Croatia – End of Life Issues

What palliative and hospice care is available in Croatia?

Over the past ten years, Croatia has made notable progress in developing its palliative care offering. Palliative services have been formally embedded within the national health system since 2014, before which provision was patchy and heavily dependent on voluntary effort. The 2014–2016 National Strategy for Palliative Care established a structured, professionally led approach to end of life support throughout the country. The resulting system has grown substantially and is funded primarily through the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO).

The establishment of formal palliative care structures dramatically widened the patient reach of these services — estimates suggest that the proportion of patients in need who could actually access palliative care rose from roughly 1–2% in 2011 to between 20 and 35% by 2014. Although this represents a substantial leap forward, a considerable number of people who require such care still encounter gaps in availability. Expats are encouraged to verify current service capacity directly with the Croatian Ministry of Health or through their HZZO-registered physician.

The infrastructure now includes an estimated 29 coordinators or service managers, 21 mobile palliative care teams each comprising a doctor and a nurse, ten dedicated palliative care wards within hospitals, and a hospice facility. This model differs from approaches in some Western European countries where standalone hospice buildings are more common; Croatia has built its system primarily around hospital-integrated wards and community-based home visits.

More than ten charitable organisations provide supplementary activities to support palliative patients. Several mobility aid centres, operating in partnership with palliative care services, also lend equipment such as hospital beds and wheelchairs at no charge to patients being cared for at home who cannot source these items through the public system or purchase them privately. This voluntary and charitable layer plays a meaningful role alongside the state infrastructure.

The 2024 healthcare reforms brought further expansion. The updated national healthcare network reduces the number of acute care beds while increasing by over 30% the number of day hospital, long-term care, and palliative care beds. In concrete terms, palliative capacity is being expanded in a number of hospitals to reflect local demand — for example, in the general hospital in Bjelovar from 6 to 50 beds, in Koprivnica from 5 to 30 beds, and in Pula from 5 to 15 beds.

Rural and remote areas continue to have fewer services than major cities such as Zagreb and Rijeka, where specialist palliative units and hospital-based care are concentrated. Expats residing outside urban centres should speak with their local general practitioner about accessing mobile team support. Croatia’s palliative care framework sits firmly within the state health system — unlike the UK model where many hospices are independently run charities reliant on fundraising — meaning access is closely tied to HZZO registration status.

How does end of life planning work in Croatia — wills, advance directives, and power of attorney?

Legal end of life planning in Croatia centres on three key instruments: the will (oporuka), the power of attorney (punomoć), and advance directives relating to medical treatment. Each instrument carries distinct requirements under Croatian law, and expats should obtain advice from a locally qualified notary or lawyer rather than assuming that documents prepared in their home country will automatically be recognised in Croatia.

Any person of sound mind who has reached the age of 16 may draw up a will to dispose of their property upon death. Only a will prepared in the form prescribed by law, and satisfying all legally required conditions, will be considered valid. Under normal circumstances, a will may take the form of either a private or a public will; an oral will is only permitted in extraordinary circumstances.

A holographic will (vlastoručna oporuka) must be written entirely by hand and signed by the testator — a typed version is not acceptable unless witnessed. A witnessed written will (pisana oporuka pred svjedocima) may be drafted by anyone, but must be confirmed as the testator’s own and signed before two witnesses present at the same time. A public will, prepared by a notary, is generally the most secure option for expats, as it carries clear and unambiguous legal standing.

Inheritance and testamentary rules differ significantly between countries. Croatian provisions may not mirror those of your home jurisdiction, and a foreign will may not be accepted in Croatia. For these reasons, expats with assets in Croatia are strongly advised to have a separate Croatian will drafted, or at minimum to have any existing will examined by a Croatian notary or lawyer who can assess its validity under Croatian law.

Once a will has been drawn up, deposited, and announced, this fact is recorded in the Croatian Register of Wills, which is administered by the Croatian Chamber of Notaries Public. Registration is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, as it significantly increases the likelihood that the will can be located after the testator’s death. Further information on the registration process is available from the Croatian Chamber of Notaries Public.

