May the 9th, 2022 - Brexit resulted in more questions than it did answers, and whatever side of the fence you happen to be on, be it Bremain or Brexit, we can all likely agree on that. British nationals living across the EU ended up in strange and often unclear positions overnight, with very real legal and financial worries on their plates. With that being said, can Brits purchase Croatian property now Brexit is done, dusted and in the past? Yes.

''Can Brits purchase Croatian property?'' is a question that I see often, and the answers provided are somewhat vague. Given that the United Kingdom is no longer an EU member state, British citizens are no longer EU citizens, meaning that certain rights which were once afforded to them merely by being the holders of British passports no longer apply. Brits can no longer take up residence in Croatia with a quite registration and the flash of a UK passport like they once could, and only those Brits who were here before Brexit and who have acquired rights are still treated like EU citizens.

Up until February the 1st, 2020, ironically just before the global coronavirus pandemic reached Europe and caused havoc like we've never seen before, Brits could purchase property in Croatia as they were EU citizens. The same continued to be true between that aforementioned date and the 31st of December, 2020, during a transition period when all EU law continued to apply to the UK as it slowly made its way out of the bloc of which it had been a leading, powerful and wealthy member for over 40 years. 

During the UK's transition period out of the EU, British (and as such EU) nationals were free to purchase Croatian property without having to get any particular permissions and without having to engage in anything out of the ordinary. This applied to all property with the exception of what was classed as ''property and real estate in protected areas'' and agricultural land. Then came January the 1st, 2021, and everything changed for Britain. That was the real D-Day, when the UK ceased to be a member of any kind of the EU, the transition period ended at midnight (Central European Time) on the 31st of December, 2020.

The answer to the question of: Can Brits purchase Croatian property? was expected to change, but it didn't alter all that much. In short, yes they can, but that desired property absolutely needs to be classed as a residential property, and for that it must be in a certain ''zone''. This is all based on reciprocity agreements held between the Republic of Croatia and various other countries, and this functions in the British sense much like it did before Croatia joined the EU back in July 2013.

A tip for looking this sort of agreement up in Croatian would be to Google: Uzajamnost za stjecanje prava vlasnistva na nekretninama u Republici Hrvatskoj.

It sounds a little bit complicated, but in reality it isn't. If a Croatian citizen can buy property in a certain country, then the citizens of whatever country that might be can typically do the same in Croatia, with certain conditions attached in each specific case. You also do not need to registered as a resident of Croatia in order to buy a property here.

So, what needs to be done?

Consent for the acquisition of ownership rights over Croatian property by foreign citizens who aren't nationals of the EU/EEA or an EFTA country requires what everyone in Croatia just adores - an administrative procedure. I can hear you jumping for joy just reading that. A Brit intending to buy a property here must first make a request to the Ministry of Justice.

In the case of a British citizen who isn't protected by the Withdrawal Agreement wanting to purchase a property here, this procedure is conducted at their request to purchase real estate. Again, that real estate needs to be ''zoned'' as residential, and Brits cannot purchase agricultural land, nor can they buy property situated in a so-called protected area. 

An updated list of countries (aside from the UK) which comply with the reciprocity principle is available under Information on reciprocity in the acquisition of ownership rights of real estate between the Republic of Croatia and countries other than EU Member States, the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway or the Swiss Confederation.

The procedure is laid down in the provisions of the Act on Ownership and Other Real Rights and the Act on General Administrative Procedure. A mouthful, I know. Any submitted application must be written and then be submitted to the Registry and Archives Department. This can be done by post to the following address:

Croatian: Ministarstvo pravosudja i uprave Republike Hrvatske, 

Uprava za gradjansko, trgovacko i upravno pravo

Ulica grada Vukovara 49, 10000, Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Republika Hrvatska

English: The Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia,

The Directorate for Civil, Commercial and Administrative Law

City of Vukovar Street 49, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

The following documents must be enclosed along with your (written) application form:

- An acceptable legal basis for the acquisition of ownership (this can be a property purchase agreement, the deeds proving the property has been gifted to you, etc). These documents can be in their original form, or they can be certified copies.

- Proof of ownership from the seller of the property, such as a copy from the land register confirming their ownership.

- A certificate of the administrative body responsible for urban and physical planning, according to the location of the property, on the legal status of the property.

- Proof of the prospective owner's nationality (such as a certified copy of their passport showcasing their citizenship) or proof of legal entity status (evidence with a copy from the court register) if the prospective owner is a foreign legal entity.

- When the applicant is represented by an attorney-in-fact, the original power of attorney or a certified copy thereof must be submitted.

In certain cases, additional documentation will be sought from would-be buyers of Croatian property. It all depends on the individual request. 

So, in short, the answer to Can Brits purchase Croatian property? is a resounding YES, given that all of the requirements for reciprocity have long been met. This was of course helped not only by the UK's recent EU membership, but also by the fact that Croatia is the EU's youngest member state and that many bilateral agreements between the UK and Croatia before Croatian EU accession were long-standing and clear.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 28 Sept, 2021 - The Council of the EU on Tuesday approved a fund which will help member states tackle the negative impact of Great Britain's exit and from which Croatia is due €7.2 million.

The fund of €5 billion (in 2018 prices) will support the hardest hit regions, sectors and communities to cover extra costs, compensate losses or counter other adverse economic and social effects resulting directly from the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.

The largest amount, of €4.5 billion, is shared according to the importance of trade with the UK, €656 million is shared based on the importance of fisheries in the UK's exclusive economic zone, and €273 million is distributed based on the importance of neighbouring links for the maritime border regions with the UK.

Consequently, Ireland will receive the bulk of the money (€1.16bn), followed by the Netherlands (€886m) and France (€735m).

The bulk of the resources, €4.3 billion, will be made available to member-countries as pre-financing in three annual tranches - in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The remaining resources will be made available in 2025, after a review of the expenditure on eligible measures in the previous years, which will also factor in any unused amounts.

Today's approval by the Council is final. The European Parliament voted on it on 15 September. The regulation will enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page

June the 5th, 2021 - 2021 has so far flown by in the blink of an eye and summer is knocking at Croatia's door. Brits living in Croatia must make sure to register for their new status via the declaratory system MUP has set up before the 30th of June this year in order to have a carefree summer.

