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invest in
DUBROVNIK
NERETVA
REGION
www.investindubrovnik.com
INVESTMENT
POTENTIAL
GUIDE
“Benefit from the Mediterranean Lifestyle”
DUBROVNIK
NERETVA
COUNTY

W E L C O M E T O
THE DUBROVNIK
NERETVA REGION
Dear investor,
Our region has always been one of the most
visited parts of the Republic of Croatia. We are
proud that the international community
recognizes the undisputed natural beauties on
and off shore, an amazing history full of world
famous individuals like Marco Polo and Ivan
Gundulic, fantastic food and wines…
However, the purpose of this guide is to illustrate
in a brief and succinct way what our business
and investment potential looks like today!
We have tried to bring you closer to specific
investment projects that could interest any
foreign investor looking to invest in the most
southern part of Croatia.
Our region is located at the crossroads of
traditional trade routes in the Mediterranean and
we have always benefited from this geographical
position. Our goal is to continue to improve
tourism and start operating at a fullcycle season,
meaning our hotels, restaurants and coffee
shops should stay open for the whole year. The
region has put forward a number of strategic
documents for the tourism, wine business, ICT,
energy and transportation sectors in order to
attract strategic investors who want to
benefit from a unique lifestyle and a historic
surrounding.
Projects like the Pelješac Bridge or development
of the Dubrovnik Airport are just a few of those
that have multiple positive implications on our
economic future.
This guide serves to bring you closer to our
people, customs and culture so you can better
understand what might potentially be of interest
to your organization or company.
Investments today come in different shapes and
forms. Bringing fresh international capital
requires new ideas and working hand in hand
with each interested individual. Therefore, my
office and our Development Agency DUNEA are
constantly at your service to assist you.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope that
together we can find adequate solutions to your
investment plan in the Dubrovnik Neretva
Region.
Feel free to write me an email at
zupan@dubrovnik-neretva.hr or call at
+385 20 351 402.
Sincerely yours,
Dubrovnik Neretva
County Prefect
Nikola Dobroslavić

CONTENTS
Welcome to the Dubrovnik
Neretva region 3
Dubrovnik Neretva region:
Where we are 4
Dubrovnik neretva region
In figures 6
Regional advantages and
Competitiveness 8
Investment opportunities
& business zones 10-17
Tourism & leisure 10-12
Transportation & infrastructure 13
Agriculture & mariculture 14-15
Research & development 16
High-end entertainment 17
Luxury real estate development 17
Doing business
Considerations 18-19
Dubrovnik Neretva region is 20
Key investment contacts 21
Annual international
Investment forum Dubrovnik 22

DUBROVNIK NERETVA
REGION: WHERE WE ARE
OVERVIEW:
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region is the most southern part of
the Republic of Croatia, located on a very important
geostrategic position in southeast Europe and the
Mediterranean basin. Its territory consists of 80% of sea and
20% of land (making up only 3.1% of the country’s land
territory). Exceptionally rich with natural resources such as
sun, wind, fertile land, water, national parks and islands, it is
traditionally a hospitality and tourism oriented region.
The region has significant agricultural potential in the area of
the Neretva River valley, the strategic deep sea cargo Port of
Ploče (gateway of the future Pan-European corridor Vc), the
Dubrovnik International Airport (over 62% of tourists arrive
by air), the leading Mediterranean port for cruise ships in the
city of Dubrovnik, developing mariculture sector in the
prestine Mali Ston Bay and active production of high quality
wines and shellfish on the Pelješac peninsula and Konavle.
Dubrovnik’s breathtaking medieval Old Town and spectacular
southern Adriatic coastline has developed the city of
Dubrovnik and the whole region into an elite European and
world tourism destination. While preserving the beautiful
coastline and nature, the tourism sector is definitely a
strategic industry for the region and is continually
developing, including the upgrading of resorts & hotel
capacities, promoting health and
recreational tourism, and increasing synergy between
agricultural and tourism development.
Elite tourism is in the process of developing potential for
more nautical marinas and new golf projects throughout the
region.
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region is a relatively small county
with a population of 122,870 inhabitants; hence,
administrative resources are limited. However, the highly
educated populace and experience with international clients
adds to
the region’s attractiveness.
Dubrovnik has many friends around the world who are able to
supplement the region’s limitations and provide potential
investors with the required expertise to realize any
mutually beneficial investment project. The prestigious
Rochester Institute of Technology, one of the largest private
universities in the U.S., opened a branch campus in Dubrovnik
in 1997.
As a truly multicultural and multinational destination, the
Dubrovnik Neretva Region offers a remarkable opportunity to
experience and benefit from the Mediterraneanlifestyle and
cultural traditions that can be turned into
profitable business projects in today’s globalized world.
Dubrovnik Neretva region in figures
ADMINISTRATION
5 Cities
17 Municipalities
ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER
Dubrovnik
Population 43,770
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Prefect and County
Assembly
POPULATION
No. 122,870
Av. age: 39
GDP & EMPLOYMENT
SIZE & CLIMATE
100%
0%
GDP per capita: €10.160
Unemployment: 16%
Net Salary (average): €752
Gross Salary (average): €1.062
- Area: 9,272 km2
- 223 islands and reefs
- Average temperature: 16,5 C
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Bordering: Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Montenegro, Italy (Sea border)

