In recent years, Croatia has seen a significant increase in the number of South American nationals granted citizenship. According to the Croatian Ministry of Interior, between January 2020 and August 2024, a total of 11,054 citizens from South American countries obtained Croatian citizenship. Despite this large number, only a small fraction have chosen to live in Croatia.
Out of those granted Croatian citizenship, just 342 South Americans have declared residency within the country. This has raised concerns among Croatian authorities, who are analyzing the reasons behind the low settlement rate.
The majority of those benefiting from Croatian citizenship during this period were Argentinian nationals, with 5,581 obtaining Croatian passports. Argentina’s strong ties to Croatia, stemming from historical waves of Croatian immigration to South America, likely contribute to this trend. Citizens of other South American nations, including Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and several others, also benefitted from this opportunity.
Here is a breakdown of the top ten South American countries whose citizens received Croatian citizenship from 2020 to August 2024:
- Argentina: 5,581
- Chile: 2,615
- Peru: 741
- Bolivia: 733
- Brazil: 597
- Ecuador: 206
- Venezuela: 184
- Paraguay: 167
- Uruguay: 125
- Colombia: 105
While the influx of new citizens from South America highlights Croatia’s global reach in granting citizenship, the low number of residents suggests that many may be acquiring Croatian citizenship for reasons unrelated to relocation. Many South Americans of Croatian descent may be using citizenship as a way to connect with their heritage, travel more freely within the European Union, or access business and educational opportunities.
Authorities will continue to monitor these trends to better understand the motivations of new citizens and how they engage with their newly acquired rights.