Croatia: Changes to labor law

The Croatian Parliament implemented changed to enhance legal protections for foreign workers. Key proposals include:
•        Equal Pay: Foreign workers must be paid the same as Croatian employees in similar roles.
•        Longer Work Permits: Residence and work permits will be extended to three years, and seasonal permits to nine months.
•        Employer Financial Guarantees: Employers must provide financial security if they cancel a hire after obtaining a work permit.
•        Housing Standards: New regulations will set clear requirements for worker accommodations.
•        Employer Eligibility: Companies must have employed at least one Croatian citizen for a year, paid all public dues, and met a minimum turnover threshold.

Additionally, Croatia is improving its EU Blue Card policy to attract highly skilled professionals with changes such as:
•        Longer Validity: The Blue Card will be valid for 48 months.
•        Experience-Based Qualifications: Workers in fields like IT can qualify based on proven skills rather than formal education.
•        Higher Salary Requirements: Blue Card holders must earn at least 1.5 times Croatia’s average gross wage.

These changes align with broader European efforts to regulate migration and labor access, impacting foreign workers, short-term visitors, long-term residents, and those planning to move to the EU. The upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require non-EU nationals from visa-exempt countries to get pre-authorization before visiting Schengen states, including Croatia.

Source :- https://www.crownworldmobility.com/insights/immigration-weekly-update-april-24-2025/