Croatians in Germany have many different life stories. Some have only recently arrived for work, while others have spent many years building a career and family life in Germany. Children may grow up between two languages and cultures, and some families eventually consider returning to Croatia or look for ways to maintain a stronger connection with the country. Alongside the practical aspects of everyday life, language, integration, family, belonging and long-term plans therefore become increasingly important.

This section of AdriaVeza brings together content specifically for Croatians who live, work, study or have family connections in Germany. It does not replace detailed guides to employment, housing, health insurance or administration. Instead, it connects those practical topics with integration, family life, the Croatian language, links between Croatia and Germany and the possibility of returning to Croatia in the future.

Which topic about life for Croatians in Germany interests you?

• Integration and identity – about language, adapting to German society, belonging and building a stable life in Germany while maintaining a connection with your background;
• Children and Croatian language – for parents interested in school, bilingual upbringing, strong German language skills and preserving Croatian language and ties to Croatia among children growing up in Germany;
• Family and support – for practical family matters, rights, benefits, health insurance, family members moving to Germany and other forms of support for families;
• Croatia ↔ Germany – for documents, rights, health and social insurance and other situations in which your life is connected with both countries;
• Returning from Germany to Croatia – if you are considering moving back, preparing to leave Germany or have already relocated and are organising your first steps in Croatia;
• Work and collaboration – for jobs, professional contacts, services, partners and business connections between Croatia, Germany and the wider Adria region.

If you have only recently arrived in Germany and first need to deal with housing, Anmeldung, employment, health insurance, banking and important documents, start with Moving to Germany – your essential first steps. For personal experiences, adjustment, common mistakes during the first months, homesickness and the less visible side of living abroad, see also Diaspora and community.

Life in Germany changes over time. The questions that matter during the first few months are often very different from those that arise after ten or twenty years, when children, education, career, retirement, property or the decision about where to live permanently may become more important. Choose the area that best matches your current stage of life.

Guides for Croatians living and working in Germany