Legal assistance

We cooperate with experienced Croatian lawyers, notaries and other qualified professionals and can help coordinate communication between clients and the appropriate legal representatives.

Depending on the situation, we can assist with:

• Identifying the type of legal assistance required
• Finding an appropriate legal professional
• Preparing and organising documentation
• Coordinating communication with lawyers
• Arranging meetings and consultations
• Supporting communication between foreign clients and Croatian professionals
• Following up on agreed administrative matters

Where a matter requires legal advice, representation or another regulated professional service, the work is handled by the appropriate licensed professional.

Starting a company in Croatia involves several legal and administrative steps, from choosing the appropriate business structure to registration and setting up the company’s operations.

We can help foreign entrepreneurs understand the process and coordinate with lawyers, notaries, accountants and other professionals where necessary.

Depending on the chosen structure, the process can involve:

• Choosing an appropriate legal structure
• Checking and selecting a company name
• Preparing incorporation documentation
• Notarial procedures
• Registration with the Court Register
• Obtaining an OIB
• Registration with relevant authorities
• Opening a business bank account
• Tax registration
• Other requirements depending on the business activity

Croatia currently allows several routes for establishing a business, including d.o.o., j.d.o.o. and crafts, with the appropriate procedure depending on the founder and circumstances. Foreign citizens can also establish companies in Croatia through the applicable registration procedures.

For foreign founders, additional considerations may apply depending on citizenship, residence and the type of business activity.

Our role is to help coordinate the process and connect you with the right legal and professional support.

Contracts can have long-term consequences for your business or personal interests.

Before signing an important agreement in Croatia, foreign clients may need assistance understanding the document, identifying important provisions and determining whether professional legal review is appropriate.

We can coordinate with a Croatian lawyer to review contracts such as:

• Business agreements
• Employment-related agreements
• Lease agreements
• Property purchase agreements
• Service agreements
• Partnership and shareholder agreements
• Commercial agreements
• Other agreements related to business or private activities

We can help collect the necessary documentation and coordinate the review process with the lawyer.

We do not provide legal opinions ourselves. Where legal interpretation, drafting or advice is required, the document is reviewed by a qualified legal professional.

Buying property in Croatia can involve important legal questions concerning ownership, title, encumbrances, documentation, contractual obligations and the buyer’s eligibility to acquire the property.

We can coordinate legal support for clients purchasing, selling or otherwise dealing with real estate in Croatia.

A lawyer may, depending on the transaction, review matters such as:

• Land registry information
• Ownership and title
• Registered encumbrances
• Purchase agreements
• Pre-contracts
• Powers of attorney
• Property documentation
• Conditions of the transaction
• Legal requirements applicable to foreign buyers

Foreign nationals do not all have identical rights to acquire Croatian real estate. EU citizens and legal entities from EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway generally acquire property under conditions applicable to Croatian citizens, subject to statutory exceptions. For citizens of other countries, acquisition may depend on reciprocity and, where applicable, an administrative approval procedure.

For this reason, foreign buyers should have the specific transaction reviewed by an appropriate Croatian legal professional before committing to the purchase.

We can help coordinate that process.

Foreign citizens moving to Croatia may need assistance understanding the legal requirements connected with residence, employment and their personal or business status.

We can help coordinate communication with qualified professionals regarding matters such as:

• Temporary residence
• Long-term or permanent residence
• Stay and work permits
• Employment-related immigration matters
• Family reunification
• Digital nomad residence
• Residence connected with business activities
• Other immigration-related procedures

Croatian law distinguishes between different forms and purposes of residence. For example, temporary residence can be granted for purposes including work, family reunification, study, research, digital nomad residence and other purposes. For third-country nationals, temporary residence for work is generally granted in the form of a stay and work permit.

The exact requirements depend on the person’s citizenship, purpose of stay, employment situation and other circumstances.

We help clients understand which professional support may be required and coordinate the relevant process with Croatian lawyers and other competent professionals.

Running a business in Croatia means complying with a range of legal and regulatory requirements.

The exact obligations depend on the company’s legal form, business activity, employees, customers, property and other circumstances.

We can help business owners identify areas where legal or professional review may be required and coordinate with the appropriate specialists.

This may include matters related to:

• Corporate structure and governance
• Commercial contracts
• Employment matters
• Consumer protection
• Data protection
• Regulatory requirements
• Business licences and permits
• Real estate and lease arrangements
• Corporate documentation
• Obligations arising from specific regulated activities

Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all compliance package, we help determine which areas are relevant to your particular business and connect you with the appropriate Croatian professionals.