Key Takeaways
• Croatia’s new Law on Foreigners caused a 70% decrease in work permits since June 12, 2025.
• About 18,000 work permit applications were rejected following stricter hiring rules and inspections.
• Employers face more paperwork, longer waits, and stricter checks for hiring foreign workers.
As of June 12, 2025, Croatia 🇭🇷 has seen a sharp drop in the number of work permits issued to foreign nationals. This sudden change comes after the country introduced stricter rules under its updated Law on Foreigners, also known as the Aliens Act. The new rules have made it much harder for employers to hire workers from outside Croatia, leading to a 70% decrease in work permits compared to the same period last year. Almost 7,000 fewer permits have been issued, and about 18,000 applications have been rejected since the changes took effect.
This development is important for employers, foreign workers, and anyone interested in Croatia’s labor market. The changes affect how businesses fill job openings, how foreign workers plan their futures, and how the country manages its workforce needs. Below, we break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for different groups.
What Changed in Croatia’s Work Permit System?
Stricter Rules Under the Law on Foreigners
Two months ago, Croatia 🇭🇷 made important changes to its Law on Foreigners. The government wanted to make sure that only employers who follow all legal requirements can hire foreign workers. This means that companies now face more checks and must meet tougher standards before they can bring in workers from abroad.
According to Ivana Šimek from the Croatian Employment Service, “The challenge has shifted from finding workers to legally hiring them.” In other words, it’s no longer just about finding people to fill jobs—it’s about making sure every step of the hiring process follows the new rules.
Key Numbers and Facts
- 70% drop in work permits: Compared to last year, Croatia 🇭🇷 has issued 70% fewer work permits so far in 2025.
- 83,300 work permits granted: In the first five months of 2025, 83,300 permits were given out, which is 11% less than the same period last year.
- 18,000 rejections: About 18,000 applications have been turned down since the new rules started.
- 136,000 foreign workers: Despite the drop in new permits, there are still around 136,000 foreign workers living and working in Croatia 🇭🇷.
These numbers show just how much the new rules have changed the landscape for both employers and workers.
Why Did Croatia Change Its Work Permit Rules?
Matching Labor Needs With Reality
For years, Croatia 🇭🇷 relied on foreign workers to fill jobs in industries like tourism, construction, and agriculture. Some experts and business leaders believed the country needed as many as half a million foreign workers to keep the economy running smoothly.
However, Petar Lovrić, a well-known Croatian businessman, now says those numbers were too high. He believes the real need is closer to 120,000 to 130,000 foreign workers. This shift in thinking has influenced the government’s decision to tighten the rules and make sure only the most needed workers are brought in.
Preventing Abuse and Ensuring Legal Hiring
The government also wants to prevent abuse of the system. In the past, some employers may have tried to cut corners or avoid following all the rules. The new Law on Foreigners aims to stop this by making the process more transparent and by increasing inspections. Now, every application is checked more carefully, and only those that meet all the requirements are approved.
How Do the New Rules Affect Employers?
More Steps and Stricter Checks
Employers now face a much tougher process when they want to hire foreign workers. Here’s what they have to do:
- Submit an application: The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the foreign worker.
- Meet all criteria: The company must prove it meets every requirement set out in the Law on Foreigners. This includes showing that they really need a foreign worker and that they have tried to hire locally first.
- Pass inspections: The authorities check each application more closely, sometimes even visiting the workplace to make sure everything is in order.
- Wait for approval: Only after passing all these steps will the work permit be issued.
If any part of the process is not done correctly, the application is rejected. This has led to a big increase in the number of rejected applications.
Impact on Temporary Employment Agencies
Temporary employment agencies, which help companies find workers for short-term jobs, have been hit especially hard. They have seen a 70% drop in the number of applications they submit. This is because the new rules make it much harder to quickly bring in workers for temporary positions.
Employers’ Main Concerns
- Longer waiting times: The process now takes more time, which can delay projects and cause problems for businesses that need workers quickly.
- More paperwork: Employers must collect and submit more documents to prove they meet all the requirements.
- Higher risk of rejection: With more applications being turned down, companies face greater uncertainty when planning their workforce.
What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers?
Staying in Croatia Long-Term
Despite the new challenges, many foreign workers in Croatia 🇭🇷 still plan to stay for the long term. Surveys show that:
- One in five foreign workers wants to stay in Croatia 🇭🇷 until retirement.
- More than half are thinking about bringing their families to join them.
This shows that Croatia 🇭🇷 remains an attractive place for many people looking for better job opportunities and a new life.
Supporting Families Back Home
Many foreign workers send money back to their families in their home countries. Even with the stricter rules, those who already have jobs in Croatia 🇭🇷 continue to support their loved ones. However, the tougher process means it’s now harder for new workers to come and join them.
Facing Uncertainty
For those waiting for their work permits or hoping to bring family members, the new rules create uncertainty. Some worry that they might not be able to stay or that their families will not be able to join them.
The Application Process: Step by Step
To help readers understand how to get a work permit in Croatia 🇭🇷, here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Employer Applies: The employer starts the process by submitting an application for the foreign worker.