The UK's Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union guarantees the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and of UK citizens living elsewhere in the EU. The UK opted for something called Pre-settled and Settled status.

Different EU countries opted for different approaches to enshrining the rights of their resident British nationals following the UK's withdrawal from the bloc, and Croatia chose a declaratory system by which legally resident Brits simply register for a new residence card/document which evidences their acquired rights.

Instead of writing in full what needs to be done again for those who missed the last article, I'll simply link it here.

Brits living in Croatia need to follow the instructions provided in the above link for their specific situation. If you're a temporary resident and haven't yet gained permanent residence in Croatia, the procedure will be slightly different for you as in some cases you might (or you might not) be asked to provide more documents in order to determine your basis for continuing to live in Croatia.

In any case, be ready to have more documents on hand in case you're asked for them.

If you're a permanent resident already and became one before the UK's transition period ended on December the 31st, 2020, you are no longer subject to any requirements and the system of declaration will be very simple.

More information about what might be asked of you and what you'll need to provide, as well as the corresponding forms you need to fill in when submitting your documents depending on your current status (temporary or permanent resident) are provided in the link above. The email addresses of each administrative police station are also provided, as your registration must go to the police station responsible for your area of registered residence.

A quick jargon buster:

This is a declaration system to evidence your acquired rights, this isn't a new application for a new status.

You need to have been legally registered as living in Croatia in order to fall into the scope of protection offered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

The registration procedure is free, you only need to pay for new photos (if you don't already have some on hand) and just under 80 kuna as an admin fee for the new card to be made.

If Brits living in Croatia fail to submit their documents for registration for their new residence cards, they will not lose their rights, but may face an administrative fine and potential complications which aren't worth the hassle. Make sure to register for your new cards and before the end of this month. Don't risk your rights.

For more, make sure to follow our lifestyle section.

May 20, 2021 - The fifth article in the series "Friends of Croatia: British Embassy", saw TCN reporter Ivor Kruljac sit down with the UK Ambassador Andrew Dalgleish and discuss all things regarding diplomatic relations between the UK and Croatia. Diplomatic relations are, overall, really good and developing well, with Brexit being a challenge, but also an opportunity for deeper bilateral cooperation between the two European nations.

The diplomatic relations between the UK and the Republic of Croatia were formally established on June the 24th, 1992.

Almost 29 years later, I found myself in front of the Ambassador's residence and being warmly greeted by Snježana Vukić, the British Ambassador's advisor for communications. If you're inclined to think in stereotypes, you would expect a cup of tea, but instead, the cup of coffee with the creamy flat white texture turned out to be a much better beverage during the interview—both for me and for the Ambassador.

''We can sit wherever you like'', said Ambassador Andrew Stuart Dalgleish as he welcomed me inside the premises. A warm, kind, competent communicator that evened out the serious conversation about diplomatic topics with occasional humorous remarks to ensure both had an enjoyable and informative talk. The pins of both British and Croatian flags on his left coat lapel turned out to be a visual clue to the notion the friendship the UK and Croatia has long since held is still going well.

TCN reporter Ivor Kruljac with Ambassador Andrew Dalgleish © British Embassy Zagreb

Croatia and UK sharing western values

Andrew Dalgleish has served the UK as the Ambassador in Croatia since July 2016. He graduated with First Class Honours Degree in European Law at the University of Warwick, which included a year at Bordeaux University IV studying French Law. From 1998-1999 he worked in the Department of Social Security. His extensive knowledge of European law saw him work in UKREP (the United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union) from 1999 to 2004, firstly as the Second Secretary for Social Affairs, and from May 2001 as a First Secretary for the Environment.

That same passion for the environment led him to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), where he was the Project Manager for the Climate Change effort during the UK Presidency of the EU, and he also represented the EU in UNFCCC plenary meetings. In his service to DEFRA from 2006 to 2008, he participated in the creation of the Office of Climate Change (2006), and moved to be the Deputy Head of Group, in Environmental Land Management too. From 2008 to 2011, Dalgleish continued working as the Head of the European Union Strategy Department, where he held preparations ahead of the Prime Minister’s European Council briefings and assisting other ministries in shaping deliverable policies; coordinating influencing strategies and lobbying efforts within the EU.

''I should tell you, I'd never been to Croatia before I arrived here professionally, and I'm one of those rare British people who hasn't been here on holiday“, Dalgleish began as I asked him about his impressions of the country, and of course, of Croats.

''What struck me the most was the warmth of the people, the welcome, general sense of friendliness. Croats are really proud of their country, and quite rightly so, and they also really want you to love the country too,'' said the Ambassador, adding that the Croats he met took him to lots of places and restaurants where he discovered various new dishes.

He continued that one of the delights of Croatia in his opinion is its variety, and he finds it impossible to pick one location that fascinated him the most.

''I remember going to Vučedol near Vukovar, and it was mindblowing. The walking that I can do in Žumberak, not far from Zagreb is fantastic. You go to Brijuni and you have Roman ruins, or you go to Poreč and you've got the basilica there, or Vis, which is a paradise,'' he stated in his list.

His description of Croats as warm and friendly seems to demonstrate to what we could call Croatian values. But, what are British values? When asked this question, Dalgleish argued that these are habits we may consider to be national characteristics, but they aren't values, per-se.

''Brits are very proud of the idea that we believe in fair play, that will we do the right thing even if we lose the game. Maybe that's why we're terrible at sports,'' the Ambassador said with a touch of humour as he was describing the national characteristics of British citizens.

While stating that Croats should be asked what the UK is most famous for in Croatia, as an Smbassador who frequently talks to Croats, he did manage to come up with some conclusions on the issue.

''Football, clubs such as Chelsea or Manchester City, but also the British sense of humour. Croats laugh at similar things as we do. So much British TV is here, and the cultural exchange is really, really important as well,'' said the Ambassado,r referring to cult shows such as Only Fools and Horses (Croatian: Mucke).

''The Royal Family is very recognisable here, too. I think lots of interest and affection is shown for the Royal Family, and of course our brilliant 'weather' “, the Ambassador added.

When it comes to joint values, the Ambassador noticed that Croatia and the United Kingdom share many opinions that are neither Croatian nor British values, but rather a Western, European, or even Transatlantic view of the world.

