November the 3rd, 2025 – All those in the Croatian diaspora who actually hold dual citizenship must complete Croatia’s recently introduced military service. If they haven’t already completed it, they will be called up.
As 24sata/Luka Safundzic writes, military analyst Marinko Ogorec stated it quite simply: “If you’re a citizen of this country, then you will serve in the military. This should come as no surprise to anyone.”
He made this comment based on the lack of clarity surrounding whether or not members of the Croatian diaspora across the world who hold dual citizenship will have to complete military service or not. This confirmation has upset many Croats in the diaspora. His statement refers to the decision of the Ministry of Defence according to which all Croatian citizens, regardless of where they live, are subject to military service.
The warning of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that young men who hold dual Australian-Croatian citizenship could soon receive a call-up for military service in Croatia has raised questions concerning tens of thousands of Croats born outside of their homeland but who still happen to have a passport. A similar situation could occur in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina, where many residents also hold Croatian passports.
The Ministry of Defence explained the following to tportal: “A person who holds Croatian citizenship, regardless of the country in which they’re located, is a conscript.”
According to the new Croatian Defence Law, military service begins in the year in which a Croatian citizen turns 18 and lasts until the age of 30, unless basic military training or civilian service has been completed earlier. In other words, all Croatian citizens living abroad who haven’t completed their military service in another country are required to register with the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate to be included in the military register. Those who fail to do so risk a fine of between 250 and 1,320 euros.
Although the law stipulates the obligation, the question remains open as to how Croatia will actually “collect the debt” towards those who have lived abroad for decades, or in many cases, never lived in Croatia at all. The Ministry of Defence has not yet provided any specific clarifications on implementation, but they have pointed out that the regulations are clear and equal for everyone. The only people exempt from the obligation are those who have already completed their military service or civilian service in another country whose citizenship they also hold, as well as certain professional groups such as police cadets, priests or persons declared unfit for military service.
“I don’t know what the actyal training will look like, but in two months the foundations of basic military readiness can be laid,” added Ogorec.
As a reminder, the Croatian Parliament recently voted to amend the Defence Act, which reintroduces basic military training (TVO). The programme begins in 2026, and the first conscripts will appear in the barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega at the beginning of next year. The training will last two months and each conscript will be paid during it and will also have their food, transportation or leave expenses paid for. Military service also counts as work experience. Those who complete their military service will have priority in permanent employment in state-owned companies.
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