Advance directives — sometimes referred to as living wills — allow an individual to set out their preferences for medical treatment in the event they become unable to communicate those wishes directly. Croatia’s Health Care Act acknowledges patient autonomy and the right to decline treatment, but the formal legal framework for advance directives is less precisely codified than in certain other EU countries. Patients are advised to discuss their treatment preferences explicitly with their physician and to ensure any written statement is kept on file with both their doctor and their family. A notarised document will carry greater practical weight.

A power of attorney (punomoć) in Croatia can be granted to cover financial, property, or personal affairs. Powers of attorney issued abroad may be accepted in Croatia if they are accompanied by a certified translation and an apostille stamp issued under the Hague Convention — provided the issuing country is a signatory. It is important to notify the relevant authorities or institutions if the power of attorney ceases to be valid. For complex healthcare or estate matters, having a Croatian-issued power of attorney drafted locally offers the clearest legal footing. Guidance can be sought from the Croatian Ministry of Justice and Public Administration or a local notary.

What are the laws around euthanasia and assisted dying in Croatia?

Both euthanasia and assisted dying are prohibited in Croatia. No legal framework exists, no draft legislation is pending, and no recognised grey area permits a medical professional or any other person to deliberately end a patient’s life — even where the patient has made an explicit and voluntary request. This prohibition is rooted in Croatian criminal law and is reinforced by the ethical guidelines of the Croatian Medical Chamber, reflecting the country’s strong Roman Catholic tradition.

Palliative sedation — the administration of medication to alleviate severe suffering at the end of life, without any primary intention of causing death — is legally and ethically distinct from euthanasia and is practised within Croatian medical ethics. Patients and families are free to discuss comfort-oriented care with their palliative care team, and the principle of patient autonomy permits individuals to decline specific life-prolonging interventions.

Expats who originate from countries where assisted dying is legally permitted — such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, or Switzerland — should understand that those legal provisions carry no authority in Croatia. It is not possible to travel to Croatia to access assisted dying, nor may a Croatian doctor act on the basis of a foreign jurisdiction’s laws in this area. Those seeking clarification on the current legal position may contact the Croatian Ministry of Health and, where appropriate, the Croatian Medical Chamber (Hrvatska liječnička komora).

What happens to a foreign national’s body when they die in Croatia?

The death of a foreign national in Croatia triggers a sequence of practical and administrative requirements that must be completed before the body can be buried locally, cremated, or repatriated. The overall process is manageable but requires close coordination between Croatian civil authorities, a licensed funeral director, and usually the deceased’s home country embassy or consulate.

The death must first be formally registered at the local Croatian registry office. In most cases, the appointed funeral director can handle this registration on behalf of the family. The funeral director is therefore the most important initial point of contact and can guide next of kin through the majority of the paperwork.

Embalming is not a legal requirement, but it may be requested by the next of kin — particularly where repatriation is being considered, as some receiving countries require it. Post-mortem reports are not routinely provided to the next of kin; however, if the family has legal representation, their lawyer may apply for a copy on their behalf.

A local funeral director must be engaged to manage burial or cremation within Croatia. The specific rules vary by location, as cremation is only available in Zagreb. For families situated elsewhere in Croatia who wish to arrange cremation, the funeral director can organise transport of the body to Zagreb. Costs, procedures, and available options should be discussed directly with the funeral director.

For repatriation, the body must be properly prepared — usually through embalming — placed in a sealed, zinc-lined coffin, and accompanied by a complete set of documentation. This typically includes the Croatian death certificate with apostille and a certified translation, a certificate confirming the body is free of infectious disease, and any documentation required by the destination country. Where travel insurance or life insurance is in place, the insurer will usually appoint funeral directors in both Croatia and the receiving country, and may cover the costs of repatriation together with associated medical, legal, and translation expenses. Where no insurance exists, the family will generally need to appoint and fund a funeral director independently, or engage an international funeral director to manage the process.

Repatriation costs vary considerably depending on the destination, the level of service required, and the insurance arrangements in place. As of 2024–2025, international repatriation from Croatia can range from several thousand to more than ten thousand euros depending on the destination — confirm current figures with a licensed funeral director or your insurer. Local burial in Croatia, including associated cemetery fees, is considerably less expensive. Always obtain current cost estimates from a licensed funeral director or the relevant municipal authority before making arrangements.

What are the local customs and cultural practices around death in Croatia?

