Easier to get proof of ownership – without waiting and going to court
The digital transformation of the judiciary in Croatia has brought another useful innovation – proof of (non-)ownership of real estate can now be requested via the e-Citizens portal.
The new service allows citizens to download the official proof of ownership or non-ownership of real estate themselves, without having to go to court.
Until now, such proof could only be obtained at the municipal court where the property is located, but now the document can be issued at any land registry department in Croatia, regardless of the location of the property.
How to get proof via e-Citizens
Through the 'My Real Estate' section on the e-Citizens portal, users can log in using the NIAS system and independently download proof for all properties associated with their personal identification number (OIB).
According to data from the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, the OIB is currently entered for about 51% of all land registry entries, and that share is increasing daily. Issuing proof via the portal is foreseen with the payment of a court fee of 1.99 euros, while citizens who are exempt from paying fees are still required to request proof physically – at the nearest land registry department.
Faster procedures and less administration
This novelty represents a significant step in the digitalization of land registry operations and the reduction of the administrative burden.
The Ministry emphasizes that this way speeds up procedures, simplifies the work of state bodies and increases the transparency of real estate ownership data.
Through the Land Registry Information System (ZIS), certificates are now issued for the entire territory of Croatia, thus avoiding the need for multiple visits to different courts.
Easier access to data and greater efficiency of public bodies
In addition to citizens, access to ownership data is also available to various public authorities, including: courts, the Tax Administration, the Ministry of Finance, the Croatian Institute for Social Work, lawyers and notaries.
This means that citizens no longer have to submit proof of (non-)ownership to these institutions themselves – because they can now obtain them directly through the ZIS system.
This saves time, reduces paperwork and facilitates the work of public administration, which is another important step towards a more modern and efficient state system.
Digitalization of the judiciary – a step forward for the real estate market
Digital services like this not only make everyday life easier for citizens, but also significantly contribute to the real estate market.
Agents, investors and buyers can now more quickly verify the ownership of real estate, which further increases the security and transparency of transactions.
This change completes a series of reforms that Croatia is implementing as part of the digitalization of public administration and land books, which, in the long term, contribute to faster and safer processes of buying and selling real estate.
Conclusion: one click to proof of ownership
With the new functionality of the e-Citizens portal, citizens can now easily, quickly and securely download proof of (non-)ownership of real estate – without waiting and without going to court.
This step not only represents an administrative relief, but also an important step towards the complete digitalization of the Croatian real estate market.
If you are planning to buy or sell real estate, regular checking of land registry data is now easier than ever.
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