Croatia – Elderly Care

How are elderly people regarded and treated in Croatia?

Croatian society holds a strong tradition of familial duty towards older relatives. As in many Mediterranean and Central European cultures, there is a widespread expectation that adult children will either personally care for ageing parents at home or take an active coordinating role in their welfare. This is not merely a cultural preference — it is also a practical reality given the shortcomings of the formal care infrastructure.

Unpaid family caregivers account for over 80% of all elderly care delivered in Croatia, a figure that illustrates the extent to which the system depends on households rather than the state or the market. This stands in stark contrast to the publicly funded models operating in countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, where mandatory long-term care insurance shoulders a far greater share of professional care provision.

Croatia’s population is both ageing and shrinking rapidly. High emigration rates — particularly among younger and skilled workers — are a significant factor driving population decline. This places ever-greater strain on an already overstretched informal care network, as fewer working-age relatives remain available to take on caregiving responsibilities.

Poverty is a serious concern among older Croatians, with nearly 30% of seniors falling below the income poverty threshold — among the highest rates in the EU. These economic realities directly influence the quality and scope of care available to elderly individuals, making proactive financial and care planning especially critical for expats and their families.

What state or publicly funded elderly care is available in Croatia?

Croatia’s publicly funded elderly care system operates across two main pillars: the health system, overseen by the Ministry of Health, and the social welfare system, overseen by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. These two pillars have historically functioned in relative isolation, though ongoing reforms are encouraging greater integration.

In May 2025, Croatia adopted the Operational Plan for the Development of Integrated Long-Term Care 2025–2030, jointly agreed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. This plan, aligned with the European Commission’s 2022 LTC Strategy, aims to deliver accessible, high-quality long-term care services throughout the country.

Croatia does not yet have dedicated long-term care legislation or a fully unified system, but it does offer a range of social benefits and services. These include two cash-based benefits — an assistance and care allowance and a personal disability allowance — alongside in-kind services such as home care, residential care in nursing homes, family homes, and placements with foster families.

A central financial support mechanism for older residents is the National Benefit for the Elderly (Nacionalna naknada za starije osobe). This benefit is available to Croatian citizens aged at least 65 who have lived continuously in Croatia for ten years immediately before submitting their application. From 1 January 2025, the benefit amount is €154.50 per month. It is means-tested: applicants must not be pension recipients or mandatory pension insurance contributors, and total household income per member must not exceed twice the benefit amount — €309 as of 2025.

The government may partially or fully subsidise accommodation fees for residents in public care homes, with the level of subsidy determined by each individual’s socio-economic circumstances. Local and regional authorities also contribute funding to social care activities. For up-to-date eligibility rules and current thresholds, readers should consult the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) directly, as these figures are subject to periodic revision.

Eligibility for benefits and services is governed by strict income criteria, and public support for home care and residential placement covers only a fraction of actual costs for those who qualify — leaving most individuals facing significant out-of-pocket expenses, with the notable exception of institutional care arrangements.

What residential, care home, and nursing home options exist in Croatia?

Croatia offers a varied landscape of residential care options for older people, spanning sheltered housing and assisted living through to full nursing care and specialist memory care. These facilities are broadly referred to as domovi za starije i nemoćne osobe (homes for the elderly and infirm) and may be operated by public institutions, private companies, associations, religious organisations, or other bodies.

Residential homes — sometimes referred to as retirement homes — are a widely used option for older people in Croatia. Such facilities typically offer a range of services and activities designed to help residents preserve their independence and quality of life, including support with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as medication management, housekeeping, and transport assistance.

Care homes, sometimes described as assisted living facilities, provide a higher level of support than standard residential homes and are suited to those requiring more substantial help with daily activities. Services at this level commonly include nursing care, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Nursing homes — the most intensive form of residential care available for older people in Croatia — offer round-the-clock nursing for those with complex medical needs.

Among well-known public facilities are the Dom za starije osobe Katarina Zrinski in Zagreb and the Dom za starije i nemoćne osobe Sv. Josip in Solin. Private facilities vary considerably in size and specialisation, particularly in larger cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka. While care homes are most commonly established as public institutions, associations, religious communities, corporate bodies, and other domestic or foreign legal entities may also operate social care services under conditions set out in Croatian law.

The Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy is responsible for establishing criteria for social services planning, working through the regional offices of the Croatian Institute for Social Work and the Family Centre. The Ministry oversees care home activities and may conduct on-site inspections as part of its supervisory function; however, there is no dedicated national quality agency for this sector.

