Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Foreign Affiliates Statistics (FATS) measure the commercial presence through affiliates in foreign markets.
In country-level business statisticsoutward foreign affiliates statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of domestic affiliates of every resident ultimate controlling institutional unit which has at least one foreign affiliate and the activity of foreign-controlling enterprises resident in the compiling country (Table 15 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
In statistics on international activities outward foreign affiliates statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of foreign affiliates abroad ultimately controlled by an institutional unit resident in the compiling country (Table 33 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
Variables on country-level business activities in the OFATS data category:
Number of foreign-controlling enterprises (UCI concept) and domestic affiliates
Number of employees and self-employed persons in foreign-controlling enterprises (UCI concept) and domestic affiliates
Net turnover of foreign-controlling enterprises (UCI concept) and domestic affiliates
Variables on the international activities in the OFATS data category:
Number of enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Number of employees and self-employed persons in enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Employee benefits expense in enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Gross investment in tangible non-current assets of enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Net turnover of enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
3.2. Classification system
Classification systems used in the FATS are as follows:
Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (NACE Rev. 2);
List of 2-digit country codes (ISO 3166-1);
Currency codes (ISO 4217).
3.3. Coverage - sector
Market producers of NACE Sections B to N and P to S.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
In country-level business statisticsOutward Foreign Affiliates Statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of domestic affiliates of every resident ultimate controlling institutional unit which has at least one foreign affiliate and the activity of foreign-controlling enterprises resident in the compiling country (Table 15 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
In statistics on international activities Outward Foreign Affiliates Statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of foreign affiliates abroad ultimately controlled by an institutional unit resident in the compiling country (Table 33 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
Foreign affiliate in the framework of outward FATS is an enterprise or branch not resident in the compiling country over which an institutional unit resident in the compiling country has ultimate (direct or indirect) control.
Domestic affiliate shall mean an enterprise resident in the compiling country over which a UCI resident in the same compiling country has control.
Ultimate Controlling Institutional of a foreign affiliate (UCI) shall mean the institutional unit, proceeding up a foreign affiliate’s chain of control, which is not controlled by another institutional unit.
Control is the ability to determine the general policy of the affiliate by choosing appropriate directors, if necessary. In this context, enterprise A is deemed to be controlled by an institutional unit B when B controls, whether directly or indirectly, more than half of the shareholders' voting power or more than half of the shares.
Indirect control means that an institutional unit may have control through another affiliate which has control over enterprise A.
Active enterprise is a statistical units which at any time during the reference period was ‘enterprise’, as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 696/93, and also active during the same reference period. A statistical unit is considered to have been active during the reference period if, in said period, it either realized positive net turnover or produced outputs or had employees or performed investments.
Employees and self-employed persons are persons who work for an observation unit on the basis of a contract of employment and receives compensation in the form of wages, salaries, fees, gratuities, piecework pay or remuneration in kind; and persons who are the sole owners or joint owners of the statistical unit in which they work. Family workers and outworkers, whose income is a function of the value of the outputs of the statistical unit, are also included.
Employee benefits expense contains all expenses arising in relation with employee benefits, recognized by the statistical unit during the reference period. Those are are all forms of consideration given by the statistical unit in exchange for service rendered by employees or for the termination of employment.
Gross investment in tangible non-current assets includes all additions to tangible non-current assets, recognized as such by the statistical unit during the reference period, except any increases from revaluations or reversals of previously recognized impairment losses and from reclassifications (transfers) of other tangible non-current assets.
Net turnover consists of all income arising during the reference period in the course of ordinary activities of the statistical unit, and is presented net of all price reductions, discounts and rebates granted by it.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit of FATS is the enterprise as defined in line with the Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
3.6. Statistical population
Market producers of NACE Sections B to N and P to S (for the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 table 15) and market producers of NACE Sections B to N and P to S abroad (should cover the foreign affiliates of all ultimate controlling institutional units of the reporting country) (for the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 table 33).
