One of the most beautiful places in Europe is Croatia. Croatia switched to the euro as its currency in January 2023. Croatia only has 3.9 million people living there as of March 20, 2024. A lot of businesses and people want to work in Croatia. It has a list of jobs that are in high demand, which can make it easier to get a work permit. Here, we’ll talk about how to get a work visa for Croatia, the different kinds of work permits, and the things you need to do to apply for a work visa.
People from other countries who want to live and work in Croatia can get a work visa. Not if you are from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). You can work in Croatia without a work visa. But if you’re not from the EU or EEA, you’ll usually need both a work permit and a living permit. Anyone coming to Croatia for more than 90 days as a worker will also need to apply for a Croatia long-stay (type D) visa.
Details of Croatia Work Visa Process
Statistics of Croatia Work Permits
The latest numbers from the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) show that 160,000 work permits were given to non-EEA foreign workers. This information comes from https://total-croatia-news.com/news/croatian-workforce/.
As of March 20, 2024, more than 43,000 work permits for outsiders in Croatia had been given out in just two months. Total-Croatia-News.com has news about Croatian work permits for foreigners.
Types of Croatia Work Permits for Foreign Workers
- Regular Work Permit & Residence Permit: This is the most popular type of work permit. It is good for one year and can be extended two times.
- EU Blue Card: This residence card is for highly qualified workers and is good for two years. If certain conditions are met, the person may be able to stay permanently.
Benefits of Working in Croatia in 2024
Croatia’s growing economy and beautiful scenery make it a great place for both work and play. Foreign workers can enjoy a lot of different cultures, delicious Mediterranean food, and a good mix between work and life. Being a member of the EU gives Croatia access to the bigger European market and its opportunities.
Requirements to get a Work Permit
- You need to have a job in Croatia before you can get a work permit. It means you need to have a real job offer.
- The company that hired you will go to the Croatian Ministry of Labour and ask for a work pass on your behalf.
- If you already have a work permit, you can go to the Croatian embassy or consulate in your home country to get a visa. You can look at this list of Croatian consulates and offices to find one near you.
- The process is different in each country. Calling the office to ask about the Visa process is always the best thing to do.
- Once you get to Croatia, you’ll need to go to the local police office and ask for a residence permit. This is your short-term residence card.
Fields that are In-Demand
There is a list of in-demand jobs in Croatia that can make it easier to get a work permit.
Since these jobs can change, you should check with the Croatian Employment Service (https://www.hzz.hr/en/) for the most up-to-date information.
These are some fields that are often in demand:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Engineering
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Healthcare
Why You Should Work in Croatia?
Croatia needs foreign workers to fill in some gaps in their workforce because they don’t have enough local workers. People want to work in the tourist and construction industries.
Croatia used to have a quota system that limited the number of foreign workers who could come to work there. People from other countries can get work passes more easily now (since 2021). However, companies still try to hire locals first.
How to Apply for the Croatia Work Visa?
After getting a job and getting a work permit. The last thing you need to do is apply for a Croatia Long Stay Visa. This visa is good for a year.
You will need to take the Visa application form, the work pass, and all the other paperwork to the Croatian Embassy in your country. You can look at this list of Croatian consulates and offices to find one near you.
After getting your visa, you can go to Croatia, get your residence pass, and start working.
Helpful Resources
Here are some helpful resources:
Websites to Find Jobs in Croatia
In-Demand Professions in Croatia Due to Labor Shortages
According to CEDEFOP, there is a lack of workers because many young Croatians are leaving the country for better opportunities. There is also a high demand for skilled and experienced professionals in the following areas:
- Construction: Building workers, electricians, plumbers.
- Tourism: Hospitality management and services.
- Automotive: Mechanics, auto body workers.
- Technology: Programmers, system administrators.
- Other Skilled Trades: Carpenters, chefs, bakers, butchers.