PERSONS IN EMPLOYMENT BY COUNTY
(2013) - TOTAL: 45.612
36.293
423
In legal entities
Crafts, trade, free lance
Privately insured farmers
8.896
GROSS INVESTMENT BY COUNTY (2011)
(BY THOUSAND EUR) - TOTAL: 160,878
3,092
1,533
13,867
8,936
51,446
8,644
21,802
11,022
4,428
1,529
6,153
9,765
Agriculture and forestry
Manufacturing
Electricity, gas, etc.
Water, sewage, waste
Construction
Wholesale and retail trade/services
Transportation
Accommodation, food services
Information/Communication
Finance and insurance
Real estate
Arts and entertainment
GENERAL INFORMATION
POPULATION
4,284,889
SIZE
56,594 km2
CURRENCY
Croatian Kuna
GDP & EMPLOYMENT
100%
0%
Population: 4.4 Million
GDP (PPP): 58 USD Billion
GDP growth rate 0.5%
GDP Annual growth rate -0.4%
GDP per capita €10,160
Unemployment: 18.8%
Inflation (CPI): -0.2%
FDI inflow 2014: €2,876 Million
Public debt: 85 % OF GDP

REGIONAL ADVANTAGES
AND COMPETITIVENESS
OVERVIEW:
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region has experienced solid growth
rates in tourism over the last decade despite the global
economic crisis. However, the region is facing competitive
challenges as any other destination looking to attract
investment and capital. Through effective use of public
–private organizational structures, the region aims to improve
competitiveness, especially through EU funding schemes
available during the 2014-2020 period.
Croatia’s GDP per capita in 2012 was 13,878.58 USD;
compared to Greece at 22,455.95 USD, the Croatian
economy has many avenues to grow its productivity (World
Bank, 2012). The slow pace of privatization of state-owned
businesses has traditionally hindered growth.
Key Competitive Advantages
High-end European and global tourist destination
Well connected by the Dubrovnik International Airport
Quality educational infrastructure
Cargo port of Ploče important for trade routes with Eurasia
and rest of the world
Close proximity to the modern A1 Zagreb-SplitDubrovnik
motorway
Deep sea port of Dubrovnik suitable for home port for
cruisers
Fertile land for agricultural/food production in Neretva River
valley
The region continually supports all state infrastructure
projects (e.g. transportation, utilities) with the intention of
significantly increasing the quality of life of its citizens and to
integrate Croatia’s dislocated southern region, but also to
increase the business opportunities for potential investors,
domestic and international.
Improving business environment
In November 2013, the Dubrovnik Neretva County approved
its future strategic objectives and all investors are welcome
to contribute to these strategic development goals:
Ensure the cultural/economic sustainabilty of Croatia’s
southern-most region
Connect the region with the remainder of Croatia’s territory
with the Pelješac Bridge ensuring the full
integration of Croatia’s territories
Finalize the just border with BosniaHerzegovina at the Neum
region and with Montenegro at Prevlaka
Ensure a high-level of quality of life, and jobs for our citizens,
including a bright future for our youth
Ensure the sustainable developmentand equally dispersed
development throughout the region, retaining local
administration autonomy where
feasible
Protect the rich cultural treasures of the city of Dubrovnik
and the region
Protect the environment and natural beauty of the
region, which is a fundamental prerequisite for the
development of the tourism sector, the economy
in general, and the quality of life of our citizens and
visitors

