Croatia’s labour market has continued to expand, with the number of people registered with the country’s pension insurance system climbing to almost 1.8 million.
At the end of August 2026, the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO) recorded 1,797,071 insured persons, according to preliminary figures released on Tuesday.
That’s 16,263 more people than in August last year, representing an increase of 0.91 percent.
And when the figures are compared over a longer period, the growth is even more striking.
More Than 115,000 Increase in Three Years
Compared with August 31, 2024, the number of insured people has risen by 52,941, or 3.04 percent.
And compared with August 2023, the increase stands at an impressive 115,257 people – or 6.85 percent.
The number of people registered with HZMO is considered an important indicator of employment levels in Croatia.
And the latest figures show that wholesale and retail trade remains the country’s largest sector in terms of insured workers.
At the end of August, 249,991 people were registered in wholesale and retail trade.
Manufacturing followed closely behind with 242,489, while construction accounted for 155,135 insured workers.
Tourism Remains Major Employer
Unsurprisingly after another busy summer season, accommodation and food service activities – effectively Croatia’s hospitality and tourism sector – also accounted for a significant slice of the workforce.
The sector had 149,285 insured people at the end of August.
The latest figures therefore show continued growth in the number of people covered by Croatia’s pension insurance system, with almost 115,300 more registered than just three years ago.
And with the total now standing at 1.797 million, Croatia has moved tantalisingly close to the symbolic 1.8-million mark.
@dubrovnik_times Driving across the Peljesac Bridge in August. Rhe bridge is almost 2.5 kilometres long #dubrovnik #peljesac ♬ original sound – The Dubrovnik Times