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Croatia (since 1 January 2023)

Croatia has been a member of the European Union since 1 July 2013. On 12 July 2022 the Council of the European Union approved the accession of Croatia to the euro area on 1 January 2023 and determined the conversion rate for the Croatian kuna. 

Croatian euro coins

Conversion rate

 HRK 7.53450 per €1 

Croatia joined the euro area on 1 January 2023


Dual price display

Prices for goods and services will be indicated in both euro and kuna until 31 December 2023. The exchange rate must be shown in a clear and visible way when displaying prices. This is a key measure for consumer protection.

Dual circulation

Both euro and kuna (banknotes and coins) were allowed as means of payment for a two-week period following the introduction of the euro.

Exchange of banknotes and coins

Kuna banknotes and coins can be exchanged until 31 December 2023 free of charge for up to a maximum of 100 kuna banknotes and 100 kuna coins per transaction. For the exchange of larger numbers of banknotes or coins, commercial banks may charge a fee.

No price increases

Any price increase tied to the changeover is forbidden. If a business violates this rule, consumers are able to report any unjustifiable price increase to the authorities who can impose fines on that business.This is a part of consumer protection.

Exchanging Croatian kuna for euro

At post offices, commercial banks and the Financial Agency

Until 31 December 2023 kuna banknotes and coins can be exchanged for euro banknotes and coins at post offices, commercial banks and the Financial Agency only. Up to a maximum of 100 kuna banknotes and 100 kuna coins per transaction can be exchanged free of charge. For the exchange of a larger number of banknotes or coins, commercial banks may charge a fee.

At Hrvatska narodna banka

As of January 2024 Croatia’s national central bank will take over the exchange services for kuna banknotes without a time limit, and will exchange coins until 31 December 2025. This service is free of charge.

At other euro area national central banks

    Other euro area national central banks will exchange kuna banknotes, free of charge, at the fixed conversion exchange rate from 1 January to 28 February 2023. The amount that can be exchanged is limited to HRK 8,000 for any given party/transaction on any one day.

Key changeover dates at a glance
12 July 2022

EU Council approves Croatia’s admission to euro area.

18 July 2022

Minting of Croatian euro coins starts.

5 September 2022

Prices in Croatia begin to be shown in both kuna and euro until 31 December 2023.

30 September 2022

Frontloading Agreements are signed with all the commercial banks in Croatia.

18 October 2022

Transfer of euro banknotes and coins from Hrvatska narodna banka to commercial banks starts.

01 December 2022

Euro coin starter kits are ready to be offered to the general public and businesses at post offices, commercial banks and the Financial Agency.

01 January 2023

Euro introduction.

Euro banknotes and coins start circulating and kuna bank accounts are converted into euro.

For two weeks, to smooth the transition, both currencies – kuna and euro – are in circulation and can be used for payments.

Exchanging kuna banknotes and coins for euro banknotes and coins free of charge begins.

15 January 2023

Euro banknotes and coins become sole legal tender.

31 December 2023

Deadline for exchanging kuna banknotes and coins at banks, post offices and the Financial Agency.

1 January 2024

Hrvatska narodna banka takes over the exchange of kuna banknotes and coins.

31 December 2025

Deadline for exchanging kuna coins at Hrvatska narodna banka.

No deadline

Kuna banknotes can be exchanged at Hrvatska narodna banka indefinitely.

Getting in touch

If you have any questions, you can get in touch with Hrvatska narodna banka either by phone or in person at Trg hrvatskih velikana 3, 10000 Zagreb or at the cash desk at Franje Račkog 5, 10002 Zagreb. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00.

Please note kuna banknotes and coins cannot be exchanged for euro at the Hrvatska narodna banka cash desk before January 2024. Until that time, kuna banknotes and coins can only be exchanged at banks, post offices and the Financial Agency. 

SEE ALSO

Find out more about related content

How countries join the euro area

Satisfying the economic and legal convergence criteria is essential to join the euro area. The country joining must have a sustainable price performance and an average inflation rate that does not exceed that of the three best performing members by more than 1.5 percentage points. It also must align its national legislation with relevant EU law.

Discover more about the requirements

Benefits of joining the euro area

Croatia will gain more financial security and the living standards of its citizens will improve. It will also benefit economically from closer financial links with other members of the euro area and the ECB.

Advantages of adopting the euro

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