If you’re applying for Croatian citizenship, you’ve probably heard about two requirements for your U.S. documents: Apostille and certified translation into Croatian.
Many applicants find this part confusing — do you need both? Which one comes first? And where should you get them? Let’s break it down step by step.
What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a type of legalization that confirms your U.S. document is authentic and can be recognized abroad. For Croatian citizenship, every foreign document must have an Apostille.
- Apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the U.S. state where the document originated.
- Common documents requiring Apostille include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Criminal record extracts
- Diplomas and transcripts
Without an Apostille, your document will not be accepted in Croatia — even if it is translated.
Why Do You Also Need a Certified Translation?
After Apostille, your documents must be translated into Croatian. However, not just any translation will do.
Croatian authorities (MUP, courts, and consulates) require translations made by a court-certified interpreter in Croatia (sudski tumač)
Which Comes First: Apostille or Translation?
Always get the Apostille first.
- Step 1: Request Apostille on your original document in the U.S.
- Step 2: Send both the original document and the Apostille for certified translation into Croatian.
This way, the translation includes both the document and the Apostille, making it fully valid for your application.
Can You Do Everything from the U.S.?
Yes! The process is simple and online:
- Obtain the Apostille for your U.S. documents.
- Scan and email them to a certified Croatian translator.
- Receive your official Croatian translations in PDF format the same day.
- Request worldwide shipping if you need hard copies.
Why Translate in Croatia?
✅ Legally valid – required by Croatian authorities
✅ Affordable – up to 3x cheaper than U.S. agencies
✅ Fast – same-day delivery of translations
✅ Worldwide service – no need to travel to Croatia
Final Tip
Think of Apostille and certified translation as a two-step security check for your documents. Both are essential for Croatian citizenship applications — and when done correctly, they make the process smooth and stress-free.
Need help translating Apostilled U.S. documents for your Croatian citizenship application?
Contact us today for official translations, same-day delivery, and affordable worldwide service.
Sudski tumač za engleski jezik Rijeka | Certified Translator 