Tax on Property

[jenna]

Is there any tax (ie stamp duty) on transfering Croatian land held for over 10 years by an ex-Croatian that is now Australian to his family trust? Also, where can I find information about Croatian tax - specifically in regard to tax implications for selling land etc?

[Peter Ellis]

Hi Jenna

I'd need to check on that for you.

In the meantime both www.pu.mfin.hr/en/
and www.ijf.hr/eng/taxsystem/ have comprehensive information in English on Croatian tax matters.

Hope this helps.

[Su]

I would like to know how I could get a permerant resident visa to live in Croatia, Appreciate very much advance for all your help.Many thanks.

[Peter Ellis]

Hi Su

There is a procedure that involves going through a series of different visa levels. Initially, even though you may not necessarily require one for entry, you must apply for a visa at your local Croatian embassy. Later, you must apply for an extended stay visa, then after that, you will need a specific reason to apply for a permanent stay visa. In my case, because I am married to a Croatian, I was able to get one on the grounds of what were termed marital responsibilities. A year later, although this has since been increased to three years, I was able to apply for, and subsequently received, Croatian citizenship. I'm not sure of the current waiting periods for the prior visa levels.
If I know on what grounds you would be applying for permanent residence I may be able to help further.

I have seen, in one publication by a sales organisation, a statement that you need to have permanent residence in order to buy property here. This is not generally the case. As far as I am aware, the only people that this applies to are Australian citizens, as on the basis of reciprocity, foreigners buying in Australia, including Brits, are obliged to be permanent residents in Australia if they wish to buy property there. As Croatia allows foreigners to buy property on the basis of reciprocity, Australians have thus to have permanent residence in Croatia if they want to buy in Croatia. They are the only nationality we have come across who need permanent residence in order to buy here.