Brazilian Descendants Seek Croatian Citizenship Amid Labor Shortages
Key Highlights:
- 60 Croatian passports were distributed to people of Croatian descent in Brazil two days ago.
- In February 2025 alone, 120 Brazilian nationals obtained Croatian citizenship.
- A total of 276 Brazilian residents received Croatian citizenship in 2024.
In a notable development, 60 people of Croatian descent received Croatian passports earlier this week in Brazil, marking a significant step in the growing trend of Croatian citizenship applications from South American countries. The Croatian Embassy in Brazil confirmed this event, which comes on the heels of a broader initiative to expand citizenship access to descendants of Croatian nationals.
As reported by Schengen.News, the number of Brazilian nationals receiving Croatian citizenship continued to rise in February 2025, with 120 people acquiring their new citizenship during the month. By the end of 2024, this figure reached 276 Brazilians, further indicating the increasing popularity of Croatian citizenship among the diaspora in Brazil. The distribution ceremony took place at the Croatia Sacra Paulistana association's headquarters, where individuals from São Paulo and surrounding areas collected their passports.
The Citizenship Law: A Response to Demographic and Economic Needs
The surge in Croatian citizenship applications can be attributed to changes made to Croatia’s citizenship law in 2020, aimed at simplifying the process for descendants of Croatians living abroad. These reforms were introduced in response to two major challenges: Croatia’s declining population and the pressing need for foreign workers in key sectors.
Under the revised law, descendants of Croatian nationals born after October 8, 1991, can apply for citizenship if they meet specific criteria and submit a request within two years of the law’s enactment. This adjustment makes it easier for people of Croatian heritage to claim their right to citizenship and, in doing so, gain access to the European Union.
Brazilian Nationals Among the Top Beneficiaries
Data from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior reveals that between 2020 and August 2024, a total of 11,054 individuals from South American countries were granted Croatian citizenship. Among them, Brazil stood out as one of the top beneficiaries:
- Argentina: 5,581 citizens
- Chile: 2,615 citizens
- Peru: 741 citizens
- Bolivia: 733 citizens
- Brazil: 597 citizens
- Ecuador: 206 citizens
- Venezuela: 184 citizens
The statistics highlight a significant interest in Croatian citizenship, with 276 Brazilian residents receiving citizenship in 2024 alone, a year that saw 3,897 people from nine South American nations obtaining Croatian nationality.
A Strategy to Address Labor Shortages
The Croatian government’s push to expand citizenship to the diaspora is not only about reconnecting people to their ancestral roots but also about addressing the country’s growing labor shortages. In recent years, Croatia has faced shortages in 30 professions, including sectors like construction, food production, hospitality, and IT.
As a result, Croatia has been working to attract foreign workers, including those with Croatian heritage, to help fill these gaps. Currently, more than 120,000 foreign workers are residing in Croatia, many of whom are employed in sectors facing the most severe labor shortages. Frane Tokić, the State Secretary for Demography and Immigration, noted that the return of Croatian emigrants could be an important solution to the country’s workforce crisis.
Conclusion: The Broader Implications for Croatia
The rise in Croatian citizenship applications from South American countries, particularly Brazil, reflects the ongoing connections between Croatia and its diaspora. As Croatia grapples with demographic and labor market challenges, the country is looking to its overseas nationals for help. For those with Croatian heritage, these legal changes represent a valuable opportunity to gain citizenship in an EU member state, with access to broader economic and social benefits.
As more descendants of Croatians apply for citizenship, it seems that this trend will only continue to grow, benefiting both the Croatian government and the individuals reclaiming their heritage.
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