Cost
The official source states no separate procedure fee; obtaining evidence may have costs
Marriage and family
Marriage and familyEditorially reviewed 02/09/2026
Starting an adoption procedure
Register your intention to adopt, complete an expert assessment of suitability and eligibility, and enter the register of prospective adoptive parents.
Usual time
There is no guaranteed time to establish an adoption
Responsible institution
HZSR
How to apply
This procedure has one application method.
In person or by another permitted method
Submit the application to the competent institution following its current instructions.
Required documents
Selected: 0 of 4
In person or by another permitted method
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Steps
In person or by another permitted method
- 1
Contact the Croatian Institute for Social Work
Submit a statement of intent to adopt according to your residence.
- 2
Participate in the expert assessment
Motivation, relationships, circumstances and ability to care for a child are assessed.
- 3
Complete mandatory expert preparation
Preparation is part of acquiring prospective-adoptive-parent status.
- 4
Await selection and decision in the child’s best interests
Entry in the register does not guarantee that an adoption will be established.
Prices and deadlines
| Procedure | Price | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
Procedure cost The final amount depends on the applicable tariff and circumstances of the individual application. | The official source states no separate procedure fee; obtaining evidence may have costs | There is no guaranteed time to establish an adoption |
Important notes
- The procedure is conducted primarily according to the child’s needs and best interests.
- A positive assessment does not guarantee matching with a child.
Common mistakes
- Viewing the procedure as a first-come, first-served waiting list.
- Not reporting changes in family circumstances to the Institute.
Institutions
Official sources
Information was editorially reviewed on 02/09/2026. Before applying, check the latest information on official websites.
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