Whether you already live in Croatia or are considering moving there, you are entering a growing Southeast European economy with low unemployment (around 4.5%), driven by tourism and marked by shortages in construction and industry. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Croatia?
Because Croatia combines a growing market, world-class tourism, a reasonable cost of living and shortages in several sectors. An EU and eurozone member, it is freely accessible to Europeans.
- Low unemployment, around 4.5%.
- World-class tourism, a strong seasonal recruiter.
- Shortages in construction and industry.
- Free access for EU nationals.
How does the Croatian labor market work?
The market is driven by tourism, with sharp seasonal peaks in summer and fast hiring in hospitality. Employers often recruit abroad in high season, and multilingualism (English, German) is a real asset. Construction and industry also lack workers.
- A market driven by tourism, strongly seasonal.
- Fast hiring in high season.
- Valued multilingualism (English, German).
- Shortages in construction and industry.
Which sectors hire the most in Croatia?
- Tourism and hospitality, especially in summer.
- Construction.
- Industry and manufacturing.
- Logistics and transport.
- Technology and services.
Which cities should you target in Croatia?
- Zagreb: the capital, services, industry and tech.
- Split: tourism, services and port.
- Rijeka: port, industry and logistics.
- Dubrovnik and the coast: seasonal tourism.
Work permit: the steps for foreigners
EU/EEA nationals work freely. Others need a residence and work permit, or the EU Blue Card for skilled profiles.
- EU/EEA: free access to the labor market.
- Non-EU: residence and work permit.
- EU Blue Card for skilled profiles.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Salaries are modest by European standards, but so is the cost of living, especially outside tourist areas. Tourism offers many seasonal opportunities.
- Modest salaries.
- A reasonable cost of living outside tourist areas.
- Many seasonal opportunities.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Croatia?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and professional platforms.
- Specialized tourism agencies.
- Job fairs and forums.
The unsolicited application: the key to Croatia's hidden job market
With shortages in construction and industry and tourism hungry for seasonal staff, contacting companies directly is effective. The unsolicited application lets you target employers before any ad, especially before high season.
- You access roles filled without an ad.
- You benefit from seasonal and sector needs.
- You show your motivation and initiative.
- You get ahead of the competition.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- Leverage your multilingualism (English, German).
- Anticipate seasonal hiring before summer.
- Target shortage sectors (construction, industry).
- Activate your local network.
Your next steps to work in Croatia
Target a city and a sector, prepare a CV in English, then contact companies directly, prioritizing before the tourist high season. Initiative opens doors.