Business
Croatia — Business: Hiring Employees
Hiring a third-country worker in Croatia requires a labour market test by the Croatian Employment Service and a residence and work permit from the Ministry of the Interior.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceCroatian Employment Service / Ministry of the Interior — hiring foreign workersLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Why this matters
If you are planning to relocate to Croatia for business purposes, understanding the process of hiring employees is crucial for the success of your operations.
Key facts
- Employers generally request a labour market test and opinion from the Croatian Employment Service; if no domestic worker is found they have 90 days to file with the Ministry of the Interior through the local police.
- No test is needed for same-employer extensions, deficit occupations or seasonal work of up to 90 days a year.
- The residence and work permit lasts for the contract and at most one year, within or outside the annual quota.
- Employers register workers with the pension (HZMO) and health (HZZO) institutes.
Steps
- Step 1: Employment Contract — Draw up a written employment contract that includes the duration of employment, salary, and other working conditions. The contract must be in Croatian.
- Step 2: Registration and Work Permit — Register the employee with the relevant authorities and obtain a work permit for non-EU nationals, if required.
- Step 3: Compliance with Labor Laws — Ensure compliance with Croatian labor laws and regulations, including minimum wage requirements and working hours.