Citizenship by Descent (Article 11)

To qualify under Article 11, you must prove your connection to an "emigrant" ancestor and meet specific personal conduct standards.

1. Defining the "Emigrant" Ancestor

The foundation of your application is proving that your ancestor was a legal emigrant. To meet this definition, the ancestor must have:

• Left Croatian Territory: They must have emigrated from within the borders of the modern-day Republic of Croatia.
• Permanent Intent: They must have left with the intent to live permanently abroad.
• The 1991 Cutoff: They must have emigrated before October 8, 1991 (the date of Croatia’s independence).
• Exclusions: You do not qualify under Article 11 if your ancestor moved to another republic within the former Yugoslavia (e.g., moving from Zagreb to Belgrade) or if they left Croatia after October 8, 1991.

2. Lineal Kinship

You may apply if you are a direct descendant of an emigrant. Following the 2020 legal amendments, there is no limit on generations. Whether you are the child, grandchild, or great-great-grandchild of the emigrant, you are eligible to apply.

3. Spouses

If you are the spouse of an emigrant or the spouse of a descendant who is applying (or who is already a citizen), you may also apply for citizenship under this article.

4. Personal Conduct

All applicants must be at least 18 years old. You must demonstrate that you respect the legal order and customs of Croatia and that your admission to citizenship does not pose a threat to national security or public order.