[2] In addition to this, only four Druga HNL clubs had officially requested a license, e.g. only four clubs expressed interest in competing in the 2010–11 Prva HNL in case they win promotion – RNK Split, Hrvatski dragovoljac, Solin and Mosor.
In such a scenario the five bottom-placed teams from the previous season would be relegated and only the winners of the Druga HNL would get promoted to top level.
That means that the number of relegation spots was increased from 3 to 5 for the current 2010–11 season, and only the 2010–11 Druga HNL champions will be promoted.
Out of these eight, only Lokomotiva and NK Zagreb weren't issued a license for participating in UEFA competitions.
[13] On 4 May 2011, it was announced that all remaining Prva HNL clubs were granted top level license.
Additionally, Cibalia, Rijeka and RNK Split obtained a license for UEFA competitions.
Only three teams from Druga HNL acquired the top level license: Dugopolje, Gorica and Lučko, where the latter two are set to play outside of their home venues.
[15] Although the bottom three clubs should have been relegated at the end of the 2009–10 season, problems with licensing have reduced this number.
However, the Prva HNL Statute explicitly states that the bottom-placed team must be relegated, which will be Croatia Sesvete.
Five out of the eighteen licensed clubs had obtained licences to use other clubs' stadia as their own grounds had been found unsuitable for top flight matches but only Lokomotiva will end the season using stadium of other club because Međimurje dropt out to second division, RNK Split was given permission to play their home games at their own stadion, Istra 1961 was given permission to play their home games in their home town until their own stadium will be finished with renovation, and Hrvatski Dragovoljac is also waiting for its own stadium to be finished with renovation.