Schools and Kindergarten for Foreign Families in Croatia

Last reviewed: May 2026. This JobCro guide is written for foreign parents planning to move to Croatia with children. It explains the practical decision points, not only the official rule names.

Children can adapt well in Croatia, but parents need to plan early. School and kindergarten depend on age, address, documents, local capacity and language support.

What matters most

• Kindergarten enrolment is usually organized locally and often starts in May for the pedagogical year beginning 1 September.
• Kindergarten applications commonly require birth records, residence information, parent employment status and kindergarten forms.
• Primary education is compulsory in Croatia, and children are usually enrolled according to residence area.
• For children continuing primary education, schools may ask for translated and certified previous report cards.
• Students who do not know Croatian sufficiently can receive preparatory or supplementary Croatian language classes.

Step-by-step checklist

1. Identify the city and likely address before contacting schools or kindergartens.
2. Check your child age and whether kindergarten, preschool, primary school or secondary school applies.
3. Collect birth certificates, passports, residence documents and previous school records.
4. Translate and certify school reports when required.
5. Contact the local school or kindergarten before arrival and ask what documents they need.
6. Prepare your child for Croatian language exposure with basic words and routines.
7. Plan childcare gaps if kindergarten places are full or the school year has already started.

Questions to ask before you decide

• Which school is responsible for our address?
• Does my child need previous report cards translated and certified?
• Is preparatory Croatian language support available?
• When is kindergarten enrolment and are there waiting lists?
• What are the monthly kindergarten fees for our municipality?
• What school supplies, meals and transport costs should we expect?

Warning signs

• You choose housing without checking school or kindergarten access.
• Children arrive without school records or translations.
• Parents assume English-language schooling is available everywhere.
• A job offer requires long shifts but no childcare plan exists.
• The family budget ignores kindergarten fees, school meals, books and transport.

FAQ

Can a foreign child enrol in Croatian primary school?

Yes, but the school will determine the appropriate grade and may require documents about previous education and residence.

When does kindergarten enrolment happen?

gov.hr notes that applications usually take place in May for the following pedagogical year, which begins on 1 September.

Will my child get Croatian language help?

Official school guidance provides for preparatory or supplementary Croatian language classes when students do not know Croatian sufficiently.

Useful official sources

• gov.hr: Enrolment in kindergarten
• gov.hr: Enrolment in primary school
• HZZO: Health insurance in Croatia

JobCro provides practical information for international candidates and families. This article is not legal advice. Always check the official Croatian authority pages and the official job listing before making a decision.