Moving to Croatia

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of passport, notarized by notary public in Croatia
  • Copy of visa / extended stay permit / work permit / proof of residence
  • Copy of lease / purchase contract
  • Detailed, valued inventory, signed by the owner of the goods (Croatian and English) (2 copies)
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
  • Power of attorney (foreigners)
  • Statement from Croatian embassy at origin (returning citizens)
  • Employment contract or company registration documents (self-employed)
  • EORI number (returning citizens)
  • Croatian ID card (returning citizens)
  • Original letter of protocol  (diplomats)
  • Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)

Specific Information

  • Owner of the goods must arrive prior to shipment.
  • Duties and taxes of approximately 35-45% of the total value apply if the owner of the goods does not qualify for duty and tax free import.
  • Diplomats can import household goods duty and tax free with following documentation:
    • Detailed packing list
    • Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
    • Diplomatic protocol from the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
    • EORI number
  • Detailed, valued inventory should list all used items.
    • They must have been owned by the owner of the goods for a minimum of 6 months prior to import into Croatia.
  • Statement from Croatian embassy at origin must show that the owner of the goods has lived abroad for more than 12 months (returning citizens).

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original vehicle documentation (title / registration) (in English and Croatian)
  • Invoice or pro-forma invoice with the vehicle value
  • Technical data (chassis number, weight, power, etc.)
  • Green card
  • Driver’s license
  • Proof of ownership by owner of the goods for at least 6 months
  • Diplomatic protocol, if applicable
  • Letter of Indemnity (LOI) 
    • The owner of the vehcile as stated on the vehicle documents must provide a signed statement confirming that the fuel tank of the vehicle is empty and that the battery has been disconnected.

Specific Information

  • An owner of the goods with a temporary stay permit or who have a permanent residence in Croatia may import used vehicles for a period of 12 months from the date following its import.
  • New cars can be registered to persons having a Croatian residence permit.
  • Car must not be older than 7 years old for import into Croatia.
  • Vehicles can only be imported duty / tax free with a diplomatic protocol issued by the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Without protocol, temporary import is possible but a fee will be charged.
    • Temporary import  is possible without Customs clearance if the vehicle will stay in Croatia for no more than 6 months
      • After 6 months of using the vehicle in Croatia, the vehicle must be exported and will not be allowed back into Croatia until a total of 12 months from original imported date. 

Pets

Documents Required

  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Vaccination record
  • Pet passport
  • Microchip / tattoo number
  • Pro-forma invoice
  • Copy of owner of the goods’ passport
  • RNATT test, if applicable
  • Import permit, if applicable

Specific Information

  • All species of animals (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) must enter across specific borders where health control inspections are performed.
  • Pets may be imported temporarily in some cases.
  • Import permit from Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development if needed – not required for dogs and cats, but is required for some birds (i.e., parrots).
  • Veterinary health certificate must be issued by government vet at origin no more than 10 days prior to arrival.
  • Rabies antibody neutralizing test (RNATT) may be required for pets originating from certain countries.
    • Contact destination agent for more information. 

Antiques, Artifacts, Carpets, Paintings

  • When importing jewelry / art antiques, these items must be registered upon arrival in Croatia.
    • No restriction on registered items as long as document from Croatian Ministry of Culture is available to show the presence of item in Croatia. 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • All weapons and ammunition (permit required and must be reported to the police upon entry)
  • The following items may be brought in duty and tax free within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (50), cigarillos (100), tobacco (250 g)
    • Spirits (1 L), wine (2 L), liqueur (2 L)
    • Cologne (250 L), perfume (50g)
    • National currency (15,000 HRK)

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Stuffed animals
  • Alcohol, wine, & spirits
  • Tobacco
  • Narcotics

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Cultural and Other Information