A public body treated me unfairly — how do I complain to the ombudsman?
The ombudsman — Pučki pravobranitelj (01 4851 855) — investigates how public bodies act: delays, silence, rudeness, lost files, refusal to explain, unequal treatment. It is free, independent, and its reports carry weight. Two conditions in most countries: you complained to the body itself first, and the complaint is within a deadline (often one year). The ombudsman does not overturn decisions — for that, object and appeal (see that page); Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinike (pravosudje.gov.hr) helps with the legal route; Upravni sud (sudovi.hr) is the court. Many countries have specialised ombudsmen too (children, patients, financial) — Pučki pravobranitelj redirects you.
🗣️ What to say
"I complain about [body] concerning [what happened, dates]. I raised this with them on [date] and [no answer / an unsatisfactory answer, attached]. I consider their conduct [unreasonable / unfair / negligent] because [reasons]. I ask you to investigate and to recommend [what]."
🪜 Step by step
- Complain to the body firstIn writing; keep it. The ombudsman will ask for it.
- Within the deadlineUsually a year from the conduct, sometimes less. Later is possible with a reason.
- Complaint to Pučki pravobraniteljOnline form: what happened, what you did, what you want. Attach the correspondence.
- InvestigationThe ombudsman asks the body for its side, may look at the file, and issues findings and recommendations. Months, not weeks.
- Decision itself wrong? Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinike, Upravni sudThe legal route runs in parallel and has its own deadline — do not wait for the ombudsman to appeal.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Is the ombudsman's decision binding?
Recommendations are not binding, but public bodies follow the vast majority and parliament publishes those that do not.
Can I complain about the police, a hospital, a school?
Yes, for public services; some have their own complaints bodies first. Pučki pravobranitelj's site lists which.
Can the ombudsman award compensation?
It can recommend it, and many bodies pay on recommendation. For a right to compensation, the court.
📎 Sources
- Pučki pravobranitelj →
- Besplatna pravna pomoć (upravni odjel županije) / pravne klinike →
- Upravni sud →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “ombudsman complaint Croatia”
- “complain about government office unfair”
- “ombudsman deadline complaint”
- “public body no answer complaint”
- “maladministration complaint”
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.