Many things matter for competitivness
infrastructure is the backbone
The cost of the realization of badly needed
infrastructure projects has always been an
expensive venture and, hence, a slowly
developing process. This has also hindered the
potential of economic development. However,
Croatia, as an EU member state since 1 July 2013,
qualifies for European Structural and Investment
Funds, which will support the development of
numerous infrastructure projects.
New roads, bridges, power plants,
wind parks…
Such infrastructure projects include the hydroelectric
power plant Dubrovnik II, which will
increase the electrical capacity in the region, the
Pelješac bridge, which will connect southern and
northern Croatia and also improve the
transportation connectivity of the peninsula of
Pelješac and the island of Korčula, wind power
parks on Pelješac (Orebić and Ponikve) and
agricultural projects that will increase the
productivity of the rich Neretva River valley
delta.
Access to Southeast Europe
Along with the attractiveness of investing in
Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Neretva region, the
county is a “gateway” to the Southeast Europe
markets of Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania and the wider
EuroAsia countries of Greece and Turkey.
EU Funding
EU funding in the coming years will definitely and
significantly improve the infrastructure
development of the region, in turn, this will
significantly increase the competitiveness and
potential for supporting investments in other
business sectors. A total of €11 billion of
structural and cohesion funding from the 2014-
2020 EU budget is allocated for Croatia.
EU Security
The EU’s support of Dubrovnik is not only
supporting Croatia, as a small EU member.
The EU is also specifically interested in
Dubrovnik, because of the fact that numerous
tourists from EU members (e.g. UK, France,
Germany, Italy, Austria, etc.) visit year around
and the region will become the southern-most
border between the EU and non-EU states, which
requires additional EU diplomatic and security
initiatives and infrastructure in the region
(Schengen regime rules proposed for adoption in
2016).

REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
FOR GROWTH EUROPEAN
TRANSPORT CORRIDORS
Transportation & Infrastructure
Investments in infrastructure projects are crucial for the further
development the Region, the investments should provide the
direct road link between the Region and other European
countries, reduce congestion and travelling time, increase
traveling comfort and safety, and increase attractiveness of the
Adriatic – Ionian direction for both goods and passenger
transport.
The development plans od DNR are harmonized with the
international documents which define the development of the
European road network. The European corridors are in line with
the Croatian longitudinal and transverse transport routes, and
by adding the Adriatic – Ionian corridor, the backbone of the
entire traffic network.
The Adriatic Ionian Pan European transport corridor is a
stabilizing and development factor, connecting seven countries
of the Adriatic Ionian initiative, from Trieste in Italy to Kalamata
in Greece. The corridor directs potential development forces to
the west and southeast of Europe, which will form new values
not threatening the existing ones on the parallel corridors.
Approximately 70% of the Croatian part of the Adriatic Ionian
motorway is constructed in Croatia until now.
The transport corridor Vc (road, railway, river and air traffic) is
a complex link between the North – Central and South Europe
and is exceptionally valuable in the context of economic and
transport integration processes of this Central European area.
Construction of the Corridor Vc, the connection between road,
railway, river and air traffic, will have a direct influence on the
development of a wider and significant transport junction for
the whole Europe.
Upgrading infrastructure and
removing existing bottlenecks
Interventions planned
by the DNR government
ź
ź
ź
ź
ź
ź
ź
Continue developing the motorway to Dubrovnik and
Regional fast roads, and reconstruct and modernize local and
Regional roads.
Secure further development of coastal transport of
passengers, and significantly enhance the links between
islands and the Regional centre, as well as the links between
the islands.
Carry out investments in the sea infrastructure so as to
enhance its condition and to increase the quality of sea
transport network.
Initiate activities relevant to developing planned airports, and
developing emergency heliodrome foreseen by the Region
space planning.
Continue to introduce the Schengen regime at the B&H
border.
Enhance the railway transport from Ploče to the state border.
Establish the system of intermodal transport.

