Buying a home in Croatia

The steps

You agree a price and usually sign a preliminary contract with a deposit of about 10%. The main contract is signed and certified by a notary. Ownership passes when you are entered in the land registry (zemljišna knjiga).

The costs

The buyer pays 3% transfer tax on resale homes. A lawyer usually charges about 1% plus 25% VAT. The notary only certifies the signatures, and with the land registry fees this rarely costs more than €200. Many agents also charge the buyer a fee, often 3% plus 25% VAT. New builds pay 25% VAT instead of the 3% transfer tax.

Calculate buying costs in Croatia

Tax ID and bank account

You need an OIB, the Croatian personal ID number, from the tax office or a consulate. A Croatian bank account is useful for paying the price, taxes and bills.

Visas and the 90-in-180 rule

Croatia is in the Schengen area, so visitors from outside the EU can spend 90 days in any 180 across Schengen. A home does not give you the right to stay longer. Buyers from outside the EU and EEA need the Ministry of Justice's consent (Swiss citizens are exempt). Since April 2026 the EU's Entry/Exit System records fingerprints and a photo at Schengen borders. ETIAS travel authorisation for visa-free visitors is expected from late 2026.

Check your 90/180 days

Running costs

Running costs are usually low: utilities, insurance and a yearly communal fee. Since 1 January 2025 a property tax of €0.60 to €8 per m² a year, set by the town, replaced the old holiday home tax.

Calculate buying costs in Croatia

What to check before you offer

Check that the land registry shows a clean title and that it matches the cadastre. Check that the building has a permit or has been legalised. Agricultural land has extra limits for foreign buyers.