Croatia ID Card

Croatia ID Card – Your Key to Identity and Access in the EU

The Croatian ID card (locally known as Osobna iskaznica) is the primary identification document for Croatian citizens. It serves not only as proof of identity but also as a travel document within the European Union (EU) and Schengen Area. This modern biometric ID card plays a vital role in everyday life, from accessing healthcare to traveling across borders.

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What is the Croatian ID Card?

The Osobna iskaznica is a chip-enabled, biometric identity document issued to Croatian citizens by the Ministry of the Interior. It is mandatory for residents aged 18 and over and optional (but recommended) for minors aged 16+.

Key Features:

• Smart card format (credit card-sized)
• Biometric chip storing:
  • Personal data
  • Facial photo
  • Signature
  • Optional fingerprints (for eID and e-signature)
• Multilingual (Croatian and English)
• Machine-readable zone (MRZ) and ICAO-compliant

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Who Needs a Croatian ID Card?

You are required to hold a valid ID card if you:

• Are a Croatian citizen
• Are 16 years or older
• Have a permanent or temporary residence in Croatia

For those under 16, the card is optional but may be used for travel within the EU.

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Benefits of the Croatian ID Card

• Official proof of identity in Croatia and the EU
• Used for public services, including healthcare, education, and voting
• Enables e-signature and access to digital government services
• Travel document within the EU, Schengen Area, and some non-EU countries (e.g., Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia)
• Can be used to cross borders without a passport

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How to Apply for a Croatian ID Card

You must apply in person at the local police department (Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova – MUP) that issues personal documents.

Required Documents:

• Valid Croatian birth certificate (if applying for the first time)
• Proof of residence (address registration)
• Croatian nationality certificate
• Two recent photos (biometric-compliant, though some offices offer digital photo services)
• Previous ID card (if renewing)
• Application fee

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ID Card Validity

Age Group	Validity Period
Under 18 years	5 years
Ages 18–70	10 years
70 years and older	Permanent (no expiry)*

*Senior citizens can apply for a permanent ID card with no expiration date.

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Cost (Approximate)

Service Type	Fee (HRK / EUR approx.)
Standard ID (under 70)	100–150 HRK (€13–€20)
Express / Urgent ID	Higher fee (~€30–€40)
Permanent ID (70+)	Free or reduced fee

Fees may vary slightly depending on processing time or municipality.

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Electronic Identity (eOI)

The new Croatian ID card also functions as an electronic ID (eOI), offering:

• Qualified digital signature
• Secure access to e-Citizens services
• Online banking and legal transactions
• Safe login to e-Government platforms (e-Građani)

You will receive a PIN/PUK code along with your card for online use.

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Replacing a Lost or Stolen ID

1. Report the loss or theft to the local police immediately
2. Apply for a replacement at your local MUP office
3. Provide valid ID (passport or birth certificate), and a police report (if applicable)

A temporary ID or expedited processing may be available.

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ID Card for Children and Teenagers

• Optional for citizens under 16
• Required for teens over 16 who live in Croatia
• Useful for school enrollment, health insurance, and EU travel

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Travel with the Croatian ID

The Croatian ID card can be used for passport-free travel to:

• All EU and EEA countries
• Schengen Zone
• Balkan countries such as Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania

Check entry rules with your destination, as some non-EU states may require a passport even for Croatian citizens.

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Conclusion

The Croatian ID card is a powerful and essential document for Croatian citizens, providing legal identity, EU-wide mobility, and access to digital services. Compact, secure, and modern, it is much more than a traditional ID—it’s your all-in-one pass to civil rights and European freedom.

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🔗 For official information or to apply, visit:
https://mup.gov.hr