Due to the rapid economic growth of Croatia, more and more foreigners are planning to move to this country for employment purposes. Learn more about the specifics of obtaining a work visa and employment prospects in Croatia in 2024

As a member state of the European Union, Croatia is experiencing rapid economic growth and demonstrates stability. It is a promising place for both progressive companies and skilled workers. Migration to the country for employment purposes will be a great opportunity for career development, professional growth, experience and decent income. According to statistics, the largest number of foreign workers come to Croatia from Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Therefore, we have prepared useful information on how to obtain a work visa to Croatia, what requirements should be met, and how to find a job.

You can learn more about the peculiarities of moving to Croatia in 2024 by following the link.

Peculiarities of employment in Croatia

Foreign workers who plan to work in Croatia must first obtain a work permit. Therefore, we recommend that you find an employer first. You can look for vacancies in social media groups, on the websites of local companies, on government portals or on job boards. 

Here are some popular resources where vacancies are published:

1. Adorio

2. Bika

3. Danas radim

4. Freelance.hr

5. Jooble HR

6. MojPosao

7. Njuškalo

8. Nova karijera

9. PickJobs

10. Posao

After being approved for the position, you can collect documents and apply for a work visa. Usually, the employer must first provide confirmation of employment. After that, the company will apply on your behalf for a work permit and a residence permit in Croatia. 

The permit entitles a foreign worker to stay in the country for at least 12 months. If necessary, the duration of residence can be extended for another 2 years. Qualified foreign workers from third countries are also granted an EU Blue Card. As Croatia is a member of the European Union, citizens of EU member states do not need a visa or work permit to be employed in the country. 

Foreign workers seeking a skilled position in Croatia must have proof of higher education and a minimum of 1 to 2 years of work experience. Another important condition for employment in the country is knowledge of English. It is desirable to have a sufficient level to maintain conversations, read and write fluently. 

You also need to have a passport valid for at least 2-3 years and a legalized police permit. There is compulsory health insurance in Croatia. Therefore, be sure to take care of travel and health insurance. To choose a plan that suits your needs, contact qualified specialists on our website. The experts will provide in-depth advice and help you choose reliable insurance.  

Every 15th employee in Croatia is a foreigner

Croatia is facing an urgent need to attract foreign workers due to a significant labor shortage. Local entrepreneurs say that it is as difficult to find qualified foreign specialists as it is to find local ones, which makes it difficult to overcome this problem. Currently, every 15th worker in the country is a foreigner, and their number is expected to grow to half a million by 2030.

Representatives of Croatian business recognize that increasing the number of foreign workers is a necessity, as there is a lack of local candidates for open positions. However, not every foreign worker is able to adequately replace a local specialist, which makes it difficult to find the right personnel.

Some foreigners see Croatia as a transit point for entering the EU, which creates additional challenges in retaining employees. The country's authorities are seeking to develop incentives to persuade foreign workers to stay in Croatia on a permanent basis, which could greatly facilitate the solution to the labor shortage.

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Salary levels in Croatia

Salaries in Croatia remain moderate compared to other EU countries. As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage increased to 840 euros per month. According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the average salary is currently EUR 1,326 per month, and this upward trend continues.

The level of salaries depends on the field of activity. For example, IT specialists, marketers, lawyers, and doctors earn between 1300 and 1900 euros per month. Medical staff and teachers receive about 950-1100 euros. Service workers, especially in the summer season, have additional income due to the influx of tourists, which allows them to earn from 700 to 1000 euros per month, including tips.

Popular vacancies in Croatia

The main motivation for many expats choosing Croatia is the opportunity to find a better job. Although Croatia joined the European Union relatively recently, the level of salaries is gradually approaching the standards of developed European countries. However, the unemployment rate in the country is still high. This means that before hiring a foreigner, Croatian employers must prove that there are no local candidates for the position.

