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?
Detailed procedure for obtaining the OIB
- 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.
- 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.
Context of OIB usage
- 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
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?
Is it possible to obtain an OIB without physically coming to Croatia?
How to update OIB-related information?
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