Croatian Citizenship Translation Services for U.S. Applicant
Trusted by Croatian Citizenship Applicants Across the United States
Certified English ↔ Croatian Translation Nationwide
As a U.S.-based Croatian-American translation agency with direct family ties in Croatia, we offer certified Croatian ↔ English translation services designed specifically for Americans pursuing Croatian citizenship - as well as individuals, families, and businesses who require accurate, reliable language support.
For many Americans reclaiming Croatian heritage, the process is personal. We understand that these documents represent family history, identity, and opportunity. Our goal is not only linguistic accuracy but peace of mind.
We understand both American documentation systems and Croatian administrative requirements. This dual perspective allows us to prepare translations that meet official expectations and reduce delays. When dealing with citizenship applications and official records, experience matters.
Whether you are applying through a Croatian consulate or directly with the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, your documents are handled with precision and professionalism to ensure clarity, compliance, and smooth processing.
As a proud member of the American Translators Association (ATA), we adhere to recognized industry standards for accuracy, confidentiality, and ethical practice. This professional affiliation reflects our commitment to excellence in certified document translation and interpreting services.
Our services frequently include the translation of:
- U.S. birth certificates (yours and those of your ancestors)
- Marriage and divorce certificates (any marriage or divorce certificates in your document chain)
- Naturalization records
- Apostilles
- Passports
- Driving licenses/ID (Government- issued identification)
- FBI background checks
- Court records
- Death certificates (if relevant to your application)
- Historical family documentation
* Each case is unique, so document requirements may vary.
Note: Croatian documents do not need to be translated. Only documents issued in English or other non-Croatian languages require translation.
Document Explanation and Interpretation
Apostille Seal
All American legal documents such as Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal record check, birth, marriage or death certificate (s) etc. require an Apostille seal/stamp to be valid in Croatia, which is obtained directly from the Secretary of State where the document is issued.
U.S. Passport
Travel document that serves as proof of identity and citizenship. Needs to be valid. Name in the applicant’s passport must match the name in the applicant’s birth, marriage certificate(s), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal record check.
Resume/CV/Biography
A resume of the applicant must be written in Croatian. The resume should include his/her name, date and place of birth, address, education, current employment, parents’ names, dates and places of birth of the parents, and the parents’ emigration path (if applicable). The format of the resume is not defined; any format may be used as long as it contains the necessary information.
Personal Statement of Motivation
A written statement of the applicant must be written in either Croatian or translated into Croatian with an enclosed English version (translated by a certified translator). It should explain the motivation and reasons for the applicant for applying for Croatian citizenship.
Translation, i.e. translated document
The official language in Croatia is the Croatian language. Foreign Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal record check, birth, marriage or death certificate(s), etc. need to be translated into the Croatian language by a certified translator in order to be used in Croatia by Croatian authorities. In certain cases, translation of other supporting documents submitted with the application may be deemed necessary by the competent authority during the process.
Important notice about your documents:
All decisions on citizenship applications are made by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia. It is strongly advised to submit a fully completed application with all the necessary documents in order to avoid later corrections and updates to the application and reduce the length of the waiting period. Any changes in contact information (e.g. new address or phone number) or personal information (name change) during the process, i.e. after submitting the application and paying the fee, must be communicated to the Consulate General so the application can be updated. Name in the applicant’s passport must match the name in the applicant’s birth, marriage certificate(s), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal record check. Documents from the U.S. Archives (manifests, passenger lists, naturalization documents etc.) must be certified by the National Archives and Records Administration: How to Obtain Copies of Records | National Archives and translated to Croatian language by official translator. A necessary prerequisite for obtaining Croatian citizenship is that the personal information (i.e. name, date and place of birth) of applicants or their parents/ancestors either matches up with the personal information reflected in Croatian registries or that proof of legal change of name in the United States is submitted with the application.
Pro Tips:
U.S. Birth certificates (yours and those of your ancestors)
- Must be certified with an Apostille seal and accompanied by a certified Croatian translation.
- Birth certificate must have clear data about city of birth (if under place of birth, location of county or state of birth is cited, without an actual city of the birth, this document will not be accepted as valid), so when you order a copy of your birth certificate, make sure it is a “long-form”)
Marriage and Divorce certificates (any marriage or divorce certificates in your document chain)
- Certificate of marriage proving a person is married. Divorce decree proves that person is divorced. Must be certified with Apostille and accompanied by a certified Croatian translation.
- Check with your consulate if they need a “long form” of Marriage Certificate that shows city of birth (not just county of birth) and parent’s names
Apostilles
- Issued by the Secretary of State. In most states you have to obtain Apostille separately. Certified copy of your vital records in not the same as the Apostille
- Ensure that your documents are originals. Photocopies are not accepted.
