This guide provides an overview of VAT in Croatia, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Croatia.
places Croatia among the EU countries with the highest VAT rates.
Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Croatia may be able to reclaim it.
Doing business in Croatia? You’ll need to play by the Croatian VAT Act rules.
Registration is mandatory for businesses above the threshold, while those below it can choose to register.
Croatia applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, generally utilizing the OSS system for EU cross-border services.
Businesses participating in trade fairs may incur VAT in Croatia on expenses such as accommodation, transport, and exhibition fees. To recover these costs, they must ensure they hold valid invoices that include the supplier’s Croatia VAT number and submit a claim through the Croatia VAT refund mechanism under the applicable directive.
Croatian businesses can recover foreign VAT incurred in the EU via the EU 8th Directive VAT refund procedure and from certain non-EU countries through Foreign VAT refund mechanisms. Businesses outside Croatia can also potentially reclaim VAT incurred in Croatia via the 8th or 13th Directive. A Croatian VAT ID is not required for foreign VAT claims, but valid documentation and compliance with Croatian VAT rules are essential.
Domestic businesses reclaim VAT through their PDV return (Obrazac PDV).
Foreign businesses must apply electronically through their home tax authority (EU) or directly to the Croatian Tax Administration (non-EU).
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