LARGE SCALE
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
KEY TO DEVELOPMENT
Business zones
6.
7.
2.
3.
5.
METKOVIĆ
PLOČE
OPUZEN
5.
4.
VELA LUKA
KORČULA
OREBIĆ
4.
STON
3.
SLANO
2.
1.
LASTOVO
DUBROVNIK
CAVTAT
Industrial business zones
Business zones
1.
1. Municipality of Konavle, Gruda
2. City of Ploče, Vranjak
3. Municipality of Lumbarda, Humac-Pudarica
4. Municipality of Vela Luka, Vela Luka
5. Municipality of Blato, Krtinja
1. Municipality of Čibača
2. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje, Banići
3. City of Opuzen, Veletržnica
4. City of Opuzen, Business zone II
5. City of Metković, Dubravica
6. Municipality of Kula Norinska, Pozla gora
7. Municipality of Pojezerje, Nova sela
8. Municipality of Ston, Zabrđe
The cargo Port of Ploče, gateway of
the transport corridor Vc, and new
entry port in a EU market is rapidly
developing, in a past 10 years the
investments in port infrastructure
(project „Integration of Trade and
Transport (ITT)“) reached up to 129
million euros. Upon completion of ITT
project, the port will become one of the most competitive
cargo port in the Adriatic.
The passenger sea-port of Gruž,
Dubrovnik - attractive Mediterranean
Cruise Ship destination with widely
developed port infrastructure is prime
location to develop into a significant
European cruise ship home port
location. Port authorities are currently
implementing the second phase of the
infrastructure project (development of operative quay), also
working on a concessioning process of for the construction of
the port superstructure.
International Airport of Dubrovnik -
aim is to become the leading airport in
the Region, and to increase the annual
handing capacity to 2 + million
passengers is currently implementing a
infrastructure project that will improve
air connectivity of the Region
(construction of a new terminal
building, and other large-scale intervention). Total value of the
project, co-financed by the European Union, is 220 million
euros.
The Pelješac Bridge - the most
significant Regional development
project will ensure the full integration of
Croatia's territories, will upgrade the
economic development, and increase
traffic safety. The estimated cost of the
investment is 220 million euros, also to
be co-financed by the European Union.
National gas pipeline – government
continue to develop the project of the
natural gas pipeline, which will ensure
the stable and efficient supply of natural
gas to households and business
ventures, as an important pre-condition
for business and industrial development
in the Region.

INVESTMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
& BUSINESS ZONES
Hotels, Nautical tourism,
Cruising, Golf, Conventions
Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Neretva Region is not only a
leading regional destination, but also a global destination.
Development of elite tourism is continually on the rise and a
strategic objective for the Dubrovnik Neretva Region.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO world heritage site
and is a must see world destination. It’s amazingly preserved
medieval Old Town with its awe inspiring stone fortress is an
inspiration to world renowned visitors throughout its history
from King Richard the Lion Heart to pop singer Beyonce. After
visiting Dubrovnik, Ernest Hemingway called the city the “Pearl
of the Adriatic”.
However, what makes Dubrovnik special and unique is that it is
not a museum; rather its historical Old Town is a living
breathing small town with local residents enjoying life within its
medieval walls on a daily basis. With a mix of new international
inhabitants of the city, residents
enjoy their morning grocery shopping at the open air market at
Gundulić square, morning coffee at the City Coffee House
(Gradska kavana), evening promenades on the Stradun main
street, open air concerts on the medieval walls, etc.
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region includes other historical and
tourism beauties including: Mali Ston, the Pelješac peninsula,
Korčula and other islands, the Mljet national park, etc. Tourism
development is focused towards providing opportunities for
the development of elite tourism projectsand extending the
tourism season year wide to allow every average citizens
toexperience and enjoy the Dubrovnik experience.
The filming of the globally popular “Game of Thrones” in the
Dubrovnik Neretva Region is but one well-known project aimed
at promoting such a Dubrovnik experience.
TABLE: Marina Berth Capacity per County Urban Plans /Nation Strategy for Nautical Tourism
County
Existing (2007) Planned (2020)
Sea Berths Land Berths Total
Sea Berths Land Berths Total
Total
Istria
3,89
77
4,662
7,330
7,100
14,430
19,092
Primorje-Gorski Kotar
3,228
1,938
5,166
3,100
0
3,100
8,266
Lika-Senj
0
0
0
850
800
1,650
1,650
Zadar
3,676
1,030
4,706
1,800
0
1,800
6,506
Šibenik - Knin
2,795
900
3,695
2,140
0
2,140
5,835
Split - Dalmatia
1,581
390
1,971
3,185
0
3,185
5,156
Dubrovnik
664
156
820
7,350
0
7,350
8,170
Subtotal
15,834
5,186
21,02
25,755
7,900
33,655
54,675