''This encompasses a wide range of things that we very often take for granted but which are the foundations of our societies", explained the Ambassador, citing examples the freedom of the media or the rule of law.

''The democracies we live in, embrace and find to be a really important foundation are what we need to protect and defend for the sake of our societies.''

 Zagreb Pride, Ambassador Dalgleish with other diplomatic colleagues during Zagreb Pride © British Embassy Zagreb 

Things could be better at the commercial level, but there have been improvements...

The values ambassador Dalgeish described are the basis of diplomatic relations between Britain and Croatia, but how good is this relationship, actually? Where is it at its best, and where is it at its worst, where can things be better?

''The starting point is that diplomatic relations are really, really good, and I feel lucky that the cooperation our two countries enjoy is overwhelmingly positive,'' said the Ambassador. He added that as in any close relationship, two countries might disagree about something, but to the British Ambassador, being able to disagree and be fine with that is also a sign of a strong relationship.

''One great expression of our cooperation is NATO where we're really good, very close partners,'' continued the Ambassador, even referring to the recent DEFENDER-Europe-21 exercise in Zadar.

In addition to that, the recent visit of Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team to Croatia's Krila Oluje Pilots is also a good sign of cooperation and mutual friendship. 

The Royal Airforce Aerobatic Team and the Ambassador © British Embassy Zagreb

''Croatia occupies an almost unique position in terms of expertise that it can give on Southeastern Europe, as well as comprehensive understanding of what is a very complicated situation in this region,'' he said.

''All of this is very good, strong and positive, and it makes a global impact, and it's not just about how our two countries get along,'' he said.

The Ambassador also added that both Croatia and the UK are members of the Global Media Freedom Pledge and stand for freedom in the media. He also works very closely with both the Croatian Government and Croatian president Zoran Milanović to promote awareness of the threat of climate change.

''You'd expect me to say I communicate the most with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it would be true, it's where diplomatic relations are grown in a formal way. But I also communicate with all branches of the Government, with Parliament and with Pantovčak. Just today, I've been to the ''Dr Fran Mihaljević'' Clinic for Infectious Disease in Zagreb where I talked with its director, Professor Alemka Markotić, about what we can do about COVID-19“, added the Ambassador.

However, as expected, there are areas in which British-Croatian cooperation could be much better.

''Where I'd like things to be better, speaking very frankly, is in commercial relations. The UK has been less present on Croatian market and less accessible due to simple geography, especially when compared to the likes of Austria or Germany. When I arrived here, this is where I said I'd want to try to make a difference. I have made a difference, I hope. A small difference, but its a difference in the right direction, and the commercial relationship is better for that today,'' said the Ambassador.

These small steps saw trade in goods between the United Kingdom and Croatia increase by about 10% in the past few years, a good indicator of how things have been advancing, regardless of the concerns in the past that Brexit might affect it negatively.

''We've also seen investments from the Croatian side into the UK increase in the past few years – for example, Mate Rimac has just opened his research & development centre in the UK – we did help facilitate that through our Department for International Trade (DIT)“, added Ambassador.

UK Minister Greg Hands and Ambassador Andrew Dalgleish with Mate Rimac in Rimac Automobili © British Embassy Zagreb

In addition, the Ambassador used every opportunity to facilitate business and trade contacts between the UK and Croatia. When UK State Secretary in the Ministry of International Trade, Greg Hands, visited Croatia last month, the Ambassador hosted a dinner for him with several leading Croatian business figures for both sides to explore how they might further improve business connections between the two countries.

On top of that, the recent confirmation from the Justice Ministry that British citizens may purchase property in Croatia only further benefited the development of trading between the two European countries.

Leaving the table for face to face conversation

The cooperation Ambassador Dalgeish described sounds great, but when it comes to diplomatic relations with the UK, the elephant in the room screams out in need of a special mention. Brexit remains a hot topic for the British public, and as Croatia is a member of the EU, what changes can Croatia expect in diplomatic relations with the UK as the European island nation which chose to step away from the bloc?

Dalgleish sees Brexit both as a challenge and as an opportunity to deepen diplomatic relations between the UK and Croatia.

''With 28 members states as it was before, you had so many people around the table that when ministers came together for a council meeting, there were just too many people to have a meaningful conversation one on one. So you'd say ''see you in Brussels'', and you would, and you'd wave, and you'd smile, and you might even say hello. But you don't have a meaningful conversation all the time,'' said Ambassador Dalgeish from his own recollection as he spent a lot of time in Brussels.

''We aren't at that table anymore. That means we're going to have to make more of an effort but also that we will have the opportunity to build a more meaningful relationship with Croatia and I think that's quite exciting for me in the job that I do,'' said ambassador Dalgleish calmly but optimistically.

''Whereas before, our bilateral business might have been conducted during these convenient moments in Brussels at these meetings, that doesn't happen anymore. Now, we will hold them in London, and we will hold them in Zagreb. I think that's quite the opportunity to build something more meaningful than what we had in Brussels,'' stated the Ambassador.

As the UK has a massive impact on the world and can boast of very strong diplomatic relations with other big players on the geopolitical stage, I wondered how important the relationship with Croatia actually is, from the UK's point of view, and in regards to the country's interest in global affairs. 

''We look at Croatia as a global partner, and not just from the point of what we get from this bilaterally, but in what we're doing together to make a difference; Croatia sits as a partner,'' the Ambassador pointed out.

Already having mentioned the importance of Croatia's knowledge on Southeastern Europe and the instances of good cooperation through NATO, and issues such as climate change or COVID-19, the British Ambassador's claims are evidently backed up.

''I was sent here by the Foreign Secretary with a very serious mission to deepen the strength of the cooperation that we enjoy. It's a very important mission for me, and I think that's a reflection of how seriously we take the relationship with Croatia,'' confirmed the Ambassador.

The British Royal Family has always been very welcome in Croatia

The Ambassador already mentioned cultural exchange, and the British Embassy as an institution plays a significant role in the cultural promotion of the country. But, given the UK consists of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is it possible to represent all these cultures equally? Being Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II's Ambassador and representing the United Kingdom of Great Britain And Northern Ireland, Dalgeish shows his dedication to the job by equally representing all of the UK's four nations.

''We will proudly fly the St. George's Cross when it's St George's Day for England, but also the Saltire (Scottish flag), when it's St. Andrew's Day. I wouldn't say there is one element of the four nations that is dominant,'' said the Ambassador.

