Working in Croatia as a Foreigner: Jobs, Work Permits and Moving Checklist

If you are considering working in Croatia as a foreigner, your first steps are finding a legitimate employer and checking whether you need a residence and work permit. The rules differ significantly between EU/EEA citizens and applicants from third countries.

You can explore current jobs in Croatia from verified employers on EUJoby. Available positions commonly include construction, transport, electrical work, vehicle repair, hospitality, manufacturing and other skilled or technical roles. Before accepting an offer, check the contract, accommodation arrangements and permit procedure carefully.

Who can work in Croatia without a work permit?

Your right to work depends primarily on your citizenship and residence status.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

Nationals of EU and EEA countries can work and provide services in Croatia without a Croatian residence and work permit. The same rules generally apply to Swiss citizens.

If you intend to remain in Croatia for more than three months, you must register your temporary stay with the competent police administration or police station. For employment-based registration, you will normally need a valid identity document and proof of employment.

The Croatian Ministry of the Interior provides official information on the stay and work of EEA nationals and their family members.

Third-country nationals

A third-country national is someone who is not a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland. In most cases, third-country nationals need a combined residence and work permit or a work registration certificate before they can legally start working in Croatia.

The permit is normally connected to a specific employer and position. A worker may only perform the job covered by the permit and work for the employer named in the approved application.

There are exceptions for certain residence statuses and types of work. Because the requirements depend on the individual case, always check the official Croatian government page on the work of foreign nationals.

How does the employer participate in the permit process?

For many third-country applicants, the Croatian employer plays a central role in obtaining the permit.

Before submitting the residence and work permit application, the employer may have to request a labour market test from the Croatian Employment Service, known as HZZ. The test checks whether a suitable worker is already available on the Croatian labour market.

If no suitable worker is available, the employer can continue with the permit application. Applications requiring a labour market test or an HZZ opinion are submitted by the employer through the HZZ online platform.

For occupations officially recognised as being in high demand, a labour market test may not be required, although an HZZ opinion can still be necessary. Certain legally defined categories are exempt from both requirements.

The competent police administration or police station makes the final decision. A job offer and the employer’s participation do not automatically guarantee that a work permit for Croatia will be approved.

Do not travel for the purpose of starting work until the employer confirms that the required procedure has been completed and you have received the necessary permit or entry documentation.

Finding legitimate Croatia jobs for foreigners

A legitimate job advertisement should clearly identify the employer, workplace, duties, salary range and application method. Pay particular attention to whether the salary is presented as gross or net and whether accommodation costs will be deducted.

Before accepting a position, confirm:

• the employer’s full legal name and contact details
• the exact city and workplace
• your position and daily responsibilities
• required experience and language level
• salary, additions and payment schedule
• weekly working hours and shift arrangements
• contract duration and probationary period
• accommodation conditions and monthly cost
• who manages the permit application
• the planned starting date

Avoid offers that promise guaranteed permits without reviewing your documents or that ask for unexplained payments before providing a contract.

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What must be included in the employment contract?

An employment relationship in Croatia is established through a written employment contract. You should receive and read the contract before starting work.

According to the official EURES Croatia guide, the contract should identify the employer and worker and state the place of work, job title or description, signing date and planned starting date.

It should also specify whether the employment is for a fixed or indefinite period. For a fixed-term contract, the end date or expected duration must be stated.

Pay particular attention to:

• the gross basic salary
• bonuses, additions and other payments
• payment frequency
• daily or weekly working hours
• full-time or part-time status
• annual leave
• notice periods
• probationary period, if agreed
• training rights, where applicable

A probationary period may be included, but EURES states that it can last for a maximum of six months.

If you were promised a particular net salary, overtime supplement, transport allowance, meal allowance or accommodation, ask for those conditions to be confirmed in writing. Do not rely only on messages or verbal promises.

Accommodation costs and differences between Croatian cities

Housing costs vary considerably between cities. Tourist centres on the Adriatic coast, especially Dubrovnik and Split, are generally among the most expensive locations. Zagreb also has relatively high rents, while Rijeka is usually somewhat cheaper. Smaller towns and continental areas, particularly in eastern Croatia, can offer more affordable accommodation.

EURES currently reports average monthly apartment rents of approximately:

• €923 in Zagreb
• €904 in Split
• €763 in Rijeka
• €487 in Osijek

These figures refer to average apartment rents and can vary significantly depending on size, location, condition and season. Utility costs are normally not included and average approximately €120 to €240 per month.

Landlords commonly request a deposit equal to one month’s rent. If you use an estate agency, its commission may also equal one month’s rent.

Employer-provided accommodation can reduce your initial costs, but the conditions must be checked in advance. Ask for the address, room type, number of occupants, distance from work and monthly deduction. Confirm whether utilities, internet and transportation are included.

