Labour Market Information: Croatia

National level - Croatia

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 3.9 million people lived in Croatia. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 17 400 in 2022, 50.8% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 35%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 1.7 million people were active on the labour market in Croatia. The employment rate was 65.8%, 4.6 percentage points lower than the EU27 average and 5.2 percentage points higher compared to 2018. In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 62.1%, for men, the employment rate was 69.4%, and for youth, the employment rate was 25.4%, all below the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was nearly matching the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate has not yet returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equalled 8.5% in 2018, and 6.6% in 2019. The unemployment rate fluctuated compared to the EU27 average In the year(s) 2019 it was below the EU27 average, with rates of 6.6 % , respectively In the year(s) 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 it was above the EU27 average, with rates of 8.5 %, 7.5 %, 7.5 %, 6.9 %, 6.2 % , respectively. In 2023, it was 0.1 percentage points higher in Croatia than in the EU27, nearly matching the EU27 average.

In 2023, 89.5% of the active workforce were from Croatia, 1.9% from other EU Member States and 8.7 from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in manufacturing (22.4%), followed by wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (20.1%), construction (11.4%) and accommodation and food service activities (9.4%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in professional, scientific and technical activities (17.8%), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (16.8%), and construction (13.5%).

In Croatia, the highest proportion of employees (33%) worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees. These companies accounted for the majority of all enterprises in the country (92.8%) with 211 090 of such businesses. 29.3% of persons employed worked in large companies with more than 250 employees, 17% of persons employed worked in medium companies with 50 to 249 employees, 10.9% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 9.8% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Croatia, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: building and related trades workers (excluding electricians), metal, machinery and related trades workers and information and communications technology professionals. On the other hand, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of surplus occupations were: general and keyboard clerks, science and engineering professionals and business and administration associate professionals.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 1.6 % in the industry, construction and services, 1.2 percentage points lower than the EU27 on average. This rate is equal to 2022, and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 1.5%.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Croatia was set at 840 EUR.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 1476, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 1 028 in Croatia, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 36.3% in Croatia and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 34.6% in Croatia and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Ageing workforce | Immigration | Other | Outmigration | Remote work

Ageing workforce

Croatia’s ageing population presents challenges for both job seekers and employers. With a growing number of workers nearing retirement, a labour shortage is emerging in various sectors, particularly those requiring skilled professionals. For employers, this trend underscores the importance of implementing succession planning, upskilling existing personnel, and revising workplace policies to accommodate older employees. For younger job seekers, the ageing workforce may present opportunities in management and skilled roles as they become available, though continuous training will be critical for maintaining competitiveness. For older job seekers, highlighting adaptability and a willingness to work enhances their employability as they are given the option to work part time while receiving pension.

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

As Croatia’s workforce diminishes, more people are coming from neighbouring countries and beyond to fill jobs in areas like construction, healthcare, and tourism. This means that jobseekers are facing more competition for certain roles in these fields. For employers, hiring from abroad helps to ease the local shortage of skilled workers without needing to improve working conditions or raise salaries. However, bringing in workers from third countries involves dealing with long work permit process and helping them adjust to their new environment. On the other hand, EU nationals have the same rights as Croatian citizens when it comes to working in Croatia, giving them free access to Croatian labour market and enabling them to apply for jobs without requiring work permits. This equal treatment simplifies the hiring process for employers and supports the free movement of labour within the European Union.

Other

The Croatian Employment Service initiated a voucher-based adult education program, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, in April 2022. Currently, financial support through this voucher scheme is available exclusively for programs aimed at acquiring green or digital micro-qualifications and partial qualifications. Guidance and counselling, along with technical support, are provided to all applicants who require assistance in selecting the competencies they wish to acquire or enhance. Voucher system tries to address the skills gap and labour shortages in Croatia, by financing various courses focused on green and digital skills for both job seekers and currently employed individuals. In addition to existing measures that offer reskilling opportunities for the unemployed, these vouchers facilitate upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning opportunities, empowering job seekers to stay updated on new technologies and maintain competitiveness in the labour market.

