Setting up a limited liability company (d.o.o.) sounds more complex than it really is. With the right preparation and an understanding of the steps, you can form a company in just a few days. This guide walks you through the entire process — from choosing a name to your first bank account — with current costs and deadlines for 2026.
Note: Amounts, fees and regulations can change. The information here is current at the time of writing — always check with the competent institutions for accurate, up-to-date conditions, or get in touch with us.
What is a d.o.o. and who is it for
A d.o.o. is the most common company form in Croatia. Its main advantage is limited liability — you're liable for the company's obligations with the company's assets, not your personal ones. That's why it's chosen by entrepreneurs planning serious, long-term business, expecting higher turnover or multiple founders, and wanting credibility with banks, partners and larger clients.
If you're just starting and want a lower entry threshold, the alternative is a j.d.o.o. (simple LLC) with lower founding capital. But if you're building a company for growth, a d.o.o. is the standard choice.
Founding capital
The minimum founding capital for a d.o.o. is EUR 2,654.46. The good news: it's not lost money — these are funds that remain with your company and which you later use for operations, equipment or overheads.
At formation, you must immediately pay at least one quarter of the capital (around EUR 625), while the rest must be paid within one year of formation. The capital is paid into a temporary account and, after registration, transferred to the company's business account.
Step by step
1. Name and activities
First, choose the company name and define your activities according to the National Classification of Activities (NKD 2025). Tip: list all activities you might pursue in the future — it's cheaper and simpler to list them at the start than to add them later.
2. Founding documents and the notary
If one person is founding the company, a Statement of Incorporation is drawn up; if there are multiple founders, Articles of Association. These documents define the name, seat, activities, founding capital and the rights and obligations of founders and the director. The notary confirms identity and certifies signatures.
3. Paying the founding capital
You pay at least a quarter of the capital into a temporary bank account. The proof of payment is attached to the documentation.
4. Court registry entry
The notary forwards the documentation to the competent Commercial Court. After entry, you receive the Decision on entry into the court registry and the company's OIB (tax number).
5. Statistics office and company stamp
After the decision, you request a Classification Notice from the Central Bureau of Statistics (free) — you need this document to open an account. Then you make a company stamp (roughly EUR 30).
6. Business account and getting started
With the documentation, you open a business account and transfer the founding capital. The company is then ready to operate.
Classic or online formation?
Today there are two routes:
- Online via the START system — a government system connecting institutions in one place. Costs are significantly lower (around EUR 26.55 plus founding capital).
- Classic, via a notary — total notary costs are roughly EUR 500.
The cost difference is large, so more and more founders choose the online route. Which is better for you depends on your situation.
How long it takes and what comes next
The whole formation process usually takes 7 to 14 days. But formation is just the beginning — afterwards come accounting, possibly a director's salary, and regular obligations. It's wise to plan these costs in advance.
Conclusion
Setting up a d.o.o. isn't as complicated as it seems, but it has many steps and administration where it's easy to make mistakes or lose time. If you want the whole process to go smoothly — from choosing the form to your first invoice — we guide you through setting up your d.o.o. and take the administrative side off your hands.
Not sure if a d.o.o. is the right form for you? Take a look at setting up a j.d.o.o. too, or get in touch for advice with no obligation.
