If you plan to live, work, invest, or do business in Šibenik, you will most likely need an OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj)—a personal identification number required for financial, legal, and administrative matters. Without it, many essential services will be inaccessible.
1. Understanding the OIB: What It Is and Why You Need It
What Is an OIB?
An OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj) is a unique, permanent identification number assigned to individuals and businesses in Šibenik. It functions similarly to:
- Social Security Number (USA)
- National Insurance Number (UK)
- Tax Identification Number (various EU countries)
The 11-digit number is randomly generated to ensure security, meaning it does not contain personal information.
Who Needs an OIB?
If you plan to engage in any of the following activities in Šibenik, you will need an OIB:
✅ Buying property
✅ Opening a bank account
✅ Registering for mobile or internet services
✅ Setting up utility accounts (electricity, water, etc.)
✅ Enrolling in state health insurance
✅ Starting a business
✅ Paying taxes
✅ Registering with government institutions
✅ Getting an EU/EEA pet passport
💡 Renting a property? You do not need an OIB—your passport number can be used instead.
2. OIB Certificate (Potvrda o OIB-u): Do You Need One?
Once you receive your OIB from the Tax Administration (Porezna uprava), you may also request an OIB certificate (Potvrda o OIB-u).
📌 Is the certificate required?
🔹 In most cases, simply providing your OIB number is enough.
🔹 Some institutions may require the official certificate, which must be collected in person.
🔹 If you are outside Šibenik, you may be able to apply remotely to avoid traveling just to pick it up.
3. How to Get an OIB in Šibenik: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
You need to fill out the official form:
📄 “Zahtjev za određivanjem i dodjeljivanjem osobnog identifikacijskog broja”
(Application for the determination and assignment of the personal identification number – OIB)
Download the form in your preferred language:
- Croatian – Download here
- English – Download here
- German – Download here
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
✅ Passport (original + photocopy)
🔹 If you do not have a passport, alternative ID options include:
- EU/EEA national identity card
- Official government-issued ID with proof of nationality
- Croatian osobna iskaznica (national ID card) – for Croatian citizens
📌 If applying for a company:
- Submit company formation documents (deed of establishment or court registry extract).
- These must be in Croatian or officially translated by a certified court interpreter.
📌 If applying on someone’s behalf:
- Provide a notarized power of attorney (in Croatian or translated).
Step 3: Submit Your Application in Šibenik
You can apply for an OIB at the Šibenik Tax Administration office:
📍 Porezna uprava Šibenik (Tax Administration Šibenik)
Find office details here
⏳ Processing Time:
- OIB is often issued immediately.
- If processing takes longer, you can pick it up later or have it mailed to your registered address.
💡 Applying from abroad? You can authorize a legal representative to apply on your behalf via power of attorney.
4. Important Notes on Using and Keeping Your OIB
Where to Find Your OIB
Once you receive your OIB, it will be used in official documents such as:
📄 Residence permit
📄 Health insurance card
📄 Tax records and business registration
🚨 Lost your OIB document?
You can request a replacement copy from the Tax Administration in Šibenik.
Please note that this blog is not an official website. The information provided is for informational purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. We do not take responsibility for any mistakes or omissions and cannot be held liable for any consequences arising from the use of this information. For official information, please refer to the appropriate sources. Thank you for your understanding!