Culture is heavily linked with history, and the UK has been known in the past as a vast empire with colonies that are sovereign independent countries today. As Croatia was never colonised by the UK, are there any differences between the UK's relations with Croatia compared to other countries?

''The UK has a very long list of diplomatic relations, both with the countries who are part of Commonwealth, who were previously colonies, and with countries who were not colonised. So, there's no difference in forming a relationship with Croatia in comparison to such countries. There's nothing I can do about what happened in 1600's or 1700's, but I want to see what we can do in 2021,'' said the Ambassador, stating that the Ambassador's job is to look ahead, not backwards, to work on building the future, while acknowledging all the sensitivities of the past.

As the Ambassador already mentioned, his regular cooperation with the official bodies of the Republic of Croatia is the formal level of communication, while cultural exchange also has a key element in non-formal communication, particularly in education.

''I love going to schools. Talking to the kids about what they think about the UK, and what can they teach me about Croatia, and going to English lessons and causing chaos,'' said the Ambassador on his experiences with the school system in Croatia.

With the mention of the school system in Croatia, I couldn't help but recall my experience in education. Croatians seem to be quite talented when it comes English, but it is mostly pushed towards the American version of English.

''Oh yes I know, it's tragic,'' Ambassador Dalgleish joked in response when I shared my recollections.

He continued by saying that he is happy to see Croats speaking English so excellently, and he doesn't mind what version they learned, nor does he have any intention to have British English compete with American English.

''I don't hear too many American accents when talking to Croats, maybe it has something to do with British TV shows, maybe it doesn't, I don't know. But either way Croats should be very proud of how well they speak English,'' he concluded.

Ambassador Dalgleish on the Royal Wedding Party in Split © British Embassy Zagreb

As also already mentioned, the Royal Family is a big part of the of the fabric of Britain as it is a parliamentary monarchy.

The Royal family, particularly Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla seem to be very fond of Croatia indeed. Their last visit back in 2016 (following the Prince's earlier visit in 1996) saw the meeting with former Prime Minister Tihomir Orešković, former President Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, for whom Prince Charles highlighted his particular interest in the Croatian economy, as well as an interest in investing in Croatian youth. They also attended the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the death of the famous English writer and poet William Shakespeare at the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb.

''Their Christmas card even had a photo of them with the members of a folk band from Osijek“, said Ambassador Dalgleish referring to the photo the British Royals took with the dancers of the HKUD 1862 ensemble.

And as Glas Slavonije reported, Osijek is very special to Prince Charles as his Great Grandfather Franz von Teck was born there.

Most recently, however, the Royal Family suffered a tragic loss as the much-loved Prince Philip passed away. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed his deep condolences to Queen Elizabeth II publicly on Twitter, but as the Ambassador pointed out, he also sent condolences through official channels. Social media and overall technological progress now allows world leaders to communicate more directly, but it doesn't diminish the role of the British Embassy.

''Everyone who wanted to express their condolences, expressed them, from Pantovčak, to Parliament and the Government. Social media is an additional tool for us regarding public statements, but of course, embassies remain here for those sensitive issues that need to be discussed Government to Government, not over social media. We're also here for our citizens, and we can't be present in the whole country, so travelling, but also social media, are also very important here,'' explained the Ambassador.

The always attractive Dubrovnik was found to be the best example when it comes to culture in the country, as Game of Thrones and Star Wars were filmed there.

In the UK, the film industry, in addition to private incentives, gets financial support from the state, as the British Film Institute (BFI) is sponsored by a Government department. Following the examples of Star Wars and GoT, could there be more promotion from the BFI of Dubrovnik or Croatia in general as a good filming location?

''I don't really need to say anything about Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik speaks for itself, and more Brits visit Dubrovnik annually than anyone else,'' said the Ambassador with delight.

But if Dubrovnik did happen to need a good word or two; the Ambassador stated that he is not the tourist bord, and promoting Dubrovnik is not part of his duties.

''If someone from the UK contacts me and says that wants to film anywhere in Croatia, but is facing problems, then I'm here. But in general, the less I need to intervene, the better“, said the Ambassador adding that he found out about UK film producers filming in Croatia after it had already happened. One of the more recent examples of that was the filming of the ''The Ipcress File'' series in Zagreb, and the fact that the ambassador didn't need to intervene again only proves the steady and good relations between the nations.

Ambassador Dalgleish, other Ambassadors and Croatian officials attending a Mass for all victims of WW2 at the Zagreb cathedral © British Embassy Zagreb

British and Croatian Ambassadors: Swapping countries but closely talking and cooperating

Foreign embassies, of course, are in Croatia for foreign citizens, and the British Embassy is no exception to that rule.

In addition to the British Embassy and a consul in Zagreb, the UK has two additional consuls: in Split and Dubrovnik, to make sure it is present for UK citizens, not just visitors, but also for Brits who work and live in Croatia.

''We have an honorary consul in Dubrovnik, which isn't officially part of the embassy, but is there to assist our citizens visiting Dubrovnik,'' pointed out Ambassador Dalgleish praising honorary consul Mark Thomas for doing a great job.

When it comes to Croats, visas to visit the UK are luckily not needed, but Croatian citizens can contact the embassy to get more information about Great Britain should they need to.

''When it comes to trying to invest in the British market or getting their products or expertise into the UK, Croats need to contact the Croatian Embassy in London. I'm frequently in contact with the Croatian Ambassador there, Igor Pokaz, who is doing a brilliant job for our two countries to fund and nurture different ways of cooperation,'' explained the Ambassador when discussing his relationship with the Croatian Ambassador in London, Igor Pokaz.

Overall, British-Croatian diplomatic relations are good in general, and the Ambassador's assurance that Brexit can be an opportunity to deepen the already good relationship is a promise to the bright future of friendship. But, as it takes two to have a combo as good as fish & chips, Croatia also has to show that it is willing to continue to develop a good friendship with the UK.

If you're a British citizen or a Croatian citizen in need of information, here is how you can reach a British diplomatic mission in Croatia:

In Zagreb:

British Embassy

Adress: Ivana Lučića 4

Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone number: +385 1 60 09 100

British Council (for cultural realations):

Adress: Savska 32

Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone number: +385 1 48 99 504

More info on British Council official website.

