Croatian Diaspora in Great Britain

Number of Croats in Great Britain and their immigration

It is estimated that around 5, 000 Croats and their descendants live in Great Britain, mostly in London. The first Croatian settlers in Great Britain were refugees who came to Great Britain after the WWII. Later many political emigrants came as well.

Status of Croats in Great Britain

There are no specific regulations on immigrants’ rights and responsibilities. Foreign nationals enjoy equal treatment as British citizens.
There are certain laws which regulate immigration, citizenship, temporary residence, permanent residence and asylum. 
British citizenship may be granted after five years of permanent residence in the UK or after three years through marriage (civil partnership). In both cases, knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish – Gallic language is required. 

Great Britain allows dual citizenship

Croatia and Great Britain have concluded the Agreement on social security.

Croatian associations and Catholic Missions

In Great Britain most of the Croatian associations have a cultural aspect ( often in cooperation with the Embasssy of the Republic of Croatia), such as: the British Croatian Society (http://www.britishcroatian.net), AMAC-UK (Association of former students of Croatian universities), MATRIX CROATIACA UK, CSYPN (Croatian students and young professional network, http://www.csypn.org.uk).
There is one Catholic Mission active in London.

Croatian classes and courses of the Croatian language 

Croatian classes are financed by Croatian Ministry of Science and Education. Classes are held at the Croatian Embassy in London and they are attended by 35 students aged 6 – 16. Students are divided into groups according to their age and knowledge of Croatian.

At the School of Slavonic and Eastern European Studies at the University of London, Croatian language can be studied. The Croatian academic language instruction is fully funded by the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education.