New legislation on the National Health Care Network has expanded the number of health teams and broadened access to home nursing, palliative care (with hospital palliative beds increased by 120%), physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychological services, mobile clinics, and pharmacies — progressively strengthening the continuum of care available across Croatia.

How much does elderly care cost in Croatia?

The cost of elderly care in Croatia is lower than in most Western European countries, but fees have risen substantially in recent years. Since adopting the euro in 2023 and experiencing elevated inflation over the past two years, prices across many sectors — including food, fuel, and personal services — have increased by 20 to 50%. All care cost figures below should be treated as approximations and confirmed directly with individual providers.

Even where individuals qualify for public support, that support typically covers only a portion of total costs, leaving significant out-of-pocket expenses — the exception being institutional care. Price differences between state-run, county-run, and private facilities, combined with an uneven geographic spread of care places, result in considerable variation and inefficiency across the country.

Central government subsidies for private care home accommodation are not currently available, although some municipalities provide fee assistance at a local level. Expats exploring care options should request up-to-date fee schedules directly from facilities and check with regional social welfare offices regarding any locally available financial support. The Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy publishes guidance on regulated service pricing.

It is also worth noting that with one of the highest elderly poverty rates in the EU — around 30% — most older Croatians cannot meet the cost of long-term care without public assistance. Yet public expenditure on long-term care is among the lowest in the EU, meaning that even after receiving public support, care remains financially out of reach for many people, creating access gaps and reinforcing heavy reliance on family members.

Can expats access elderly care in Croatia, and are there any restrictions?

Eligibility for publicly funded elderly care in Croatia is closely linked to citizenship and long-term residency status. The means-tested National Benefit for the Elderly, for example, is restricted to Croatian citizens aged 65 and over who have lived continuously in Croatia for ten years immediately prior to their application. This requirement effectively excludes most recently arrived foreign nationals from this particular benefit.

Those who have not yet built up the required period of uninterrupted residence in Croatia are not eligible for the National Benefit and will generally need to finance care privately or through international health and long-term care insurance products.

Broader access to health and social care services depends on enrolment in the Croatian compulsory health insurance scheme (obvezno zdravstveno osiguranje), administered by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). The process and requirements for joining the state health insurance system differ depending on whether the applicant is a national of an EU/EEA country or a third-country national. EU/EEA citizens planning to reside in Croatia may initially retain their home country’s state health insurance, and their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to urgent medical treatment while in Croatia.

Non-EU nationals wishing to access the public health system typically need to register independently with HZZO, which may require evidence of financial means and a valid long-term residence permit. Access to subsidised residential care generally requires a social needs assessment carried out by the local social welfare centre. The rules in this area are complex and subject to change; always verify your personal eligibility with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) and your nearest social welfare centre (centar za socijalnu skrb).

What private elderly care and international options are available in Croatia?

Croatia’s private care sector has grown considerably in recent years, driven in part by the limitations of the publicly funded system and rising demand from both domestic residents and international newcomers. Private options range from small, family-operated homes in rural settings to purpose-built care centres in cities such as Zagreb and Split.

Private providers are anticipated to play an increasingly prominent role in meeting care demand going forward, although government regulation of private and informal care remains relatively limited and requires strengthening. Prospective residents and their relatives are encouraged to visit facilities in person wherever possible and to request detailed information on staffing ratios, individual care plans, and recent inspection outcomes.

A small number of specialist private facilities, particularly in major urban centres and the coastal regions popular with international residents, offer higher-standard accommodation and may employ staff with foreign language skills. However, a well-developed network of expat-oriented retirement communities or internationally branded care homes — as exists in Spain or Portugal — has not yet taken root in Croatia. Most expats using private care access it through general private facilities rather than providers specifically designed for international residents.

Private care is faster to access but more costly than public provision, and waiting times for state facilities can be significant. There is no reliable national statistic on waiting times because Croatia has both private and government care homes and the waiting time varies greatly depending on the type of care home. For those who require prompt or specialist care, private facilities are frequently the most practical option, particularly for non-citizens who have not yet qualified for public subsidies.

Religious organisations also run care homes in Croatia — notably the Catholic Church — and these may offer a culturally resonant environment for residents with a faith background. Under Croatian law, associations, religious communities, corporate bodies, and other domestic or foreign legal entities may all deliver social care services under conditions prescribed by legislation.

What role does health insurance play in covering elderly care in Croatia?

Croatia operates a mandatory health insurance system through HZZO, which funds a broad range of medical services but does not fully cover the costs of long-term residential or nursing care. Under the HZZO scheme, patients typically pay a modest co-payment for GP appointments, hospital treatment, and most prescription medications; to eliminate this co-payment, residents must take out supplementary (dopunsko) insurance.

