Relocating to Croatia with children comes with a long checklist—but one of the most important steps for expat families is enrolling your child in school. Whether you’re applying to a public Croatian school or a private international institution like Adria International School in Opatija, certain documents must be submitted—and some of them must be professionally translated and certified.
In this blog post, you’ll find out exactly what documents you need, which translations require certification, and how the process works for families moving from the EU or other countries.
Required Documents for School Enrollment in Croatia
Regardless of whether you’re enrolling your child in a local school or a private international program, you’ll likely be asked to provide:
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- Proof of Residence in Croatia (e.g. rental contract, residence permit)
- Passport or National ID (for EU citizens)
- Immunization Records / Medical Certificate
- School Records from the Previous School
- Certificates or Transcripts (if transferring from another school)
For international schools like Adria International School in Opatija, additional requirements may include:
- English language assessment (depending on grade level)
- Application form and admission interview
- Transfer certificates from your child’s current school
Which Documents Require Certified Translation?
In Croatia, certified translations (sworn or court-certified translations) are typically required for:
- Birth Certificates
- Previous School Certificates / Diplomas
- Medical or Immunization Records (if not issued in English or Croatian)
- Proof of Residence if it’s not originally in Croatian
Documents such as passports or national IDs usually do not require translation unless specifically requested.
⚠️ Important: Schools in Croatia—especially public ones—often require these documents in Croatian language, certified by a court-certified translator (sudski tumač). Private international schools like Adria may also accept documents in English, but still require official translations for administrative or legal processing.
What If You’re Coming from Another EU Country or Abroad?
If your child is transferring from a school in another country:
- EU Citizens: While there is usually some flexibility within the EU, most Croatian schools will still require certified Croatian translations of key documents.
- Non-EU Citizens: Certified translations are almost always required, especially for official documents like birth certificates or academic transcripts.
Tip from a Local Sworn Translator
I highly recommend preparing all the required documents in advance and confirming with the school which translations require certification.
To make the process smoother, I offer same-day certified translations for most common school documents. My office is based in Rijeka, and I work with expat families from across the region.
Need Help Translating Your Child’s School Documents?
Whether you’re enrolling in a private or a public Croatian school, I provide certified English–Croatian translations for:
- Birth certificates
- School records and diplomas
- Proof of residence
- Medical forms
📍 Based in Rijeka | ⚖️ Court-certified translator | ⏱️ Same-day delivery available
👉 Contact me today to get started or request a quote.
Sudski tumač za engleski jezik Rijeka | Certified Translator 