Croatian ID card costs explained: who qualifies for a free ID and how to avoid extra fees

(Photo: MUP)

Obtaining a Croatian ID card does not necessarily have to be expensive if citizens are aware of the options available to them.

A detailed overview from Poslovni dnevnik of the costs, deadlines and potential savings shows that the price of the document can vary significantly depending on age, urgency and the type of card requested.

In some cases, the document can even be issued completely free of charge.

The personal identity card is mandatory for all Croatian citizens who have residence in Croatia. Although the process is often viewed as a routine administrative obligation, understanding the rules can help save both time and money.

Standard cost for most citizens

For most adults, the most affordable option is the regular procedure. In this case, the electronic identity card (eOI) is issued within 30 days of submitting the request.

The cost for a standard card containing both identification and digital signature certificates is €13.27. This price applies to adult citizens up to the age of 70.

Free ID cards for minors

One group of citizens does not have to pay at all.

The first identity card for people under the age of 18 with residence in Croatia is issued free of charge, provided the request is made through the regular procedure.

In these cases, the entire cost is covered by the state budget. Parents or guardians therefore do not need to make any payment when applying for a child’s first ID card, Poslovni dnevnik says.

This can be particularly useful for families whose children require identification for travel within the European Union or other official purposes.

Options for citizens over 70

Citizens aged 70 and above also have additional options.

If they choose a card with electronic identification and signature certificates, the price remains €13.27, with the certificates valid for five years.

However, if they do not need digital services, they can opt for a cheaper ID card without certificates costing €9.29.

This version has a significantly longer validity period of 40 years, although it cannot be used for electronic identification or digital signatures.

A simple way to save money on photos

Applicants can also reduce costs by reusing an existing photograph.

If the Ministry of the Interior already has a photograph on record from a previous ID card or passport issued within the last five years, and the person’s appearance has not changed significantly, the same photo can be used again.

This avoids the need for a new photograph, which typically costs €7–€10, and simplifies the application process.

How to avoid additional fees

Another way to save money is by choosing the right payment method.

Paying fees at post offices, banks or FINA counters often includes additional transaction charges. To avoid these costs, applicants can pay directly into the state budget account using internet or mobile banking.

Payment can also be made by bank card at the police administration counter when submitting the request.

Deadlines and potential fines

Citizens must also pay attention to legal deadlines.

Applications for a new ID card must be submitted no later than 15 days before the current card expires. Failure to do so can result in a fine of €66.36, which is significantly higher than the standard cost of issuing the document.

Faster options if needed

For those who need the document sooner, two faster procedures are available.

• Accelerated procedure: issued within 10 days, costing €25.88

• Urgent procedure: issued within three working days, costing €66.36

Applications must be submitted in person at a police administration or police station, where biometric data, including fingerprints, are collected.

Don’t forget to collect the card

Once the ID card has been produced, citizens must collect it within the required timeframe.

The document must be collected within 90 days after the issuance deadline. In practical terms, this means:

• Regular procedure: within 120 days of the application

• Accelerated procedure: within 100 days

• Urgent procedure: within 93 days

If the card is not collected in time, it will be cancelled, and the entire procedure, including the cost, must be repeated.

Planning ahead and understanding the available options can therefore make the process of obtaining a Croatian ID card significantly easier and cheaper.