Croatia does not yet have a dedicated long-term care insurance scheme comparable to those operating in Germany — where mandatory Pflegeversicherung funds a substantial portion of both home and residential care — or Japan. As a result, the cost of residential elderly care falls primarily on individuals and families, supplemented only by means-tested state assistance for those on low incomes.

While expats benefit from relatively affordable healthcare services in Croatia, private insurance is recommended to ensure comprehensive coverage. Retirees selecting a private health or international insurance policy should specifically look for products that include: coverage for long-term residential or nursing home stays; provisions for dementia or cognitive decline; home nursing and personal care support; and medical repatriation or evacuation options for those who wish to retain the possibility of returning to their country of origin.

Many standard international health insurance products marketed to expats do not include long-term care as a default feature — it is usually available only as an optional add-on. Retirees and those planning to grow old in Croatia should read their policy terms carefully and explore specialist long-term care insurance products available from international providers. A qualified financial adviser with expat-focused expertise can assist in identifying suitable coverage.

What should expats consider when planning for elderly care in Croatia?

Advance planning is essential for expats who intend to age in Croatia or who have elderly relatives residing there. While the system is gradually improving, it remains fragmented and under-resourced by comparison with Northern and Western European standards, and navigating it as a foreign national introduces an additional layer of complexity.

1. Understand your residency status and its implications: Your entitlement to public health and social care in Croatia depends significantly on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or a non-EU national, and on how long you have held continuous legal residence. Those who have not yet satisfied the ten-year residency requirement for the National Benefit for the Elderly should plan to self-fund care arrangements.
2. Enrol in the health insurance system early: Joining HZZO’s compulsory health insurance scheme as soon as you take up residence means you begin accumulating entitlements and securing access to subsidised healthcare services — including home nursing — from the outset.
3. Arrange power of attorney in Croatia: Croatian law requires a locally valid power of attorney (punomoć) designating a trusted individual — whether a family member, friend, or legal representative — to make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf should you lose capacity. A power of attorney executed abroad may not be automatically recognised in Croatia without notarisation and/or an apostille. Seek advice from a local notary (javni bilježnik) or solicitor.
4. Prepare advance care directives: Although advance care planning is less formalised in Croatia than in some other EU member states, committing your wishes to writing and having that document witnessed and notarised provides valuable guidance for medical professionals and family members alike.
5. Consult a local legal and financial adviser: A Croatian lawyer or financial adviser experienced in expat matters can provide guidance on inheritance law, the rights of non-citizen next-of-kin, property arrangements in relation to care funding, and any lifelong maintenance contract (ugovor o doživotnom uzdržavanju) arrangements, which are a recognised feature of Croatian elder law.
6. Research facilities well in advance: Price differences between state, county, and private homes, and an uneven geographical distribution of care places, create significant variation across Croatia. Visiting facilities personally and requesting recent inspection records is strongly advisable.
7. Review your insurance policy carefully: Confirm that any private health or international insurance you hold explicitly covers long-term care, nursing home stays, and home nursing assistance — these are frequently excluded from standard policies.

What are the best official sources of information on elderly care in Croatia?

When researching elderly care in Croatia, it is important to consult official sources rather than relying on outdated blog posts or forum discussions, since eligibility rules, benefit thresholds, and facility registrations are subject to regular change. The following are the most authoritative starting points available.

• Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy (MROSP) — The lead body for social welfare policy, care home licensing, and inspection. Publishes national plans for social services and regulatory guidance for care providers.
• Ministry of Health (Ministarstvo zdravstva) — Responsible for the health dimension of long-term care, including home nursing, palliative care, and the National Health Development Plan 2021–2027.
• Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) — Administers the National Benefit for the Elderly and publishes current eligibility criteria and benefit levels on its website.
• Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) — The mandatory health insurance body. Offers guidance for residents and EU citizens on registering for health insurance, including EHIC arrangements for EU nationals.
• e-Citizens Portal (gov.hr) — The government’s e-citizens portal provides a catalogue of information on rights and services available within the social welfare system, searchable by service type and region.
• Local Social Welfare Centres (centri za socijalnu skrb) — Each county operates a social welfare centre responsible for assessing individual care needs and eligibility. These offices handle applications for home care, residential placement, and subsidised care costs.
• Your Europe — Residential Care Home Guidance (European Commission) — Offers EU-wide guidance on accessing residential care as a citizen living in another member state, including information on cross-border social security coordination.