- Both the apostille and certified translation are required for MUP to process your application
- Check if the issuing country is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention, as this determines whether an apostille is sufficient
FBI background check
- Must NOT be older than 6 months at the time of the submission of the application and must be and accompanied by a certified Croatian translation and Apostille
- Because the FBI is a federal agency, FBI background checks cannot be apostilled by your state's Secretary of State. They must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. This is a common source of confusion and delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most documents submitted to Croatian authorities — including birth certificates, marriage certificates, naturalization records, and FBI background checks — require certified English to Croatian translation. Requirements may vary depending on the authority reviewing your application, including the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia or your local Croatian consulate.
Yes. We provide certified English < > Croatian translations for clients throughout the United States. When required, translations are provided with a signed Certification Of Translation statements confirming accuracy and completeness for official submission.
Yes. We work with clients across all 50 U.S. states. Documents can be submitted electronically, and certified translations are delivered securely and promptly.
Yes. We provide professional Croatian into English translation services for legal, academic, business, and personal documents, as well translation into another 60+ languages.
A certified translation typically includes:
- The translated document
- Certificate of Translation – signed, sealed and dated
Yes. Most clients securely send scanned copies for translation. Originals are not required for most standard vital records.
Turnaround time depends on document length and complexity. Most standard vital records (birth or marriage certificates) are completed within a few business days. Expedited service may be available upon request.
Application forms are typically obtained through your local Croatian consulate or via the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) website: Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova Republike Hrvatske - Citizenship
For the location and contact info of Croatian consulates in the USA, click here: Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova RH - Veleposlanstva RH u svijetu
All application forms are available at the premises of appropriate Embassy or Consulate General or online at: https://mup.gov.hr> Građani > Moji dokumenti > Državljanstvo > Dokumenti i linkovi
There are 4 application forms pertaining to obtaining Croatian citizenship:
- Over 18 years of age applicant applying alone (Section 1b and 1c) Zahtjev za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem punoljetne osobe_nadopuna_2022.pdf
- Over 18 years of age applicant including his child(ren) (Section 1b and 1c) Zahtjev za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem punoljetne osobe i djetetadjece_nadopuna_2022.pdf
- Only for child(ren) (Section 1b and 1c) Zahtjev za stjecanje hrvatskog državljanstva prirođenjem djeteta_djece.pdf
- For determining Croatian citizenship (Section 1d) Zahtjev za utvrđivanje hrvatskog državljanstva.pdf
In the United States you may apply through the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington D.C. Consular Department or three Consulates General: New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA and Chicago, IL.
That depends on where you reside (in which state) within the United States. Please visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Washington (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Croatia - CONSULAR JURISDICTIONS OF THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION/CONSULAR OFFICES IN THE UNITED STATES) regarding the information on consular jurisdiction.
Submission of Citizenship Application
Submitting a citizenship application can only be done in person. It cannot be done by mail or by a proxy.
You can make an appointment by e-mail or telephone at the appropriate office. You will need to bring all the necessary documents referenced herein to the appointment and pay the consular fee upon submitting your application. During the processing of your application, which is done by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia, consular officers will contact you pertaining to your application. When the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia reaches a decision on your application, you will be contacted by the consular officers and instructed on how to proceed.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia has launched the Croatian Consular Portal, a new digital service that provides Croatian and foreign citizens with faster, simpler, and more efficient access to consular services. The portal is intended for Croatian citizens around the world, as well as foreign nationals who require services at Croatian consular offices.
Embassy and Consulates General of the Republic of Croatia
Embassy of the Republic of Croatia
2343 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008-2853
Tel. (202) 588-5899
Fax. (202) 588-8936
Email: crocons.washington@mvep.hr
Portal: Hrvatski konzularni portal
Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Chicago
737 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 1030
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel. (312) 482-9902
Fax: (312) 482-9987
Email: crocons.chicago@mvep.hr
Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Los Angeles
11766 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 477-1009
Fax: (310) 477-1866
Email: crocons.la@mvep.hr
Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in New York
820 Second Avenue 18th floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: + 1 (646) 273-2700
Fax: (212) 599-3106
E-Mail: crocons.newyork@mvep.hr
Legal Disclaimer
Doylestown Translation Services, Inc. is a professional language services provider and is not a law firm. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice, legal opinions, or legal representation.
Any information provided on this website, in email communications, or during consultations is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Clients are solely responsible for obtaining independent legal counsel regarding citizenship, immigration, or other legal matters. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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