Nevertheless, jobs in Croatia are available for Ukrainians in various industries, especially in the service sector and agriculture. The most popular jobs are maids, waiters, kitchen assistants, bartenders, hotel administrators, as well as cashiers, salespeople, and display workers. There is also a need for skilled construction workers, electricians, tilers, and general laborers.

Ukrainian doctors can get a European salary, as Croatia has a significant shortage of medical personnel. However, to work in this field, you need to confirm your diploma and qualifications, as well as speak Croatian and English.

Due to the country's geographical location, there are also many vacancies for sailors, diving instructors, and workers on ships and yachts in Croatia. The average salary of sailors is from 4000 to 5000 euros per month.

Do I need a visa to work in Croatia? 

To work legally in Croatia, you need to obtain a category D employment visa. This visa is issued on the basis of a job invitation from a local employer and allows you to stay in the country for more than three months. After obtaining the visa, the employee is obliged to register with the Police Department as a foreigner working in the country.

An employment visa can be extended in cases of prolongation of the employment contract or due to personal or force majeure circumstances that prevent the employee from leaving the country on time.

The following documents are required to obtain a work visa in Croatia:

1. Foreign passport;

2. A document confirming the right to work: a work permit, contract or invitation;

3. A document confirming the availability of housing: a lease or purchase agreement for real estate;

4. Bank statement confirming the availability of financial resources;

5. Medical insurance;

6. Receipt of payment of the consular fee;

7. Visa application.

This package of documents allows you to officially work in Croatia and gain access to the labor market.

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For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

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Work permit in Croatia 2024

A foreign worker in Croatia has two main legal ways to get employed: obtaining a work permit or a business permit. The first type of permit is valid for two years and is issued only to candidates who fall within the quotas set for foreigners. However, suppose a foreign worker belongs to the category of in-demand specialists, such as professional athletes, teachers, scientists, sailors, or those planning to start a business in the country. In that case, they can avoid the quota system.

Lack of a work permit or a change of employer without proper registration can lead to deportation from the country. Therefore, compliance with all work permit requirements is mandatory for legal employment in Croatia.

Taxes for employees in Croatia

Residents of Croatia pay taxes on income earned both within the country and worldwide. Residents are citizens who have lived in the country for 183 days and have owned real estate for one or two years. Non-residents pay taxes on income (salaries, business profits, etc.) earned only in the country. 

In addition, there is no state social security system in Croatia. However, employers must contribute to health insurance, unemployment insurance, and accident insurance. These costs range from 0.5-15%. 

Cost of living in Croatia 2024

On January 1, 2023, Croatia officially joined the Schengen area. This means that border and customs checks at the borders between Croatia and other Schengen countries have been canceled for those crossing the border by road, rail or water. This has greatly facilitated travel and promoted the free movement of citizens.

Also, on January 1, 2023, the euro became the official currency of Croatia, replacing the national currency, the kuna. Throughout January 2023, both currencies were in circulation in parallel to ensure a smooth transition. Banks and post offices exchanged kuna for euros at a fixed rate until the end of 2023.

From now on, Croatia can also issue Schengen visas, and holders of a Croatian residence permit are now able to travel freely throughout the Schengen area, which has increased the value and importance of this document.

Accommodation

The tourist season in Croatia has a significant impact on the rental market. Many locals derive their main income from renting apartments during the summer months, which allows them to support themselves throughout the year. However, the holiday season is short, so some Croats decide to rent out their homes at other times of the year. 

Between November and April, you can find good accommodation at affordable prices. For example, apartments by the sea at this time can be rented for 500-700 euros per month, which makes them an attractive option for long-term accommodation.

Dining

There are numerous supermarket chains in Croatia, such as Plodine, Konzum, Tommy, Kaufland, Lidl, Interspar, and Billa, where you can find affordable prices and regular discounts. 