3.7. Reference area
The reference area is the Republic of Croatia.
3.8. Coverage - Time
2013- 2023
3.9. Base period
Not applicable
Number of enterprises and employment variables are recorded in absolute figures.
Monetary data of enterprises are recorded in thousands in EUR currency.
2023
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
For compiling the OFATS T33 table, we do not use any external sources. Data for Table 15 are received from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics in aggregate form.
For Croatia: There is a predefined release calendar which is strictly followed. This calendar contains the planned data releases of the Croatian National Bank and the relevant selected data of theCroatian Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance for the current year.
There is a predefined release calendar which is strictly followed. This calendar containes the planned data releases of the Croatian National Bank and the relevant selected data of theCroatian Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance for the current year.
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
There is no News release directly linked to OFATS statistics.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
There is no Publications directly linked to OFATS statistics.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
There is no online database directly linked to OFATS statistics.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Not applicable
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
There is no access to microdata of OFATS statistics.
In order to assure the quality of the report, the process of data control starts with the data collection phase. All deviations from expected values are being verified by the reporting units.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
In general, according to the information available from the quality reports, the data providers have applied the recommendations available in the Regulation (EU) 2019/2152
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Internal and external users of the Croatian National Bank data are:
CNB analysts.
Other institutions (Government agencies, Ministries, ...).
Independent analysts.
Journalists.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Users are generally satisfied.
12.3. Completeness
Completeness is fully satisfied.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Mandatory cells completeness is 100%
13.1. Accuracy - overall
If suspicious values are observed in the microdata during the verification process, the reporting units are contacted to check their reported values and resend accurate ones. Sometimes, it can be noticed late reporting that is usually fixed in short term.
13.1.1. Use of residual geographic codes (Extra EU-27 not allocated, etc.)
Tthere is no use of residual geographic codes.
13.1.2. Use of residual activity codes (NACE activity “not allocated”)
Tthere is no use of residual activity codes.
13.1.3. Comments on the Extra EU-27 not allocated and on the Activity “not allocated”
There is no 'not allocated' data.
13.1.4. UCI Approach applied to identify the relevant population of reporting units
UCI Approach is applied to identify the relevant population of reporting units.
13.1.5. Update date (or frequency of updates) of the information regarding the country of the UCI by the “source administration”
Yearly update regarding the country of the UCI.
13.2. Sampling error
For the survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad. Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
No sampling errors.
For the survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad. Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
For the survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad. Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
For the survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad. Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Data for OFATS T33 are collected only through surveys. Table T15 is colected trough administrative source.
13.3.1.3. Misclassification errors
Not applicable.
13.3.1.4. Under- and over-coverage problems
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Measurement errors are easily noticable in most cases or at least in more relevant cases. They are detected and corrected in a short time.
13.3.3. Non response error
Unit non-response occurs when not all the reporting units in the sample participate in the survey.
Item non-response occurs when a respondent provides some, but not all, of the information requested or if the information reported is unusable (note that entirely unusable questionnaires are already counted in the unit non-response).
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable
13.3.4. Processing error
If it happenes, it is usually easily noticable and can be corrected in a short time. However, in case it happens, it immediately implies imposing additional processing controls in order toavoid it in the future.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
OFATS statistics are calculated annually for reference year T.
Data collection takes place at t+6 months after the end of the reference period.
Data transmission to Eurostat takes place at t+20 months.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Data transmission to Eurostat takes place at t+20 months.
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Data transmission to Eurostat takes place at t+34 months.
14.2. Punctuality
The Croatian National Bank transmits the requested dataset to Eurostat within the official deadline.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
The Croatian National Bank transmits the requested dataset to Eurostat within the official deadline.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Not applicable
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable
15.2. Comparability - over time
Croatia makes regular annual revisions on FDI data wich afects OFATS population.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
Length of comparable time series: 2022 - 2023
15.2.2. Reasons and differences in concepts and measurement methods for breaks in time series
Until 2021, coverage was not complete as we did not survey units that were not covered by the quarterly FDI survey. Since 2022, we have had full coverage.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Consistency is fulfilled within related statistics.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable.
