HRT Television and Radio Fee

If your household owns any device capable of receiving TV or radio, you’re required to pay a monthly HRT fee of around €10.60. It’s not tied to usage, so even if you never switch it on, the fee still applies.

Communal and Water Management Fees

Beyond your regular utilities like electricity, water, internet, and waste, property owners must also pay local communal fees and a water management charge. These are determined by your municipality and are usually billed annually.

Waste Disposal Rules

Each city sets its own waste collection system. In many areas, you pay for specific waste bags or bins, and there are fines for not following collection rules. It’s a small but steady cost that adds up over the year.

Foreigners applying for temporary residence must pay several administrative charges. Typical fees include the application fee, administrative stamp, and biometric residence card. For most categories, this totals between €50 and €100, depending on whether you request faster processing.

Health Insurance Contributions

Many newcomers start with private health insurance. However, if you enter Croatia’s public system (HZZO), you may be required to pay backdated contributions depending on your previous coverage. It’s one of the most overlooked costs for new residents.

Registration, Inspection, and Insurance

Every vehicle must go through an annual technical inspection, be insured, and be re-registered each year. If you import a car from abroad, add fees for inspections, plate changes, and translation of documents.

Insurance rates vary depending on your vehicle type, engine size, and driving record. If you’ve had claim-free insurance elsewhere, it’s worth bringing proof to reduce your premium.

Property Transfer Tax and VAT

If you’re buying a resale home, expect a 3% real estate transfer tax on the higher of the purchase price or market value. New developments sold directly by a company may include VAT instead of transfer tax, depending on the deal structure.

Legal, Agency, and Notary Costs

Buyers typically pay a real estate agent’s commission of around 3% plus VAT, a lawyer’s fee of around 1% plus VAT, and notary and registration charges to finalize ownership. Add certified translations if your documents aren’t in Croatian.

New Annual Property Tax

Beginning in 2025, Croatia will roll out a new property tax managed by local authorities. It replaces older vacation home taxes and will apply broadly to residential properties. Rates will vary by municipality.

Renting Out Your Property

If you rent to tourists, expect additional local registration, classification, and tourist tax obligations. These usually amount to a few hundred euros per year, plus small costs for required signage and equipment.

• Bank fees: Most Croatian banks charge monthly maintenance and card fees, plus currency conversion margins.

• Document translation: Non-Croatian paperwork, including birth or marriage certificates, must be translated by a certified translator.

• Apostilles and legalizations: Certain foreign documents require official validation before use in Croatia.

• Administrative time: Residency renewals, utility setup, or OIB (tax number) applications often mean extra time and minor costs for stamps or copies.

For a single renter in Zagreb:

• HRT fee (€10.60/month)

• Communal and waste collection charges (monthly or annual)

• Variable utility costs, especially during winter and summer peaks

For a family buying a home in Split:

• 3% property transfer tax

• 3% + VAT real estate commission

• 1% + VAT legal fees

• Notary, registration, and translation expenses

• Annual communal fees and new property tax

For a digital nomad or temporary resident:

• Residence application and biometric card fees (€50–€100 total)

• Private health insurance

• Possible back-payments if entering the public system