If you’re a Croatian citizen looking to start your own business, the Croatian government has made it significantly easier and more affordable through the START application. This online tool simplifies the entire business registration process, allowing you to register your company quickly, without the need for notaries, lawyers, or multiple trips to various offices. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the START system, including who can use it, the types of businesses you can register, and its main advantages.
What is the START Application?
The START application is an integrated online system that enables Croatian citizens to register their businesses digitally. It simplifies the registration process by consolidating multiple administrative procedures into one platform. Instead of dealing with piles of paperwork, visiting multiple government institutions, and paying notaries, you can now complete the process from the comfort of your home or office.
Since its launch in 2019, the START system has helped streamline the business registration process in Croatia, reducing the number of steps and the associated costs. Your company can be officially registered in just a few days, making it an ideal solution for entrepreneurs looking to set up their businesses quickly and efficiently.
Who Can Use the START Application?
The START system is currently available to Croatian citizens who meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid OIB (Croatian Personal Identification Number).
- You need a prebivalište (permanent address) or boravište (temporary address) in Croatia.
At this stage, the system is only available to businesses with at least one Croatian citizen as a founder. However, in the future, the START system will be expanded to include businesses with foreign nationals as founders.
Types of Businesses You Can Register Through START
Using the START application, you can open three types of businesses:
- Simple Limited Liability Company (j.d.o.o.)
A simplified form of a limited liability company designed for small businesses. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start a business with low initial capital. - Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.)
A more traditional and flexible option for entrepreneurs looking to establish a larger business, which requires a higher initial capital investment. - Trade Business (obrt)
A sole proprietorship structure designed for individuals offering goods or services. This option is typically used by freelancers or those operating small-scale businesses.
Key Services Offered by the START Application
The START system provides a variety of essential services to help you get your business up and running:
- Company Registration
Register your business with the Court Register (for j.d.o.o. and d.o.o. companies) or the Trade Register (for trade businesses). - Tax and VAT Registration
Your business will be automatically registered with the Registry of Business Entities (Croatian Bureau of Statistics) and the Registry of Taxpayers. You can also apply for a VAT ID number if your business requires it. - Bank Account Setup
Request to open a business transaction account with an affiliated bank directly through the system. - Social Insurance Registration
Automatically register with the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO), which is mandatory for all business owners and employees in Croatia. - Electronic Payments
Pay necessary fees and contribute to your company’s initial capital online, saving time and reducing paperwork.
It’s important to note that the START system is designed specifically for business registration. Individual services, such as applying for a VAT number outside of the registration process, are not available via the system.
The Benefits of Using the START Application
Here are some of the main advantages of using the START system to start your business in Croatia:
- Fast and Convenient
The entire business registration process can be completed online, meaning you can skip multiple office visits and avoid the long queues at notaries, banks, and government agencies. - One-Step Process
Unlike the old system that required multiple steps, the START application consolidates everything into a single online form. Once submitted, the system handles all necessary processes behind the scenes, automatically filling in forms using your OIB. - Reduced Costs
You no longer need to pay for notaries or expensive consultations with lawyers. The use of a digital signature replaces the need for in-person notarization, and the court fee for registration is reduced by 50%. - Shorter Processing Time
Your business can be registered in just a few days, thanks to the priority given to electronic submissions. This is a massive improvement over the previous system, which could take weeks to complete. - Fully Digital and Integrated
All documents generated in the system are digitally signed and verified, and they are automatically sent to the relevant institutions. The entire process is transparent and paperless. - Available Anytime
The START system is available 24/7, so you can start your business whenever it’s convenient for you, without being restricted by office hours.
How to Use the START System
To begin using the START system, you’ll need to meet a few technical requirements:
- Digital Signature Certificate
You’ll need a valid digital certificate for secure authentication when signing documents online. More details are available on the FINA website. - Osobna Iskaznica (Personal ID Card)
This is required for online identification. More information can be found here. - FINA’s FinaCertRDC
This is the digital signing tool that ensures your documents are legally binding. - Valid Credit or Debit Card
A Visa, MasterCard, or Maestro card is required for any payment processing. - e-Građani Account
You will need an active e-Građani (e-Citizens) account, which is used to access government services online. If you don’t have one, you can find more information about it here.
Step-by-Step Process for Registering Your Business
Once you have the necessary tools in place, follow these steps to launch your business using the START system:
- Visit the START Application
Go to the START portal. - Select the Type of Business
Choose whether you want to open a trade business, a j.d.o.o., or a d.o.o.. - Fill Out the Online Form
Enter your details (some of which will be pre-filled based on your OIB) and submit the required documentation. - Pay the Fees
Use your credit card to pay any associated fees and make your initial capital deposit. - Wait for Confirmation
After submission, your business will be processed and registered within a few days.
Conclusion
The START application is a game-changer for entrepreneurs in Croatia. It makes the business registration process faster, easier, and more affordable than ever before. Whether you’re starting a small trade business or a limited liability company, START streamlines everything into one online process. With the ability to complete everything remotely, automated form filling, and reduced costs, it’s the perfect tool for new business owners looking to start their journey in Croatia.
For more details and to start your registration process, visit the official START portal.
