Frequently asked questions and answers

Find the answers to your most frequent questions about taxes, buying and selling real estates in the area of the Republic of Croatia.

Home buying process

Are EU citizens allowed to buy properties in the Republic of Croatia?
EU citizens are allowed to buy real estates in the Republic of Croatia which are within the bounds of building area, which means houses, apartments and building lands.

Are citizens of other countries (outside the EU) allowed to buy real estate in the Republic of Croatia?
Citizens of other countries are allowed to buy real estates in the Republic of Croatia which are within the bounds of building area, which means houses, apartments and building lands only if there is a contract of reciprocity between the Republic of Croatia and the country in question.

In what way can foreign citizens gain property rights over farmland?
Foreign physical people can gain property rights over farmland only on the basis of inheritance.

How is the sales contract verified?
The sales contact is verified in the way that the dealer or an authorized person verifies his signature at the notary’s office. The notary does not verify the content of the contract by that!

Does the sales contract need to be done by the notary?
In some countries only the notary is authorized to make sales contracts. In Croatia the sales contract can be made by anyone, it can even be bought at the bookshop.


What is a tabular statement?
It is a statement by which the seller declares that he has received the whole amount of the agreed price from the buyer, as a result of which the buyer gains the right to transfer the property right into the land register.

Where is the property right checked?
Real estate title can be checked by looking into the land register, which is run by the local municipal court. In Istrian area the majority of real estates is registered in land registers, whereas some are still registered in the book of concluded contracts. A statement from the land register can be obtained via internet on the internet pages of the Ministry of Justice.

Are under-aged people allowed to sell real estates in Croatia?
Yes, but they need to have the consent of the Centre for Social Care before selling.

Are foreigners allowed to sell real estates?
Foreigners are allowed to sell real estates without any restrictions.

Taxes

How much is the sales tax (stamp duty)?
The sales tax is 3% of the market value of the real estate.

Who pays the sales tax?
The taxpayer is the buyer, unless the parties have agreed differently.

Has the sales tax (stamp duty) always to be paid?
No, if the real estate price includes the VAT, then there in no obligation to pay sales tax (stamp duty).

How much is the VAT in real estate trade and who pays for it?
The VAT is 25%, and the taxpayer is the seller.

Does a physical person pay the tax on the difference in price when selling real estate in Croatia?
If more than two years have passed between buying and selling of the real estate, then the seller doesn’t need to pay the tax on the difference in price. If the subject of buying and selling is the land on which a house is being built, then the two-year deadline starts the moment the certificate of occupancy has been issued. Tax burden comes about also by selling three or more real estates of the same kind during a period of five years.
You haven’t found the answer to your question? Contact the legal expert by e-mail: [email protected]
You have not looked at any property. Search properties here.
top of page