Start a Business in Croatia - Incorporation Steps

Our lawyers can help international investors start a business in Croatia in 2026. With the support and assistance of our local specialists, one can enjoy a smooth and fast registration process for a company in Croatia. Below you can find information about how to start a company in Croatia and also details about the services we provide to our customers.

Quick Facts
Incorporation	Starting a business in Croatia is available to individuals from the EU/EEA or any other country.
Registration process	We can offer details about the registration process and submit your documents to the local Trade Register.
Franchising	Navigate legal aspects of franchising agreements, regulations, and disclosures with the help of our lawyers.
Permits and licenses	Obtain necessary permits and licenses required for your business operations. Our lawyers in Croatia can guide you.
Taxation	Corporate income tax applies to the profits generated by companies. The tax rates are 10% for companies with annual revenue up to €1,000,000 and 18% for companies with revenue above €1,000,000 (the rate applies to the whole profit).
Employment laws	With the assistance of our attorneys, ensure adherence to employment laws and regulations when recruiting employees.
Intellectual property protection	Protect intellectual property rights through patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
Contracts and agreements	With the assistance of experts at our law firm in Croatia, draft and review contracts and agreements with suppliers, clients, and partners.
Commercial real estate	We assist in leasing or purchasing commercial real estate for your business operations.
Financing options	Get guidance from our lawyers on financing options, such as bank loans, venture capital, or crowdfunding.
Market research	Conduct market research to understand your target market, competitors, and industry trends.
Corporate governance	Establish corporate governance rules and practices for your business.
Immigration and visas	Our lawyers in Croatia assist with immigration and visa processes for foreign entrepreneurs and employees.
Legal representation	We provide legal representation and counsel throughout the process of starting a business in Croatia.
Our other services	Additionally, we can provide assistance with citizenship applications, residency matters, or property acquisition in Croatia.

Who can start businesses in Croatia?

EU and non-EU entrepreneurs respecting the applicable laws.

Do I need a local partner to set up a business in Croatia?

No.

What types of services do you offer in Croatia?

We assist in:

Business formation/registration in Croatia,
Documents preparation,
Business license application,
Opening a bank account,
Registering for taxation,
Registering a trademark,
Dealing with the Croatian Trade Register formalities,
Employment-related matters and many more.

Here is an infographic with details about how to open a business in Croatia:

What types of entities are available in Croatia? Which one is the most popular?

Limited liability company (LLC/DOO) – the most popular business entity in Croatia,
Simple LLC,
Joint stock company,
Limited & general partnership,
Sole proprietorship, etc.

NOTE: Overseas companies can have their business presence in Croatia through:

Branch,
Subsidiary,
Liaison office.

What are the key steps in starting a business in Croatia?

choose the business structure,
ensure the business address in Croatia,
check and reserve the business name,
deposit the minimum capital – EUR 2,500 in the case of an LLC/DOO in Croatia,
obtain the personal identification number (OIB) from the local tax office,
translate and notarize the documents,
submit the documents to the Commercial Court/Trade Register in Croatia.

You might want to watch a video presentation about how to start a business in Croatia:

What are the costs for opening a business in Croatia?

starting from EUR 2,500 for company formation, the simple business structure (LLC/DOO),
EUR 1,200 for opening a bank account,
250 EUR per month for a virtual office,
around 400 EUR/month for accounting services.

NOTE: Our Croatian attorneys can provide complete information about the prices for starting a business in this country.

Can I be assisted in drafting business contracts in Croatia?

Yes.

Are holding companies available in Croatia?

Of course.

Can I get legal advice on making investments when starting a company in Croatia?

Yes, we can put you in contact with our financial experts in Croatia.

Do you help in real estate transactions when starting a business in Croatia?

Yes, we also assist in purchasing or renting commercial properties for your business in Croatia.

Can I access business incentives in Croatia? Do you provide help?

Yes, in both cases. Here are some types of incentives you can access when starting a company in Croatia:

low CIT for investing at least EUR 50,000 in a business and hiring local staff, including in special regions in Croatia,
50% or 100% CIT exemption for large companies making minimum investments of EUR 150,000,
employment cash grants, and many more.

What is the time frame to start a business in Croatia in 2026?

Around 2 weeks.

If you need help in starting a company in 2026 and assessing its initial costs, don’t hesitate to contact our Croatian lawyers. We can also manage the process of immigration to Croatia for those interested. Check the offers of our law firm in Croatia today!