New Croatian Citizenship Laws Around Military Service
Croatia has reinstated compulsory basic military training from 2026, and the rules explicitly cover citizens living abroad, including dual nationals in the diaspora, with clear registration duties, limited call-ups abroad for now, defined exemptions, and fines for non-compliance as a misdemeanour rather than a criminal offense.
At a glance
Basic training is two months, paid about €1,100/month, with job protection and priority in public hiring, starting with cycles in early 2026 and an initial intake around 800 per cycle within a plan of up to ~4,000 men in 2026.
Conscription begins in the calendar year you turn 18; men are generally called at 19, while women are exempt but can volunteer ages 19–30; conscientious objectors can do civil service for 3–4 months.
The Ministry clarified that call-up notices are not being sent to “thousands” of dual citizens living permanently abroad at this time, but all citizens remain conscripts in law and must be in the registry.
Who is affected
All Croatian citizens, including dual nationals and those who have never lived in Croatia, are conscripts in law once they reach 18 and must be entered into the military register.
Men are subject to compulsory BMT; women can volunteer; exceptional call-ups can include those older than 19 but under 30 as allowed by law.
Military obligation formally lasts to the end of the year in which men turn 55 and women 50 unless found unfit or citizenship is renounced.
Diaspora obligations
Registration: If residing abroad from birth or before conscription, you must register with the nearest Croatian embassy/consulate in the calendar year you turn 18 to be entered in the military register; if missed, you must register no later than age 29.
Deadlines abroad: A conscript may remain abroad until 30 June of the year they turn 29; after that, they must report to the regional defence office in Croatia within 30 days (if applicable).
Enforcement: Non-response to call-up or abandonment without justification is a misdemeanour punishable by a fine (range cited in reports), not a criminal offense; precise enforcement abroad remains to be clarified officially.
Call-up status for dual citizens abroad
Ministry statement: Call-up notices “will not be sent to thousands of young men with dual citizenship” living overseas at this time, including those in Australia and other countries; 2026 BMT aims for up to ~4,000 total, with first training in Knin, Slunj, and Požega.
Legal position: Despite limited call-up abroad for now, any Croatian citizen is a conscript, and obligations can apply; staying compliant with registration is mandatory to avoid fines.
Exemptions and deferments
Completed service abroad: Dual nationals who have already completed compulsory military or civil service in another country are exempt from Croatian BMT (documentation required).
Medical unfitness or specific professions (e.g., certain cadets, clergy) may qualify for exemptions; deferment and exemption conditions are set in the 24 Oct 2025 amendments to the Defence framework.
What basic training includes
Curriculum: Weapons handling, modern equipment including drones, first aid, self‑defence, fundamentals of organization and tactics, and lessons from the Homeland War; individual and team exercises led by experienced instructors.
Benefits: ~€1,100/month net allowance, transport and leave, job protection, two months recognized as work experience, and priority in public sector hiring under equal conditions; pathway to professional service or reserve classification after BMT.
Practical steps for diaspora families
Check citizenship status for minors approaching 18 and plan embassy registration in that calendar year; keep proof of registration.
If you completed military/civil service abroad, secure official proof and certified translations to support an exemption claim if needed.
Track age-based deadlines: register no later than age 29; understand the June 30 cutoff in the year you turn 29 and reporting obligations thereafter if returning to Croatia.
Monitor official updates from Croatia’s Ministry of Defence and your local Croatian embassy for any change to call-up practices abroad.
Common scenarios
Dual citizen student abroad, age 18–19: Must register via embassy; unlikely to be called if permanently abroad, but remains a conscript in law and should maintain compliant status.
Dual citizen who served in another country: Likely exempt from BMT with documented proof; still ensure registry entry and keep exemption documentation accessible.
Returning to Croatia before 29: If planning a longer stay, confirm registry status and any obligations or deferments, especially around the 29-year thresholds.
Key legal updates and context
Parliament approved amendments on 24 Oct 2025 enabling reintroduction; program begins January 2026 with two-month BMT and multiple annual cycles.
Initial public advisories in Australia and media reports prompted official clarifications emphasizing limited call-ups abroad and the non-criminal nature of non-response (misdemeanour fines apply).
FAQ
Do women have to serve? No, women are exempt from compulsory service but can volunteer ages 19–30.
Is non-response a crime? No, it is a misdemeanour subject to fines; keep documentation and stay registered to avoid penalties.
I’m a dual citizen who served abroad—am I exempt? Yes, with proof of completed compulsory military or civil service in that country.
Will I get a call-up abroad? The Ministry says broad call-ups to dual citizens living permanently overseas are not being sent at this time, but all citizens remain conscripts and must be registered.
This article synthesizes the latest official clarifications and legal framework so diaspora Croatians can stay compliant, avoid fines, and plan education, work, or travel without surprises as BMT resumes in 2026.