Croatia Implements A1.1 Croatian Language Test for Permit Extensions

Croatia will require foreign workers to pass a basic Croatian language exam to extend their stay, the government confirmed in plans tied to amendments to the Law on Foreigners expected by the end of 2025. Under the change, workers who have completed one year of residence must show they meet the A1.1 level of the Croatian language to renew their work permits.

Officials say the language condition will become a new rule at the point of first renewal, and it will sit alongside a broader package that lengthens permit validity and upgrades digital processing.

Why the change — goals and rationale

The new standard links language ability to long-term presence in the labour market. Authorities argue that even a basic A1.1 level—defined as the ability to understand and use simple phrases for everyday needs—helps workers:

• follow safety instructions,
• interact with customers, and
• build stable lives in their communities.

The government says the change aligns with efforts to improve oversight of hiring and better support integration, particularly as foreign workers fill key roles across the economy.

The policy is presented as a modest integration step: a basic language standard to improve safety, service quality, and long-term stability for workers and employers.

Timing and procedural requirements

The most visible shift is the timing of the language check.

• Foreign workers must plan for language testing ahead of their first extension request.
• Extension filings should be made 30 to 60 days before the end date of existing permits.
• The A1.1 language condition will be checked during that filing window, so early preparation is essential for those approaching their first year in the country.

Permit validity and workforce impact

The reform stretches combined residence and work permits from one year to up to three years. Expected effects:

• Reduces repeat paperwork for employers and workers.
• Eases pressure on public offices.
• Makes the first renewal (now later for some) the decisive moment for demonstrating language proficiency.

Analysis by VisaVerge.com suggests this blend of longer permits and an early language benchmark is designed to stabilize the workforce while setting a basic standard for on-the-job communication.

Financial support and employer roles

The government plans to co-finance Croatian language courses for foreign employees:

• Coverage: 50% to 70% of tuition, depending on employer size.
• Employers will be encouraged to:
  • organize training during working hours, and/or
  • work with approved providers.

Officials have not yet set exact enrollment procedures, but they indicated that proof of course completion or exam results will be used to confirm A1.1 attainment at renewal.

Sectoral impacts

Not all sectors will experience the requirement equally:

• Construction: lower immediate impact due to cooled demand for foreign labour.
• Healthcare: high demand for international recruits; language proficiency seen as essential for patient safety and accurate records.
• Hospitality & Retail: baseline communication is likely to be welcomed, though groups will monitor how testing is delivered and recognized.

The co-financing plan specifically aims to help lower-wage roles and smaller firms, including agriculture, cleaning, and caregiving.

Testing standards and expectations

Testing will be set to match A1.1, commonly used across Europe for early-stage language users. Officials emphasize basic skills such as:

• understanding simple questions,
• giving personal information, and
• handling routine tasks at work.

• Providers: not yet named publicly.

• Difficulty: workers who use Croatian daily may find the level straightforward; others may need several months of classes.

Administrative and digital reforms

Officials said the language rule is part of larger reforms including:

• digital filing and faster case handling,
• clearer guidance for employers filing group renewals,
• new permit types tailored to seasonal flows (including multi-season permits for repeat workers).

The Ministry of the Interior maintains official instructions, and applicants can consult the latest requirements here: Ministry of the Interior guidance on residence and work.

Applicants should:
– check permit dates,
– arrange tests well in advance of the 30–60 day window, and
– keep records of course attendance in case a caseworker requests additional proof.

Practical consequences and uncertainties

• Thousands of foreign workers are affected as Croatia’s foreign workforce has grown since EU accession.
• By tying renewals to an A1.1 benchmark after one year, authorities hope to keep workers in roles where they can function safely and contribute to local life.
• Workers unable to prove the level at renewal could face non-extension, making early study a prudent choice.

Potential bottlenecks and watch points:
– availability of testing slots,
– capacity of education providers to scale up beginner Croatian classes,
– how quickly digital processing improvements are implemented.

Key takeaways

• Pass a basic Croatian language test after one year at A1.1 level.
• File extension applications 30 to 60 days before permit expiration.
• Permits may be extended to up to three years if conditions are met.
• State co-financing of courses covers 50% to 70% of tuition, depending on employer size.
• Reforms include digital services and tailored permit types, with multi-season options for repeat workers.

The package aims to balance tighter oversight with supportive measures: basic language skills, cost-sharing for training, and administrative modernization, rather than creating a prohibitive barrier to employment.