Cruising
As Dubrovnik is a widely attractive location for
Mediterranean Cruise Ship lines and given that the
infrastructure is widely developed, Dubrovnik is also a
prime location to develop into a cruise ship home port
location.
Statistics of cruise ships arrivals and the number of passengers
Arrivals
Passengers
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
17
Nautical zones
21
20
19
18
12
11
10
9
16
22
23
15
14
13
8
7
6
5
4
3
1. Municipality of Konavle - PREVLAKA
2. Municipality of Konavle - Gornji Molunat
3. Municipality of Dubrovnik - Zaton
4. Municipality of Dubrovnik - Donje Čelo
5. Municipality of Dubrovnik - Lopud
6. Municipality of Dubrovnik - Suđurađ
7. Municipality of Dubrovnik - Šipanska luka
8. Municipality of Dubrovnik - Jakljan
9. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje - Sestrice
10. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje - Kručica
11.. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje - Kručica
12. Municipality of Ston - Kobaš
13. Municipality of Mljet - Prožurska luka
14. Municipality of Mljet - Polače
15. Municipality of Ston - Žuljana
16. Municipality of Orebić - Trstenik
17. Municipality of Ploče - Pod cestom
18. Municipality of Orebić - Orebić
19. Municipality of Korčula - Dominče
20. Municipality of Orebić - Kučište Hotel "Komodor"
21. Municipality of Korčula - Račišće
22. Municipality of Balto - Otočac
23. Municipality of Lastovo - Pasadur - Jurjeva Luka
2 1
Tourist zones
19. 18. 17. 14. 13. 12. 11.
METKOVIĆ
PLOČE
OPUZEN
10. 9. 8. 7. 6.
VELA LUKA
KORČULA
OREBIĆ
STON
SLANO
20.
LASTOVO
16. 15.
DUBROVNIK
CAVTAT
5. 4. 3. 2. 1.
1. Municipality of Konavle - PREVLAKA
2. Municipality of Konavle - MEĆAJAC
3. Municipality of Župa dubrovačka - GAJ BETERINA
4. Municipality of Župa dubrovačka - KUPARI 1*
5. Municipality of Župa dubrovačka - KUPARI 4
6. City of Dubrovnik - LOPUD SKALINI
7. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje - RAT
8. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje - BUDIMA
9. Municipality of Dubrovačko primorje - SESTRICE
10. Municipality of Ston - PRAPRATNO
11. City of Ploče - DOBROGOŠĆE
12. Municipality of Janjina - PALATA
13. Municipality of Trpanj - JAVIĆ ZAGLAV
14. Municipality of Orebić - DUBRAVICA
15. Municipality of Lumbarda - BERKOVICA
16. City of Korčula - DOMINČE
17. Municipality of Blato - PRIŽBA RAVNO
18. Municipality of Vela luka - GABRICA
19. Municipality of Vela luka - PLITVINE
20. Municipality of Lastovo - UBLI

Accommodation capacity in DNR
Total: 65.980
36.003
8.302
Private
Camping sites
Hotel
Other
18.842
2.833
Tourists arrivals in dnr
Year
2000.
2001.
2002.
2003.
2004.
2005.
2006.
2007.
2008.
2009.
2010.
2011.
2012.
2013.
2014.
TOTAL
(in 000)
507,7
563,6
597,2
697,0
796,8
909,4
928,6
978,4
986,8
957,2
982,6
1.046,8
1.122,4
1.241,3
1.346,3
Overnight stays in
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Year
2000.
2001.
2002.
2003.
2004.
2005.
2006.
2007.
2008.
2009.
2010.
2011.
2012.
2013.
2014.
TOTAL
(in 000)
2.844,4
3.128,8
3.260,1
3.657,0
3.944,6
4.478,5
4.385,3
4.414,0
4.452,6
4.324,5
4.538,0
4.775,2
5.188,1
5.618,3
5.883,8

