VAT\GST in the EU: Croatia

Close to central Europe, and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, a stunning coastline, gastronomical treats, spas and wellness facilities, Croatia has the ideal conditions for MICE tourism (meetings, incentives, conferencing & exhibitions). Year by year, Croatia is becoming a world renowned MICE destination in Europe, and the country is becoming increasingly attractive for organizers of business meetings of all types and sizes.

Serious investment in congress capacities has greatly elevated the quality of Croatia’s business tourism services. With the growth in capacity and the year over year growth, it is clear that this tourism segment is booming in Croatia.  Business tourism benefits from direct accessibility, an excellent road network and, a wide variety of four-star and five-star hotels with business amenities.

While the capital Zagreb is very accessible and is a popular destination for business, Opatija, Zagreb and Dubrovnik are firmly in the leading positions. Together with the nearby city of Rijeka, Opatija offers over 15,000 seats in over 130 halls, all equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Zagreb is both a city teeming with business opportunities and a charmingly relaxed city full of historical monuments and romantic stories, but it is also dynamic, modern and hospitable.

Croatia is a member of the EU, UN, the Council of Europe, NATO, and the WTO. Croatia’s currency is the Kuna (HRK).

So with all of this opportunity, how will you make the most out of your business trip to Croatia?

First of all, know what is recoverable. Expenses related to Groceries, Transportation – Including Trains, Buses, Shuttles and Taxis, Restaurants, Telephone, Internet, Fuel, Parking, Conferences, DDP, Laundry, Hotels & Apartments can all be refunded.

Croatia’s VAT\GST rates are as follows:

• Standard Rate of 25%
• Reduced Rates of 13% and 5%

It is not necessary to appoint a fiscal representative to claim a VAT\GST refund; however, if appointed, the representative must be a domestic VAT\GST taxpayer.

Here are some handy phrases to remember whenever making a business related purchase. When in doubt, ask:

English
Please give me:

• An original VAT\GST invoice
• With my company name and address
• VAT\GST rate and value shown

Croatian
molim te daj mi:

• Izvorni fakture s PDV-om
• s imenom i adresom tvrtke
• Prikazane stope PDV-a i vrijednosti

For the complete story on recovering VAT\GST in Croatia, download our eBooks.
Like our FB page and follow us on LinkedIn for news and updates.