Zagreb
ZAGREB, 12 February 2025 (Hina) – Croatia is planning a new step forward in supporting immigrants and returnees from the diaspora who do not hold Croatian citizenship.
The government is amending the Law on Relations with Croats Abroad, which will allow them to regulate their stay in Croatia under more favourable conditions.
This was announced in an interview with Hina by Zvonko Milas, State Secretary of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.
With a certificate issued by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration for a period of up to two years, immigrants and returnees without Croatian citizenship will be able to regulate their stay, find employment, learn the Croatian language, and apply for citizenship, Milas explained.
He added that the Croatian Parliament would soon provide its opinion on the proposed law.
This is not the first time Croatia has made efforts to support its diaspora. Five years ago, the country simplified the process of acquiring Croatian citizenship for individuals of Croatian descent who do not yet hold it but wish to move to Croatia.
Over 6,500 Citizenship Applications Processed in 2023
“As a result, the number of applications for Croatian citizenship has increased, particularly from South America. In 2023 alone, more than 6,500 applications were processed,” Milas said. He added that today, around one million Croats with Croatian citizenship live around the world.
That figure represents a third of the approximately 3.2 million Croatian emigrants and their descendants living outside Croatia.
Milas disagrees with the notion that acquiring Croatian citizenship is primarily seen as a stepping stone to moving to wealthier EU member states.
“I’m not convinced that so many members of the diaspora would go through the effort of learning the Croatian language only to leave again,” he said.
While his office was responsible for the issue, it used to grant up to 500 scholarships annually for learning Croatian in Croatia.
“However, interest in learning the language is much higher, which is why we launched online courses that now have over 20,000 participants,” he noted.
He pointed out that a significant number of scholarship recipients remain in Croatia, where many have married, started families, and found employment. Those who return to their countries of origin do so with a new perspective and act as a bridge between Croatia and their home countries.
Reasons for Returning: Security and Five Years Tax-Free
Milas is convinced that another government initiative will have a positive impact on returnees. Amendments to the Income Tax Act, effective from 1 January this year, exempt Croatian returnees from income tax for a period of five years. This also applies to descendants of Croatian emigrants, provided they have lived abroad continuously for at least two years.
“These tax benefits apply to all members of the Croatian nation and Croatian citizens living in European and overseas countries,” said Milas. He expects the effects of this measure to become evident next year. “I am certain that this will be an additional incentive for many Croats abroad to return,” he stated.
He also highlighted the importance of security in Croatia for returnees. “We often take it for granted, but security is not a given everywhere. It is one of the most significant factors influencing the decision to return. Uprooting oneself and moving to another country is never easy,” Milas added.
Immigration Trends in Croatia
In addition to the steady, traditional immigration of Croatian emigrants from South America, the COVID-19 pandemic has marked a significant shift in immigration trends.
“For the first time since Croatia’s independence, we saw an increase in immigration from Australia, Canada, and the United States. Many were pleased with the way Croatia managed the pandemic and the measures that were in place at the time. This is a clear example of how important it is to view demographics and immigration through an interdepartmental lens— in this case, the role of the Ministry of Health. All government institutions should adopt a similar approach,” he said.
The State Secretary explained that his office, along with other institutions, is working in various ways to attract Croats from abroad, particularly young people. Since the 2018/2019 academic year, a special admission quota has been in place for students from the Croatian diaspora and the Croatian national minority in 12 European countries.
“At first, take-up was slow, but today, the number of such students exceeds 200,” Milas noted. He added that there are plans to extend these quotas to private higher education institutions and expand the range of study programmes available in English.
“At first, this idea may not seem appealing to everyone. But consider a young Croat who wants to study in Croatia but doesn’t have a strong enough grasp of the language to enrol in a Croatian-taught programme. If we offer them an English-language degree, they will undoubtedly learn Croatian during their studies and, in the long run, are more likely to stay in Croatia,” he explained.
Government to Establish Youth Council
The Croatian government’s Council for Croats Abroad plays a key role in strengthening relations with the diaspora.
Many initiatives have originated from this body, and to enhance its effectiveness, the number of members will increase from 55 to 65. This will include 13 representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 17 from Croatian national minorities, and 35 from the Croatian diaspora.
To amplify the voices of young Croats, the government also plans to establish a Youth Council, which will likewise have 65 members.
Meanwhile, the Croatian Parliament is expected to declare a Week of Croats Abroad—replacing the existing single-day event, which never gained traction.
This would give Croats from around the world the opportunity to showcase their heritage, identity, and culture in Croatia, as well as foster collaborations in business, education, and other fields.
“The State Office for Croats Abroad continues to provide increasing financial support for projects benefiting the diaspora. When I took office nine years ago, our budget was around €5–6 million; today, it stands at €36 million,” Milas said. He added that since 2016, the government has allocated over €400 million for various diaspora-related projects.
“I have no doubt that much more can be done. I am not afraid of demographic decline, but it is an issue we must discuss and actively combat,” Milas emphasised.
Challenges for Croats in Serbia – But Croatia Stands with Them
Commenting on the current situation facing Croats in Serbia, Milas acknowledged the difficulties they endure.
“They are facing challenges, but they know that Croatia stands behind them more firmly than ever before,” he said.
“Over the past 30 years, they have been through a lot. Fear, intolerance, and hate speech are still present,” he noted.
He also stated that Croatia is working “in every possible way” to ensure that agreements guaranteeing representation for Croats at all levels of government in Serbia are upheld. However, he admitted, “That is not yet the case.”
“If we had the mechanisms and means to resolve this issue in the near future, we would. It may not be pleasant to discuss reciprocity, but the fact is that the Serbian community in Croatia enjoys all the rights guaranteed by both the agreement on minority rights and the Croatian Constitution,” Milas concluded.
Interview by Marija Udiljak