

Company formation in Croatia
Croatia is a booming tourist destination in Southeast Europe. Although ruled by different foreign powers throughout its history, Croatia maintained its rich Western-oriented culture.
Why set up business in Croatia? The Croatian market is a great option for foreign investors looking for business opportunities within the tourism, medical, educational, and transportation sectors. Since Croatia is about to enter the Schengen area and the real estate market is starting to boom again, it is advisable to investors in real estate to have a look at this small, beautiful, and safe country as an opportunity to achieve high ROI in the next few upcoming years.
As a European tourism Mecca, Croatia is a top-class travel and housing investment venue. The beautiful Slavic country offers investment opportunities in attractive coastal hotels and rentals, lucrative island getaways, and proximity to the French Alps for winter sports enthusiasts who aren’t willing to compromise their beach tan. With its many islands and mainland harbors, Croatia has a developed maritime shipping network, as well as a system of leisure ports where yachts and cruise ships can dock.
The Croatian business market with its skilled and highly educated, low-cost workforce, is waiting to be discovered by foreign investors. You will be surprised by English language skills among middle-aged and younger people and you will discover how doing business in Croatia can be productive with a mixture of leisure lifestyles.
Forms Of Companies In Croatia
- d.o.o. “društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću”—Croatia setting limited liability company
- j.d.o.o. “jednostavno društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću”—simple private LTD
- d.d. “dioničko društvo”—public limited liability company
- j.t.d. “javno trgovačko društvo”—general partnership
- k.d. “komanditno društvo”—limited partnership
- “zadruga” —cooperative
What is the difference between d.o.o and d.d. companies in Croatia?
In Croatia, most foreign investors opt for one of the limited company types.
Most entrepreneurs choose to establish a d.o.o. company. The minimum capital deposit of approximately 2,700 EUR must be paid up in full in the process of company registration in Croatia. The company must have a 1 director, this can be the owner or only shareholder and it must have Registered office address in Croatia. However, there is a small limited liability company, called j.d.o.o. where the share capital is 1 EUR.
A Croatian d.d. company may trade at the Public Exchange Market, and requires a minimum share of 200,000 HRK (approximately 27,000 EUR). It must have a shareholders’ board (glavna skupština), at least one director, and a supervisory board (nadzorni odbor). Also, registered office address in Croatia is a must.
Fundamentals Of Limited Liability Company in Croatia
Corporate Tax in Croatia | VAT in Croatia |
---|---|
18% but 12% for under 3M HRK | 25% |
Limited liability company | D.O.O. |
Minimum Share capital | 20000 KN (around 2700 EUR) |
Registered office required | Yes |
Physical office required | No |
Min. number of Shareholders | 1 |
Min. number of Directors | 1 |
Local Director required | No |
Other requirements | Company and directors have to obtain tax number (OIB) |
Bank signatory must travel | Mostly no |
Timescale for company formation | 20 days |
Timescale for bank account opening | 7 day |
Timescale for obtaining VAT number | 7 days |
Statutory audit requirements | No |
Shelf companies available | No |
How can I set up my company in Croatia?
CompyCo simplifies the process of setting up your business outside your jurisdiction by providing full-service, custom solutions.
The process of company formation in Croatia starts with obtaining the OIB (tax ID number) for the directors and the company. This can conveniently be done remotely and will be issued in a few days.
The bank account must be opened in the process of company registration in Croatia for the purpose of share capital payment. In most bank opening situations, traveling to Croatia is essential, especially if you’re working with a high street bank. However, in some cases, CompyCo can open your business bank account remotely and then the whole process can be done remotely.
To open a bank account for a company in Croatia, we’ll require you to provide the necessary documents and complete our application form. After we receive those documents, which are commonly notarized and even apostilled in some cases, we will draft the company documents and instruct you to sign them.
Once the documents have been received in Croatia by our lawyer, we will submit them to the Register. The Register may take up to 3 weeks to issue the certificate of incorporation, but in most of CompyCo cases, this process is done much quicker!
