Croatia’s Ministry of Demography and Immigration has reaffirmed that the first issuance of personal identity cards for all Croatian citizens under the age of 18 will continue to be completely free of charge, regardless of a family’s financial situation. The initiative, already in place for several years, is part of a broader effort to ensure that children can fully participate in society from an early age.
An identity card in Croatia functions as more than just an official document — it often represents a child’s first formal step into civic life. Having an ID card makes it significantly easier for young people to access public services, including education, healthcare and a growing range of digital services that require verified identity.
By covering the cost of the first card, the state also helps relieve financial burdens on families and supports equal opportunities for all children.
Data from recent years highlights the policy’s impact: in 2025 alone, nearly 40,000 children received their first ID card under this programme, with over €526,000 allocated from the national budget. Between 2021 and 2025, more than 209,000 identity cards were issued to minors, reflecting Croatia’s sustained commitment to inclusive access to fundamental rights and services for every child.
