Working in Croatia: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving

Croatia’s the kind of place that makes people say, “I could live here.” And many do, especially after a summer trip that accidentally turns into a relocation plan.

Between the beaches, ancient towns, and emerging tech hubs, it’s easy to see why so many Europeans (and increasingly non-EU citizens) are moving to work in Croatia. But here’s the honest truth: it’s not the easiest country to break into job-wise.

The market is smaller, the salaries are modest, and connections matter. But for EU citizens, working here is straightforward. No visa, minimal paperwork, and full access to local opportunities. For everyone else, there are more hoops to jump through. But it’s doable, and the lifestyle payoff can be huge.

So let’s unpack what working in Croatia really looks like, from jobs and salaries to costs, culture, and the practical side of making it work long-term.

Why Work in Croatia?

When people imagine working in Croatia, they usually picture island life, sea views, and coffee breaks that last longer than meetings. But beneath the charm, Croatia is quietly building a reputation for stability, digital innovation, and livability, especially for EU citizens looking for a different kind of work-life balance.

Here’s what makes Croatia worth considering:

• Simple relocation for EU citizens. Croatia is an EU and Schengen member, which means EU/EEA citizens can live and work here without any visa or permit. You’ll just need to register your stay at the local police station if you plan to stay longer than 3 months.

  
  

• The work-life balance is real. Croatians don’t glorify long hours. They work to live, not live to work. (You'll notice that the first time you wander around during work hours and notice thousands of people sitting at cafes, enjoying every sip of their kava.) Expect to find colleagues who value their lunch breaks, weekends, and vacations, no matter the industry.

  
  

• Affordable Mediterranean lifestyle. While salaries are lower than in Western Europe, the cost of living is also lower. Renting in Split or Zagreb can be half the price of Barcelona or Munich. You can live comfortably here without needing a six-figure salary.

  
  

• Digital and tourism sectors are growing fast. Croatia has become a regional hub for remote work, startups, and tourism tech. Cities like Zagreb, Split, and Rijeka are attracting global professionals, especially with the Digital Nomad Visa introduced in 2021.

Speaking of visas, let's see what you actually need to have the legal right to work in Croatia, depending on where you come from.

Work Visa & Eligibility Requirements for Croatia

Let’s talk logistics. Who can work in Croatia easily, and who needs to plan ahead?

Visa-Free Rules for EU/EEA Citizens

If you’re an EU or EEA citizen, you don’t need a visa or work permit to work in Croatia. Here’s what you do need:

• A valid passport or ID card.

• To register your residence at the local MUP (police office) if you stay longer than 3 months.

• A local address and Croatian tax number (OIB).

  
  

Once you’re registered, you have the same employment rights as locals. You can apply for jobs, sign a contract, open a bank account, and access public healthcare.

Visa Options for Non-EU Citizens

If you’re not from the EU or EEA, you’ll need to apply for a work and residence permit before starting a job in Croatia. There are several paths, depending on your situation:

1. Work and Residence Permit (with Employer Sponsorship): You’ll need a formal job offer from a Croatian company willing to sponsor your permit. These are issued under Croatia’s annual quota system, managed by the Ministry of the Interior.

2. EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with a university degree and a salary above the national average (usually around €1,800–€2,000/month). It’s renewable and recognized across the EU.

3. Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers employed by companies outside Croatia. Valid for up to one year (non-renewable), this visa lets you live in Croatia legally while working online. You’ll need proof of income of at least €2,540/month and private health insurance.

4. Seasonal Work Visa: For roles in tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. Typically lasts up to 6 months and may include accommodation.

Always check the Croatian Ministry of Interior website for the most current information. Requirements change often, and processing times can vary between regions.

Getting Sponsored by an Employer in Croatia

Employer sponsorship in Croatia isn’t rare, but it’s usually limited to specific industries like IT, engineering, and tourism.

Large tech companies (like Infobip, Rimac Automobili, or global outsourcing firms) are most open to hiring foreigners. Smaller businesses tend to prefer EU citizens since they don’t need visa sponsorship.

If you’re a non-EU applicant, mention in your cover letter that you’re aware of the permit process and can assist with documentation. It signals you’re serious and informed, which helps employers navigate the bureaucracy confidently.

How to Find a Job in Croatia as a Foreigner

Here’s the good news: there are jobs for foreigners in Croatia. The not-so-good news? They’re not always easy to find online.

Croatia’s job market is built on personal networks, local referrals, and smaller companies that often don’t post vacancies publicly. That’s why a lot of expats describe job hunting here as slow but personal.

Here are job boards, industries, and companies that give you the best shot at landing a job in Croatia if you're not a local.

Best Job Boards for Expats

• LinkedIn Jobs (Croatia filter): Ideal for international and hybrid roles.

• MojPosao.net: Croatia’s biggest local job board, with frequent English-language listings.

• Posao.hr: Trusted national platform, good for admin and finance positions.

• Europe Language Jobs: Perfect for multilingual professionals (English + German/French).

• Relocate.me: Great for tech and remote jobs open to expats.

• Expat.com: For part-time or seasonal roles in hospitality or tourism.

Tip: If you’re searching in English, use keywords like “English-speaking,” “remote Croatia,” or “relocation support.”

Top Industries Hiring in Croatia

• Tourism & hospitality: Croatia’s tourism industry accounts for nearly 20% of its GDP. Every year, hotels, travel agencies, and restaurants hire international staff for both seasonal and permanent roles. If you're an EU citizen fluent in English, German, Italian, or Spanish, you have great odds at landing your first job in Croatia on the Croatian coast.

