In 2025. In 2019, Croatia continued to record an increase in the number of foreign workers, who played an increasingly important role in meeting the needs of the labor market. At the beginning of this year, more than 120,000 foreign workers were working in Croatia, and 34,440 work permits were issued in the first two months. Most foreign workers come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nepal, Serbia, India, and the Philippines.
Economic sectors and legal changes
The highest number of work permits issued last year were in the construction (75,071) and tourism and hospitality (56,228) sectors. The New Law on Foreigners aligns the legal framework for foreign workers with European legislation. It also regulates the status and protection of foreign workers, as well as the supervision of agencies that act as employment intermediaries. Foreign workers will be guaranteed the same salary as Croatian workers, which will help in better integration and equality in the labor market.
You can find more details about the legal changes and their impact on foreign workers in the article on the new Law on Foreigners.
