What is the „Model plaćanja“?
The “Model” is a two-letter code beginning with HR, which defines the structure and meaning of the reference number. Each institution or company in Croatia may require a different model depending on the type of payment – for example HR01 for invoices, HR03 for OIB, or HR04 for payments to public authorities.
Overview of the most common Croatian payment models
| Model | Description / Use | Detailed explanation |
|---|---|---|
| HR00 | Without specification | The reference number is unstructured – you can use any number or text, for example an invoice number, order number, or variable symbol. |
| HR01 | Invoice payment (račun) | The most commonly used model for payments between companies and individuals. The model is followed by the invoice number or another identifier. |
| HR02 | Payment upon approval (odobrenje) | Used when a payment requires approval by the recipient – for example internal transfers, advance payments, or refunds. |
| HR03 | Payment according to OIB | OIB is the Croatian tax identification number (Osobni identifikacijski broj). Used when the reference number corresponds to a person’s or company’s OIB. |
| HR04 | Payments to state institutions | Used for payments to authorities, the tax office, or courts. The reference number follows a structure defined by the Ministry of Finance. |
| HR05 | Internal registration | Intended for internal use by organizations or public institutions. The structure of the reference number is defined internally. |
Example: How to correctly fill out a Croatian payment
| Field | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| IBAN primatelja | Recipient’s IBAN | HR12 2340 0091 1234 5678 9 |
| Model | Type of payment model | HR01 |
| Poziv na broj primatelja | Reference number (e.g. invoice or OIB) | 12-3456-789 |
| Opis plaćanja | Payment description | Plaćanje računa za vodu – October 2025 |
| Iznos | Amount | 125.00 EUR |
If you are unsure which model to use, you can choose HR00, which is universal. However, it is always recommended to use the model indicated on the invoice or document.
How to find the correct model and reference
- On the invoice – Croatian invoices usually include a line: Model: HR01, Poziv na broj primatelja: 2025-0001234
- For taxes and fees – Always use HR04, as the reference number is defined by the state (e.g. 68 0000-xxxxxxx-OIB).
- For payments to private individuals – Usually HR00 or HR03 (OIB).
The Croatian payment system is very precise and strictly structured. Model plaćanja and Poziv na broj primatelja are key data fields without which a payment may not be processed correctly. Always use the model and reference number exactly as indicated on the invoice or payment request. For payments to authorities, make sure to use the correct HR04 and reference format.
Final tip
When making a payment from a Czech or German bank to Croatia:
- IBAN always begins with “HR” (e.g. HR45 2340 xxxx xxxx xxxx x)
- Payment currency is euro (EUR)
- Model HRxx and Poziv na broj should be entered in the “Reference / Message to recipient” field