  
  

• Technology & startups: Croatia’s tech scene is small but fast-growing. Startups like Infobip and Rimac have put it on the map, and there’s strong demand for developers, data analysts, and UX designers.

  
  

• Customer support & BPO: International companies like Transcom, Concentrix, and Sutherland hire multilingual employees for customer support roles, often with relocation assistance. (Fluency in English, German, Italian, or Dutch is a major asset here.)

  
  

• Engineering & renewable energy: EU investment projects in energy and infrastructure are fueling demand for civil, electrical, and environmental engineers.

  
  

• Education & Language Jobs: English teachers (especially those with TEFL/CELTA certification) can find roles at private schools or language centers, mainly in Zagreb and Split.

Biggest Companies Hiring International Professionals

Cost of Living, Taxes & Salaries in Croatia

Let’s talk numbers, because loving Croatia is easy... But living here comfortably takes some planning.

Croatia sits in that in-between zone: more affordable than Western Europe, more expensive than much of Eastern Europe. Your money can stretch nicely, but local salaries are modest, and costs rise sharply in tourist-heavy areas during summer.

If you’re strategic about where you live (and realistic about income), the trade-off (sea views, slow pace, great healthcare, and Mediterranean lifestyle) is often worth it.

Average Salaries

According to 2025 data from Croatia’s Bureau of Statistics:

• The average gross salary is about €1,380/month, which means €1,050–€1,150 net after taxes.

• In Zagreb, averages are slightly higher (~€1,600 gross), while coastal towns often pay less.

For expat-friendly or international roles, expect:

• Customer service or multilingual support: €1,200–€1,700/month gross.

• Tech or digital roles: €2,000–€3,500/month gross, depending on employer (local vs. international).

• Tourism and hospitality: €1,000–€1,400/month + tips or seasonal housing.

• Education (teaching English): €800–€1,300/month, depending on hours and location.

  
  

Yes, salaries in Croatia are lower than in Western Europe. But so are housing, groceries, and healthcare costs. It’s more about lifestyle value than pure numbers.

Monthly Living Costs in Croatia (Average)

Your biggest expense will be rent. And whether you’re living in Zagreb (a year-round city) or Split/Dubrovnik (tourist magnets) makes a huge difference.

Tax Rates in Croatia

Croatia uses a progressive income tax system, meaning the more you earn, the higher your rate. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• 20% for income up to €47,780/year

• 30% for income above that

On top of that, there’s about 16.5% for social contributions (split between employee and employer), covering health insurance, pensions, and unemployment.

If you earn €2,000/month, your take-home pay will be roughly €1,450–€1,550. Taxes are handled automatically by your employer.

Tax Tips for Expats & Remote Workers

If you’re on the Digital Nomad Visa, you don’t pay income tax in Croatia as long as your employer or clients are abroad. You will, however, need private health insurance and proof of income (~€2,540/month).

If you register as self-employed (an obrt), you’ll pay about 12–18% in flat-rate taxes, which is far lower than standard employment taxes, depending on your income band.

Also, it's worth noting that Croatia also has double taxation treaties with most Western countries, meaning you won’t pay twice on the same income.

Working Culture & Lifestyle in Croatia

The reason so many expats stay in Croatia is often the pace, the people, and how work fits into life (not the other way around).

Croatian work culture is a mix of Mediterranean warmth and Central European pragmatism. That means you’ll find both relaxed attitudes and strong expectations for reliability, especially in corporate or public-sector jobs.

Work Hours & Vacation

The standard workweek is 40 hours (Monday to Friday), usually from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Paid vacation: at least 20 working days per year, often 25–30 for senior roles or long-term employees.

• Public holidays: Croatia has 13 national holidays, and if one falls on a weekend, some employers compensate with time off.

• Overtime: common in tourism, rare in office jobs, and always paid or compensated (at least it should be, according to the labor law).

Things slow down in July and August. Many businesses (especially small ones) reduce hours or close completely for a collective vacation. And no one’s stressed about it.

Employee Benefits

Benefits depend on the company, but even basic contracts include strong protections under Croatian labor law.

Typical perks include:

• Health insurance via HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund). Private add-ons (Allianz, Croatia Osiguranje) are optional but affordable.

• Paid sick leave (up to 42 days covered by the employer).

• 13th salary or holiday bonuses in some industries.

• Meal or transportation allowances in corporate environments.

• Hybrid or flexible work, increasingly common in IT, design, and marketing.

In multinational companies, you’ll see additional perks like private health coverage, gym memberships, and remote work stipends.

Lifestyle Outside of Work

Living in Croatia is all about how life feels after 5 p.m.

• Social life: built around cafés, outdoor spaces, and community. Evenings are for špica (people-watching with coffee).

• Food culture: fresh, local, and affordable, markets are still the go-to, and eating out is a weekly ritual.

• Healthcare: high-quality and low-cost, with both public and private options.

• Transport: reliable intercity buses and growing train networks. Owning a car helps if you’re living outside major cities.

• Climate: mild Mediterranean on the coast, continental inland. Expect real winters in Zagreb and beach days in Split in October.

Pros & Cons of Working and Living in Croatia

Finally, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of working in Croatia.

As much as I love my home country, I know it’s not without its challenges. And that’s exactly why it’s important to have a realistic view before making the move.

Once you understand how things really work here, you can set fair expectations and make smart, informed decisions about living and working in Croatia.

Here’s a candid look, from a local’s point of view, paired with insights from expats who’ve settled here:

FAQs About Working in Croatia as an EU Citizen