- Check Requirements: The employer must show that they meet all the criteria under the Law on Foreigners. This includes proof that they tried to hire a Croatian citizen first.
- Inspection: Authorities may inspect the workplace or review documents to make sure everything is correct.
- Decision: If the application passes all checks, the work permit is issued. If not, it is rejected.
For more details on the process and to access official forms, employers and workers can visit the Croatian Ministry of the Interior, which provides up-to-date information and resources.
The Law on Foreigners: What Is It?
The Law on Foreigners, also called the Aliens Act, is the main law that controls how people from other countries can live and work in Croatia 🇭🇷. The recent changes to this law have made it much stricter, especially when it comes to hiring foreign workers.
Key points of the Law on Foreigners include:
- Clear criteria for hiring: Employers must show a real need for foreign workers and prove they cannot find local workers for the job.
- More inspections: The government checks applications more closely to prevent abuse.
- Focus on legal hiring: Only companies that follow all the rules can get work permits for foreign workers.
Employers and workers should always check the latest version of the law and consult official sources for updates.
Why Are These Changes Happening Now?
Economic Growth and Labor Needs
Croatia 🇭🇷 has seen strong economic growth in recent years, especially in tourism and construction. This growth created a big demand for workers, which local job seekers could not always fill. As a result, the country turned to foreign workers to help meet the demand.
However, as the economy changes and the government reviews its policies, there is a push to make sure that only the most needed workers are brought in. The goal is to balance the needs of businesses with the need to protect local jobs and prevent abuse of the system.
Aligning With European Standards
As a member of the European Union, Croatia 🇭🇷 must also make sure its immigration policies match those of other EU countries. The new rules bring Croatia 🇭🇷 closer to the standards seen in other parts of Europe, where strict checks and clear criteria are common.
What Do Experts Say?
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the drop in work permits is not just about stricter rules. It also reflects a better understanding of how many foreign workers Croatia 🇭🇷 really needs. Earlier estimates were much higher than what the market actually requires. Now, with more accurate data, the government can make better decisions about how many permits to issue.
Experts also point out that the new rules could help improve working conditions for both local and foreign workers. By making sure only legal and needed workers are hired, the government hopes to reduce exploitation and create a fairer job market.
Different Perspectives: Employers, Workers, and the Business Community
Employers
Many employers are frustrated by the new rules. They say the process is now too slow and complicated, making it hard to fill open positions. Some worry that projects will be delayed or that they will lose business if they cannot hire the workers they need.
Foreign Workers
Foreign workers who already have jobs in Croatia 🇭🇷 are mostly happy to stay, but those trying to come in face more hurdles. The stricter rules mean fewer opportunities for new arrivals, and some worry about the future.
Business Community
Some business leaders support the changes, saying they are needed to make sure the labor market is not flooded with unnecessary workers. They believe the new rules will help match labor supply with real demand and prevent abuse.
What’s Next for Croatia’s Work Permit System?
Possible Future Changes
The government is likely to keep reviewing and adjusting the Law on Foreigners as the economy changes. If the need for workers grows again, the rules could be relaxed. If problems continue, they could become even stricter.
Advice for Employers and Workers
- Stay informed: Always check the latest rules and requirements before applying for a work permit.
- Use official resources: Visit the Croatian Ministry of the Interior for up-to-date information and forms.
- Get help if needed: Employers and workers can contact the Croatian Employment Service or local legal advisors for assistance.
Practical Takeaways
- Employers: Prepare for a longer, more detailed application process. Make sure you meet all the criteria before applying.
- Foreign Workers: If you already have a permit, you can stay, but new applications are more likely to be rejected unless all requirements are met.
- Families: Bringing family members may be harder under the new rules, so plan ahead and seek advice if needed.
Where to Find More Information
For anyone interested in learning more about work permits, the Law on Foreigners, or the application process in Croatia 🇭🇷, the best place to start is the Croatian Ministry of the Interior. This official website has the latest news, forms, and contact information for further help.
Employers can also visit the Croatian Employment Service for guidance on hiring and labor market needs.
Conclusion
Croatia’s recent changes to its work permit system have made it much harder for employers to hire foreign workers. The new rules under the Law on Foreigners require stricter checks and more paperwork, leading to a big drop in the number of permits issued. While this creates challenges for businesses and workers, it also aims to make the system fairer and better matched to the country’s real needs. By staying informed and following the official process, employers and workers can still find opportunities in Croatia 🇭🇷, even as the rules continue to evolve.
Learn Today
Law on Foreigners → Croatia’s main regulation governing foreign nationals’ entry, stay, and employment conditions.
Work permit → Official authorization allowing foreign nationals to work legally in Croatia.
Aliens Act → Another name for the Law on Foreigners regulating immigration and foreign employment.
Temporary employment agency → Company helping employers find short-term workers, affected by stricter permit rules.
Labor market → The supply and demand system for workers within Croatia’s economy.
This Article in a Nutshell
Croatia’s stricter Law on Foreigners sharply cuts foreign work permits by 70%, creating challenges for employers and workers. The government enforces tougher rules to balance labor needs, prevent abuse, and ensure legal hiring amid shifting workforce demands and economic growth.
— By VisaVerge.com