Croatian customs surrounding death are deeply rooted in Roman Catholicism, which remains the predominant religion across the country. Although practices differ to some degree between regions and families, certain recognisable patterns emerge, and expats living in Croatia are likely to encounter these — whether as neighbours, friends, or members of a local community.

Following a death, the body is generally prepared and a vigil or viewing is held — usually at the family home or at a funeral parlour — within the first day or two. Family members, friends, and community members gather to pay their respects, offer words of comfort, and pray. The deceased is customarily laid out in an open coffin during this period. Those attending are expected to dress sombrely in dark, conservative clothing and to offer condolences to the immediate family in a quiet and respectful manner.

The funeral service typically takes place in a Catholic church, after which the burial is conducted in a cemetery. Croatian cemeteries are generally well kept, and families regularly visit to tend graves on significant occasions — most notably All Saints’ Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November, when candles are lit at graves across the country. These are deeply meaningful cultural and religious observances, and expats may observe extensive cemetery visits and widespread public commemoration during this period.

The mourning period following a death can be prolonged, and it is customary for close family members to maintain a degree of formality and restraint for several weeks or months. Immediate relatives traditionally wear black during this time. Expats attending a Croatian funeral or supporting bereaved neighbours should show sensitivity to these conventions, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Regional differences do exist — Dalmatia, Istria, Slavonia, and Zagreb each carry their own cultural character — and communities with Protestant or Eastern Orthodox backgrounds may observe distinct customs.

What must you do when someone dies in Croatia — the official steps?

The following is a step-by-step guide to the administrative process that applies when someone dies in Croatia. These steps reflect current practice as of 2025; it is always advisable to verify specific timeframes and documentation requirements with the relevant Croatian civil registration authority or the deceased’s home country embassy, as procedures may change.

1. Obtain a medical certificate of death. A physician must formally certify the cause of death. Where death occurs in hospital, the attending doctor issues the certificate. If death takes place at home, a general practitioner or emergency doctor must attend to certify it. Where the death is sudden, unexpected, or suspicious in nature, the police must be notified and a forensic examination may be ordered.
2. Notify the civil registry (matični ured). The death must be registered at the local Croatian registry office, generally within a few days of death. The registry will issue the official Croatian death certificate (smrtni list), which is required for all subsequent administrative steps. The appointed funeral director can typically carry out this registration on behalf of the family.
3. Notify the deceased’s home country embassy or consulate. If the deceased was a foreign national, their home country’s embassy or consulate in Croatia should be contacted as promptly as possible. The consulate can assist with the issuance of consular death certificates, liaise with relevant authorities, and provide guidance on repatriation. Contact details for your consulate can be found through your home country’s foreign affairs ministry.
4. Engage a licensed funeral director. A local funeral director will handle the practical arrangements — preparation of the body, transport, burial or cremation, and the full set of documentation needed for repatriation where applicable. When selecting a funeral director in Croatia, it is worth establishing whether they are equipped to provide international services, including the management of repatriations.
5. Arrange apostille and certified translation of documents. Where the Croatian death certificate is to be used in another country, it will need to be apostilled under the Hague Convention and translated by a certified translator. The funeral director or a locally qualified lawyer can provide assistance with this process.
6. Notify the Croatian probate court (ostavinska rasprava). Inheritance proceedings in Croatia are handled through a notary public acting as a court commissioner. The court is ordinarily notified automatically by the registry once a death is recorded, and will then initiate probate. Any will in existence should be submitted to the notary at this stage.
7. Notify financial institutions and relevant authorities. Banks, pension providers, the Croatian Tax Administration (Porezna uprava), and any other relevant governmental bodies should be informed of the death. Depending on the deceased’s residency status, it may also be necessary to formally notify Croatian authorities of their deregistration.
8. Resolve estate and inheritance matters. Once probate proceedings have commenced, heirs are identified and the estate is distributed in accordance with Croatian law or any valid will. This process may take several months and often requires legal representation, particularly where the estate spans multiple countries or involves beneficiaries living in different jurisdictions.

How does inheritance and estate law work in Croatia for expats?

