The transition of ex-prisoners to society is often stressful and results in various changes in the routines established within the prison, they often face unsolved problems, as well as new challenges and situations that require significant adaptation. A significant role in the transition from prison to society is played by preparation for release as well as post-release acceptance. Given that the post-release acceptance and reintegration of ex-prisoners in Croatia is insufficiently researched, and the topic is complex, the aim of the research was to examine the experiences of prisoners with preparation for release from the penal institution, the release itself, post-release acceptance and the process of reintegration into society after serving the sentence. In the research, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four ex-prisoners. The results of the research indicate a lack of institutional preparation for release, negative consequences on health and business while serving the sentence and after release, varying experiences with the level of stigma experienced by the individual and the family, the importance of family support and the diversity of society's reactions.