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Croatia is located in Southeastern Europe on the north eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. The country extends from the foothills of the Julian Alps in the north-west and the Pannonian Plain in the east, over the Dinara mountain range in the central region, to the Adriatic coast in the south. The country’s total area is 56,538 square kilimetres or just smaller than the state of West Virginia.

Croatia, with its capital of Zagreb and other well known cities such as Split and Dubrovnik, welcomes visitors with its 1778 kilometers of beautiful coastline dotted with well over 1,000 islands in the clear waters of the Adriatic. Croatia continues to increase in popularity with holiday makers and investors due to its mild climate, political stability, and its close proximity to Italy, Slovenia and Hungary.

With the diversity of its 4 main regions, there is no trouble finding one’s personal preference when it comes to countryside and cuisine. In the north of the country and easily accessible by car from the European countries over its northern border, the Istrian peninsula provides a coastline of beaches and fishing villages that has proved very popular over the years. Inland Croatia prides itself in its agriculturally-rich plain lands of Slavonia, diverse mountain ranges and the country’s most visited spot, the forest-lined Plitvice Lakes. The sheltered Adriatic coast enjoys hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

Mainland foods are characterized by the earlier Proto-Slavic, Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish tastes. Look out for inland specialities such as manistra od bobica (beans and fresh maize soup). While coastal delicacies bear the influences of the Greek, Roman and Illyrian, and later Mediterranean cuisine from Italy and France. The Adriatic coast offers no shortage of seafood and lovely regional dishes such as scampi, prstaci (shellfish), and Dalmatian brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice). Enjoy one of Croatia’s hundreds of local wines, beers or fruit juices.

The presidential/parliamentary democracy of Croatia gained its independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991. After Slovenia, Croatia was historically the most prosperous and industrialized area of the former Yugoslavia. The country emerged from its mild recession in 2000 thanks to the economic interests and contribution of tourism

Croatia the ultimate proof of property ownership is entry of the owner's name in the local Land Book (Zemlijsne Knjige) on that specific property. Local courts will not allow a foreign citizen to be entered in the Land Books without the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) approval. When acquiring real estate other than by inheritance, foreign citizens need to obtain the approval of the MFA for any type of property purchase. Prior to approving the purchase, the MFA will also seek the opinion of the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Local Self-Government.

Once the sales contract is prepared, a standard deposit of 10% is paid to the Notary. The contract signed by the vendor together with details on the purchase is sent to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs requesting permission to purchase. Once the letter of approval is received, the contract is signed by the purchaser and the balance of funds is paid to the Notary. The vendor receives funds and the purchaser possession of the property on the completion date agreed in the contract.

Northern Croatia has a continental climate; Central Croatia has a semi-highland and highland climate, while the Croatian coast has a mild Mediterranean climate..