Mostly used type of company in Croatia is d.o.o. - similar to English limited company. Such company has limited liability up to the minimal amount of its basic capital of 20,000 Croatian kunas. It must have at least one member of the company - natural person or legal entity - and at least one director.
Business activities are already included in the Articles of Association of the company and there is no need to register them additionally as it is the case in some other European countries (Czech Republic, Germany, etc.). Nevertheless, in order to carry out certain activities it is necessary to have responsible representative, insurance or special state license. However, in case that company is active in tourism business, real estate business or in trading activity it is not necessary to additionally register those activities.
Founder of the company can be any legal entity or natural person. No special requirements exist. Valid passport and identity card are required by Companies register. In case that the founder of the company is a legal entity it is necessary to provide certificate of good standing (extract from the Companies register) of the company founder. Founder must be either present in person or he can be represented by POA.
Director can be any natural person (no legal entity can be director of Croatian company) competent for legal acts. Every citizen of EU can be director of the company. According to Croatian Foreigners Law the director of the company is allowed to stay 90 days in Croatia for business reasons without visa. If director wishes to stay for longer period of time it is necessary to apply for business visa.
Visa settlement is fairly easy task because it does not interfere with Croatian labor market. Director applies as sole entrepreneur - businessman who is able to cover the expenses of his stay. It has to be pointed out that director does not have to be employed with the company. This reduces the potential costs of social and health insurance.
Seat of the company is needed for registration of the company in Companies register. Virtual office - just a mailbox - can be provided for practically anywhere in Croatia.
Name of the company must be in Croatian language. Foreign names can be used if certain person is allowed to use the name ("John Smith d.o.o." for instance) It is possible to use foreign name if the legal entity founder is bearer of that name abroad. This must be proved with Certificate of the good standing of the company ("Google d.o.o." for instance).
In order to form a company in Croatia it is necessary to be familiar with Croatian language and Companies law. In case that you need to form a company in short period of time without extra expenses and delays please do contact us. We have experience with formation of dozens companies throughout Croatia.