Company registration fees in Croatia will be determined by the: form of the company, number of shareholders and directors, choice of banking, residency of shareholders and directors, and business activity. If you wish to find out the exact process, requirements, and fees for your specific case, complete this simple online form and we’ll send you an offer within 24 h. Setting up a business in Croatia is our specialty.




A wholly foreign-owned company can be difficult to set up without adequate assistance from experts who specialize in incorporations. Take advantage of the growing Croatian economy by working with CompyCo. We’ve got an experienced team in Croatia waiting to find solutions for any business needs and to start a business in Croatia.
The process of setting up a business in Croatia is still bureaucratically complicated. However, our simple instructions will turn this process of company formation in Croatia into straightforward and easy steps for you. Our experts will help you get acquainted with the tax and administrative systems here so your company is up and running promptly!
We’ve developed a valuable network of experts in the country to assist you to start a business in Croatia within any sector every step of the way. Not only will you be informed about the best practices for your business, we’ll also educate you on the basics of the Croatian business environment.
(check our title at a bottom of the page: Doing business in Croatia)
Bank Account Opening
Setting up your company’s bank account is essential to getting your company formation in Croatia off the ground. Why set up business in Croatia? Take advantage of the various financial institutions operating in the country, with numerous international and local banks offering world-class banking solutions.
CompyCo takes your preferences into account when suggesting the ideal bank for you. With an array of banks to choose from, you’ll have the option to pick the most viable one that’s most likely to approve you for a bank account.
Some of the documents you’ll need to open your Croatian bank account are:
- Some form of identification. This could be a driver’s license, national ID card, or passport.
- The minimum deposit to activate your account. This amount varies between banks.
- Company registration documents
Need more information about opening a bank account? Head over here.
Accounting & Taxation
Some of the key features of account and taxation to take into account are:
- Every company must appoint an accountant
- Once your business reaches the amount of 300,000 HRK in revenue in a year, you must register with the VAT system (PDV)
- The tax year is the calendar year in Croatia
- Investments, the sale of assets at more than their original cost, and trading profits are all taxable in Croatia
- Every business must keep updated accounting books
- All annual financial statements and auditor reports are publicly disclosed


How can you employ staff in Croatia?
A highly-skilled, well-educated, English-speaking and affordable service-based workforce are awaiting you in Croatia. The competitive labor market ensures your business can hire top talent at affordable rates and, thus, enjoy considerably low business costs!
To stay compliant with the country’s unique laws, regulations, and Croatian business culture work with experts who have extensive experience with Croatia’s labor market. We can take care of all the aspects of employment and let you have more time to dedicate to your business activity in the new location.
By trusting us with your employment and HR functions, you can take advantage of our range of services that are geared toward hiring and retaining the right people for your company. Among our international HR services are payroll management, recruiting, PEO or direct employing, and registering your non-resident company as an employer.
That’s right! Setting up a company in Croatia can be avoided in some cases where the only plan is to employ Croatian residents. We can set up your foreign company as Employer in which case you will avoid company maintenance costs and pay only salary, contributions and taxes on salary. In case you must register a Croatian company, the process of Employer registration is the same after the company has been formed.
We will advise whether you need to register a company in Croatia to be able to employ locals or you can avoid that step and register as a Foreign employer.
However, if you are choosing between a few countries in Europe and you are not sure where to incorporate, have a look at our tips how to make the right choice, or talk to us today for free.
If you’d like to have an in-depth understanding of requirements in a country foreign to you, we’ll promptly set up an account with software that provides in-depth knowledge of HR and payroll requirements and obligations. With it, you will have full control of all your obligations as an employer in Croatia or wider!
Head to our HR services page for more information about our International HR services!
Doing business in Croatia
Company formation in Croatia is a starting point. We can lead you through the process with a visit to our lawyer’s office in Zagreb…or without a visit. We have enough solutions for you to get you started. However, we would recommend visiting Zagreb, as not only you will register a company faster, but you will also enjoy beautiful city and feel the coffee culture. You will need assistance with that, but let’s look at what’s best for doing business in Croatia.
