Croatian Citizenship Test
Prepare for your Croatian citizenship test with our comprehensive practice materials and guides. Learn about the language test and cultural knowledge requirements.
Important Notice: Requirements for Croatian citizenship tests are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on whether you need to take these tests, please visit the official Croatian government page at gov.hr/en/acquiring-croatian-citizenship/460. We still recommend practicing these tests to enhance your understanding of Croatian language and culture.
Croatian Citizenship Language Test
Test your knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin alphabet (Poznavanje hrvatskog jezika i latiničnog pisma). Can be taken at approved educational institutions.
Croatian Citizenship Culture Test
Test your knowledge of Croatian culture and social structure (Poznavanje hrvatske kulture i društvenog uređenja). Covers history, government, arts, and more.
What is the Croatian Citizenship Test?
The Croatian citizenship test consists of two distinct components that evaluate your readiness to become a Croatian citizen. Each test focuses on different aspects of integration into Croatian society:
Language Test
This test can be taken at approved higher education institutions, secondary schools, or adult education centers. You can also prove your language proficiency through education certificates or B1 level certification.
Culture Test
Features 15 questions selected from a pool of 110 possible questions, covering Croatian culture, history, politics, and society. You need to answer at least 10 questions correctly to pass.
Who is Required to Take the Test?
The citizenship test is mandatory for:
- Individuals applying for citizenship through regular naturalization after meeting residence requirements
- Foreign nationals seeking Croatian citizenship who don't qualify for other exemption categories
You are exempt from taking the test if you:
- Are over 60 years old
- Have completed your education in Croatia
- Are applying based on Croatian descent
- Are a spouse of a Croatian citizen meeting residence requirements
- Hold a B1 level certificate in Croatian language
How to Take the Test
Application Submission
Submit your application at your local police department (MUP) or Croatian diplomatic mission abroad.
Language Test
Schedule your language test at an approved educational institution. This must be completed before the culture test.
Culture Test
Take the culture test at MUP or diplomatic mission. You'll have 60 minutes to answer 15 questions.
Results
Culture test results are available immediately. Language test results timing varies by institution.
How to Prepare for the Tests
Language Test Preparation
- Enroll in Croatian language courses at certified institutions
- Practice with native speakers through language exchange programs
- Use online resources and apps for daily practice
- Focus on both written and oral communication skills
Culture Test Preparation
- Study the official question pool published in Narodne Novine
- Learn about Croatian history, culture, and political system
- Review current events and Croatian society
- Practice with sample questions and mock tests
Test Costs and Fees
Understanding the costs associated with the Croatian citizenship tests can help you plan accordingly:
Language Test Fees
- Fees vary by institution (typically between 50-150 EUR)
- Additional costs for preparation courses if needed
- Retake fees may apply for failed attempts
Culture Test Fees
- Standard administrative fee for the test
- Study materials may need to be purchased separately
- Additional fee for each retake attempt
Frequently Asked Questions
What format is the Croatian citizenship culture test?
The culture test consists of 15 questions drawn from a pool of 110 possible questions. Questions may be multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank format. You need to answer at least 10 correctly to pass.
How can I prove my Croatian language proficiency?
You can prove language proficiency through a test at approved institutions, education certificates from Croatian schools, or a B1 level language certificate. Some applicants may also demonstrate proficiency by completing their citizenship application independently.
Can I retake the Croatian citizenship tests if I fail?
Yes, you can retake either test after a 30-day waiting period. There's no limit to the number of attempts, but you'll need to pay the fee each time.
What should I bring to the Croatian citizenship tests?
Bring valid identification and your test registration confirmation. No study materials, electronic devices, or dictionaries are allowed during either test.
Where can I find study materials?
The culture test questions are publicly available through Narodne Novine. For language preparation, we recommend working with approved language schools or using our upcoming practice materials.
What topics are covered in the culture test?
The culture test covers various aspects of Croatian society including: the political system and state symbols, basic geography, important historical events, cultural heritage and traditions, famous Croatian figures in arts and sciences, and current social structure. Questions are drawn from a pool of 110 officially published questions.
What level of Croatian language proficiency is required?
The language test assesses your ability to communicate in Croatian at a basic conversational level. This includes reading and writing in the Latin alphabet, basic grammar, and everyday vocabulary. While there's no specific CEFR level requirement, the test typically corresponds to an A2-B1 level of proficiency.
How long does the citizenship application process take?
The entire citizenship application process, including taking and passing both tests, typically takes several months. After passing the tests, the processing time for citizenship applications can vary but usually takes between 6-12 months. It's important to note that you must complete both tests before your citizenship application can be processed.
What happens if I fail one of the tests?
If you fail either test, you can retake it after a 30-day waiting period. There's no limit to the number of attempts, but you'll need to pay the fee each time. For the culture test, you need to correctly answer at least 10 out of 15 questions to pass. The language test requirements vary by institution but typically require demonstrating basic communication abilities in both written and oral forms.
Can I take the Croatian citizenship tests in any order?
While there's no strict requirement about the order of the tests, it's recommended to take the language test first. This is because understanding Croatian will help you prepare for and complete the culture test, which is conducted entirely in Croatian. Additionally, some administrative offices may require proof of language proficiency before allowing you to take the culture test.
Are there any accommodations for disabilities?
Yes, special accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. You should contact the testing institution or administrative office in advance to discuss your specific needs. Documentation of your disability may be required to arrange appropriate accommodations.
Do I need to bring an interpreter to the citizenship tests?
No, interpreters are not allowed during either test as the purpose is to assess your Croatian language abilities and knowledge. However, basic instructions about test procedures may be available in other languages before the test begins.
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