If the employer deducts accommodation from your salary, request the exact amount in writing before signing the contract.

Documents to prepare before travelling

The precise documents depend on your citizenship, job and permit category. Prepare both digital copies and the original documents that may be required for inspection.

You will generally need:

• a valid passport or national identity card
• the signed employment contract or binding job offer
• confirmation of the residence and work permit, where required
• an entry visa, if your citizenship requires one
• proof of accommodation or the employer’s housing confirmation
• diplomas and vocational certificates relevant to the job
• previous employment references
• driving licence and professional driving qualifications, if required
• certified translations when requested by the employer or authorities
• the employer’s contact details and arrival instructions

Check that the spelling of your name is identical across your passport, contract and permit documents. Differences in names, dates or document numbers can delay the procedure.

Do not hand over your original passport or diplomas permanently. Authorities or employers may need to inspect them, but you should keep control of your original personal documents.

If you need a professionally formatted CV before applying, you can use the free EUJoby AI CV generator.

How to apply through EUJoby

Start by creating your profile and entering your real work experience, education, languages, driving licences and professional certificates. Complete information helps Joby identify suitable positions.

Open a vacancy and review the duties, location, salary type, required experience and language level. Apply only if your qualifications match the essential requirements.

Your application is sent directly to the employer. You can follow its status, receive interview invitations and communicate through the app. A detailed overview is available on the How EUJoby works page.

If the employer wants to proceed, use the interview to clarify the contract, accommodation and work permit steps. Ask who will submit the application, which documents you must provide and when you may legally travel and begin work.

Moving checklist: From application to your first working day

1. Prepare your profile

Collect information about your work history, education, languages, licences and availability. Prepare a clear CV and digital copies of relevant documents.

2. Find a suitable position

Check the employer, duties, salary, workplace and required qualifications. Do not apply only because accommodation or a permit is mentioned.

3. Complete the interview

Explain your experience honestly and ask about working hours, shifts, salary, overtime, accommodation and transport.

4. Review the written contract

Confirm the job title, workplace, gross salary, additions, contract duration, probationary period and planned starting date.

5. Provide permit documents

Send the requested passport copy, qualifications and other necessary documents through a secure channel. Check whether certified translations are required.

6. Wait for the official decision

The employer may initiate or submit parts of the procedure, but the Croatian authorities decide whether the permit is issued. Do not start working before receiving legal authorisation.

7. Confirm accommodation

Request the full address, cost, deposit, number of roommates and information about utilities. Check how you will travel from the accommodation to work.

8. Plan your journey

Travel only after confirming your legal entry documents, permit status, accommodation and starting date. Keep the employer’s contact information with you.

9. Complete registration after arrival

Follow the instructions from the employer and the competent police administration regarding residence registration. EU/EEA nationals staying longer than three months must register their temporary stay.

10. Check everything before the first shift

Make sure you have received the contract, workplace instructions, protective equipment information and confirmation of your legal right to work. Ask the employer about health and pension insurance registration.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not accept a job without knowing whether the advertised salary is gross or net. Clarify accommodation deductions, transportation costs and overtime rates before travelling.

Third-country workers should never assume that entering Croatia legally as a visitor also gives them the right to work. Short-term entry and permission to take employment are separate matters.

You should also avoid travelling only on the basis of screenshots, voice messages or verbal promises. Keep copies of the job advertisement, signed contract, permit documentation and accommodation agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Can EU citizens work in Croatia without a permit?

Yes. EU and EEA citizens can work in Croatia without a residence and work permit. Swiss citizens generally have the same right. Those staying longer than three months must register their temporary stay.

Who applies for a Croatian work permit?

Where a labour market test or HZZ opinion is required, the employer submits the application through the HZZ platform. In legally exempt categories, either the employer or the third-country national may be able to submit the application to the competent police administration.

Is an employment contract enough to enter Croatia and start working?

Not necessarily. Third-country nationals may also require a residence and work permit and, depending on their citizenship, an entry visa. Wait for confirmation from the competent authority.

Can I change employers after receiving the permit?

A Croatian residence and work permit is generally connected to the approved employer and job. Do not begin working for another company without checking whether a new or amended permit procedure is required.

How expensive is accommodation in Croatia?

Housing is generally most expensive in Zagreb and tourist cities along the Adriatic coast. Smaller continental cities are usually more affordable. In addition to rent, budget for utilities, a deposit and a possible agency fee.

Final advice before moving

Successfully working in Croatia as a foreigner requires more than finding an employer. You must understand your permit status, read the employment contract carefully and calculate how rent and other deductions affect your real monthly income.

Prepare your documents before travelling and insist that salary, accommodation and permit responsibilities are confirmed in writing. For the latest legal information, consult the Croatian government and EURES before making travel arrangements.

Start your application: Download EUJoby, create your profile and apply for suitable jobs in Croatia.