Outmigration

Significant rates of outmigration, particularly among younger and highly educated Croatians, contribute to a brain drain that strains the country’s talent pool. Many individuals seek higher wages and improved career opportunities abroad, affecting industries such as IT, engineering, and healthcare. While jobseekers find more local job openings, these tend to be of lower quality compared to those available abroad. For employers, retaining talent is essential. Employers that recognized Croatia’s strengths as a place to work and grow, by providing competitive compensation, career development opportunities, and a supportive workplace, helped them to reduce turnover and attract new skilled employees.

Remote work

In 2023, 7.6% of employed persons in Croatia sometimes worked from home, compared to 13.3% in the EU27. Additionally, 4.8% of employed persons in Croatia usually worked from home, while in the EU27 it was 8.9%.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Pannonian Croatia (Panonska Hrvatska)

With 999 106 inhabitants, Pannonian Croatia represented about 25.9% of the population in Croatia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Pannonian Croatia was 31.1% of the EU27 average, well below the national average of 49.2%.

Pannonian Croatia encompasses eight counties and shares its northern border with Hungary, the eastern border with Serbia, and the southern border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Pannonian Croatia is known for agriculture, manufacturing, and food production, Pannonian Croatia has a mixed labour market. Seasonal jobs are common, especially in agriculture. Local recruitment is preferred, but larger employers have to source from other regions and countries. Croatian is the primary working language, though international companies may require English. It is estimated that there are 846,000 individuals of working age in Pannonian Croatia, with approximately 356,000 currently employed. The unemployment rate reported for the third quarter of 2023 was 9.2 percent. The information regarding the characteristics of the labour market, including vacancies, shortages, and surpluses in the region, is sourced from PES administrative data.

In 2023, more than 405 400 people were active in the labour market in Pannonian Croatia. 20.1% had tertiary education, 69.5% had secondary education, and 10.5% had primary education. The employment rate in Pannonian Croatia was 43 % in 2023, 6.5 percentage points lower than the national average in Croatia and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 37%, men had an employment rate of 49.4%, and for the youth the employment rate was 24.5%, all below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Pannonian Croatia was 10.1% in 2023, 4 points higher than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Agricultural and production roles dominate, with vacancies for machine operators, agricultural specialists, and technicians. Jobseekers with practical skills are sought, and temporary and part-time roles are common.

Shortages

Agricultural roles and skilled manufacturing jobs face shortages, particularly in harvesting and production, often due to seasonal fluctuations. Specifically, in Pannonian Croatia, there is a significant shortage of workers in the following professions: mason, carpenter, rebar worker, concrete worker, welder, façade worker, fitter of building elements, construction machinery operator, stone mason, crane operator, construction worker, civil construction worker, pipe fitter, painter and decorator, roofer, plumber, electrician, heating and air conditioning installer, hydro isolator, metal structure fitter, ceramic tile installer, sub-layer installer, insulator, tinsmith, locksmith, maintenance electrician; truck driver, truck driver with trailer, automotive mechanic, automotive painter, automotive tinsmith; butcher, baker, confectioner; programmer, user interface designer, and system administrator.

Surpluses

In Pannonian Croatia, individuals with the following qualifications face challenges in securing employment: economist, administrative secretary, administrative clerk, shop assistant, photographer, hairdresser, garden labourer.

Adriatic Croatia (Jadranska Hrvatska)

With 1 297 987 inhabitants, Adriatic Croatia represented about 33.7% of the population in Croatia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Adriatic Croatia was 47.5% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 49.2%.

Adriatic Croatia comprises seven counties. The region shares its borders with Slovenia to the northwest, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east, and Montenegro to the south, while also having a maritime border with Italy to the west. Tourism, hospitality, and construction are key sectors in the region. Seasonal employment peaks in summer, with quick recruitment cycles for hospitality driven by influx of tourists. Employers often recruit from abroad for high-season roles, and many jobs require multilingual skills, including English and German. It is estimated that the working-age population in Adriatic Croatia is approximately 1,102,000, with 541,000 individuals currently employed. The unemployment rate for the third quarter of 2023 stood at 4.4 percent. The information regarding the characteristics of the labour market, including vacancies, shortages, and surpluses in the region, is sourced from PES administrative data.

