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CROATIA

CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship laws are specified in the Law of Croatian Citizenship of June 1991.

BY BIRTH: Birth within the territory of Croatia does not automatically confer citizenship. The exception is a child born to unknown parents.

BY DESCENT: Child, both of whose parents are citizens of Croatia, regardless of the child's country of birth. Child born in Croatia, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Croatia. Child born abroad, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Croatia, the other either unknown or stateless. Any child-citizen born abroad must be registered.

BY NATURALIZATION: Croatian nationality may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following: Person has resided in the country for at least five years. Person is the legal age of 18. Person has proved that former citizenship will be removed. Person is proficient in the Croatian language. Person's conduct indicates an attachment to the legal system and culture of Croatia. Rules may be waived for individual cases where citizenship would be in the interest of the Republic of Croatia, or for foreigners who marry Croatian citizens.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: Croatian citizenship shall be terminated by revocation, renouncement, or in accordance with international treaties.

VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the Croatian Embassy for details and paperwork. Persons seeking to renounce citizenship must meet the following conditions: Person is 18 years of age. Person has fulfilled all military obligations. Person has provided proof of future citizenship. Person has settled all official, personal, and financial obligations to their family and the state.

INVOLUNTARY: According to the Consulate, there are no reasons for the involuntary loss of Croatian citizenship. Persons who obtain a new citizenship do not lose their Croatian citizenship by default. In Croatian law, the persons are still citizens of Croatia until they have been formally released from their citizenship.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship should be directed to the address below:

Embassy of the Republic of Croatia Consular Section 2343 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20002

Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-588-5899 Fax: 202-588-8936 Web Site: www.croatia.emb.org

Copyright (C) 2002-2007 All rights reserved.