Croatia property buying costs

Expect another 4 to 7 % on top of the price of a Croatian apartment or house. Enter the price to see transfer tax, agency fee, notary, land registry and the total you need.

Tax rate from the lawAll costs in one placeEU and non-EU buyers

Buying cost calculation

The tax rate is set by law. The other items are estimates you can change.

Notary: depends on the price and on whether only signatures are certified or a notarial deed is drawn up. Ask the notary for a quote. Land registry: the court fee for filing and registration is about €33 and is not charged when registration is based on a notarial deed or a contract solemnised by a notary. Lawyer and other: many foreign buyers hire a lawyer and need a court interpreter at signing, a mortgage valuation or translations.
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Transfer tax: 3 % of market value

When you buy from a private person or a seller outside the VAT system, you pay real estate transfer tax at 3 % of the market value. If the contract price is well below market value, the Tax Administration can assess the value and charge tax on the higher amount. You do not file anything yourself: the notary sends the contract to the Tax Administration, which sends you a decision. Payment is due within 15 days.

Can foreigners buy property in Croatia?

  • EU and EEA citizens buy under the same conditions as Croatian citizens, except for agricultural land.
  • Non-EU citizens (for example from the UK, US, Canada or Australia) need consent from the Croatian ministry responsible for justice, based on reciprocity with their country. Until consent is granted, ownership cannot be registered, and the process usually takes a few months.
  • OECD citizens: Croatia has adopted a law (Official Gazette NN 52/2025) under which citizens of OECD member states will buy property like Croatian citizens, without ministry consent. It takes effect on the day Croatia joins the OECD, so check its status before you sign.
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Agency fee

The fee is agreed in the brokerage contract, not set by law. It is commonly 2 to 3 % of the price, plus 25 % VAT if the agency is VAT-registered. Check who pays the fee and whether the quoted figure includes VAT.

You own it when it is registered

Signing the contract does not make you the owner. Ownership passes on registration in the land registry (zemljišne knjige). The application should be filed within 60 days, otherwise the court fee is five times higher. The notary usually files it electronically.

Running costs after you buy

If the property is not your permanent home, you pay an annual property tax (porez na nekretnine) of €0.60 to €8 per m², set by each city or municipality. If you rent it to tourists, you also pay a flat tax per bed and tourist board fees. See our tourist tax calculator for what guests pay.

Frequently asked questions

How much is property transfer tax in Croatia?
3 % of the market value, paid by the buyer. On a €250,000 apartment that is €7,500. New builds from a VAT-registered developer are exempt because VAT is included in the price.
What are total buying costs in Croatia?
With an agency, usually 4 to 7 % of the price: 3 % tax, 2 to 3 % agency fee plus VAT, the notary and smaller fees. Without an agency and on new builds, costs are much lower.
Do I need a Croatian tax number?
Yes. Every buyer needs an OIB, which foreigners get from the Tax Administration or through a Croatian consulate.
Can UK or US citizens buy property in Croatia?
Yes, with consent from the ministry responsible for justice, which is based on reciprocity. A new law will remove this step for OECD citizens once Croatia joins the OECD.
Author and reviewTomislav Kovačec, owner of Supremio Digital, Zagreb

Licensed real estate agent, certified Google Ads professional and registered drone operator (Croatian Civil Aviation Agency). Figures from regulations are checked against official sources and cited with each tool.

Updated: November 2026 · Supremio Digital, Zagreb

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