Are you dreaming of a new horizon? Looking for work in Croatia
Croatia has become an increasingly popular place for those looking for work from all over the world. This is thanks to its beautiful Adriatic coastline, rich history, and growing economy. The Croatian employment market is changing quickly as of the middle of 2025. This is because the economy is becoming better, the population is changing, and there is a high need for both skilled and unskilled workers. Here’s all you need to know if you’re thinking of moving to this gorgeous European country for work.
The Changing Job Market: A Place to Find Work
The job market in Croatia is changing a lot. The country is having trouble because its population is getting smaller and older, which is causing big labour shortages, especially in important economic areas. Because of this lack of labour, the government is deliberately making it easier for foreign workers to get work permits, which makes it easier to hire them.
What people want most:
Tourism and hospitality are by far the biggest employers and a big part of the Croatian economy. Every year, millions of people visit Croatia’s coastal areas and cultural sites, therefore there is always a great demand for
Waiters and waitresses
People who work in the kitchen and chefs
People who work at the front desk
Housekeepers and maids at the hotel
Guides for tours
During the busiest spring and summer months, businesses are especially interested in hiring seasonal workers.
Construction: The construction industry is flourishing because of ongoing infrastructure projects, real estate development, and rebuilding efforts (particularly after the earthquakes in 2020). Some of the most in-demand jobs are:
Workers who build things
Carpenters
Electricians
Bricklayers
Plumbers
Welders
Engineers of Civil Engineering
Management and site supervisors
Information Technology (IT): Croatia has a robust IT scene, and there is a lot of need for IT workers. This field is growing quickly and offers good pay and a wide range of job options for:
People who make software
Experts in cybersecurity
People that work with AI and data science
IT architects
Engineers for networks
IT support and helpdesk, especially for people who speak more than one language
Cloud Engineers (now some of the best-paid workers)
Health care: Because the population is getting older, there is always a need for healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors. Some of the most important jobs are:
Nurses and carers
Physical therapists
Technicians in Medicine
Doctors and surgeons (very important and well-paid)
Manufacturing and Industry: This industry likewise needs a regular stream of personnel, from factory workers to expert machine operators.
Logistics and Transport: As e-commerce and supply chains grow, the necessity for these things grows too:
People who work in warehouses People who pack
Drivers of big trucks and lorries
Services for professionals: As companies grow, they need experts in a wide range of sectors, such as:
Lawyers and other legal professionals
People that run the office
People who keep track of money
People who look at finances
People in charge of marketing and sales
People in charge of projects
Managers of Human Resources
Analysts for businesses
Compliance Officers
Jobs for Everyone: Skilled and Unskilled
Because Croatia doesn’t have enough people, there are jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers. There is a huge demand for unskilled occupations, especially in tourism, construction, and manufacturing. More and more firms are granting visa sponsorship for these jobs. Some unskilled jobs pay more than the average cost of living.
Skilled professionals will find a lot of work, notably in IT, healthcare, and specialised engineering, where their skills are in high demand.
Pay and the Cost of Living
Salaries in Croatia may not be as high as those in Western Europe, but they are still good and generally provide for a decent lifestyle, especially when you consider the cost of living.
Average Salaries (as of early 2025, net monthly income):
Average for the whole country: about €1,392
The most lucrative fields are:
Air travel: €2,184 to €3,300 or more
IT/Engineering: €1,800 to €2,800 or more (Cloud Engineer: €3,121)
Surgeons and other healthcare professionals: €4,000 to €8,000 or more
Entry Level (0–2 years of experience): €900–€1,200
Mid-Level (3–5 years of experience): €1,500 to €2,500
Tourism and hospitality (entry-level): €1,000 to €1,400 (plus tips)
Construction (Entry-Level): €1,100 to €1,500
Cost of Living:
Croatia is usually less expensive than a lot of Western European countries. Without rent, a single person can expect to spend between €800 and €1,200 per month. With rent, they can expect to spend between €1,000 and €2,000. In the city centre, a one-bedroom apartment usually costs between €400 and €800 to rent, but outside the centre, it can cost between €330 and €600. If you cook at home, groceries for one person could cost between €200 and €300 a month.
Living costs are usually greater in big cities like Zagreb and Split than in smaller towns or rural areas.
The way people work in Croatia
Croatian work culture generally prioritises having time for yourself and a good balance between work and life. In business, being on time is really important. When Croatians talk, they often use a lot of body language and emotion, which shows passion instead of wrath. People who speak softly may be seen as lacking confidence.
Requirements for Non-EU/EEA Citizens to Get a Work Visa
It is necessary for anyone from outside the EU/EEA to have a work and residency permit. The process is now easier, but you still need to pay close attention to every aspect.
Important Steps and Things You Need:
Job Offer: You need to have a job offer from a Croatian employer first.
Labour Market Test: Your future employer will usually have to do a labour market test with the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) to make sure there aren’t any qualified local candidates for the job.
Application for a Work Permit: After passing the labour market exam, the employer starts the process of getting a work permit from the Ministry of the Interior.
Long-Stay Visa (Type D): You can apply for a long-stay visa at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your home country after you get your work permit.
General Required Documents:
A passport that is still valid
Filled up visa application form
Recent photos of your passport size
Job offer or employment contract
Proof of qualifications, such as degrees or certifications
Proof of where to stay in Croatia
Insurance for health
Proof of having enough money
Police clearance certificate from your country of origin
Important Updates and Things to Think About:
Extended Validity: Work permits can now be given for up to three years, which means they don’t need to be renewed as often.
EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is good for up to four years and has less strict requirements for some IT professionals who don’t have formal academic degrees.
Grace Period: Foreign workers now have 60 days to locate a new job after losing their current one without having to go back to their home country right away.
Digital Nomad Visa: If you work from home for a company that isn’t in Croatia, you might be able to get a Digital Nomad Visa that lets you stay for up to 18 months.
You should expect to pay for a work permit (about $80), a biometric residency permit (about $34), and administrative costs (about $10). You will also need to pay for health insurance, housing, and translation/notarization costs.
Getting a Job in Croatia
There are a number of ways that can help you find a job:
Job Portals on the Internet:
MojPosao is the most popular employment site in Croatia. It’s easy to use and many big organisations utilise it.
Adorio Jooble HR Njuškalo Oglasnik
JobIsland.com (lets you list jobs and send in your resume for free)
LinkedIn is a great place to find jobs and make professional connections.
Recruitment Agencies: Companies like Dekra Arbeit Group and Future Jobs Recruitment can help you find jobs.
Direct Company Applications: A lot of organisations put job openings right on their own websites. Pick a few companies you want to work for and check their career pages often.
The Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) is a government agency that helps people looking for work find jobs. They can tell you about job ads that fit your abilities and interests.
Expat and Facebook Groups: There are several Facebook groups for expats in Croatia that publish job openings and offer support to one other.
Word of Mouth: Talking to people in expat communities or local groups might also lead to job openings.
Final Thoughts
Croatia is a good place to look for job abroad because its economy is booming and there is a growing need for international workers. Croatia has a unique mix of job opportunities and a beautiful Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether you’re a competent IT worker, a healthcare worker, or looking for work in the busy tourism and construction industries, Croatia is a great place to live and work. If you prepare well, know how the job market works, and take the initiative, your goal of working in Croatia could soon come true.
