by croatiaweek
August 21, 2025
in
Aim is to revitalise depopulated parts of Croatia
The Ministry of Demography and Immigration has prepared a new programme aimed at revitalising depopulated and less developed parts of Croatia.
Through the Demographic Revitalisation Programme, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to receive subsidies covering up to 50% of their loan principal, with support available up to €75,000.
The measure is designed to ease the financial burden on entrepreneurs, help them start or expand their businesses, and create new jobs.
To qualify, businesses must hold an approved national loan, employ at least one full-time worker, and have no outstanding public liabilities or blocked accounts.
Over a three-year period, the government will allocate €30 million to the scheme through the Ministry of Demography and Immigration.
Minister Ivan Šipić stressed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to create favourable conditions for demographic change.
“This programme brings economic benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises, local communities through increased revenues, and citizens through new employment opportunities,” he said.
Beyond its economic impact, the government expects the programme to deliver demographic benefits by encouraging people to remain, move to, or return to depopulated regions. The initiative aims to give entrepreneurs a reason to invest in smaller communities, provide families with local jobs, and offer returning Croatians from abroad the conditions to come back and settle.
The programme is also seen as a direct contribution to regional development, ensuring more equal opportunities across the country by directing resources where they are most needed.