Key Facts for Croatian Citizens
- Visa Required: No. EU citizen with full freedom of movement
- EU Member Since: 2013 (Schengen since January 2023)
- Registration: EU Certificate required if staying 90+ days
- Work Permit: Not required – full EU labor market access
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years of legal residence
- Tax Treaty: Yes (in force)
- Dual Citizenship: Effectively keep both (see details below)
Moving from Croatia to Spain as an EU Citizen
Since Croatia joined Schengen in January 2023, border crossings between the two countries became seamless. A 2-hour flight connects Barcelona to Zagreb, with budget airlines frequently offering fares under €50.
As a Croatian citizen, you don’t need a visa, work permit, or residency card. What you need is the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión – a green card proving you’ve registered as an EU citizen in Spain.
Why Croatians Choose Spain
Climate similarity helps adaptation: Both countries share Mediterranean coastlines, though Spain’s southern regions offer warmth extending into November. Croatian professionals in hospitality find skills transfer directly – Spanish hotels and restaurants value German and English language abilities.
Economic calculation: Housing costs in Spanish cities outside Madrid and Barcelona remain competitive. Many Croatian families save more money living in Valencia or Málaga than in Zagreb or Split.
The EU Registration Process
Register at the Oficina de Extranjeros or designated police station in your province. In major cities, book appointments through the sede electrónica website. Appointments can take 4-6 weeks to secure, so book immediately upon arrival.
Registration must happen within 3 months if you plan to stay longer. At your appointment, complete the EX-18 form and pay approximately €12. You’ll typically receive your green EU registration certificate on the spot.
Spanish bureaucracy presents challenges – appointment availability, document requirements that vary by province, administrative delays. We handle NIE applications, padrón registration, and EU certificates for clients who want professional support.
Requirements for Registration
You must show you won’t become a burden on Spain’s social system:
If employed: Work contract with Spanish company. Temporary or permanent, part-time or full-time all work.
If self-employed: Registration as autónomo with social security plus tax registration.
If not working: Health insurance covering Spain plus sufficient savings (around €6,000-7,000 unofficial threshold).
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Croatia-Spain
Spain and Croatia have a double taxation agreement. You won’t pay tax twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: If you qualify (new tax resident), flat 24% on Spanish income for 6 years, foreign income exempt
- Social Security: EU coordination means Croatian contributions count toward Spanish pension
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Croatian citizens can apply after 10 years of legal, continuous residence. You can travel freely, but Spain must remain primary residence. Absences over 6 months in a single year, or 10 months total, can reset your timeline.
You’ll pass two exams: CCSE (constitutional and cultural knowledge, 25 multiple-choice questions) and DELE A2 (basic Spanish). Both offered monthly by Instituto Cervantes.
Dual citizenship – the real situation: Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration when you naturalize. However, Croatia doesn’t recognize declarations made to foreign governments. In practice, Croatians who become Spanish keep both passports.
Important: Once you have Spanish citizenship, use your Spanish passport for travel. If you exclusively use your Croatian passport for 3+ years, Spain can revoke your Spanish citizenship.
Required Documents
For EU Registration:
- Croatian passport or national ID card
- EX-18 form completed
- Proof of address (rental contract or property deed)
- Padrón certificate (empadronamiento from town hall)
- Proof of economic means: work contract, autónomo registration, or bank statements + insurance
- Fee payment (Modelo 790, código 012) – €12
- Passport photo
Croatian documents accepted without apostille for EU registration. Citizenship applications require apostilles and sworn Spanish translations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to move from Croatia to Spain?
No. As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa. Register for an EU Certificate after 90 days if staying long-term.
Can I keep my Croatian citizenship if I become Spanish?
In practice, yes. Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Croatia doesn’t recognize it. Croatians who naturalize Spanish effectively keep both passports. Just use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
Can I work immediately?
Yes. EU citizenship gives you full labor market access from day one. No work permit needed.
How long until I can apply for citizenship?
10 years of legal residence. You’ll need to pass the CCSE culture exam and DELE A2 Spanish language test.
We Handle the Bureaucracy
Moving from Croatia as an EU citizen is straightforward compared to non-EU nationals. But Spanish bureaucracy still presents challenges – appointment availability, document requirements that vary by province, administrative delays.
We handle NIE applications, EU registration, padrón, and the full path to citizenship. Contact us if you want professional support navigating the process.
This guide provides general information about moving from Croatia to Spain as an EU citizen. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.