In Split:

British Consulate

Adress: Obala Hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 10/III

Phone number: +385 1 60 09 100

In Dubrovnik:

British Honourary Consulate

Address: PP 454

Phone number: + 385 1 60 09 100

For all the latest news about the British Embassy straight from the source, visit their official website. You can also follow them on Facebook, Youtube, Flickr, Instagram and Twitter (the British Ambassador is on Twitter and Instagram too).

To read more from the series "Friends of Croatia", follow TCN's dedicated page.

For more about UK - Croatia relations, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, Dec 29, 2020 - The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) said on Tuesday that it would remove fmore than 800 registered regulated businesses from the UK and Gibraltar rom its registers due to Brexit.

According to a statement from HANFA, as of 1 January 2021 the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is considered to be a third country in relation to the EU, which is why changes will occur in HANFA's registers  regarding providers of financial services from the UK and Gibraltar.

"On 1 January 2021 HANFA will remove more than 800 registered regulated entities based in the UK and Gibraltar from its registers, which until then were authorised to provide services and/or perform activities in Croatia based on the EU passport, as well as 57 notified alternative investment funds," HANFA said.

The businesses in question provide investment services and perform investment activities, manage funds, provide (re)insurance services and distribute insurance products.

A complete list of these companies is available at HANFA's web site.

There are no businesses from the UK or Gibraltar that provide services in Croatia through a branch office so HANFA will not need to update those registers.

HANFA recalls that on December 24 the European Commission and the UK reached an agreement regulating their future cooperation.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement covers three areas - an agreement on free trade, partnership in protection of citizens' rights, and an agreement on governance.

December 2, 2020 - As the Transition Period is coming to an end, official advice from the British Embassy in Zagreb for UK nationals resident in Croatia. 

The Transition Period ends on 31 December. If you are a UK National resident in Croatia by 31 December, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Croatia. 

There are, however, some actions you should take now to keep all your rights and access to services in four key areas: residency, healthcare, travel and driving. This guide, presented in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, tells you what you need to do.

Register your residency at your local police station

If you are a UK National and are legally living in Croatia before 31 December 2020, the message is simple: no need to say ‘zbogom' or farewell. Your right to live in Croatia will be protected. 

It is a legal requirement to register your stay in Croatia if you are staying in the country for longer than 90 days. If you haven’t registered yet please look at the guidance on how to do so from the Croatian government here.

There may be further actions around residency for UK nationals to take in due course, so please continue to check the UK Government’s Living in Croatia guide. 

Check your access to healthcare and register if you are eligible

S1 holders who have registered with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) by 31 December, and have already obtained a Croatian document from the HZZO proving this, are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you are registered for healthcare via your employer, as a self-employed person, or via voluntary contributions, and you are registered as resident in Croatia by 31 December, your access to healthcare will remain unchanged for as long as you remain living in Croatia.

Check our Living in Guide on gov.uk for updated information on healthcare including actions you may need to take in the coming weeks. 

If you’re a UK student in Croatia or have a registered S1 you may be eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC. This EHIC will remain valid from 1 January 2021. Apply now for a new UK EHIC.

Exchange your UK driving licence for a local one

We are working to ensure that UK driving licences will continue to be recognised in Croatia for foreign visitors but if you are formally resident you should exchange your UK licence for a Croatian one. We recommend doing this before the end of the year.

You apply at your nearest police station. This service is available regardless of whether your residence in Croatia is temporary or permanent. For more information on driving in Croatia, visit our Living in Guide.

Checking you're ready for trouble-free travel 

Whether a veteran expat or a new arrival as someone who lives abroad you may notice some changes and new rules on travel within Europe from 1 January 2021. It’s therefore worth doing some homework now to save any potential troubles later.

From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (this does not include Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Croatia (returning to Croatia from abroad and are a legal resident) and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement. Be aware that any extra months you had added to your passport's validity when renewing it last time won't count towards this. Check your passport validity now and renew it if you need to. Find out more here.

Staying up-to-date 

There may be more actions to take later this year so stay updated by checking the Living in Croatia page on gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-croatia). You can also sign up to email alerts to this guide and follow the British Embassy Zagreb on Facebook and Twitter

“Good Riddance, UK!” After Irena Andrassy, Croatian ambassador to the EU, delivered her side-splitting parting statement to the UK; one English language school in Zagreb, Croatia used the ambassador’s English language fail to their advantage. She emitted the Freudian slip (?) while chairing the last meeting between the envoy of the United Kingdom and the European Union.

‘Good Riddance’ Becomes Croatia Ad Campaign

To widespread amusement, Andrassy told British Ambassador to the European Union Tim Barrow "Thank you, goodbye, and good riddance" which means "Thank you, goodbye, good to be rid of you", according to JutarnjiList on February 6, 2020.

The Američki institut (American Institute), a private English language school based in Zagreb, ​posted a photo of the new jumbo roadside billboard promoting the ambassador’s gaffe. The poster says: “Good riddance", and attributes those apparent no love lost parting words to the Croatian ambassador. The American Institute logo and message follow below along with the slogan: “Rid yourself of bad English”.

"Tree tousand young people" | Irena Andrassy

Croatia Ambassador Scrambles for Control of Runaway Gaffe

The Brexiting British and English speakers around the globe have enjoyed many laughs at Ambassador Andrassy's expense. After realizing the joke was on her, she rapidly responded in a Twitter post implying that her apparent gaffe was intentional, but that she was only kidding.

This isn’t the first time the American Institute has used the poor English skills of celebrities for its advertising campaigns. In 2017, the language school advertised English lessons with a photo of Melanie Trump on a roadside billboard: “Just imagine how far you can go with a little bit of English.”

First Lady Dispatched Legal Team to Threaten Language School

The First Lady of the United States was displeased with this representation of her considerable accomplishments and command of the English language. Through her legal team, the she demanded that the school remove the billboards within 24 hours or face severe legal consequences. The American Institute bowed to the demands of Trump's powerful legal team. However, because they had already leased the advertising space, they replaced the poster with another clever billboard; this time without Melania’s image.

On their Facebook page, the American Institute posted a photo of a new billboard with the caption “Take 2": “Invest in your English and billboards. People love a good billboard,” the new billboard sign advised.

