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How does company registration work in Croatia?

Learn how businesses are registered in Croatia, which registration methods are available and which basic requirements apply to different business forms.

In Croatia, commercial companies are entered in the Court Register (Sudski registar). The public register is maintained by the Croatian commercial courts and can be searched online free of charge. Sole businesses operating as a craft or trade, known as an obrt, are instead entered in the separate Crafts Register (Obrtni registar).

Where are businesses registered? 

Court Register – Sudski registar

The Court Register contains legally required information and documents relating to registered companies. The competent authority is generally the commercial court responsible for the district in which the company has its registered office.

Business forms entered in the Court Register include in particular:

  •  Limited liability company (d.o.o.) 
  • Simple limited liability company (j.d.o.o.) 
  • Public limited company (d.d.)
  • General partnership (j.t.d.)
  • Limited partnership (k.d.)
  • Branches of foreign companies

Following registration, the company receives a court registration number known as the MBS, as well as a personal identification number known as the OIB. The OIB is used for tax and administrative procedures, among other purposes.

Crafts Register – Obrtni registar

An obrt is an independent trade or craft activity carried out by an individual. These businesses are not entered in the Court Register but in the Crafts Register.

Depending on the applicable requirements, registration may be completed electronically through e-Craft or START, or in person through the competent authority. No minimum share capital is required for an obrt.

Which registration methods are available?

The available registration methods depend, among other things, on the founder’s nationality, residence and chosen business form.

1. START

START is a central electronic service for Croatian citizens with an active registered residence or stay in Croatia. It can be used to establish a d.o.o., j.d.o.o. or obrt.

The service combines several steps in a single digital procedure. These may include entry in the relevant register, payment of share capital and fees, and selected tax, banking and social-security registrations. No notarial certification is required when establishing a d.o.o. or j.d.o.o. electronically through START.

2. Electronic Court Register

Croatian citizens and eligible EU and EEA citizens may also establish a d.o.o. or j.d.o.o. through the electronic Court Register services. An accepted electronic identity and qualified electronic signature are required. Other registrations may have to be completed separately.

3. In-person establishment

In-person establishment is available to Croatian, EU/EEA and other foreign citizens. The necessary steps are completed through bodies including a notary, FINA or HITRO.HR and the competent commercial court.

Is registration mandatory?

Yes. Businesses that are legally subject to registration must be entered in the relevant register before or as part of commencing their business activity. Commercial companies such as d.o.o., j.d.o.o., d.d., j.t.d. and k.d. are entered in the Court Register. An obrt is instead registered in the Crafts Register. Certain activities may also require specific permits or professional qualifications. 

What is the minimum capital required?

Capital requirements depend on the business form:

  • d.o.o.: minimum share capital of EUR 2,500
  • j.d.o.o.: minimum share capital of EUR 1
  • d.d.: minimum share capital of EUR 25,000
  • obrt: no minimum share capital

For a d.o.o., each founder must pay at least one quarter of their subscribed business share in cash before registration. The full cash contribution must be paid no later than one year after registration. A j.d.o.o. must allocate one quarter of the profit reported in its annual financial statements - after deducting any loss carried forward—to a statutory reserve. Once its share capital reaches the amount required for a regular d.o.o., the rules applicable to a d.o.o. generally apply.

How long does registration take? 

When a business is established electronically through START, the procedure may be completed within a few working days if all information is complete and correct. The actual processing time depends on the business form, registration method, submitted documents and any additional checks.

Where can company information be viewed?

The Croatian Court Register is public and can be searched online free of charge. Depending on the entry, available information may include the company name, legal form, registered address, representatives, share capital and registration history.