15.3.3. Coherence – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
Full consistency is fulfilled.
15.3.4. Coherence – EuroGroups Register (EGR)
Full consistency is fulfilled.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Full internal consistency is fulfilled.
There is no additional burden imposed on reporting units.
17.1. Data revision - policy
OFATS report is subject of benchmark revisions as well as planned and unplanned revisions due to occasional corrections on the side of the data sources and also to the regular updating of the reporting units.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Vintage OFATS reports would be revised in the situation when data sources were changed significantly.
Data revision was done on the full data sets for 2022 and 2023. The revision was done in September 2025, because of discrepancies in the data for 2022 which showed differences greater than 10% within variables compared to 2023. Furthermore 2023, was also updated to enhance the quality of the data, since a small number of important entities did not send their data for OFATS for 2023 and we needed to have a better representation of our current population. The data for 2022 and 2023 is now up-to-date.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not applicable.
18.1. Source data
The CNB conducts several statistical surveys:
For the OFATS survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad through the IU-IP form, and the FDI relationship register should have full coverage. Once a year, the FDI relationship register is cross-checked with other databases, such as EGR.
Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
18.1.1. Methodological approach
The CNB conducts several statistical surveys:
For the OFATS survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad through the IU-IP form, and the FDI relationship register should have full coverage. Once a year, the FDI relationship register is cross-checked with other databases, such as EGR.
Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
18.1.2. Use of cut-off thresholds
Not applicable.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual.
18.3. Data collection
Source to define your population:
… % census survey
…20 % sample survey
… % Structural Business Statistics (SBS)
… % Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
…80 % EuroGroups Register (EGR)
… % Statistical Business Register (SBR)
… % Administrative sources
… % Private data sources
… % Publicly available sources
… % Other data sources (indication of the sources: ...)
Economic data obtained using:
15 % census survey
…85 % sample survey
… % Structural Business Statistics (SBS)
… % Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
… % EuroGroups Register (EGR)
… % Statistical Business Register (SBR)
… % Administrative sources
… % Private data sources
… % Publicly available sources
… % Other data sources (indication of the sources: ...)
18.4. Data validation
Data are being validated on regular basis applying predefined automated formal and logical controls in the moment of receiving data files.
After that, regular checks of individual unit areapplied in order to identify obvious or less obvious reporting errors or inconsistencies in termsof unusualy high or low figures or figures which do not follow usual pattern of a certain unit, if one can be applied.
18.5. Data compilation
There is no adjustment on collected data for imputation on on non response
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Ther is no imputation rate
18.5.2. Use of a method to deal with non-response (both unit and item non-response)
For now there is no imputation for non response.
18.5.3. Share of estimated values
zero
18.6. Adjustment
There is no adjustment on collected data for imputation on non response
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable
Foreign Affiliates Statistics (FATS) measure the commercial presence through affiliates in foreign markets.
In country-level business statisticsoutward foreign affiliates statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of domestic affiliates of every resident ultimate controlling institutional unit which has at least one foreign affiliate and the activity of foreign-controlling enterprises resident in the compiling country (Table 15 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
In statistics on international activities outward foreign affiliates statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of foreign affiliates abroad ultimately controlled by an institutional unit resident in the compiling country (Table 33 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
Variables on country-level business activities in the OFATS data category:
Number of foreign-controlling enterprises (UCI concept) and domestic affiliates
Number of employees and self-employed persons in foreign-controlling enterprises (UCI concept) and domestic affiliates
Net turnover of foreign-controlling enterprises (UCI concept) and domestic affiliates
Variables on the international activities in the OFATS data category:
Number of enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Number of employees and self-employed persons in enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Employee benefits expense in enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Gross investment in tangible non-current assets of enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
Net turnover of enterprises abroad ultimately controlled by institutional units of the reporting country
30 October 2025
In country-level business statisticsOutward Foreign Affiliates Statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of domestic affiliates of every resident ultimate controlling institutional unit which has at least one foreign affiliate and the activity of foreign-controlling enterprises resident in the compiling country (Table 15 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
In statistics on international activities Outward Foreign Affiliates Statistics (OFATS) describe the activity of foreign affiliates abroad ultimately controlled by an institutional unit resident in the compiling country (Table 33 of the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197).