Click here for more Total Croatia News articles on the First Lady, her accomplishments and English-speaking skills. Follow this link for TCN articles on prominent Croatians speaking English. Check out the Američki institut’s Facebook page for more amusing promotional imagery and an illustrated array of vocabulary builders.

January the 27th, 2020 - On the 31st of January, 2020, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland left the European Union after over forty years of membership. For some, on both sides of the English channel, Britain's departure is a joyous event, and for others - a time of deep sadness. Emotions aside, let's look at the practicalities for Brits in Croatia.

I've covered the Brexit saga from day one when it comes to Brits in Croatia and what it means for their residence rights, their driving licenses, their access the labour market and to health care in Croatia after Brexit and much more.

We've looked in depth at what Brexit with a deal means for Brits in Croatia, and what a potential no deal Brexit means for Brits in Croatia. Several articles have been written in an attempt to provide the best information possible for Croatia's resident Brits, and many emails back and forth with MUP and the EU have allowed us to bring you the clarity you need.

Long story short, all Brits in Croatia who have been living here legally under EU law (in this case freedom of movement) and have the residence documents (either temporary or permanent residence) to prove it, are entitled to stay regardless of the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, meaning that whether Boris Johnson manages to strike a deal or not - British citizens with valid residence permits are entitled to stay and will be protected either under the Withdrawal Agreement or by Article 75 of the Croatian Law on EEA nationals and their family members.

JARGON BUSTER: 

Withdrawal Agreement/Orderly Brexit - Brits in Croatia are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement and Croats in the UK are too, but they must still apply for Settled status before June 2021.

No deal Brexit after December 2020 (or later if the transition period is extended) - Brits in Croatia are protected by Article 75 of the law on EEA nationals and their family members and Croats are protected unilaterally by the UK by applying for Settled status (the equivalent of permanent residence/Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Now that things are clear for Brits already living in Croatia and indeed Croats already living in the UK, what about those planning to make the move but won't be able to do so before Brexit day on the 31st of January?

Because the UK's Withdrawal Agreement has been ratified, the eleven months of the UK's transition (implementation) period will begin on the 1st of February, 2020. During the transition, nothing will change for travellers. British passport holders can still freely use the EU lines at EU airports and the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) remains valid.

British nationals will not need any type of visa to go to the EU or to enter Schengen even after the transition period ends.

This eleven month period will continue until December 2020, and will potentially be extended after that. During this period, Brits who want to make the move to Croatia, or indeed to any other EEA country, are more than entitled to do so under European Union law which will still apply to the UK throughout the transition period. The same is true for Croats or indeed any other EU citizen who wants to make the move to Britain during these eleven (and potentially more) months.

What will my post Brexit rights be if I move to Croatia during the transition period? Will they differ from the rights afforded to those who made the move before that?

Your rights will be the same as those of EU citizens, this includes British citizens already living in Croatia. You have the right to move, reside, and register your temporary residence under EU rules in Croatia. In short, no, your rights will not be any different to those who moved to Croatia before Brexit day.

You can find out more about how to apply for residence here (scroll down to the rules for EEA citizens).

Why is the transition period only eleven months long?

Because of the repeated extensions to Brexit, which was originally meant to happen two years after Article 50 was invoked and occur back in March 2019, the transition period will now only be a measly eleven months long.

What about when the transition period ends, either in December 2020 or later on?

When the transition period ends, things will become more difficult for Brits to move to Croatia or elsewhere in the EEA. The British Government wants to end freedom of movement, so unless some other sort of bespoke agreement is reached, the right to simply come and reside in Croatia is likely to alter. 

A lot of what will happen after the end of the transition period is complete guesswork at this moment in time as many decisions on the UK's future relationship with the EU will be decided during the next eleven (or more) months. However, Brits who do decide to move to Croatia after the transition period in which all EU law continues to apply to the UK ends, will be treated as third country nationals.

What does that mean?

Third country nationals are nationals from outside of the EEA. These people can non-Europeans such as American, Australian or Canadian citizens, or they can be other Europeans from outside of the EEA, such as Ukrainians, Belarusians or Macedonians.

Gaining residence in Croatia is notoriously hard for them. Keeping hold of it is also difficult as third country nationals are afforded much less freedom when it comes to travel outside of Croatian borders. EU citizens can be out of the country for six months per year without it affecting their residence. Third country nationals must have a good reason if they want to be out for more than 30 days in a row or risk the termination of their permits. The list of ''cons'' for third country nationals is very long. You will absolutely still be able to move here, but it will not be a right governed by EU law and you will face ridiculous hurdles and additional costs.

If I apply for residence during the transition period, what rights will I be granted and have protected?

You will be able to apply under much easier EU rules. 

You will have free access to the Croatian labour market and you will not need a work permit.

You will be able to be self employed.

Your right to live and work in Croatia will be protected by the authorities.

You will be able to apply for permanent residence under the same rules in five years.

Once you secure permanent residence in Croatia, you can be out of the country for as long as five years in a row without losing it. Unlike other EEA citizens, who can only be out for two years in a row.

These are what are often known as acquired rights and most importantly of all - you will not be treated as a third country national.

OUR ADVICE:

If you want to move to Croatia and you're a British national, do so before the end of December 2020 to be treated as an EU citizen and be protected by the Withdrawal Agreement or by Article 75 in Croatian law.

If you already live in Croatia and for some reason or another haven't registered your temporary residence - do so now.

If you already live in Croatia and have done for five years with legal, uninterrupted temporary residence (absences of six months per year are allowed) apply for your permanent residence permit now.

A list of useful links from TCN:

(Please note that some of the names, such as former PM Theresa May, and former Brexit dates that never happened may be included in the links provided below. Ignore them but understand that all of the information remains relevant)

What the Withdrawal Agreement means for Brits in Croatia and Croats in the UK

Brexit Brits in Croatia - Simplified jargon for Croatia's British residents

Brexit Brits in Croatia - MUP's guidelines in the event of any scenario

Brits in Croatia - How Croatia will protect your rights deal or no deal (latest article with the newest info!)

A useful link from MUP:

Information concerning the future relations between the UK and the EU

Follow our politics page for more on Brexit.

