Croatia is a country located in southeastern Europe that is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and growing economy. If you are interested in starting a business in Croatia, you will need to complete several steps to register your company legally. In this article, we will guide you through the process of registering a business in Croatia, including the necessary steps and requirements.
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Choose your business type
The first step to register a business in Croatia is to choose the legal structure of your company. You can choose between a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC is the most common choice for new businesses in Croatia as it offers a flexible and easy-to-establish structure with limited liability for its owners.
Name your company
Once you have decided on your business type, you will need to choose a name for your company. The name must be unique and not already in use by another company in Croatia. You can check the availability of your desired name on the Croatian Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Prepare your documents
To register your business in Croatia, you will need to prepare several documents, including:
A notarized copy of your ID or passport
A notarized copy of your residence permit (if you are a foreigner)
Proof of ownership or lease agreement for your business premises
Proof of payment of the minimum share capital (if you are establishing an LLC)
The company’s memorandum of association or articles of association
The company’s registration application form
Register your company
Once you have prepared all the necessary documents, you can register your company with the Croatian Commercial Court. You can submit your application either online or in-person at the court’s office. The registration fee for an LLC is currently 2,500 HRK (around 330 EUR).
Register for taxes and social security
After registering your company with the Commercial Court, you will need to register for taxes and social security. You can do this by visiting the local tax office and filling out the necessary forms. You will need to register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds 300,000 HRK (around 40,000 EUR).
Open a business bank account
To operate your business legally, you will need to open a business bank account in Croatia. You can do this by visiting a bank in person and providing your company’s registration documents.
Obtain necessary licenses and permits
Depending on your business activity, you may need to obtain additional licenses and permits from local or national authorities. For example, if you are starting a restaurant, you will need to obtain a food service permit from the Ministry of Agriculture.
In conclusion, registering a business in Croatia requires careful planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your company is registered legally and ready to start operating in the country. If you need assistance with the legal aspects of your business journey in Croatia, Generis Global can help you. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support your business in Croatia.