The Croatian Parliament has passed amendments to the Consumer Bankruptcy Act that take effect on August 1, 2026. Here is an overview of the most important changes — from specific amounts to new court jurisdictions.
What do the changes bring?
The amendments to the Consumer Bankruptcy Act (Official Gazette 69/2026) introduce several key changes that will affect anyone facing financial difficulties or considering filing for consumer bankruptcy.
Kuna to Euro conversion — concrete amounts
The most extensive change is the conversion of all amounts from Croatian kuna to euros. Here are the key figures:
- Bankruptcy filing threshold: HRK 100,000.00 → €13,270.00
- Outstanding debt threshold for out-of-court proceedings: HRK 20,000.00 → €2,650.00
- Filing fee: HRK 300.00 → €40.00
- Trustee fee (minimum): HRK 1,000.00 → €130.00
- Simplified consumer bankruptcy threshold: HRK 10,000.00 → €1,330.00
Jurisdiction changes — municipal courts out
One of the most significant organizational changes is the transfer of jurisdiction from municipal courts to commercial courts. As of August 1, 2026, consumer bankruptcy proceedings will be handled by commercial courts, and the trustee lists will be transferred automatically.
Digitalization — e-Court Bulletin Board and e-Citizens
The amendments introduce a more modern delivery method. If FINA (Financial Agency) cannot reach you at your address, the invitation for simplified consumer bankruptcy will be published on the e-Court Bulletin Board, with notification sent to your physical mailbox and your e-Citizens (e-Građani) user inbox.
Who is eligible?
The amendments clarify that only individuals with residence in the Republic of Croatia are eligible for simplified consumer bankruptcy. This prevents abuse by persons who are only formally registered in Croatia but actually live abroad.
Adaptation period
The Ministry of Justice must harmonize subordinate regulations — the Ordinance on Forms and the Ordinance on Trustee Lists — within 30 days of this law taking effect.
What does this mean for you?
If you have debts you cannot repay, consumer bankruptcy remains an option for a financial fresh start. The €13,270 threshold means your debts must exceed this amount to initiate proceedings. In practice, this covers most serious financial issues — account blocks, enforcements, loans, and contributions.
The amendments do not change the essence of the process: debt write-off by paying what you can over a 3 to 5 year period, under the supervision of a trustee and the court.
When does it take effect?
The law takes effect on August 1, 2026. Proceedings initiated before that date will be completed under the old rules.