December the 16th, 2019 - Here is the lowdown on how Croatia will protect its British residents, deal or no deal. Brits in Croatia will need to act in the case of a no deal Brexit in order to be protected by Article 75 of the Law on EEA nationals, and will be protected by the withdrawal agreement in the case of a Brexit deal.

Conservative party leader Boris Johnson won a majority in the recent UK general election, making leaving the EU with a deal on the 31st of January, 2020 (providing that the exit date isn't extended once again) much more likely than a disorderly no deal exit. While many are more than understandably dismayed at the result of the election, the silver lining is that the threat of a no deal exit has significantly diminished.

If Boris Johnson manages to get a parliamentary majority to pass his withdrawal agreement (which is actually Theresa May's deal, he merely changed the details of the agreement on the Irish backstop, which is nothing to do with citizens' rights), then at the very least - affected citizens on both sides of the English channel will have full clarity.

What does this mean for Brits in Croatia? Let's take a look.

Johnson passes the withdrawal agreement leading to Brexit with a deal - the UK withdraws from the European Union after 40 years of membership with a ratified deal in place either on the 31st of January, 2020 or afterwards, should the exit date be extended again, and enters into a transition (implementation period) in which EU law continues to fully apply to the UK until the 31st of December, 2020 (or longer if extended):

If you're a British citizen and you live legally in Croatia with a valid residence permit, exercising your treaty rights derived from EU law (freedom of movement), and continue to exercise those rights after Brexit day (which in this case, doesn't actually refer to the 31st of January, 2020 (or any other exit date with a deal), it refers to the end of the foreseen transition period, which is December the 31st, 2020), you are safe.

What does that really mean?

If you possess a valid residence permit issued (temporary or permanent) set out by the provisions on the Law on EEA citizens and their families after the end of December 2020, you're safe and your rights will be protected as if nothing has altered. You'll go on living your life in Croatia broadly as you did before.

What if I'm a temporary resident and don't yet have permanent residence in Croatia?

Applications for the extension of your temporary residence permit (if you were not automatically given five years when you applied the first time) made before or during the UK's transition period (which the UK calls the implementation period) will remain the same.

Brits in Croatia will only pay what nationals pay for the issuance of other similar documents for new temporary residence cards when approved, and the process will be the same as before, in line with the regulations for EEA nationals.

At the time of writing, the admin fee for temporary residence cards for EEA citizens is 79.50 kuna.

I have temporary residence and won't be able to apply for permanent residence until the end of the UK's transition period (after the 31st of December, 2020), what do I need to do?

You are safe. Under the withdrawal agreement struck between the UK and the EU, as long as you hold temporary residence, you will be able to remain in Croatia and apply for permanent residence after five uninterrupted years of residence.

What if I have completed my five years of lawful, uninterrupted temporary residence in Croatia and want to apply for permanent residence?

Applications for permanent residence made before or during the UK's transition period (which the UK calls the implementation period) will remain the same.

Brits in Croatia will only pay what nationals pay for the issuance of other similar documents for permanent residence cards when approved, and the process will be the same as before, in line with the regulations for EEA nationals.

At the time of writing, the admin fee for permanent residence cards for EEA citizens is 79.50 kuna.

I already hold permanent residence in Croatia and have the card to prove it, what do I need to do?

If you already hold permanent residence in Croatia, you don't need to do anything before the 31st of December, 2020. You may need to get a new card in future, but this will be a simple exchange and not a new application. We will be sure to update you should alterations occur.

You do not need to be physically present in Croatia on December the 31st, 2020, when the UK's transition period ends (unless it is extended), in order to be considered legally resident, you only need to be in possession of a permit proving either your temporary or permanent residence in Croatia.

The only significant change is that you'll be allowed to leave Croatia for up to five consecutive years without losing your permanent residence status here. For other EEA nationals, that is two years. So, essentially, unless you're out of the country for five years in a row, you'll enjoy permanent residence for life, renewing the card every ten years like you do with a passport.

It's worth remembering that Croatia dropped the restrictions on the labour market for Brits in Croatia when Britain dropped its own restrictions on Croatian nationals, so you no longer need a work permit to work in Croatia as long as you have legal residence. Permanent residents (regardless of their nationality) have never needed one, nor do they now, nor will they.

If you have not yet registered your residence in line with the regulation on EEA nationals, we urge all Brits in Croatia to do so as soon as possible in order to be protected under the withdrawal agreement.

Having a residence card which is valid is clear proof to the Croatian authorities that you hold British citizenship and that you have been legally resident before the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

British nationals will continue to enjoy the ability to move freely to other EU member states throughout the duration of the transition period.

No deal Brexit - Johnson fails to pass the withdrawal agreement or come to a new agreement with the EU, the exit date is not extended and the UK crashes out of the EU without any ratified agreement on the 31st of January, 2020. There is no transition period:

Croatia will protect your rights as Brits in Croatia with legal residence in the case of a no deal Brexit with transitional measures that will have no end date as long as you remain a British citizen and possess a valid residence permit issued pursuant to the applicable legislation on EEA nationals (freedom of movement).

British citizens (and their family members, both EU and non EU) who hold legal residence (or residence of a family member of a citizen of the Union, in the case of third country family members of British citizens) on the date of a no deal Brexit will be protected under Article 75 of the Law on EEA nationals, which was passed in July this year and will come into force to shield British citizens if a no deal exit occurs.

What does that really mean?

As we previously stated, in the case of any type of Brexit, all Brits in Croatia will need to have temporary or permanent residence registered at the administrative police station responsible for the area in which they live before a no deal Brexit, after that, you will be issued with a registration certificate and a residence card which will be a clear proof of your residence.

If you already have your temporary/permanent residence registered and have a residence document (registration certificate or residence card) to prove it issued under the EU free movement right, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit for one year from the no deal Brexit date (or until the card's expiration date, if the said date is shorter). During this transition period, you will have to apply for a new residence document (residence permit) that will be issued in the format laid down by Regulation 1030/2002.

This will be a simple exchange and not an entirely new application, providing that you do it within the aforementioned period.

If you did not register your residence prior to a no deal Brexit date, you will have to apply for a residence status and residence permit in line with the legislation for third country nationals. Third country nationals tend to have a much, much more difficult time gaining and securing their status in Croatia than EEA citizens, therefore it is of paramount importance to register your residence as an EEA citizen as soon as possible. This cannot be stressed enough.

