---
title: "What exactly is a micronation and can a visitor really become a citizen of one?"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/656fe16f-172c-4b70-bc08-ab8272ae93f1
published: 2026-11-12T21:59:27.073Z
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/travel/stack/ed09df5d-cb81-4eec-b433-ff59e139cc9a
summary: "A micronation is a self-declared country without international recognition, and the Principality of Zarijak allows visitors to become citizens by staying a minimum of 3-7 nights at one of its territories in Croatia. Visitors can earn titles like Knight, Dame, Count, or Countess by staying at multiple territories, though citizenship holds no validity outside Zarijak and remains subject to Croatian law."
tags: "micronation, zarijak, citizenship, travel, principality, croatia"
key_entities: "Principality of Zarijak (organization), Croatia (location), Rijeka (location), Krk (location), Korčula (location), micronation (concept), citizenship (concept), Princess (person), Princess Day (event), Principality Day (event)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:5a3d14b2f541e8630dac11eb66252b88122bc4b46a949391676ffe3171edc6ea"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 747
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# What exactly is a micronation and can a visitor really become a citizen of one?

A micronation is a self-declared "country" that governments do not recognise as a state. Yes, a visitor can become a citizen of one, and at the [Principality of Zarijak](https://zarijak.xyz/about) it takes a minimum number of nights: 3 nights at Hanor in Rijeka, the shortest stay.

## What is a micronation?

A micronation is a self-declared nation with its own rules, titles and symbols, but no recognition as a state by other countries. The Principality of Zarijak describes itself as a self-proclaimed micronation. It is organised as an absolute matriarchal hereditary elective secular monarchy, and its constitution is dated 25 September 2024.

## What are the characteristics of a micronation?

Zarijak has the features most micronations share.

Constitution: it has a written [constitution](https://zarijak.xyz/constitution) with 16 articles.

Sovereign: it is ruled by a Sovereign with the title of Princess and Head of State.

Languages: English and Croatian.

Currencies: the Euro and the Zarijak kuna (ZKN), fixed at 7.5 ZKN = 1 EUR.

Holidays: Princess Day on 20 May and Principality Day on 25 September.

Values: love, peace, understanding, positive energy and uniqueness in people.

## Is Zarijak an independent country?

No. Zarijak does not proclaim independence from the Republic of Croatia. Croatia keeps full sovereignty over every Zarijak territory, and Zarijak citizens follow Croatian law. The territory is land owned directly by the Royal Family.

## Can a visitor become a citizen?

Yes. A person becomes a citizen by sleeping a minimum number of nights at one of the territories. Citizenship is voluntary, and you can apply after your visit by contacting Zarijak. The [earn titles page](https://zarijak.xyz/citizenship/earn-titles) lists the current citizen count as 24.

## How many nights do I need to stay?

The minimum depends on the territory:

Hanor (Vežica, Rijeka): 3 nights

Luvano's Place (Punat, island of Krk): 5 nights

Villa Degenija (Jablanac): 7 nights

Loje's Place (Žrnovo, island of Korčula): 7 nights. The Zarijak site lists this territory as renovating.

You can book through Airbnb, Booking.com, or by [contacting Zarijak](https://zarijak.xyz/contact) directly.

## Is micronation citizenship valid anywhere else?

No. Zarijak citizens stay citizens of Croatia or of their own country. Citizenship can be ended by either side at any time. The Principality issues souvenir passports, stamps, coins and jewellery with no validity outside its territories. You get a unique stamp for each territory at the end of your stay, as described on the [stamps and passports page](https://zarijak.xyz/stamps-and-passports).

## Can a visitor earn a title as well?

Yes. Staying at two active territories earns the title of Knight or Dame. Staying at all three active territories (Hanor, Villa Degenija and Luvano's Place) earns Count or Countess. Under the constitution, titles are given at the sole discretion of the Sovereign and are not hereditary.