During the past weeks the Marshall Plan for Croatia – Future with Diaspora Association has published an information sheet and tips and advice regarding applying for and obtaining Croatian citizenship, especially for people of Croatian ancestry living in the diaspora and you may wish to read this document, which is translated into English via this link.

Marshall Plan for Croatia – Future with Diaspora has been very active during the past year in its pursuits of helping people wishing to return to Croatia, come to live in Croatia, the land of their ancestors or invest into a business and so, it is very useful for many to know more about these initiatives. Hence, I have conducted and interview with Zdenko Striga, President of Marshall Plan for Croatia – Future With Diaspora Association and Ministerial Advisor to the Ministry for Immigration and Economic Opportunities in the hope that it will help people of Croatian descent considering a life in the beautiful Croatia.

1.) In a recent very useful public presentation regarding the process of obtaining Croatian citizenship from the diaspora as quickly as possible, you mention application and collection of documents in person, in Croatia, which is often impossible for a large number of people living abroad.

However, your association Marshall Plan for Croatia states in the same presentation that you can help with all of this, so I would like to ask you to tell us if people can contact you for advice and assistance before they start the process of obtaining citizenship from the diaspora, and if so, what specific things you can help them with?

Recently, we have had several successful cases in which we have helped returnees obtain Croatian citizenship within three to four weeks, during their stay in Croatia on vacation. This means that the returnees came with the clear intention of applying for citizenship and have collected all the necessary documentation in advance. If the applicant meets all the legal requirements, the procedure can be significantly accelerated, especially if they have a mentor (like us) who helps them through the process.

It is important to emphasise that our statement on accelerating the process primarily applies to returnees who are staying in Croatia for a limited period of time, for example up to three months under a tourist visa or similar legal status. We also had examples of young Croatians who came to Croatia as digital nomads, and during that stay we were able to provide them with support in obtaining citizenship – of course, provided that they had all the necessary documentation.

We are currently working on the case of a returnee from Canada who is staying in Bjelovar as a digital nomad and has asked us for help in the process of acquiring Croatian citizenship.

We believe that the process of obtaining Croatian citizenship does not have to be a problem if returnees are informed in a timely manner and have adequate support. We are aware that there is currently a lack of institutions and experts that systematically provide advice and guidance to returnees regarding the collection of documentation and the citizenship procedure itself. This is precisely why our association has decided to actively engage in providing assistance to our people – in order to break negative perceptions and create a realistic picture of the process, which can be simple with timely and accurate information.

2.) What else can your association do to help those of Croatian origins from the diaspora who are planning to return or come to live in Croatia? Give a few examples?

Assistance and counselling for returnees

Our association provides free counselling and support to anyone considering returning to Croatia. We are available to all interested parties before initiating the procedure and assist them in the following areas:

• Guidance on necessary documentation – We provide detailed information on the documents required for return and adaptation in Croatia.

• ​​Understanding legal conditions and requirements – We explain the legal aspects of return, including residence permits and citizenship.

• Referral to competent institutions – We help navigate the system and connect with relevant institutions.

• Resolving administrative challenges – We advise on possible difficulties and ways to resolve them.

• Support in obtaining residence permits – We provide key information and guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary permits.

• Instructions for obtaining official certificates – We assist in the process of obtaining fingerprints and certificates of good conduct.

• Finding official forms – We facilitate access to the necessary forms and documents that are key to the return process.

Returnees who have applied for Croatian citizenship through a consular or diplomatic mission are offered assistance in analysing their case, checking the reasons for any delays, and advising on additional documentation needed to speed up the process. They are required to send us their case number.

We emphasise that our association operates professionally and responsibly, without any negative experiences, with the sole aim of creating a positive and supportive story for our returnees. We want anyone considering returning to know that there is a reliable address that they can turn to with confidence.

3.) What is the easiest way to contact you for such assistance?

E-Mail: marshallplan.dijaspora.hr@gmail.com

E-Mail: striga.coral@gmail.com

Tel.: HR – 00385 91 640 4790 / Whatsapp

Tel.: GER – 0049 176 8483 0093 / Whatsapp

Blog: https://zdenkostriga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560017672405

ZDENKO ŠTRIGA

President of the Marshall Plan Croatia – Future with Diaspora

Advisor to the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Immigration and Economic Opportunities

4.) As far as I know, your Marshall Plan association plans to open centres in various countries around the world that would function as agencies to assist individuals in their return, so could you please tell me something about that for our emigrants? Is there any progress in the implementation of this plan that is worth knowing about?

As part of the “Marshall Plan for Croatia” program, which we presented to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, we proposed the initiative to open diaspora centres/offices around the world. These centres would serve as professional support for our emigrants, providing them with all relevant information and assistance in the return process, administrative procedures, and economic opportunities in their homeland.

The plan envisages that each office will initially have two employees, whose salaries would be provided by the Government of the Republic of Croatia, thus ensuring professionalism and continuity of work. These offices would be a direct link to the Diaspora Centre in Zagreb and Frankfurt and would represent a concrete sign of support for emigrants, as well as a serious step towards restoring trust between the diaspora and the home country.

