Insights
Croatia Work Permit for Employers: Labour Market Test, Single Permit and Timing
Insights · By Chen ChunJie · Published 8 November 2026
Non-EU nationals need a stay and work permit to work in Croatia, issued for a specific employer. This guide covers the labour market test, exemptions, the process and what applies once the person starts.
Last reviewed in November 2026 against the Aliens Act and Croatian Employment Service guidance. Rules and fees change, so we confirm them for each engagement.
The steps
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Labour market test | The employer asks the Croatian Employment Service, unless exempt |
| Application | Filed by the employer within 90 days |
| Permit | Stay and work permit for the specific employer |
| Start | Registration for insurance and payroll |
Exemptions
Shortage occupations, EU Blue Card holders and key staff such as senior managers skip the labour market test. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals need no permit.
No Croatian company? We can deliver the work as a service, with our Local Team employing and managing the specialist. See Expat Employment in Croatia.
Staff placed with another business
Croatia restricts permits for third-country nationals placed with another business, so the employer named on the permit should direct the work.
Tax and contributions
Permit holders pay pension contributions and income tax like Croatian staff, and the employer pays health insurance. Details are in our Croatia payroll and tax guide.
FAQ: Croatia work permit
Who applies?
The Croatian employer.
Is a labour market test needed?
Usually, unless the role is exempt.
Need a non-EU specialist’s work done in Croatia?
Our Local Team holds the permit and employs and manages the specialist, while you agree the scope and review the results.
Related
How we deliver non-EU specialists’ work in Croatia.
Contracts, leave, termination and more.