Grobna naknada: Croatia's grave fee and the new 2025 cemetery law explained

What is the grobna naknada?

The grobna naknada is a yearly fee that the holder of the right of use for a grave site (pravo korištenja grobnog mjesta) pays to the cemetery administration. It funds the upkeep and management of the cemetery — paths, water points, waste disposal and general infrastructure.

Important: paying the fee does not release you from the duty to keep the grave itself in a maintained state. Both belong together — the fee for the cemetery, the care for your own grave.

Example Zagreb: for a family grave at Mirogoj (fields 1–110) the yearly fee is €37.16 incl. VAT, according to the price list of 29 Dec 2022; please check the current amount with Gradska groblja.

The new 2025 cemetery law: what you need to know

In 2025 Croatia passed a new cemetery law (Zakon o grobljima, Narodne novine 78/25, correction 80/25), in force since 17 May 2025. Under the cemetery law, a grave for which no fee has been paid for ten years can be declared abandoned. The exact steps and deadlines (payment request, notice) are set by your town's or municipality's cemetery decision.

Does a debt expire? The general rules on limitation periods may apply to grave fee claims. Which period applies and when it starts depends on the individual case. This is not legal advice – for your case, contact the cemetery administration or a lawyer.

Why this matters especially for families abroad

The public payment notice appears where the grave is — at the cemetery, in the local newspaper, on the administration's website. If you live in Stuttgart, Vienna, Zurich, Toronto or Sydney, you will often never see it. And if the address on file is outdated, the letter never reaches you either.

That is why it helps if the cemetery administration has your current address and email. That way the notice reaches you, wherever you live.

How to look after the grave from a distance

First: clarify with the cemetery administration who holds the right of use, and register a current address and email. Second: pay the grobna naknada reliably — by standing order where possible. Third: keep the grave visibly maintained, because lasting neglect can also have consequences.

For that third point you do not need to be there: in Croatia, with Oaza Mira you order cleaning, candles, flowers or wreaths, a Caretaker does the work, and you receive a photo after the visit. We cannot guarantee an appointment. If nobody accepts your order, we will contact you ourselves and refund the full amount. Not available everywhere yet, with a waiting list. If the Caretaker notices something — such as a damaged joint that should be repaired before winter — you hear about it after the visit, not on your next trip home.

Frequently asked questions

Which law governs the grave fee since 2025?

The cemetery law Zakon o grobljima (NN 78/25, correction NN 80/25), in force since 17 May 2025. The amount of the fee is set by the cemetery administration, or the town or municipality.

How much is the yearly grave fee at Mirogoj?

According to the Gradska groblja price list of 29 Dec 2022, it is €37.16 incl. VAT for a family grave in fields 1–110. Please check the current amount with Gradska groblja.

Does a debt for the grave fee expire?

The general rules on limitation periods may apply to claims. What applies in your case depends on the circumstances. This is not legal advice – contact the cemetery administration or a lawyer.

How can I pay the grave fee from abroad?

Gradska groblja Zagreb accept payments from abroad (IBAN/SWIFT) and can send the invoice by email. For other cemeteries, ask the responsible administration.