Croatia Confirms Mandatory Military Service Applies to All Citizens — Including Those Living Abroad

The Croatian Ministry of Defence (MORH) has confirmed that the country’s newly reinstated mandatory military service applies to all Croatian citizens, regardless of where they live or whether they hold dual citizenship.

The clarification comes after Australia issued a warning to its citizens with dual Australian–Croatian nationality that Croatia had reintroduced compulsory service. According to news.com.au, young men holding both Australian and Croatian passports could soon receive official summonses to complete their service obligations.

The decision has also stirred anxiety among members of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora who possess Croatian passports but have never resided in Croatia.

“Any person holding citizenship of the Republic of Croatia, regardless of where they reside, is a military conscript,” the Ministry of Defence told tportal.hr.

Under Croatia’s new Defence Act, military obligation begins in the calendar year when a citizen turns 18 and lasts until age 30, or until the individual completes basic training, civil service, or is deemed unfit.

Women are not automatically subject to conscription but may volunteer for basic training and reserve service.

Exemptions and Special Cases

Certain categories of individuals are exempt from military service. These include those declared medically unfit, individuals who have completed at least two years of cadet training under contract with the Ministry of Defence, and dual nationals who have already fulfilled equivalent military or civil service obligations abroad.

Police cadets, judicial police officers, and members of the clergy are also exempt.

MORH clarified that dual nationals can avoid Croatian service only if they have completed mandatory service in another country.

“A conscript who has fulfilled military or civil service in another country is exempt from Croatia’s basic military training,” the ministry stated.

Registration Deadlines and Penalties

All Croatian citizens abroad must register for military records once they turn 18. Those born or living abroad must report to the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate during that calendar year.

Anyone who fails to do so must register before the age of 29. After that, they have until June 30 of the year they turn 29 to remain abroad; beyond that, they must report to the appropriate defence office within 30 days.

Failure to comply carries financial penalties.

According to the law, “A fine ranging from €250 to €1,320 will be imposed on individuals who, without valid reason, fail to respond to a call for military service, basic training, or civil service, or who abandon such duties without authorization.”

Enforcement Still Unclear

While the law outlines clear obligations and penalties, the Ministry did not specify how these rules will be enforced among Croatian citizens living permanently abroad.

For now, however, the message is clear: possessing a Croatian passport — even as a second nationality — comes with renewed military responsibilities.