Croatia launches €2 million programme to encourage diaspora return

ZAGREB, 20 March 2026 (Hina) – Croatia has launched a new €2 million funding programme aimed at encouraging members of the Croatian diaspora to return, immigrate and integrate into life in the country.

The Ministry of Demography and Immigration announced two public calls for grants on Thursday, designed to support projects that facilitate the return of Croats living abroad and strengthen their integration into Croatian society.

Both calls will remain open until 20 April and are open to municipalities, cities, counties and civil society organisations.

A total of €1.3 million has been allocated to support projects by local and regional authorities.

Of that amount, €400,000 is reserved for county-level projects, while €900,000 will be available to cities and municipalities.

The programme aims to help local authorities create better conditions for Croatian returnees and immigrants from the diaspora.

Funding may be used for initiatives including:

• Housing solutions for returning Croats

• Programmes to attract and employ highly educated professionals in shortage occupations

• Improving infrastructure and material conditions for education, research and professional work

• Croatian language learning programmes for adult returnees

• Language and integration support for children of Croatian emigrants

Special attention will also be given to psychosocial support programmes for children, helping them adapt more easily to their new environment and integrate into local schools and communities.

Projects under this call can receive grants ranging from €5,000 to €50,000.

€700,000 available for civil society initiatives

An additional €700,000 has been set aside for civil society organisations working on projects that promote the return, immigration and integration of Croats from abroad.

Eligible applicants include associations, foundations, religious communities and Catholic Church organisations operating both in Croatia and internationally, including dioceses, parishes, religious orders and Croatian Catholic missions abroad.

Priority funding will be given to projects that focus on:

• Events related to return and relocation

• Promotional and informational initiatives

• Business and professional networking programmes

• Cultural and sporting events

• Integration support for children and young people

• Exchange programmes for young people up to the age of 30

Grants for civil society projects will range from €4,000 to €30,000.

The initiative forms part of Croatia’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with the global Croatian community and encourage more members of the diaspora to live, work and contribute to development in the country.

Through targeted support at the local level and through civil society programmes, the government hopes to make the return and integration process easier for Croats and their descendants who wish to reconnect with their homeland.

Details how to apply can be found here.