Forex trading is legal in Croatia and operates under a comprehensive regulatory framework aligned with European Union financial directives. The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) is the primary authority responsible for regulating and supervising the non-bank financial market, including forex trading activities, investment firms, and capital markets (1). Since Croatia adopted the euro in January 2023, the country's financial regulations have become further harmonized with EU standards under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive framework (2).
The Croatian National Bank plays a complementary supervisory role alongside HANFA in overseeing the financial system's stability. Since October 2020, Croatia has participated in the Single Supervisory Mechanism under close cooperation with the European Central Bank, which directly supervises significant banking institutions in the country (2). Foreign Exchange operations are governed by the Foreign Exchange Act and its amendments, which establish the legal framework for currency transactions and cross-border payments involving Croatian residents and non-residents (1).
"We supervise and regulate the non-bank financial market, monitor the risks and stability of the financial system, and educate consumers on financial services issues"
Croatian residents can legally engage in forex trading through properly licensed brokers that comply with HANFA regulations and EU directives. Since adopting the euro, Croatian traders primarily focus on euro-based currency pairs such as EUR/USD, EUR/GBP, and EUR/JPY, with transactions through EU-based brokers typically not attracting currency conversion fees (2). HANFA conducts regular audits of licensed brokers to ensure market integrity, consumer protection, and compliance with anti-money laundering requirements, taking enforcement action against violations when necessary (1).
Source:
https://www.hanfa.hr/en/
https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-investment-climate-statements/croatia
Last updated: 15-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