LUXURY REAL ESTATE
DEVELOPMENT
With the objective of further developing elite tourism, one of
the areas that is lacking in the City of Dubrovnik and the
Dubrovnik Neretva Region
are locations for high-end luxury real estate development.
Various present projects, such
as the golf resort development on Mount Srđ overlooking the
Old Town will have such property available for elite tourists
and CEOs looking to have their summer homes in Dubrovnik.
However, such individual projects are not adequate in
advancing the region’s goal of increasing elite tourism and
making the region a year-long destination and home for our
welcome guests, entrepreneurs, and corporate CEOs.
Therefore, such real estate development projects are
welcome investments in the Dubrovnik Neretva Region. For
example, “the Croatian Dream Project” is in the early stages
of development.
High-end Entertainment
OVERVIEW
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region is continuously working
towards making the region a year-long tourism destination,
continuously incorporating systematic efforts to provide its
guests a variety of activities to enhance the present
attractiveness of cultural sites and pleasant weather.
Along those lines, the entertainment industry is very welcome
to invest and do business in the region with such projects as
the “Game of Thrones” and other international filming
opportnities. Along with the strategy of supporting elite
tourism, the Dubrovnik Neretva Region also cautiously
supports the development of high-end and general populace
entertainmentand gaming projects, which will significantly
increase the entertainment offer to our international and local
guests, thereby considerably extending the tourism season in
the region.
Interested investors are kindly asked to contact the Regional
Development Agency (DUNEA) to begin to support these
ideas, in order to cautiously develop the sector without
overdeveloping the Dubrovnik Neretva Region and the City
of Dubrovnik in ways that would be detrimental to
Dubrovnik’s sensitive environment.

AGRICULTURE
& MARICULTURE
OVERVIEW
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region is the location of high quality
agricultural and maricultural products, such as the wine
production on th Pelješac
peninsula, the island of Korčula and the Konavle region, citrus
production in the rich Neretva
River Valley, shellfish production at the Mali Stone Bay, etc.
These high quality products provide investment opportunities
for high-end “niche” markets throughout Europe, North
America, and other highly developed markets worldwide.
Business zones are locations especially designed to attract
investment in production and the services sectors. Developing
Agro-tourism
projects, including developing and increasing the capacity of
the local agriculture sector (e.g. Neretva River Delta citrus
production, shellfish at Mali Ston Bay, wine production on
Pelješac, etc.) is an integral part of the strategy to support
tourism in the Dubrovnik Neretva Region by providing high
quality and indigenous agricultural and maricultural products
to local citizens and the millions of visiting guests. The
development of this sector is an important integrator and
provides opportunities for investment.
MARIBIC – Mariculture Business Innovation
Center, University Of Dubrovnik
MARIBIC was established in June 2008, as part of the
Program for the Technological Development of Croatia –
TEHCRO, which is partly financed by the World Bank.
Its main purpose is to provide technological and educational
support for the Unversity and the aquaculture industry
towards the development of new technologies andthe
activation of entrepreneurship. MARIBIC presently has
demonstration/production facilities for fish and shellfish
production. Vertically integrated fish productionsystem
includes: broodstock conditioning facility, finfish hatchery,
recirculating aquaculture production systems and floating
cages.
The shellfish hatchery consists of brood stock conditioning
systems, facilities for larval and pat production and MARIBIC
– Mariculture Business Innovation Center, University Of
Dubrovnik laboratory for phytoplankton production. Within
the scope of its technology-innovation activities, MARIBIC
works towards the development of new technologies, the
evaluation and transfer of existing technologies, development
and evaluation of new equipment, and on the introduction of
new species and new products in aquaculture.
Maricultural zones
5.
8.
11.
7.
1.
4.
4. 5. 6.
10.
9.
3.
2.
1.
5.
2.
3.
Fish farming areas
1. Osobjava
2. Sobra, Babino polje/valley, Kozarica
3. Prožura
4. Blace
5. Vela Luka
6. Prevlaka
7. Oskorušno, Kuna pelješka
8. Nakovana, Lovište
9. Duba Stonska
10. Brijesta- Drače
11. Trpanj, Duba pelješka, Donja Vručica
Shellfish farming areas
1. Sreser, Drače
2. Stupa
3. Mali Ston channel
4. Blace
5. Blace
6. Komarna

MEDITERRANEAN
INNOVATIVE
R & D CENTERS
OF EXCELLENCE
Due to Dubrovnik’s extreme attractiveness and high
quality of lifestyle, there is also high potential for the
development of a “Silicon Valley”- type center that
would gather the world’s greatest scientific minds,
institutions and corporations.
The goal is to strengthen the Region's competitiveness
and economic growth through increased collaboration
and knowledge transfer between the public and the
business sector, encourage business investment in R &
D, and the development of economy based on the
high added value products and services.
A priority area of the Region are sustainable
environment & energy, health, engineering, bio
economy and biotechnology, while the horizontal
overlapping sectors are: KET's & ICT, tourism, creative
and cultural industries, green growth and social
themes/challenges.
By partnering with international and regional
corporations, the Region is interested in becoming a
scientific center of excellence in Southeast Europe, the
Mediterranean, and even globally by attracting worldrenowned
scientists in their respective fields to come
to Dubrovnik and work on their scientific research that
will make important breakthroughs in their fields.
The Dubrovnik Neretva Region is an ideal choice for
such a center and has numerous synergies, especially
since the advancements in the field that are geared
towards the diversification of energy sources in
Europe are also in the strategic interest of Southeast
Europe and the Dubrovnik Neretva Region. The region
already has various development locations prepared
for such R&D centers.

