by croatiaweek
October 28, 2025
in
Mirogoj, Zagreb
Foreign workers are set to be employed at Zagreb’s cemeteries for the first time, following a series of unsuccessful recruitment drives to hire local staff, HRT reports.
Zagreb Holding has confirmed that seven foreign workers will soon begin work at the city’s cemeteries after repeated attempts to fill the roles locally failed.
The company said it had turned to an employment agency specialising in hiring workers from outside the European Union.
Applications have already been submitted to the Ministry of the Interior for residence and work permits, which are expected to be processed within two to three months.
A spokesperson for Zagreb Holding said that despite several public calls for applications, suitable candidates could not be found. “We have therefore used the legal option to seek workers from third countries,” the spokesperson explained.
Union disputes reported salary
However, as HRT reported, representatives of the city workers’ union have challenged claims that the salary for cemetery workers is around €1,500 per month.
They argue that the actual base salary is significantly lower, and that the total only reaches that amount after including various bonuses and overtime.
Union officials also stressed the demanding nature of the job, which involves physically challenging work in all weather conditions — including grave digging, site repairs, removing wreaths, assisting with horticulture, and preparing funeral services.
First foreign workers in Zagreb’s public services
Deputy Mayor Danijela Dolenec said the move reflects a growing need for foreign workers across several city-owned companies, not just at cemeteries.
“We are going through the employment process that leads to the hiring of foreign workers, which also applies to positions such as road layers in Zagreb Roads,” Dolenec explained.
This will mark the first time foreign workers are employed within Zagreb’s public services, which together have more than 7,500 employees.