Banks have been required since January 1, 2010, to request the personal identification number (OIB) from new clients when establishing a business relationship, as noted by the Croatian Banking Association (HUB).
The personal identification number can be presented and verified with a certificate received from the Tax Administration or it can be requested on-site, that is, at the bank via a web service with the client’s consent, HUB states. HUB reminds that in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Identification Number Act and the Regulation on the Personal Identification Number, the personal identification number (OIB) becomes a mandatory and permanent identifier for every person in the Republic of Croatia.
Through the OIB, individuals will be registered in all official records regarding persons and property, while public authorities will exchange data from official records. The adjustment period lasts until the end of 2010, but as of January 1, 2010, the OIB becomes the primary identifier for individuals in communication with public authorities and in payment transactions. Such application of the OIB requires the preparation of all individuals, obligors, and users for a new way of doing business, HUB states, noting that in accordance with the aforementioned, banks are required as of January 1, 2010, to request the OIB from new clients when establishing a business relationship. (H)
