Croatia offering €1.2 million in funding to support diaspora return and integration

Zagreb (Photo: Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

ZAGREB, 10 July 2026 – Croatia’s Ministry of Demography and Immigration has launched a new public funding call worth €1.2 million to support projects encouraging the return, immigration and successful integration of members of the Croatian diaspora.

The programme is aimed at helping strengthen Croatia’s demographic renewal by creating favourable conditions for Croatians living abroad, their descendants and family members to return and become fully integrated into the country’s social, economic and cultural life.

The funding call opened on 9 July and will remain open until 10 August 2026 at 12:00 CET.

Eligible applicants include civil society organisations operating in Croatia or abroad, including associations, foundations, legal entities of the Catholic Church and other religious communities. Public institutions in Croatia may also participate as project partners.

Applicants may submit one project proposal within a single priority area, either independently or in partnership.

Projects can be submitted under six priority categories:

• Organisation of events promoting the return and relocation of members of the Croatian diaspora and their families.

• Development of promotional and information materials providing guidance on returning and moving to Croatia.

• Business and professional networking programmes linking the Croatian diaspora with Croatia.

• Cultural and sporting events promoting Croatian identity and strengthening connections with the homeland.

• Support programmes helping children and young people from the Croatian diaspora integrate into Croatia’s education system and wider society.

• Exchange and experiential programmes for children and young people from the Croatian diaspora up to the age of 30.

The total funding available is €1.2 million.

Individual grants range from €4,000 to €40,000, depending on the project category. Projects focused on promotional and informational content are eligible for grants of up to €10,000, while projects in the remaining priority areas can receive up to €40,000.

Eligible project costs may be claimed from 1 January 2026, with projects lasting for a maximum of 12 months.

Applications must be submitted by email no later than 10 August 2026 at 12:00 CET.

All the details and application forms can be found on the website (right-hand side) of the Ministry of Demography and Immigration HERE