DOING BUSINESS
CONSIDERATIONS
Possible considerations and steps
As in all countries in the world, Croatia has its specific
regulations that international investors need to consider while
doing business in the country. These issues include the
regulation of work permits, taxation, building permits, and
various investment incentives.
Regulations for new foreign investors
Foreign investors have the same rights, obligations and legal
status as domestic investors. However, Croatian law
distinguishes between the rights of residents and nonresidents.
Foreign investments are regulated by the Companies Act,
Foreign Exchange Act, Investment Promotion Act and other
laws. For detailed information please visit the Croatian
Chamber of Economy (www.hgk.hr).
The law on the employment of foreign
Nationals regulates the employment of
Foreigners in croatia
EU nationals do not need a visa or a work permit to stay and
work in Croatia, with the exceptions of the citizens of Austria,
Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Germany, Italy,
Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the
UK; these countries have chosen to limit Croatian citizens’
employment in their countries for the next couple of years
and through the principle of reciprocity the same limitations
exist for their citizens in Croatia.
If you are from one of these countries you will need a work
registration certificate to work for up to 90 days a year. If
you want to work more you will have to obtain a work permit.
Non-EU nationals need a work and a residence permit. They
may be employed in Croatia only if they hold either a
business visa or an employment visa, and a work permit.
w w w . a i k - i n v e s t . h r /e n / i n v e s t m e n t - g u i d e
/stay-and-work-permits-and-visas/
Investment incentives
When investing in Croatia, there are two possible levels of
investment incentive – National and Local.
Incentives provided by the authorities of municipalities or
cities where the investment is located include: reduction in
communal tax, reduction in utility infrastructure installation
costs, etc. National level incentives are defined by the
Investment Promotion and Development of Investment
Climate Act
(www.minpo.hr/UserDocsImages/Investment%20Promotion
%20and%20Development%20of%20Investment%20Climate
%20 Act.pdf).
The incentive measures in the new Act are aimed at
strengthening production activities and the use of new
technologies, supporting development research activities
and stimulating
employment.
ź
ź
ź
An application to acquire the status of a recipient of
incentive measures must be submitted to the Ministry of
Economy for approval before the beginning of the
investment. The investmentvalue and employment
thresholds to qualify are:
€ 50,000 and 3 new jobs created for micro enterprises
€ 150,000 and 5 new jobs created for small, medium and
large enterprises

Establishing a company
A foreign investor, under the condition of reciprocity which is
assumed, establishes or participates in the establishment of
companies in the Republic of Croatia, acquires the rights in
them and assumes the obligations under the same conditions
and has the same position as a national of Croatia.
The condition of reciprocity does not apply to foreign
investors with headquarters or a permanent residence in the
member state of the World Trade Organization, or if he/she is
its national.
Foreign companies and sole traders, under the conditions
prescribed by law, are considered to be domestic legal
entities with all rights and obligations as applied to Croatian
nationals. However, they cannot permanently perform
activities on the Croatian territory until they have established
a subsidiary in Croatia.
Tax system
Tax treatment of residents and non residents is equal.
Taxation of non residents is conducted respecting double
taxation avoidance agreements which Croatia has signed
with 52 countries (the United States is a country of note with
whom Croatia does not have a Double Taxation Agreement).
Customs system
By the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European
Union, the area of the Republic of Croatia became a part of a
single customs territory of the Union.
The entry into a single customs territory of the EU means
that, as of July 1st, 2013, all customs control over entry of
goods or trade between Croatia and the other Member States
is abolished.
Trade between domestic goods between persons in different
Member States is not considered as imports and is not a
subject to customs procedures and supervision.
Dealing with foreign goods imported from countries outside
the EU is regulated by the provisions of the Act on Customs
Regulations of the European Union (NN 54/2013).
Subject to customs supervision are the goods for which the
EU customs regulations prescribe customs supervision.
Goods are subject to customs supervision from the time of
their entry, and the same should require a customs-approved
treatment or use of goods. Customs-approved treatment or
use of goods requires the submission of a customs
declaration for the customs procedure or use of goods.
Building and usage permitting process
Location
Information
SC
Approval
BP
Application
Parties
Insight
PPD
Compliance
Parcel
Arrangement
BP
Decision
Communal
and Water
Contribution
UP
Application
Final Report
UP
Technical
Review
ACRONYMS:
SC - Special Conditions
BP - Building Permit
PPD - Physical Planning Documents
UP - Use Permit
UP
Decision

