Opening a Bank Account

You cannot open a bank account without an OIB. If you do not have one yet, follow our Getting Your OIB guide first.

The OIB is your personal identification number. Every bank will ask for it.

Bring these documents to your bank appointment.

Your valid passport or national ID.

Your OIB number or OIB certificate (Potvrda o OIB-u).

Proof of address: a rental contract or utility bill.

Some banks ask for proof of employment, like an employer letter or payslips.

Your residence permit (for long-term accounts).

Croatia has several major banks. All offer basic accounts for foreigners.

Zagrebacka banka (UniCredit) is the largest bank in Croatia. Many employers use it for salary payments.

PBZ (Intesa Sanpaolo) is the second largest. It has many branches and ATMs.

OTP banka is growing fast and often has good offers for new customers.

Erste Bank and Raiffeisen Bank are also common choices.

Visit a few branches to compare. Some banks are more helpful with English-speaking customers.

You must visit a bank branch in person. You cannot open an account online or by phone.

The process takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some banks activate your account the same day. Others take 5-10 business days.

You will sign a contract and choose a banking package. Basic accounts for salary recipients are free by law.

Ask for online banking access and a debit card. Most banks offer a mobile app.

If you are a US citizen, the process is more difficult.

Banks must follow FATCA rules (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). You will need to fill out IRS forms, usually W-9 or W-8BEN.

Some smaller banks may decline to open accounts for US citizens because of the extra compliance work.

Try the larger banks: Zagrebacka banka, PBZ, or Erste Bank. They are more experienced with US citizens.

Once your account is open, set up online banking and download the bank's mobile app.

Give your employer your IBAN (bank account number) for salary payments.

If you have not done so already, make sure to register your address with police and understand your work permit.