In 2023, more than 576 000 people were active in the labour market in Adriatic Croatia. 32.1% had tertiary education, 64% had secondary education, and 4% had primary education. The employment rate in Adriatic Croatia was 48.6 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 45%, men had an employment rate of 52.5%, and for the youth the employment rate was 24.8%. The employment rate for women was above the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Adriatic Croatia was 5.9% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

High demand in hospitality, tourism, and construction for seasonal roles like servers, cooks, and builders. Employers seek multilingual skills, and roles often offer flexible work patterns.

Shortages

In Adriatic Croatia, there is a notable shortage of workers in the following professions: waiter, cook, chef specializing in national cuisine, butcher, baker, confectioner, assistant cook, assistant waiter, valet, cleaner; truck driver, truck driver with a trailer, automotive mechanic, automotive painter, automotive tinsmith; mason, carpenter, rebar worker, concrete worker, welder, façade worker, building elements fitter, construction machinery operator, stonemason, crane operator, construction worker, civil construction worker, pipe fitter, painter and makeup artist, roofer, plumber, electrician, heating and air conditioning installer, hydro isolator, metal structures fitter, ceramic tile installer, sub-layer, insulator, tinsmith, locksmith, maintenance electrician; programmer, user interface designer, and system administrator. These are recurrent shortages in hospitality and construction during peak tourist season, requiring international recruitment to meet demand, especially for multilingual hospitality staff.

Surpluses

In Adriatic Croatia, individuals with the following qualifications face challenges in securing employment: economist, administrative secretary, administrative clerk, commercial sales representative, hotel front desk clerk. During the off-season, there tends to be a surplus of hospitality workers, particularly among younger, seasonal employees. Mobility is moderate, with many individuals exploring similar roles in other countries.

City of Zagreb (Grad Zagreb)

With 768 624 inhabitants, City of Zagreb represented about 20% of the population in Croatia in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in City of Zagreb was 90.1% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 49.2%.

The city of Zagreb serves as the capital of the Republic of Croatia and is situated in the north-western part of the country. Zagreb’s labour market is diverse, driven by finance, technology, and services. Skilled professionals are in demand, with recruitment typically national but open to international talent. English is common in multinationals, with flexible and remote roles increasing. It is estimated that the working-age population in the City of Zagreb is approximately 647,000, with around 352,000 individuals currently employed. As of the third quarter of 2023, the unemployment rate was recorded at 4.3 percent. The information regarding the characteristics of the labour market, including vacancies, shortages, and surpluses in the region, is sourced from PES administrative data.

In 2023, more than 380 400 people were active in the labour market in City of Zagreb. 51.5% had tertiary education, 45.7% had secondary education, and 2.7% had primary education. The employment rate in City of Zagreb was 56.6 % in 2023, 7.1 percentage points higher than the national average in Croatia and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 53.4%, men had an employment rate of 60.2%, and for the youth the employment rate was 21.2%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in City of Zagreb was 3.8% in 2023, 2.3 points lower than the national average in the same year and a decrease from 5.3% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Openings are strong in IT, finance, and consulting, especially with larger corporations. Skills in data analysis, software development, and project management are highly valued. Remote work is often available for skilled roles.

Shortages

The City of Zagreb is experiencing a significant shortage of workers in the following occupations: mason, carpenter, rebar worker, concrete worker, welder, façade worker, fitter of building elements, construction machinery operator, stone mason, crane operator, construction labourer, civil construction worker, pipe fitter, painter, makeup artist, roofer, plumber, electrician, heating and air conditioning installer, hydro isolator, fitter of metal structures, ceramic tile installer, sub-layer technician, insulator, tinsmith, locksmith, maintenance electrician; waiter, cook, national cuisine chef, baker, butcher, confectioner; truck driver, truck driver with a trailer, car mechanic, car painter, car tinsmith; programmer, user interface designer, and systems administrator. There is a persistent shortage of IT professionals, financial analysts, and structural engineers, primarily driven by growth in the technology and finance sectors. Meanwhile, sectors such as hospitality and construction must continually address the increasing demands of the expanding city.

Surpluses

In the city of Zagreb, individuals with the following qualifications face challenges in securing employment: photographer, economist, administrative secretary, administrative clerk, hotel front desk clerk, graphic technician, fashion technician. Younger workers are more open to relocation, especially within the EU.