The average check in a cafe or restaurant is about 20-30 euros for two people. However, you should avoid establishments in tourist areas, where prices can be 20-30% higher. For example, sushi in the center of Zadar can cost from 7 euros for 4 rolls and a burger from 8 euros, while in less popular areas the same burger can be purchased for 4 euros.

Prices for some products:

- Milk (1 liter) - 2 euros;

- Vermicelli 400 g - 1.3 euros;

- Yogurt (1 piece) - 0.5 euros;

- Trout 1 kg - 4.5 euros;

- Bread - 1.5-2 euros;

- Sheep cheese 100 g - 2.91 euros;

- Turkey fillet 700 g - 5.3 euros;

- Boiled sausage 0.5 kg - 2.25 euros;

- Beer 0.5 - 1.46 euros;

- Apples 1 kg - 1.3 euros;

- Pear 1 kg - 1.85 euros;

- Tangerines 1 kg - 1 euro;

- Dry, local wine 1 bottle - from 3 euros.

Medicine

Living in Croatia, it is mandatory to have health insurance. The Croatian national healthcare system is state-run and controlled by HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Institute). This system is available to all citizens of the country, as well as to foreigners who are permanently residing in Croatia. 

Medical services in the country are much cheaper than in the United States or the United Kingdom. In addition to public healthcare, private health insurance is also available in Croatia. It is important to note that foreigners undergoing inpatient treatment usually pay more than locals.

Transportation

In Croatia, bus and tram tickets can be purchased at TISAK newsstands or directly from the driver. If you plan to use public transportation frequently, it is beneficial to purchase a travel card, which can be found in ZET stores. The card costs 10 kuna (about 1.3 euros). You can also top up your card at these stores and use it to pay for public transportation.

There are several types of tickets for buses and trams, including 30-minute tickets for 4-6 kuna (80 cents) and 60-minute tickets for 7-10 kuna (1.35 euros).

For traveling between cities in Croatia, especially those located on the coast or on islands, ferries and sea taxis are a convenient option. They allow you to get to all coastal cities and many islands.

The highways in Croatia are in excellent condition, but they are tolled. The fare depends on the distance. For example, a trip from Zadar to Split (about 159 km) will cost 7 euros. Payment is made on the basis of a ticket that the driver takes at the entrance to the highway.

Clothing

Shopping in Croatia is significantly different from what you can find in Italy, although the countries are not far from each other. Large cities such as Zagreb, Rijeka, Dubrovnik, and Split have shopping centers with well-known clothing brands such as Bershka, C&A, H&M, Levi's, MANGO, Orsay, Reserved, and others. 

Croatian shopping malls are aimed at the middle class, and during sales periods, you can find great deals with discounts of up to 50%. For example, a women's dress can be purchased at a price of 25 euros, and nonleather shoes cost from 40 euros.

For those looking for more affordable options, local markets offer clothing, shoes, and other goods at low prices, but quality and style may be an issue. The market comes to life with the start of the tourist season and locals also offer Croatian souvenirs such as honey, sheep cheese, lavender products, local wine and tinctures.

Entertainment

Croatia impresses with its natural beauty, which is breathtaking. Along the 1700 kilometers of coastline and among the 1,000 islands you can find real gems of nature. One of these places is the Plitvice Lakes, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the 19 national parks in Croatia that attracts more than a million tourists annually. In winter, a ticket to the park costs 10 euros, which includes a ferry ride on the lake and a bus ride through the park.

Another interesting place is Krka National Park, located in Dalmatia. In winter, when the number of tourists decreases, the ticket costs 50 kuna (about 7 euros). This time is considered the best to visit.

In addition, visitors can enjoy cultural events. For example, tickets to the cinema for the premiere of a movie, such as Avatar 2, cost from 6 euros. If you prefer the theater, tickets to the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb range from 9 to 14 euros, depending on the seat.

Remember! Many foreigners choose Croatia for higher education because of the high level of training and prospects. Read more about how to enter a Croatian university, required documents, tuition fees, and other useful information.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

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