What will my rights be as a legal resident of Croatia in the event of a no deal Brexit?

With your temporary residence permit (which will later be exchanged for a new residence permit in line with Regulation 1030/2002), you will keep the right of residence and the right to work in Croatia without the need to be issued with any sort of additional permit - indefinitely. This is the equivalent of the UK's Indefinite Leave to Remain status.

Please note that you must apply for a new permit within a year (or less of your residence is due to expire in a shorter time period) of a no deal Brexit regardless of what type of residence you hold (temporary or permanent).

What will my exchanged temporary residence permit allow me to keep doing?

Your exchanged temporary residence permit will allow you to live your life as you did before until you rack up five years of residence, after which you can apply for permanent residence.

What will my exchanged permanent residence permit allow me to keep doing?

Your exchanged permanent residence permit will allow you to keep living your life as you did before. Permanent residents are equal to Croatian nationals (excluding voting rights). You will just renew it every ten years without any questions asked or any more requirements to meet, much like you would with a passport.

Why do I need to exchange my temporary or permanent residence card for a new one? Isn't it all the same thing?

If you look at your residence permit, you'll notice the letters EGP (Europski gospodarski prostor/European Economic Area), once the UK withdraws from the EU, it is foreseen that it will also end its membership of the EEA. 

The new residence permits referred to shall specify the extent of the rights exercised by UK nationals and their families who are third-country nationals in order to make the holder's protection clear with the words: Holder of the rights of article 75 (point 1) of the Law on the EEA/Nositelj prava čl. 75. st. 1. Zakona EGP.

How can I travel to other member states or cross the EU's external borders?

You will have to carry your passport and your temporary residence permit (which will be exchanged within one year of a no deal Brexit date for a new permit) with you when crossing the EU's external borders. UK citizens will not need any type of visa to enter the Schengen zone, of which Croatia is not a part.

My family members (spouse, children) are third-country nationals (neither EU or UK nationals). What should they do to keep their residence rights?

If they already have a residence card issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as their temporary residence permit up to one year from the Brexit date (or until their expiration date, if the said date is shorter). After one year, they must also apply for a new residence permit in line with Regulation 1030/2002.

If they do not have a residence card, resident third country nationals who are family members of Brits in Croatia will have to apply for a residence status also under new specific rules that will be in place. Applications are possible as of the date of a no deal Brexit.

Things to keep in mind:

In the case of a no deal Brexit, the deadline for permit exchanges is one year after the date of a no deal Brexit (or before, if your permit is due to expire before that). If you fail to exchange your permit in that time, you will need to apply for residence pursuant to the regulation on third country nationals. Doing this is likely to open up a whole host of incredibly stressful issues. We can't stress enough to Brits in Croatia that you absolutely must not allow this to happen.

MUP have also offered some helpful advice. That is if you plan to travel to other EU member states during this period, you might consider applying for your new residence permit long before the deadline. Applying straight away isn't obligatory, but it might help you to steer clear of any needless headache or potential burdensome procedures when crossing EU borders.

The sources used for this article are all official, with thanks to the European Commission, Zakon o drzavljanima drzava clanica Europskog gospodarskog prostora i clanovima njihovih obiteljima/Law on EEA nationals and members of their families and MUP/Sredisnji drzavni portal/Central state portal.

We sincerely hope this helps all Brits in Croatia to feel more at ease about what they need to do to secure their status. Make sure to keep up with our dedicated politics page for much more on Brexit, Brits in Croatia and domestic and EU politics.

October the 24th, 2019 - Who would ever have thought that possessing a Croatian passport would be a desire placed high on the list of a British citizen? A look at how the shock referendum result of 2016 changed minds and hearts.

Brexit is slowly becoming one of those words that drains the life and joy out of you when you say it. This process has now been going on for more than three years with yet another potential extension until the end of January 2020 on the horizon (we'll hopefully know more tomorrow about that).

After Donald Tusk warned the UK not to simply keep kicking the can down the road after the EU granted the last extension (from March to October this year), it seems that Britain is still no closer to sorting out the mess it has created.

With that being said, many Brits have sought out second citizenships following the referendum result of June 2016, in which the British public narrowly voted to leave the economic bloc. The mixing of the Brits and the Irish over many years made it easy for some who have an Irish parent or grandparent to get their hands on Irish citizenship and as such remain citizens of the EU.

Many Brits who have lived abroad in the rest of Europe for several years decided to apply to naturalise in their adopted countries, and countries like Germany even kindly went as far as to alter their laws, albeit temporarily, to allow Brits who apply for German nationality to be able to keep their British citizenship too.

While citizens rights has been decided across the bloc, deal or no deal, some Brits still will simply not feel secure unless they have a new passport, and that's more than understandable given the fact that after Britain ends its 40 year membership of what is now the EU (formerly the European Community), people fear being left in the dark with no EU laws to turn to for help.

However, not all of those seeking a second passport are living in another EU country. Some are resident in Britain and simply feel the need to take advantage of having a foreign parent now more than ever. One such person is British TV presenter Adrian Chiles, known for presenting the popular ''The One Show'' and who currently works as a radio presenter for BBC Radio 5 Live.

Chiles took to The Guardian on October the 24th, 2019 to discuss his longing for a Croatian passport, what with his mother being Croatian, and how he now values the idea more than ever given the utterly dire situation with Brexit.

Chiles cites how he has spent a lot of time in Croatia over the years, both before and after its independence from Yugoslavia. He talks about how ''one of his favourite things to do was to leave his British passport lying around when with friends over there'', before going on to talk about how dramatically that tide has now turned.

''How things have changed'' states Chiles when recalling his friend, Tomislav, tossing his Croatian passport on the floor and being irritated with the fact that such a document would never get him anywhere. Chiles claims that because he once had a Yugoslav passport, he thought obtaining a Croatian one would be simple, but of course, with all things Croatian as we who live here know well - it is anything but that.

Read Adrian's opinion piece in the link to The Guardian provided above.

Are you a foreigner with legal residence living in Croatia? Would you like to try your hand at naturalisation as a foreigner? Click here. Married to a Croat and want that little blue passport? Click here.

If you're worried about Brexit and are a British resident in Croatia, follow our extensive reporting on all things Brexit on our dedicated politics page.