We are currently in continuous discussions with the Government of the Republic of Croatia about the implementation of this project. Although the decision to establish the organisation has not yet been made, we are making every effort to implement the initiative as soon as possible.

Our goal is to establish a network of diaspora offices in key locations around the world, including four offices in Europe, the USA, Canada, South America, Australia, and two offices in New Zealand. We believe this is the first step in creating systematic and institutional support for our expatriates who wish to renew ties with Croatia or return permanently.

5.) I believe that these centres have not yet been established, so I would like to ask if your association plans to act as an agency for return assistance at this stage?

Yes, that is one of our plans, but its implementation depends on the further development of the talks and the goodwill of the Croatian Government. We are actively cooperating with the Government and looking for the best models for implementing the Marshall Plan for Croatia.

We are aware that this is a complex project that brings fundamental changes in relations between Croatia and the diaspora, and introduces new initiatives aimed at restoring trust and strengthening cooperation. The past 30 years have brought a number of challenges and misunderstandings that cannot be resolved overnight. However, it is important to emphasize that we have not lost our will – we remain persistent and committed to the realization of this project that would bring significant benefits to both the diaspora and the home country in the long term.

It is important for the diaspora to know that there is an Association that truly understands them. As someone who has spent 53 years in the diaspora, I deeply understand the challenges that our emigrants face. Through my public work, I have consistently emphasised that the process of return and connecting with the homeland can be most effectively led by someone who has walked the path themselves and knows the real needs of the diaspora. The past 30 years have shown the limitations of political will in addressing these issues, further confirming the importance of engaging those who understand the diaspora firsthand.

6.) Given that you are also an advisor to a government minister, can you list any specific or prominent tasks or programs related to improving the demographic picture of Croatia that the government is implementing?

I currently serve as an advisor to the Government of the Republic of Croatia for immigration and economic opportunities, primarily dealing with policies related to the return of emigrants. Although the issue of demographics is covered by other advisors, I believe that immigration is key to solving demographic challenges.

Croatia has a strong diaspora of approximately four million Croats around the world. Many of them express an interest in returning, but expect clear strategies, concrete programs and incentive conditions to be offered by the state. I believe that traditional demographic revitalization measures will not be enough and that the key lies in actively attracting young returnees and their families.

Examples such as Ireland and Israel show that well-designed return programs can have a long-term positive impact on the demographic picture. If Croatia manages to create the conditions for the return of 200 to 300 thousand young Croatians from abroad, the issue of demography would become a solvable problem. Therefore, our goal is to develop strategies that will send a clear message to the diaspora that they are welcome and enable them to return and integrate more easily into society and the economy.

7.) Do you have a special message for the diaspora?

My message to all Croatians around the world is not to give up and not to lose faith in their homeland. The diaspora has exceptional potential, and through unity and an organised approach, it can become a key factor in the economic and demographic revival of Croatia.

As part of the Marshall Plan for Croatia project, we are working on concrete initiatives that will facilitate return, investment and connections with the homeland. Among them are programs such as Dollar for Dollar, Discover Your Croatia and CRO GREEN, which are specifically aimed at young people and the business diaspora. Our goal is to provide clear and implementable models that will enable sustainable return and integration.

It is time for the diaspora to unite and speak with a common voice towards the institutions of the Republic of Croatia. As the initiator of these positive changes, I believe in the strength of our community and that only through perseverance and a positive approach can we create a system that will recognise and appreciate the contribution of the diaspora. Croatia needs its diaspora, and the diaspora needs a clear sign that it is always welcome here.

Message to returnees:

Returnees planning to return to Croatia should thoroughly inform themselves about the people and institutions that offer them assistance – be it mentors, law firms or other advisors. Unfortunately, there are also negative experiences, so it is important to rely on people with proven experience and expertise.

I recommend that before choosing a mentor or advisor, ask for their contact details and research their reputation. The best way to do this is to connect with people who have already gone through the return process and ask about their experiences – how they were guided through the process, what fees were requested and whether they were ultimately satisfied with the service provided.

Satisfied returnees are the best indicator of the quality of mentors and advisors, and their recommendation can help you make the right decision and avoid potential difficulties.

Principles of our work and funding

Our association operates exclusively on a charitable basis, with the aim of providing support and assistance to returnees and all those who are considering returning to Croatia. We base our work on transparency, professionalism and dedication, without setting financial conditions for the services we provide.

We do not ask for any compensation for our work, nor is anyone obliged to pay for any service. However, we believe that the best confirmation of our engagement is the satisfaction of the returnees we have helped. Therefore, we leave the opportunity for each individual, if they believe that we have been useful to them, to support the further work of the association with a donation according to their own decision, completely voluntarily and without any obligation.

Our goal is not profit, but to provide quality and credible assistance to all Croatians, wherever they are. Since we are not a state institution, but a private initiative, we are financed exclusively through donations from individuals who recognise the value of our work. That is why it is our responsibility and obligation to work honestly, dedicatedly and in the best interests of our people.

Interview conducted by Ina Vukic, March 2025