Commercial Property for Sale in Croatia: Shops, Offices and Hotels

EU nationals and Croatian companies can buy commercial property. Non-EU buyers often use a Croatian company, which can be formed relatively quickly. Check that the premises are properly registered, that the land beneath is included, and that the business has the required tourism or catering licences. VAT can apply on commercial sales. See the Croatia buying guide.

• Land registry and encumbrances.
• Permits and usage classification.
• Tenant leases.
• Concession status if on the maritime domain.
• Staff and licence transfers.
• Seasonality of income.

Commercial sales in Croatia may be asset deals, where you buy the building and any equipment, or share deals, where you buy the company that holds them. Share deals can avoid transfer tax but carry the company's history, including unpaid taxes, labour claims and disputes. Asset deals are cleaner but trigger transfer tax or VAT. The structure also affects whether licences move to you. A lawyer should review the company records and bank covenants in a share deal, and the land register in an asset deal. Ask for a purchase price adjustment tied to trading performance if you are buying a business, and agree a handover period so the seller trains staff and introduces suppliers.

For a first purchase, a small unit on the coast near Pula with a long lease is a much simpler start than a hotel.

Visit the town off-season, talk to neighbouring businesses and ask the municipality about planned roadworks or zoning changes. Agree payment in stages, with a retention until all permits and registrations are in place.