Always verify specific fees, eligibility thresholds, and facility registrations through these official channels. The information on this page reflects our best knowledge as of 2025, but rules in this area change frequently and should be confirmed before any decisions are made.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elderly Care in Croatia

Can a foreign national who retires to Croatia access public nursing home care?

Publicly subsidised residential care is primarily available to Croatian citizens and long-term residents who satisfy social needs and income criteria. Non-EU nationals in particular may face significant restrictions and are generally advised to arrange private funding until they have built up sufficient residency and insurance contributions. EU citizens residing lawfully in Croatia may be able to access some services under EU social security coordination provisions. Always seek clarification from your local social welfare centre and HZZO based on your specific circumstances.

How long are waiting lists for public care homes in Croatia?

No reliable national data on waiting times exists, since Croatia has both private and government-run care homes and waiting periods differ considerably depending on the type and location of the facility. In practice, queues for state-subsidised places in cities such as Zagreb can stretch to several months or more. Private facilities typically offer faster access and are often the most practical solution for those requiring care at short notice.

Is elderly care in Croatia available in languages other than Croatian?

Staff at most public care homes work exclusively in Croatian. In larger cities and coastal areas with sizable international communities — such as Split, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik — some private facilities may have employees with skills in foreign languages, particularly German and Italian. Nevertheless, truly multilingual care environments remain rare in Croatia. Expats with limited Croatian proficiency should enquire specifically about communication arrangements when evaluating facilities, and may benefit from appointing a Croatian-speaking legal or personal representative to act on their behalf.

What happens if a family member living in Croatia urgently needs to enter residential care?

In an urgent situation, contact the nearest social welfare centre (centar za socijalnu skrb) to request an immediate needs assessment. Social welfare centres are able to facilitate emergency or temporary placements and put families in touch with available facilities. For those without existing public insurance entitlements, a private placement is likely to be the quickest option. It is highly advisable to research and compile a shortlist of facilities before any crisis occurs, as choices can be considerably more limited at short notice — particularly outside major urban centres.

Does Croatian health insurance (HZZO) cover nursing home fees?

HZZO’s mandatory health insurance scheme covers a range of medical services — including GP consultations, hospital treatment, and some home nursing — but it does not comprehensively fund the full cost of long-term residential or nursing home care. Residential care costs are typically met through a combination of the resident’s own income or pension, means-tested state assistance, and direct out-of-pocket payments. Supplemental (dopunsko) insurance covers co-payments for medical services but not residential care fees. Long-term care insurance is a distinct product that residents should research independently.

Are there memory care or dementia-specific facilities in Croatia?

Dedicated dementia wards and memory care units do exist within certain larger care homes in Croatia, particularly in Zagreb and Split. However, specialist dementia care facilities are less prevalent than in some other EU member states, and many care homes provide general nursing support for residents living with dementia rather than operating separate specialist units. Families looking for dementia care should ask providers directly about staff training levels, secure living environments, and activity programmes tailored to residents with cognitive conditions. The Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy can advise on registered specialist facilities.

What is a lifelong maintenance contract (ugovor o doživotnom uzdržavanju) and should expats consider one?

A lifelong maintenance contract is a legally recognised instrument in Croatia under which an individual — typically an elderly person — transfers ownership of property to another party in return for that party providing care and financial support for the remainder of the individual’s life. These arrangements serve as an alternative to, or supplement for, formal care provision. They carry substantial legal consequences, particularly in relation to inheritance. Expats should obtain specialist Croatian legal advice before entering into or agreeing to any such contract, as the applicable rules differ considerably from property and care law in other countries.

How do I find a registered care home in Croatia?

The Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy holds records of licensed social service providers, including care homes. The e-Citizens portal (gov.hr) also lists social services by region. The Croatian website Domovi za Starije provides a searchable directory of care homes, assisted living facilities, and independent living options. Always confirm that any facility you are considering holds a current operating licence issued by the Ministry before making any commitment.

Is it cheaper to receive elderly care in Croatia than in other European countries?

Croatia’s cost of living is moderate by Western European standards, but regional disparities and significant recent inflation make careful financial planning essential — particularly for expats with long-term settlement plans. While care costs are generally lower than those in Germany, Austria, or Scandinavia, they have risen noticeably since 2022. Private nursing home fees in Croatia are broadly in line with comparable countries such as Slovenia and Hungary, and considerably below Western European averages — though the range of specialist services and the standard of facilities may also differ accordingly. Always request current, itemised fee information directly from individual providers before drawing any comparisons.