Succession rights and the procedures followed by courts, notaries, and other authorised persons in inheritance matters are set out in the Croatian Succession Act. This legislation defines who is entitled to inherit, how estates are apportioned, and the process to be followed. Heirs may inherit either by operation of law (statutory inheritance) or under a will (testamentary inheritance). Croatian law also enshrines the rights of certain close relatives — referred to as forced heirs — including children and spouses, who cannot be entirely excluded from an estate regardless of the contents of a will.

This concept of forced heirship (nužni dio) represents a significant distinction from the legal frameworks in certain other countries. Even where a will explicitly attempts to exclude a spouse or child, they retain a legal entitlement to a minimum share of the estate. Expats drafting wills in Croatia must factor this into their planning.

As an EU member state, Croatia is bound by EU Succession Regulation No. 650/2012, which generally applies the law of the country in which the deceased was habitually resident at the time of death. Croatia’s alignment with EU rules affects cross-border inheritance rights and the recognition of wills made in other countries. Foreign nationals should be aware that the applicable law may differ depending on their nationality and their place of habitual residence at the time of death. Importantly, the EU Regulation also permits individuals to state in their will that the law of their nationality — rather than the law of their country of residence — should govern their succession, which can be a valuable option for expats wishing to align their Croatian estate with their home country framework.

In terms of taxation, inheritance and gift tax at the rate of 4% is levied on transfers of real estate, cash, securities, or movable property where the individual market value of the transferred assets exceeds EUR 6,700, whether inherited, received as a gift, or otherwise acquired without payment — as of 2025. However, inheritance and gift tax does not apply to movable property passed between immediate relatives (spouses, siblings, and children). Croatia applies no tax on inheritance passing within the first generation.

Where real estate is concerned, inherited property is generally subject to Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) at a rate of 3% — as of 2025. Current rates and any applicable exemptions should be confirmed with the Croatian Tax Administration (Porezna uprava), as these figures may change over time. Determining tax liability for foreign nationals inheriting assets in Croatia can involve considerable complexity, and professional advice is strongly recommended.

Croatian inheritance law can be particularly intricate when real estate, multiple beneficiaries, or cross-border elements are involved. Expats are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified Croatian lawyer or notary, especially where the estate encompasses property held in more than one country or where beneficiaries are resident in different jurisdictions.

What practical steps should expats take to prepare for end of life in Croatia?

Taking practical steps in advance can greatly reduce the administrative and emotional difficulties that your loved ones may face if you die while living in Croatia. The measures outlined below are relevant regardless of how long you intend to remain in the country.

• Draft or update a Croatian will. Even if a will has been prepared in your home country, Croatian inheritance rules may differ significantly, and a foreign will may not be recognised in Croatia. Have a Croatian notary or lawyer prepare a separate will covering your Croatian assets, and ensure it is registered with the Croatian Chamber of Notaries Public for safekeeping and future retrieval.
• Understand the rules on forced heirship. Croatian law guarantees close family members — including children and spouses — a minimum entitlement from your estate regardless of what your will states. Discussing this with a Croatian lawyer will help you plan your estate in a way that reflects both your intentions and the legal constraints that apply.
• Put a power of attorney in place. If you were to lose mental capacity, a locally prepared power of attorney would allow a person you trust to manage your financial and personal affairs in Croatia. A document prepared under Croatian law avoids any potential uncertainty about whether a foreign power of attorney will be recognised.
• Record your medical care preferences clearly. Discuss your wishes regarding medical treatment with your doctor, and ensure they are documented in a form that will be on file and readily accessible. While Croatia’s advance directive framework is less formally codified than in some other EU countries, a written statement — particularly one that has been notarised — carries meaningful practical weight.
• Review your health and life insurance arrangements. Check whether your existing health insurance covers palliative and end of life care in Croatia. Some expat policies exclude long-term illness care, so it is important to verify that in-patient palliative treatment is explicitly covered. Ensure that life insurance policies are valid internationally and that beneficiaries are correctly named.
• Register with your home country’s embassy or consulate. Many embassies and consulates maintain registration services for their nationals living abroad. Registering ensures that the relevant authorities can reach your next of kin in an emergency and can assist with consular formalities in the event of your death in Croatia.
• Keep essential documents easy to locate. Make sure a trusted family member or close contact knows where to find your passport, residence documents, will, insurance policies, property records, and any power of attorney. Consider leaving copies with a local lawyer or notary for additional security.
• Seek advice from qualified professionals. A Croatian lawyer or notary can advise on wills, probate, and property matters. A financial adviser with international experience can review insurance coverage and estate planning. A licensed funeral director can outline current costs for local burial, cremation, or repatriation. Your home country’s embassy can explain consular procedures and the documentation they will require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a will I made in my home country valid in Croatia?