If you are looking to invest in real estate and tourism, this is the right time for you to register a company in Croatia. Tourism is growing each year in the capital Zagreb, as well as on the sea coast. There is a highly qualified IT skilled force that you can consider employing. Easiness of trading with other countries will be a good advantage in case you plan to sell outside Croatia. There is a huge demand for foreign construction workers at this stage (2021.) due to the real estate market which is in constant growth.
Even though Croatia has digitalized a lot of Government processes, the bureaucracy is still a bit exhausting in terms of obtaining licenses and similar. However, you are at the right place to get things started easier. As our CEO is Croatian, We are very well connected there and we can definitely make doing business in Croatia more simple for you. Talk to us today about investing and company registration in Croatia.
Open Business in Croatia
When you hear the word “startup,” what do you think of? Probably something new, innovative, and exciting. But before you jump at the chance to work for one, there are a few things you should know. In this blog post, we will explore ten things no one tells you about working at a startup. From the long hours and intense competition to the constant changes and ceaseless innovation, read on to learn more about what it’s really like to work for a startup.
The Pros and Cons of Working at a Startup
1. The pros and cons of working at a startup.
There are many pros to working at a startup, but there are also many cons. Here are the top five things to know before making the jump:
1. You’ll be constantly on your feet.
2. You’ll be constantly in motion.
3. You’ll be working with very talented and ambitious people.
4. It can be hectic and chaotic at times, but that’s also part of the excitement!
5. The pay is usually better than most other jobs, but it’s not always consistent (particularly if you’re a junior employee).
The Different Types of Startups
There are a few things you may not have known about working at a startup. For one, startups are often in their early stages and don’t always have the stability or resources of more established businesses. It can be tough to work with limited resources, and the pace can be frenetic.
Secondly, startups often operate on a “lean” or “agile” model where employees are constantly developing new skills and taking on new projects. This is in contrast to more traditional workplaces where employees usually have defined job responsibilities and work within tight deadlines.
Finally, startup culture is generally more open and collaborative than other workplaces. Employees are expected to share their ideas and feedback without hesitation, which can be challenging at first but ultimately benefits the company as a whole.
What to Expect When You Join a Startup
When you join a startup, there are a few things you need to know. The first is that it’s not always easy. There will be times when you’ll feel like you’re in the trenches, and other times where the office feels like your second home (or even your first). The second thing to keep in mind is that startups are constantly evolving and changing. This means that the work you do today may be different tomorrow. And finally, remember that the people at a startup are some of the most passionate and dedicated professionals out there. If you’re up for the challenge, they’ll make sure to bring out the best in you.
The Challenges of Working at a Startup
Working at a startup can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are five things no one ever tells you about working at a startup:
1. You’ll always be working on something new.
A startup is constantly moving forward, so there never really is a “normal” workday. You might be working on new product features, developing new marketing campaigns, or testing new business models. The pace can be exhilarating, but it can also be challenging to keep up with everything that’s going on.
2. You’ll often have to learn on the fly.
Startups are constantly evolving, so you won’t always have time to create a detailed plan for your projects or research the latest trends in your field. You’ll need to rely on your intuition and learning as you go along – which can be both rewarding and frustrating at times.
3. Your job security isn’t guaranteed . . . even if you’re talented and ambitious . . .
Most startups don’t have the luxury of having long-term employee contracts or guarantees of job security – even if you’re talented and ambitious. If your company fails, you could find yourself unemployed within days or weeks. So make sure you’re prepared to handle any unexpected turns in your career path!
4. You may not get paid much at first . . . but that won’t stop you from wanting to stay with the company long
How to Survive as a Worker at a Startup
1. Do your research.
Before you start working at a startup, do some research to find out what the company is all about and what its culture is like. This will help you get a sense of where you want to be and how you can fit in.
2. Be flexible.
Be prepared to adjust to the changing environment and work habits of a startup. You may be asked to work odd hours or on weekends, and you’ll need to be able to handle change well if this becomes a regular occurrence.
3. Stay positive.
Don’t take criticism personally, even if it feels personal. Remember that most people are just trying to help you improve as an employee or grow as a person. And don’t forget: You are not alone in this experience! There are plenty of other workers who have gone through the same thing and can offer guidance and support during these challenging times.
Next: Find out how can CompyCo help you set up a company in Germany.