KEY INVESTMENT CONTACTS
Ministry of Economy
Ivan Vrdoljak, Minister
Tel: +385 1 6106 155
www.mingo.hr
Agency for Investments
and Competitiveness (AIK)
Damir Novinić, Managing Director
Tel: +385 1 6286 800
www.aik-invest.hr/en/
Center for Monitoring
Business Activities in the Energy
Sector and Investments (CEI)
Josip Borak, CEO
Tel: +385 1 6430 600
www.cei.hr/en/
State Property
Management Administration
(DUUDI)
Mladen Pejnović, Managing
Director
Tel: +385 1 6346 401
www.duudi.hr
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Nikola Dobroslavić, County Prefect
Tel: +385 20 351 473
www.edubrovnik.org
Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Development Agency (DUNEA)
Melanija Milić, Managing Director
Tel: +385 20 312 714
www.dunea.hr
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
City of Dubrovnik
Andro Vlahušić, Mayor
Tel: +385 20 321 528
www.dubrovnik.hr/index.php
City of Korčula
Andrija Fabris
Tel: +385 20 711 143; +385 20 711
184
www.korcula.hr
City of Metković
Božo Petrov, Mayor
Tel: +385 20 681 395
www.metkovic.hr
City of Opuzen
Ivo Mihaljević, Mayor
Tel: +385 20 671 139
www.opuzen.hr
City of Ploče
Krešimir Vejić, Mayor
Tel: +385 20 679 828
www.ploce.hr/e-uprava/
Municipality of Lastovo
Leo Katić, Head of Municipality
www.lastovo.hr
Municipality of Vela Luka
Tonči Gugić, Head of Municipality
www.velaluka.hr
Municipality of Blato
Ante Šeparović, Head of
Municipality
www.blato.hr
Municipality of Smokvica
Lenko Salečić, Head of
Municipality
www.smokvica.hr
Municipality of Lumbarda
Igor Kršinić, Head of Municipality
www.lumbarda.hr
Municipality of Orebić
Tomislav Ančić, Head of
Municipality
www.orebic.hr
Municipality of Trpanj
Jakša Franković, Head of
Municipality
www.trpanj.hr
Municipality of Janjina
Vlatko Mratović, Head of
Municipality
www.janjina.hr
Municipality of Ston
Vedran Antunica, Head of
Municipality
www.opcinaston.hr
Municipality of Mljet
Đivo Market, Head of Municipality
www.opcinamljet.com.hr
Municipality of Dubrovačko
primorje
Nikola Knežić, Head of
Municipality
www.dubrovackoprimorje.hr
Municipality of Konavle
Luka Korda, Head of Municipality
www.opcinakonavle.hr
Municipality of Župa Dubrovačka
Silvio Nardelli, Head of
Municipality
www.zupa-dubrovacka.hr
Municipality of Kula Norinska
Nikola Krstičević, Head of
Municipality
www.kulanorinska.hr
Municipality of Slivno
Smiljan Mustapić, Head of
Municipality
www.opcina-slivno.hr
Municipality of Pojezerje
Boris Dominiković, Head of
Municipality
Municipality of Zažablje
Ivan Obradović, Head of
Municipality

4th
2016

invest in
DUBROVNIK
NERETVA
REGION
Dubrovnik Neretva County
Pred Dvorom 1
20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
tel: + 385 (0)20 351 400
fax: + 385 (0)20 321 059
www.dubrovnik-neretva.hr
DUNEA llc
Regional Development Agency
Dubrovnik Neretva County
Branitelja Dubrovnika 41
20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
tel: + 385 (0)20 312 714
fax: + 385 (0)20 312 715
www.dunea.hr
Dubrovnik Neretva County
Representation office in Bruxelles
47 Rue de Toulouse
Bruxelles B-1000, Belgija
tel: + +32 22 80 28 22
fax: +32 22 30 13 40
www.dubrovnik-neretva.eu
DUBROVNIK
NERETVA
COUNTY