The Richest Man In Croatia According To Forbes (2025): Vasily Anisimov’S $2.1 Billion Empire

When we think of billionaires in Europe, our minds often go to countries like France, Germany, or the UK. But what about Croatia? This Adriatic gem, better known for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and vibrant tourism industry, also has a notable place on the Forbes Billionaires List. And sitting right at the top as the richest man in Croatia is Vasily Anisimov, with an impressive net worth of $2.1 billion as of 2025.

Vasily Anisimov’s story is not just one of wealth, but of adaptability, strategic thinking, and seizing opportunities in industries that many people underestimate. His portfolio spans real estate and metals & mining, and his business journey reflects decades of international experience, calculated investments, and a clear understanding of market cycles.

In this blog post, we’ll unpack who Vasily Anisimov is, how he built his wealth, the sectors driving his fortune, and what his story means for Croatia’s economic and investment landscape.

Who is Vasily Anisimov?

Vasily Anisimov is a businessman with deep experience in the post-Soviet industrial and investment scene. Although he was born in Russia, his business presence and residency ties have connected him to Croatia in recent years, placing him firmly on Forbes’ list of billionaires representing the country.

He built his wealth initially through the metals and mining sector, a field that has long been a key driver of global economic growth. Later, he diversified into real estate, where his investments have expanded across different regions, including Europe.

How He Built His $2.1 Billion Fortune

Anisimov’s journey to billionaire status is a masterclass in diversification and risk management. Let’s break down the two main pillars of his wealth:

1. Metals & Mining

Anisimov made his earliest fortunes in the metals and mining industry — particularly aluminum and other industrial metals. This is not an easy sector to succeed in, as it involves global commodity price fluctuations, large-scale infrastructure, and heavy capital investments.

However, Anisimov demonstrated a sharp sense of timing, entering the market during expansion phases and making strategic exits when conditions shifted. The ability to identify when to buy and when to sell in commodities is a skill that has made and broken many fortunes, and in his case, it solidified his early wealth base.

2. Real Estate Investments

Once he had established his initial fortune, Anisimov shifted focus to real estate — a sector that offers more stability compared to the volatile commodity markets. His property investments cover both residential and commercial developments, with holdings in multiple countries.

In Croatia, real estate has been booming thanks to tourism, foreign investment, and increasing demand for luxury coastal properties. Owning prime real estate in tourist-driven economies can generate strong rental yields and long-term capital appreciation, and Anisimov has positioned himself well in this regard.

The Significance of Being Croatia’s Richest Man

Croatia is not typically associated with a large population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Most of its wealth generation comes from tourism, agriculture, and services, rather than heavy industry or large-scale resource extraction.

That’s what makes Vasily Anisimov’s presence in the Croatian billionaire landscape so unique. His industries — mining and real estate — are not the traditional Croatian economic drivers, meaning his fortune is largely international in origin, yet still has a domestic impact through his investments and spending.

Lessons from Vasily Anisimov’s Success

1. Diversification is Key

Anisimov’s ability to shift from mining to real estate shows the importance of not relying on a single income source. This is especially crucial for long-term wealth preservation.

2. Timing Matters

In commodities, timing is everything. Entering the market at the right moment and exiting before downturns helped him avoid the worst of economic cycles.

3. Global Perspective

Although based in Croatia, Anisimov’s investments are global. In a connected world, billionaires increasingly operate without borders, seeking the best opportunities regardless of location.

Impact on the Croatian Economy

While Anisimov may not run large-scale factories or employ thousands within Croatia directly, his presence as the country’s richest man still has symbolic and financial implications.

• Luxury Real Estate Influence: Billionaires purchasing high-end properties can boost the luxury real estate market.

• Tourism Synergy: High-profile residents attract media attention and can subtly influence tourism demand.

• Foreign Investment Confidence: Having a Forbes-listed billionaire based in Croatia reinforces the country’s image as a safe and desirable investment location.

The Future of His Wealth

With a diversified portfolio, Vasily Anisimov is well-positioned to maintain or even grow his net worth in the coming years. Real estate remains a stable hedge against inflation, while metals and mining will continue to be vital for global industries — especially with the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy, both of which require significant metal inputs.

However, challenges remain:

• Geopolitical Risks: Being involved in global industries means exposure to international political and trade tensions.

• Economic Cycles: Real estate markets can experience downturns, especially if interest rates rise sharply.

Still, given his track record, Anisimov has shown that he can navigate these challenges effectively.

Final Thoughts

Vasily Anisimov’s story is not your typical Croatian business tale. His wealth stems from industries outside the country’s main economic sectors, yet his presence as a billionaire resident puts him in a league of his own.

With $2.1 billion in net worth, diversified assets in real estate and metals & mining, and a strategic global investment mindset, he stands as an example of how fortune can be built and preserved across industries and borders.

In a world where economic power is increasingly mobile, Croatia’s richest man is a perfect example of wealth without borders — rooted in global opportunity but connected to a local identity.