What is OIB in Croatia and how can foreigners get it?

Important note: The text below is for informational purposes only. The real estate agency Terra dalmatica d.o.o. does not take responsibility for legal or tax consequences of actions taken by readers based on this information. As laws and regulations frequently change, we recommend that you contact a qualified legal advisor.

The Personal Identification Number (OIB) enables the effective functioning of the administrative system in Croatia. For foreigners, the OIB is not just a technical formality but a necessary prerequisite for performing many important activities. Find out how you can obtain it. The Personal Identification Number (OIB) is assigned to both Croatian citizens and foreign natural and legal persons.

The Personal Identification Number, or OIB, is a permanent identification code used by personal identification number holders in official records, daily work, and data exchange. The Personal Identification Number is determined and assigned by the Ministry of Finance, Tax Administration. Determining and assigning the Personal Identification Number is carried out at no cost to the natural and legal persons to whom it is assigned.

What is the OIB and why is it important?

The OIB, or Personal Identification Number, is used as a permanent identification code for each person, utilized by public administration bodies in official records, daily work, and data exchange. The OIB was introduced into the Croatian legal system due to the need to harmonize Croatian tax legislation with the European Union’s legal framework. The unique personal identification number (JMBG), consisting of 13 digits, did not meet the European criterion of 12 digits, as the Personal Identification Number for international data exchange must not exceed 12 digits, with the addition of the country code HR.

Detailed procedure for obtaining the OIB

Foreigners who need an OIB (Personal Identification Number) can obtain it by following these steps:

1. Submitting the application

The application for assigning an OIB can be submitted in three ways:

In person: At any competent regional office in Croatia.
Through diplomatic missions: If the foreigner is outside Croatia, the application can be submitted through Croatian embassies or consulates. Find the list of diplomatic missions in Croatia here.
Online: In special cases, the application can be submitted electronically through a form available on the official Tax Administration website.

2. Collecting documentation

When submitting the application, it is necessary to attach:

Application for determining and assigning the OIB
A copy of the passport or another valid identification document (the original document is later presented to the official for review)
Contact details (address, email, phone number).
Power of attorney (if the application is submitted by an authorized person on behalf of the foreigner)
European ID card (if the individual does not have a passport) or
An identification document from the country of citizenship with proof of citizenship.

If the OIB is requested by a foreign legal entity, besides the Application for determining and assigning the OIB, the Articles of Incorporation (if the OIB is requested on behalf of a company) must also be provided. Applications are available in Croatian, English, and German, and can be downloaded from the official Tax Administration website.

Within eight days, you should receive your OIB via email. Note that the confirmation of the assigned OIB is not sent by email. To collect the OIB certificate, it is necessary to visit the Tax Administration in person.

The Tax Administration will notify you of the date and location where you can collect the certificate. Upon arrival, you must bring the original documents you previously attached to the application form online.

Context of OIB usage

The OIB plays a crucial role in daily administrative life in Croatia as it links all legal, financial, and tax activities of an individual into a unified system. Besides serving as an identifier in communication with state institutions, the OIB facilitates transparency and simplifies personal obligation management, making it an indispensable tool for everyday administrative needs.

Accordingly, it is necessary in the following situations:

Opening a bank account: Every financial transaction is linked to the OIB.
Buying property: Foreigners wishing to purchase property must have an OIB to complete the property transfer.
Employment: The OIB is mandatory for employment contracts and tax calculations.
Health insurance: Access to the public healthcare system requires an OIB.
Filing taxes: Tax obligations cannot be fulfilled without an OIB.
Starting a company

The importance of the OIB lies in its ability to connect all legal and financial activities into a single system, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Practical examples

To better understand the process of obtaining an OIB in Croatia, here are a few examples:

Example 1: A German citizen wants to buy an apartment in Dalmatia. Before signing the purchase agreement and registering ownership, they must obtain an OIB. They submit their documentation at the Tax Administration office in Split and receive the OIB on the same day. The application can be downloaded from the official Tax Administration website.

Example 2: On the other hand, let’s say an American citizen comes to Croatia for work. Their employer requires them to open a bank account for salary payments. During a visit to the Tax Administration office in Zagreb, they receive an OIB in less than an hour, after which they open a bank account.

Official sources and useful links

Tax Administration of the Republic of Croatia, Regional Office Zagreb
- Website: https://www.porezna-uprava.hr
- Phone number: +385 (0)1 6501-111
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Diplomatic missions and consular offices
- Website: https://mvep.gov.hr/diplomatske-misije-i-konzularni-uredi/22957
- Phone number: +385 (0)1 4569 964

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lose my OIB?

The OIB cannot be "lost" as it remains the same for life. If you lose the document with the OIB, contact the Tax Administration for the issuance of a new document.