Get Birth Certificates in Croatia

A birth certificate (rodni list or izvadak iz matice rođenih) in Croatia is a crucial civil document used for obtaining a personal identification number (OIB), applying for a Croatian passport, enrolling in school, and other official purposes. This guide covers how to get birth certificates in Croatia, with specific information for Zagreb and Split.

How Birth Registration Works in Croatia

In Croatia, births are registered in the State Registers (Državni matičar), specifically the Birth Register (Matična knjiga rođenih). The registration is handled by the local registry office (Matični ured) of the municipality where the birth occurred. When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital notifies the registry office, and registration typically happens within a few days.

The parents are the primary registrants. One parent must appear at the local matični ured to complete the registration, bring required documents, and receive the birth certificate (izvadak iz matice rođenih). An OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj — personal identification number) is assigned to the child at birth.

Documents Required for Birth Registration in Croatia

To register a birth and obtain a birth certificate in Croatia, parents typically need:

The hospital birth notification (potvrda o porodu)
Valid identification of both parents (Croatian ID card or passport)
Marriage certificate if married (vjenčani list)
If unmarried: a declaration of paternity (izjava o priznavanju očinstva) signed before the registrar

The first certified extract (izvadak) is issued free of charge. Additional copies have a small administrative fee.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Zagreb

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia. Zagreb has multiple registry offices (matični uredi) located across the city’s districts. The central one is typically part of the Zagreb City Administration. After submitting the required documents, the birth certificate extract is usually issued on the same day or within a few working days.

Croatia has also been expanding its e-Građanin (e-Citizen) digital portal, which allows citizens with digital identity (eOI — electronic personal identity) to request civil registry extracts online. Zagreb residents with an eOI card or m-Građanin app can request birth certificate extracts digitally without visiting the office.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Split

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city, located on the Dalmatian coast. Births in Split are registered at the Split-Dalmatia County registry office or the local matični ured within Split’s city administration. The procedure is the same as in Zagreb — parents present the hospital birth notification and identification at the registry office.

Split residents can also use the e-Građanin portal to request birth certificate extracts digitally if they have the necessary digital identity credentials. This eliminates the need to visit the office in person for subsequent copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Croatian word for birth certificate?

The Croatian birth certificate is called “izvadak iz matice rođenih” (extract from the birth register) or commonly referred to as “rodni list.” It is issued by the matični ured (registry office).

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Croatia?

Birth certificates in Croatia are usually issued on the same day or within a few working days of registration. Digital requests through e-Građanin are also processed quickly.

Can I get a Croatian birth certificate online?

Yes, through the e-Građanin portal (gov.hr) with a valid digital identity, Croatian citizens can request birth certificate extracts online. The document can be delivered digitally or by mail.

Can a Croatian birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Croatia is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles for Croatian civil registry documents are issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Croatia.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Croatia involves registering the birth at the local matični ured and obtaining an izvadak iz matice rođenih. The process in Zagreb and Split follows the same national procedure, and Croatia’s e-Građanin portal now allows digital requests for those with electronic identity credentials. The Croatian birth certificate is an essential document for your child’s legal identity, education, and travel.