Frequently asked questions
1. Can foreign nationals buy realestate in Croatia?
– Foreign nationals from the country of the European Union can buy property in Croatia without restrictions, except for agricultural land. Citizens of other countries can buy real estate in Croatia only with the approval of the Ministry of Justice and only those with whom the Republic of Croatia has signed a reciprocity contract. Foreign citizens who have a company established in Croatia that conducts a registered activity can purchase real estate in Croatia on behalf of the company without restrictions.
2. How much is the tax on real estate in Croatia and who pays for it?
– Real estate transfer tax in Croatia amounts to 3% of the purchase price and the buyer is obliged to pay it.
3. When am I exempt from paying real estate transfer tax?
– If you buy real estate from a legal entity that is liable for value added tax (VAT) and VAT has been charged on the real estate (on building and land), there is no tax obligation for the buyer.
4. How can I get a berth mooring?
– If you have any questions about how to get a berth for a boat, you can find all the necessary information on the website of the Port Authority Županijska lučka uprava – Zadar here. The link is only available in Croatian. Please open in Google Translate.
5. Why do we distinguish flats and apartments in our real estate listings?
– The fact that we separately cite flats and apartments on our website should not confuse you; on the contrary, we do it to make it easier for you to search for real estates. Of course, both are actually the same kind of real estate, but so that our customers get a better overview in our wide range of listings we made the distinguishing. Flats are real estate in the city that is mainly intended for permanent living and apartments are located in the surrounded smaller places or villages outside the city generally used as holiday properties.
6. What needs to be checked regarding the real estate?
– There are two things that have to be clear, firstly, the ownership of the property, and then, if it is a built property, the legality of the building. Since properties have been very easily legalized in recent years, legalization decisions and certificates of occupancy are very accessible. For land that we include in our offer, we always try to obtain the document Location information, from the owner before we advertise it. This is a document that can be obtained from the Office of Spatial Planning and Construction and which already shows in which zone the property is located, what is its use, which spatial plans relate to the property and where the plans can be inspected!
7. In what currency is it possible to pay for real estate in Croatia?
– From 01/01/2023. The official currency in the Republic of Croatia is the euro. As a result, purchase prices in sales contracts are only given in euros and payments of the purchase price are made in euros according to the law.
8. Can foreign citizens take out a loan in Croatian banks to buy real estate in Croatia?
– Yes, foreign citizens can take out a housing loan in Croatia. Recently, citizens of the European Union, as well as Croatian citizens employed in the EU, are entitled to housing loans under similar conditions as domestic citizens. Many banks offer favorable terms and flexible repayment options for EU citizens. Buying real estate in Croatia with the help of a housing loan from Croatian banks can be a feasible and affordable option for foreign citizens. With proper information and preparation, this process can be simple and beneficial for all interested buyers.