Foreign affiliate in the framework of outward FATS is an enterprise or branch not resident in the compiling country over which an institutional unit resident in the compiling country has ultimate (direct or indirect) control.
Domestic affiliate shall mean an enterprise resident in the compiling country over which a UCI resident in the same compiling country has control.
Ultimate Controlling Institutional of a foreign affiliate (UCI) shall mean the institutional unit, proceeding up a foreign affiliate’s chain of control, which is not controlled by another institutional unit.
Control is the ability to determine the general policy of the affiliate by choosing appropriate directors, if necessary. In this context, enterprise A is deemed to be controlled by an institutional unit B when B controls, whether directly or indirectly, more than half of the shareholders' voting power or more than half of the shares.
Indirect control means that an institutional unit may have control through another affiliate which has control over enterprise A.
Active enterprise is a statistical units which at any time during the reference period was ‘enterprise’, as defined in Regulation (EEC) No 696/93, and also active during the same reference period. A statistical unit is considered to have been active during the reference period if, in said period, it either realized positive net turnover or produced outputs or had employees or performed investments.
Employees and self-employed persons are persons who work for an observation unit on the basis of a contract of employment and receives compensation in the form of wages, salaries, fees, gratuities, piecework pay or remuneration in kind; and persons who are the sole owners or joint owners of the statistical unit in which they work. Family workers and outworkers, whose income is a function of the value of the outputs of the statistical unit, are also included.
Employee benefits expense contains all expenses arising in relation with employee benefits, recognized by the statistical unit during the reference period. Those are are all forms of consideration given by the statistical unit in exchange for service rendered by employees or for the termination of employment.
Gross investment in tangible non-current assets includes all additions to tangible non-current assets, recognized as such by the statistical unit during the reference period, except any increases from revaluations or reversals of previously recognized impairment losses and from reclassifications (transfers) of other tangible non-current assets.
Net turnover consists of all income arising during the reference period in the course of ordinary activities of the statistical unit, and is presented net of all price reductions, discounts and rebates granted by it.
The statistical unit of FATS is the enterprise as defined in line with the Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
Market producers of NACE Sections B to N and P to S (for the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 table 15) and market producers of NACE Sections B to N and P to S abroad (should cover the foreign affiliates of all ultimate controlling institutional units of the reporting country) (for the EBS Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1197 table 33).
The reference area is the Republic of Croatia.
2023
If suspicious values are observed in the microdata during the verification process, the reporting units are contacted to check their reported values and resend accurate ones. Sometimes, it can be noticed late reporting that is usually fixed in short term.
Number of enterprises and employment variables are recorded in absolute figures.
Monetary data of enterprises are recorded in thousands in EUR currency.
There is no adjustment on collected data for imputation on on non response
The CNB conducts several statistical surveys:
For the OFATS survey conducted, the coverage is 100% as all resident units are required to report initial investments abroad through the IU-IP form, and the FDI relationship register should have full coverage. Once a year, the FDI relationship register is cross-checked with other databases, such as EGR.
Those who are controlled by residents are obligated to submit the OFATS form once a year.
Annual
OFATS statistics are calculated annually for reference year T.
Data collection takes place at t+6 months after the end of the reference period.
Data transmission to Eurostat takes place at t+20 months.
Not applicable
Croatia makes regular annual revisions on FDI data wich afects OFATS population.
