by croatiaweek
October 9, 2025
in
After several years of rapid growth, the number of work permits issued to foreign nationals in Croatia has fallen sharply in 2025.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, just under 136,200 permits were issued in the first nine months of the year – 14% fewer than during the same period in 2024, Poslovni dnevnik reports
The slowdown follows a period when the number of permits had surged by two and a half times in only three years, reaching over 206,000 last year. If the current trend continues, the total for 2025 could fall below 180,000.
Analysts point to several reasons for the decline. Stricter rules on issuing permits under the revised Foreigners Act, introduced earlier this year, have tightened procedures and oversight. In addition, the pace of post-earthquake reconstruction has eased, reducing demand for unskilled labourers, especially from non-EU countries.
Entrepreneur Petar Lovrić, an expert in employment mediation, adds that rising wages are making some jobs more appealing to domestic workers.
The number of pensioners working part-time has also increased – more than 37,500 people were employed alongside their pensions mid-year, up 17% from 2024.
While overall new employment permits dropped by more than 33,000, there was a 20% increase in permit renewals and a 14% rise for seasonal jobs.
Among key industries, only retail recorded growth, while construction saw a notable 28% decline. Tourism and hospitality remain leading sectors but also issued 5% fewer permits than last year.
Workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be the largest group, though their numbers fell by 17%. Nepalese workers follow closely, and Filipinos have now overtaken Indians, driven by demand in the retail sector.
Lovrić believes Croatia could strengthen ties by opening an embassy in the Philippines, given the country’s reputation for well-managed labour migration.
Despite the recent dip, Croatia still maintains one of Europe’s more liberal foreign labour regimes. However, officials note that the number of issued permits does not necessarily reflect how many foreigners are currently working in the country.