This page explains each step of your order. It says what you do, what our lawyer does in Croatia and how long it usually takes. The times below are usual times, not promises. They depend on the Ministry, the court and the courier.
Step 1: Fill in the form and upload your passport
Fill in the order form. It takes about 10 minutes. The Ministry needs these details to find you in the records:
- your full name and any other names you used before
- your parents’ names
- your date and place of birth
- your OIB (Croatian personal identification number), if you have one. It is optional.
- your passport number and a copy of your passport photo page
- when you lived in Croatia, and the country where you will use the certificate
- your address, if you want the paper original by courier
You do not pay now. After you send the form, you get an email with your order number and the next steps.
Step 2: Sign the power of attorney
A power of attorney (punomoć) is a short form. It lets our lawyer ask for the certificate in your name. We prepare it in Croatian and English with your details. You can download it on the order form or from the link in your email.
- Print the power of attorney.
- Check your details. Sign it by hand with a pen. A typed or copied signature is not accepted.
- Scan it or take a clear photo, and upload it.
You do not need a notary. For the criminal record certificate, a power of attorney for a lawyer does not need to be notarised (officially stamped by a notary). We will tell you if we need the paper original and where to post it.
How long: this step depends on you. Most delays start here, so please sign and upload it soon.
Step 3: Pay the invoice we email you
We check your order and email you an invoice. The price is €165: €150 for our lawyer’s fee and €15 for the government fee for the apostille. If you choose them, the original by courier costs €10 more and express costs €50 more. See Prices.
Pay the invoice using the details on the invoice. Our lawyer starts work when your payment and your signed power of attorney are both with us.
Step 4: Get your certificate with apostille
This is what our lawyer does in Croatia:
- The certificate. The lawyer asks the Criminal Records Department of the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation in Zagreb for your certificate. The Ministry works on working days only.
- The apostille. The lawyer takes the signed and stamped paper certificate to the competent municipal court. The court adds the apostille (a stamp so that other countries accept the document). The €15 court fee is in the price.
When it is ready, we email you a clear colour scan of the certificate with the apostille. This is always included. If you chose the courier option, we also send the paper original to your address and email you the tracking number.
How long it takes
- Standard: usually 2–4 working days. We count from the day we have your payment and your signed power of attorney.
- Express (+€50): usually within 36 hours.
- Courier: the paper original then needs extra time to travel. This depends on your country and on customs.
Working days are Monday to Friday, without Croatian public holidays.
Plan ahead. The country where you apply decides how old the certificate can be (often 3 to 6 months from the date of issue). Croatian law sets no expiry date. Order when you are close to sending your application, but leave time for the courier.
What can cause a delay
Most orders go smoothly. These are the most common reasons for a delay.
Your name is written in different ways
Your name may be written differently in your passport and in Croatian records. For example, a middle name is missing, or the spelling is different. Then the Ministry needs more time to check that it is you. Please give us every spelling and every name you used in Croatia.
An entry in the records
If there is an entry in the criminal records, or a possible match with another person, the Ministry checks in more detail. This takes longer, and the Ministry does not give a date. If you think there may be an entry, please contact us before you order. The lawyer will explain your options.
Missing details
The Ministry uses your parents’ names and your date and place of birth to find you. If they are missing, we must ask you again. This takes time.
Problems with the power of attorney
We cannot apply without a correct, signed power of attorney. Common problems are: no signature, a typed signature, a scan we cannot read, or a signature that does not match your passport. If we need the paper original, the post adds time.
Busy courts and public holidays
The apostille depends on the court. Some courts are busy at certain times. The Ministry and the courts are closed on Croatian public holidays, and many staff are away in summer and around Christmas and Easter. Allow extra time then.
Courier and customs
Some countries hold courier items for checks at customs. Remote addresses and local holidays can also add time. A correct address and a phone number help the courier.
Staying informed
We email you when we receive your order, when we apply and when your certificate is ready or sent. If you have a question, use the contact page. Please have your order number ready.
Need a translation or another certificate?
A sworn translation and the certificate of no criminal proceedings are not part of the online order. Contact us and we will tell you the price.
Ready to start?
Order now, or see prices first.