Hrvatski
Entrepreneurs planning investments aimed at supporting the green transition of their business now have access to a new financing opportunity. Since 1 July 2026, the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) has been implementing the “Green Transition Investment Programme”, financed through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
The programme is intended to finance strategic green projects that contribute to more sustainable business operations, reducing environmental impact, increasing energy efficiency, and implementing investments related to climate objectives. It enables beneficiaries to finance investments under favourable interest rate conditions, including the possibility of receiving interest rate subsidies.
Who can use the HBOR Green Transition Loan?
Eligible loan beneficiaries include:
- companies, sole proprietors, and other private sector business entities, regardless of their size and legal form;
- local and regional self-government units carrying out economic activities;
- companies, institutions, and agencies owned or majority-owned by the Republic of Croatia or local and regional self-government units that perform economic activities.
All applicants must have their registered headquarters in the Republic of Croatia.
The programme is not intended for entities considered undertakings in difficulty under European Union rules.
Which green transition investments can be financed?
The programme supports investments in tangible and intangible assets required for the implementation of strategic green projects.
Eligible investments include projects related to intervention areas assigned a 100% climate coefficient according to Annex VI of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
Depending on the nature of the project, eligible investments may include:
- reducing energy consumption and increasing energy efficiency;
- introducing more sustainable technologies and production processes;
- reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
- using renewable energy sources;
- modernising business operations in line with climate objectives;
- other projects contributing to the green transition of the economy.
In addition to investments in fixed assets, the programme also allows financing of working capital up to 30% of the contracted loan amount, provided that it is related to the implementation of the green project.
All investments must comply with relevant European Union and Croatian legislation and meet the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle.
What cannot be financed?
Loan funds cannot be used for:
- VAT;
- activities included on HBOR’s list of ineligible activities (exclusion list).
What loan amount can be obtained?
The minimum loan amount is generally EUR 100,000.
There is no predefined maximum loan amount. The approved amount depends on:
- the value of the investment;
- the beneficiary’s creditworthiness;
- the purpose and structure of the project;
- HBOR’s available funding sources.
Depending on State aid rules, financing of up to 75%, 85%, or 100% of the eligible investment value excluding VAT may be available.
Favourable financing conditions
Thanks to funding provided through the NRRP, beneficiaries can access favourable lending conditions.
For private sector business entities:
- loans up to EUR 400,000 are subject to a fixed annual interest rate of 2.00%;
- for loans exceeding EUR 400,000, HBOR determines the interest rate for each individual project, with the possibility of an interest rate subsidy reducing the final interest rate to a minimum of 1.50% per annum.
For public sector entities, a fixed annual interest rate of 1.50% applies.
Beneficiaries may also qualify for interest rate subsidies depending on the type of investment and the category of beneficiary.
The maximum interest rate subsidy generally amounts to EUR 1,000,000, while for large strategic projects it may reach up to EUR 2,000,000, depending on the programme conditions.
Repayment period and loan utilisation
The loan may be approved with a repayment period of up to 20 years, including a grace period of up to three years.
The loan utilisation period generally lasts up to 12 months, depending on the purpose and implementation schedule of the investment, with the possibility of approval of a longer period where justified by the project.
Funds may be used:
- as a one-time payment;
- successively, according to the investment implementation schedule.
Disbursement is generally made to suppliers, contractors, or other service providers, based on documentation proving the intended use of funds.
The portion of the loan intended for financing working capital may be paid directly to the beneficiary, subject to subsequent proof of the purpose of use.
Collateral
HBOR determines collateral requirements based on the risk assessment of both the project and the beneficiary.
Possible collateral instruments include:
- promissory notes and bills of exchange;
- pledges over assets;
- insurance policies assigned in favour of HBOR;
- bank guarantees;
- guarantees issued by HAMAG-BICRO;
- other collateral instruments commonly used in banking practice.
Why is this programme important?
The green transition is becoming an important part of economic development and business adaptation to the climate objectives of the European Union. Investments in energy efficiency, sustainable technologies, emission reduction, and modernisation of business processes are becoming increasingly important elements of long-term business development.
The HBOR “Green Transition Investment Programme” provides an opportunity to finance such projects with long repayment periods and favourable lending conditions.
Planning a green investment?
If you are preparing a project related to the green transition, it is important to assess the eligibility of your investment and prepare the required documentation in a timely manner.
At Sensum, we provide support in project assessment, documentation preparation, and advisory services throughout the financing process, helping you determine whether the HBOR programme matches your development plans.
For more information, contact us!