Inheritance and testamentary rules differ considerably between countries, and the provisions that apply in Croatia may not match those of your home jurisdiction. Whether a foreign will is recognised in Croatia depends on the form in which it was made and the law under which it was drawn up. A Croatian notary or lawyer should assess any existing will and advise on whether a separate Croatian will is necessary to cover assets held in Croatia.

What happens if someone dies without a will in Croatia?

Where no valid will exists, the estate is distributed in accordance with Croatian statutory inheritance rules. These rules prioritise spouses and children, followed by parents and siblings. Inheritance in Croatia is governed by the Croatian Succession Act, which sets out who is entitled to inherit and how the estate is to be apportioned. A probate proceeding will be opened through the court and a notary to formally identify the heirs and divide the estate accordingly.

How do I arrange repatriation of a family member’s remains from Croatia?

The first step is to contact a local Croatian funeral director, who will manage the preparation of the body, the necessary documentation — including the Croatian death certificate with apostille and certified translation — and coordination with an international funeral director or airline. If the deceased held travel or life insurance, the insurer will typically appoint funeral directors in both Croatia and the receiving country, and may cover repatriation costs along with associated medical, legal, and translation expenses. The home country’s embassy in Croatia should also be contacted for consular assistance throughout the process.

Can expats access public palliative care in Croatia?

Access to publicly funded palliative care in Croatia depends on registration with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). Expats who are lawfully resident in Croatia and registered with HZZO — through employment, self-employment, or as EU citizens exercising portable entitlements — are generally entitled to the same range of care as Croatian nationals, including palliative services. Non-EU nationals and those who are not registered with HZZO will likely need private health insurance that explicitly covers palliative care. Coverage should be verified directly with HZZO or your insurer.

Is there inheritance tax in Croatia, and do expats have to pay it?

Inheritance and gift tax at the rate of 4% applies to the transfer of real estate, cash, securities, or movable property where the individual market value of the inherited assets exceeds EUR 6,700 — as of 2025. However, Croatia does not tax inheritance passing within the first generation, meaning transfers between parents and children are exempt. Establishing the precise tax liability for foreign nationals inheriting assets in Croatia can be complex, and professional advice is advisable. Current guidance is available from the Croatian Tax Administration (Porezna uprava).

What documentation is needed to register a death in Croatia?

The death must be registered at the local Croatian registry office, and the appointed funeral director can usually handle this on behalf of the family. Documentation required will typically include information about the deceased — such as a birth certificate showing their place of birth and parents’ names — along with their passport or identity documents, marriage certificate where applicable, and the medical certificate of death. For foreign nationals, the home country embassy may also have its own documentation requirements for consular records.

What is Croatia’s legal position on euthanasia?

Euthanasia and assisted dying are prohibited in Croatia. No legislation permitting any form of assisted dying exists, and no reform proposals are currently under consideration. A medical professional who deliberately hastens a patient’s death — even in response to an explicit, voluntary request — may face criminal prosecution. Palliative sedation, administered to relieve suffering and not to cause death, is both legally and ethically distinct from euthanasia and is an accepted element of Croatian medical practice. The current legal position can be confirmed with the Croatian Ministry of Health or the Croatian Medical Chamber.

Do EU succession rules apply when an expat dies in Croatia?

Yes. As a member of the European Union, Croatia applies EU Succession Regulation No. 650/2012. This regulation establishes that, in general, the law of the country in which the deceased was habitually resident at the time of death governs the succession — which for long-term residents of Croatia typically means Croatian law applies. Croatia’s alignment with EU rules also affects cross-border inheritance rights and the recognition of foreign wills, and the applicable provisions may differ depending on the deceased’s nationality and habitual residence at the time of death. EU nationals may include a declaration in their will selecting the law of their nationality to govern their estate. Non-EU nationals should seek specialist legal advice on how bilateral treaties and private international law principles interact with Croatian law in their particular circumstances.