“Mom, dad — I’m 18. Can you kick me out of the house?“
If you’ve ever asked yourself this question — out of curiosity or fear — you’re asking the right thing. Turning 18 in Croatia means you’re legally responsible for yourself. But it doesn’t automatically mean your parents can pack your stuff and throw you out on the street.
Here’s what the law says, your rights, and — most importantly — how not to end up on the street without a plan.
Short Answer: Yes, But Not That Easily
At 18, you become legally adult (Art. 3 of the Family Act). This means your parents are no longer your legal guardians and have no legal obligation to support you.
But — and this is key — the law still protects your rights while you’re in regular education or studying.
Specifically:
- If you work and are not in school — your parents can ask you to move out. But they can’t kick you out overnight without notice.
- If you’re a high school or university student (full-time) — your parents are obligated to support you until age 26. This includes housing, food, and tuition.
- If you’re 18 and still in high school — same deal, the law protects you like a minor when it comes to support.
What Does the Family Act Say?
The Family Act (NN 103/15, Art. 286-289) states:
“Parents are obligated to support a child who is of age but is a full-time high school student or full-time university student, but no longer than until the age of 26.”
This means: if you’re a full-time student, your parents are legally required to provide you with a roof over your head and basic living expenses. They can’t kick you out just because you turned 18 and “enough is enough.”
If they do kick you out — you can sue them for support through the Social Welfare Center or the court. And you’d likely win.
What If I Work and Don’t Study?
Different story. If you’re 20, working, not in school — your parents have no legal obligation to support you. They can say: “Pay rent or move out.”
But again — they can’t kick you out immediately. You’re a co-tenant in their apartment (if you’re registered at the address), and as such you have the right to notice period — minimum 15 days, often a month, depending on circumstances.
Practical advice: if you live with your parents and work, negotiate rent. Pay them €100-200 a month. You’ll get peace, they’ll have less expense, and you’ll get used to reality — because one day you’ll be paying €500+ for an apartment.
What If I’m Not Registered at the Address?
If you’re not registered at your parents’ address (or you are, but don’t have a key to the apartment), you’re in a weaker legal position. Without registration, it’s harder to prove you’re a resident.
But even without registration, if you’re a full-time student, the law protects you — regardless of your address. The Social Welfare Center will intervene.
What If They Kick Me Out and I Have Nowhere to Go?
First: don’t panic. You have options:
- Social Welfare Center — report the case. If you’re a student, you’re legally protected and they’ll contact your parents. In extreme cases, they can arrange temporary housing.
- Student dormitory — apply for a dorm if you’re a full-time student. Costs €80-150 per month.
- Roommates — sharing an apartment in Zagreb costs €200-350 per person. If you work, it’s doable.
- Friends/relatives — temporarily, while you sort things out.
Practical Tips for Young People
- While you’re a student, the law is on your side. Don’t let yourself be kicked out without a fight.
- Communicate with your parents. Most parents don’t want to kick their kid out — they want you to take responsibility. Agree on rules: how much you help around the house, curfew, whether you pay bills.
- If you work, offer to pay rent. €100-200 a month is much less than €400 for a studio apartment. Win-win.
- Don’t wait to be kicked out to do something. If you’re 22 and still living with mom without a job or plan — time to get moving. Not because they’ll kick you out, but because life moves on.
Bottom Line
✅ Full-time student under 26 → parents can’t kick you out. They have a legal obligation to support you.
✅ High school student at 18 → same, you’re protected.
⚠️ Working and not in school → they can ask you to move out, but with notice period.
❌ They can’t kick you out overnight in any case — unless you’re violent or not paying agreed rent.
💡 Best solution: agreement. Pay something, help around the house, and everyone will be happier.
And one final note — parents rarely hate you. They just want you to grow up. Show them you have, and you won’t have problems. 😄