Property Investment in Croatia as a Foreigner

To purchase a property in Croatia, one must get approval from the Minister of Justice. Foreigners can rent out real estate only through a legal entity if it’s a Croatian company.

Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow every quarter by an average of 2%. Seven years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €183,000, and today it is sold for €340,000.

€3,400

Average price per 1 m²

2%

Average price growth per quarter

4—30%

Associated costs, of the property value

How the residential property price index is growing in Croatia

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Cost of a 3-bedroom apartment in Croatia

€2.7 million

Penthouse in Opatija, a 5‑minute walk from the sea

€1.5 million

Apartment in Opatija, a 5‑minute walk from the sea

€200,000

Apartment in Zagreb

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Croatia residency or citizenship by real estate investment

Obtaining a Croatia residence permit or citizenship is not directly possible through purchasing real estate. However, property ownership can be used to prove a residential address in Croatia and obtain residency on other grounds.

Discover real estate market trends in 41 European countries

Discover real estate market trends in 41 European countries

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  • Get expert tips and documents

  • Estimate costs accurately

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Taxes and associated costs

Purchase taxes

Buyers of real estate in Croatia pay a value-added tax for new buildings or a transfer tax for resale real estate and additional fees.

Associated costs are approximately 4 to 30% of the purchase agreement value. When buying a new apartment worth €1 mln, the investor will spend €1.28 mln, including additional costs.

New buildings — VAT25% of the transaction amount
Resale property — transfer tax3%
Registration fee0.01—0.05% of the transaction amount
Legal support of the transaction — it is not necessary to involve a lawyer1—2% of the transaction amount
Agency fee — share paid by the buyer2—4% — depends on the agency, VAT included

Ownership taxes

Owners pay an annual tax of 1.5% of the appraised property value, approximately 70% of the average market price.

Rental income is included in the income tax of 12%.

Electricity, gas, water, heating, and garbage collection€150—200 per month
Internet, TV, and telephone€25—50 per month

Sale taxes

Sellers pay a capital gains tax of 24% on the difference between the sale and purchase prices.

The agency fee ranges between 2 and 4%.

Capital gains tax — paid on the difference between the sale and purchase prices24%
Agency fee — share paid by the seller2—4% — depends on the agency, VAT included

Countries to buy a property and get residency or citizenship

We offer proven properties that comply with the conditions of government programs for investors. You can buy real estate and obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

Country and status
Investments
Status
Time required
mt-flagmt-flag
Malta29 properties

€375,000+

Permanent residency

6+ months

Show 29 properties

€375,000+Permanent residency6+ months
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gd-flaggd-flag
Grenada44 properties

$270,000+

Citizenship

8+ months

Show 44 properties

$270,000+Citizenship8+ months
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ae-flagae-flag
UAE158 properties

AED 750,000+

Residence permit

2+ months

Show 158 properties

AED 750,000+Residence permit2+ months
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es-flages-flag
Spain38 properties

Not limited

Residence permit

4+ months

Show 38 properties

Not limitedResidence permit4+ months
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Portugal68 properties

Not limited

Residency after D Visas

6+ months

Show 68 properties

Not limitedResidency after D Visas6+ months
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40+ guides with European countries

Find out how much it costs to buy and rent real estate in each country, what the market dynamics are and what taxes you need to pay when buying and selling.

fr-flagProperty Investment in France as a Foreigner

Foreigners can freely buy, lease, and sell real estate in France. Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real...

€5,800

Average price per 1 m²

1.1%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
dk-flagProperty investment in Denmark: updated guide for foreign buyers in !year

Denmark limits real estate sales to foreigners: one must have a residence permit and live in the country for at least five years to buy...

€5,300

Average price per 1 m²

1.5%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
be-flagProperty Investment in Belgium as a Foreigner

Selling real estate to foreigners in Belgium is not limited: you can buy and sell housing and commercial real estate or rent it out....

€3,047

Average price per 1 m²

1,1%

Average price growth per quarter

Learn more
Albert Ioffe

Material prepared by Albert Ioffe, Legal and Compliance Officer, certified CAMS specialist

Updated:

​Frequently asked questions

  • Can foreigners buy property in Croatia?

    Yes, but first they need to get permission from the Minister of Justice. Foreigners can also rent out real estate, but only through a legal entity — a Croatian company.

  • Is real estate cheap in Croatia?

    It’s average: real estate prices in Croatia are growing in the same way as the European Union average.  Estimated price is €3,400 per 1 m2. 

    Housing prices depend on the area, type and location. For example, a two-room apartment with a terrace overlooking the mountains will cost an average of €300,000, and a standard three-room city apartment will cost €200,000.

  • Is Croatia a good place to invest in real estate?

    Yes. Residential real estate prices in Croatia are growing every quarter by an average of 2%. Five years ago, an apartment of 100 m2 cost around €183,000, and today it can be sold for €340,000.

  • Do you pay property taxes in Croatia?

    Yes. Buyers of real estate in Croatia pay a 25% value-added tax for new buildings or a 3% transfer tax for resale real estate. 

    Property owners in Croatia pay an annual property tax of 1.5% of the estimated value of the property, which is approximately 70% of the average market price. Landlords pay a 12% income tax.

  • What is the average cost of a house in Croatia?

    The price per 1 m2 can vary wildly depending on property size, location, and proximity to the city centre and the sea. The average house prices per 1 m2 in:

    • Dubrovnik is €3,523;

    • Osijek is €621;

    • Rijeka is €1,422;

    • Split is €2,879;

    • Zadar is €1,730;

    • Zagreb is €1,441.

  • Where is the best place to buy property in Croatia?

    Choosing the best place to buy property in Croatia depends on your preferences for urban or coastal living, budget, and investment goals. Coastal areas like Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar offer high rental yields and tourist appeal, while places like Zagreb and Istria provide diverse options for long-term investment and a more laid-back lifestyle.

  • Where is the cheapest place to buy property in Croatia?

    The cheapest places to buy property in Croatia are typically found in rural and inland regions, away from the popular tourist destinations on the coast. Regions like Slavonia, Lika-Senj, Bjelovar-Bilogora, and Međimurje offer affordable property prices and a more tranquil lifestyle.