyers to verify:

• Ownership status (via land registry)

• Legal use and zoning

• Building permits

• Unpaid debts, mortgages or disputes

We also help you obtain a Croatian OIB (personal identification number), required for the purchase.

3. 📝 Pre-contract & deposit

Once you're confident, a pre-contract (Predugovor) is signed with the seller. A deposit — typically 10% of the price — is paid to reserve the property. This stage locks in the deal while approvals are finalized.

4. 🏛️ Approval for non-EU citizens

If you're from outside the EU, we submit the request for Ministry of Justice approval. This doesn’t require your physical presence in Croatia. Once approved, the final contract can be signed.

5. ✍️ Final contract & ownership registration

The final purchase agreement (Ugovor o kupoprodaji) is signed and notarized. Ownership is officially registered in the land registry (Zemljišne knjige), and the property is yours!

What are the costs of buying property in Croatia?

Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

ExpenseApproximate CostReal estate transfer tax3% (of purchase price)Legal & notary fees1–2%Agency commission2–3% (shared or by side)Registration & admin€100–€300Property survey (optional)€300–€1,000

💡 VAT (PDV) applies to new builds, in which case the 3% transfer tax does not apply.

We provide full cost estimates upfront so you can plan your investment clearly.

Can I rent out my property?

Yes — and many do.

Croatia’s rental market is booming, especially on the coast. With millions of tourists each year, well-located properties enjoy high occupancy during the season.

We help you:

• 🧾 Obtain rental permits & categorization

• 🛠️ Prepare and furnish your home for guests

• 🤝 Connect with trusted local rental agencies (with low commissions)

• 📈 Optimize pricing & calendar for maximum ROI

You can also reserve parts of the year for personal use — it’s your home after all.

What type of properties are best for foreigners?

Most foreign buyers choose:

• 🏝️ Villas with sea views (islands, Dalmatian coast)

• 🏘️ Apartments in Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik or Rovinj

• 🏚️ Stone houses for renovation in charming villages

• 🌅 New developments near marinas or beaches

We help you evaluate each option based on rental potential, appreciation, and maintenance needs.

Why work with Lumarum?

We are your local partner — here before, during, and after the purchase.

• ✅ We help you find the right property (not just what's easy to sell)

• ✅ We coordinate all legal, tax and registration steps

• ✅ We assist with renovation, furnishing and rental setup

• ✅ We connect you with low-commission management agencies

• ✅ We speak your language — English, German, and Croatian