They were replaced by Inter Zaprešić, who returned to the top level after two seasons in the second division.
On 20 April 2015, Croatian Football Federation announced that the first stage of licensing procedure for 2015–16 season was complete.
Additionally, Istra 1961 and RNK Split obtained a license for UEFA competitions.
Only three teams from Druga HNL acquired the top level license: Inter Zaprešić, Sesvete and Hrvatski Dragovoljac.
At the end of the season, ninth placed Istra 1961 qualified for a two-legged relegation play-off tie against Šibenik, runners-up of the 2015–16 Croatian Second Football League.