Croatia Job market What are my chances of getting a job?

Croatia
Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?
Croatian employers are willing to recruit foreigners but in order to do so they must justify why they have chosen a
foreign worker over a national employee. It therefore needs to be evident that the foreign citizen has skills or
knowledge not available from national citizens.

The Croatian Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship sets annual quotas of work permits for
foreigners meaning a limited amount can be employed each year. The quotas are divided into categories, e.g.
healthcare, science and education, manufacturing, etc. and once the quota for that category has been filled, no
more foreign employees can be recruited for that year. All of this can make it difficult for UK citizens to find
work.

     • Typical problems encountered: there is a high standard of education in Croatia meaning competition from
          home graduates can be fierce. Croatia also has a high unemployment rate.
     • How to improve your chances: experience in one of the key areas, such as tourism, may help UK citizens
          gain employment. Specialist skills in areas such as teaching, which may be lacking in nationals of
          Croatia, may also be helpful.
     • Language requirements: employees are usually expected to have a good knowledge of Croatian. Jobs are
          available for those who only speak English but competition for these roles will be higher and chances
          will be significantly increased if the employee can speak Croatian.

Where can I work?

     • Major industries: tourism (making up approximately 60% of the GDP), industry and manufacturing, e.g.
          chemicals, plastics, steel products, etc. and ship building.
     • Recent growth areas: real estate and export.
     • Shortage occupations: architects, civil engineers, doctors, foreign language teachers, IT engineers, maths
          teachers, mechanical engineers and physics teachers.
     • Major companies: Adria-Mar, Auto Hrvatska, Belupo, Bluesun Hotels, DM Drogerie Markt, Holcim, iN2,
          Orvas Plus, Orbico, Puljanka.
     • Search for more companies: Kompass , a worldwide business directory searchable by country, Croatian
          Chamber of Economy , Croatian Homepage Business Directory .
     • Major cities: Zagreb (capital and largest), Dubrovnik, Osijek, Pula, Rijeka, Split, Zadar.

What’s it like working in Croatia?

• Average working hours: 40 hours over a 5 to 6 day week.
     • Holidays: the minimum amount of annual leave is 18 days. Croatians typically take long holidays in July
           and August although this is becoming less common as international businesses establish themselves in
           Croatia.
     • Tax rates: the rate of tax in Croatia is dependent on the amount of earnings and ranges from 15% to 45%. It
           is amongst the highest rates of tax in Europe. There is also a city surtax for tax payers which varies
           depending on income and region and ranges from 10% to 30%.
     • Working practices and customs: very similar to the UK and rest of Europe, with no notable differences in
           business etiquette.

Applying for jobs

How do I apply for a job?
The usual application process is with a covering letter and CV. The use of application forms is also common and
some companies, particularly the larger ones, may use online application processes.

If the job advert is in Croatian and they require a Croatian speaker for the role, ensure your application is also
written in the language so they can see your level of proficiency.

Jobs which require English speakers will usually accept applications in English, but if you are unsure about this
contact the HR department of the company beforehand to find out.

What kind of CV do I need?
The format of the CV is similar to that used in the UK. It should include details such as contact information,
education, employment history, and specialist skills. Ensure your CV is specifically targeted at the job you are
applying for and that it shows you have the required skills.

Find out more about CVs and covering letters.

What will the interview process be like?
There are usually two stages of interviews; if the first interview goes well you will be invited for a second
interview, after which a decision will be made. Interviews are usually carried out in Croatian if the job role
requires a Croatian speaker. Positions with large international companies operating in Croatia may carry out the
interview in English if they are looking for an English speaker.

Will my UK qualifications be recognised?
UK qualifications are recognised within Croatia. ENIC-NARIC can help to compare your qualifications and show
what the equivalent Croatian qualification is.

Do I still need to pay UK tax and National Insurance?
If you are planning to live and work in Croatia, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM
Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.

Vacancy sources

Job websites

• Eurojobs.com - multi-country job search website.
     • Croatian Researchers Mobility Portal - for researcher positions in research and development organisations.
     • Croatian Employment Service - foreigners can register with the employment service and receive
           information on job vacancies.
     • Moj-Posao - available in English.
     • Tip Top Job Croatia - searchable database of vacancies in English.

Recruitment agencies

     • Adecco Croatia
     • Electus Recruitment Agency
     • Kadus Recruitment
     • Selectio

Newspapers

     • Hrvatski Information Centre - general job roles advertised through ‘advertisements’ section.
     • jutarnji.hr - in Croatian.
     • Slobodna Dalmacija - Croatian language only.

See Kidon Media-Link for a full list of newspapers in Croatia.

Other sources

     • Devex - advertises international development jobs.
     • Global English - for information on teaching jobs.
     • Just Landed - advertises jobs and is a source of information for living in Croatia.
     • University Fairs - for searching for careers fairs in Croatia.

Hidden vacancies
It is possible to find vacancies through speculative applications. Ensure your covering letter is written in Croatian
and be clear about your reasons for wanting to work in Croatia. Use the company contacts listed in job market to
make speculative applications.

Work experience

Work placements and exchange programmes
AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) is a student-run
organisation that offers students work placements and exchange schemes abroad, including in Croatia, to help gain
leadership skills and professional experience.

IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) arranges paid
practical and relevant traineeships for science and engineering students in over 80 countries which includes
Croatia.

Teaching schemes

The amount of English language schools and institutions is increasing and as a result native English language
teachers are required. A TESOL qualification is usually needed and should enable you to earn a better wage,
although the pay will still be relatively low compared with other countries.

It is possible to get private tuition work as well as contracted work which may last between 10 to 12 months. See
TEFL.com and Global English for further information. ESL Base has a list of language schools in Croatia.

Volunteering
There are many opportunities to work with eco-volunteer projects in Croatia, see Research-Educational Centre for
the Protection of Nature for some example projects.

Volunteers' Centre Zagreb (VCZ) promotes volunteering through short and long-term volunteering projects. Blue
World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation is a marine conservation project based in Croatia with a
focus on dolphins.

Anywork Anywhere: Croatia has details of various voluntary projects including the protection of the Eurasian
Griffons vultures, the restoration of dry stone walls and rescuing fresh water ponds.

Casual work and short-term opportunities
Due to visa restrictions it can be difficult to get casual and short-term work. It will be dependent on employer need
and can be restricted.

Gap year opportunities
See Concordia International Volunteers for short and long-term volunteer projects, as well as information on
various projects in Croatia.

Workaway aims to promote work exchange programmes between budget travellers, culture seekers, families or
individuals who are looking to help with a range of activities. They have hosts for projects in Croatia.

Postgraduate study

How does the higher education system work?
There are around 130 higher education institutions in Croatia. These consist of public and private universities,
polytechnics and colleges of applied sciences. These institutions are subject to quality control and supervision by
the Croatian Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship .

There are two different types of study available to students:

     • university studies: academic programmes carried out solely at university;
     • professional studies: professional programmes carried out at polytechnics and colleges of applied science.

Croatia is part of the Bologna Process, which allows for greater compatibility and comparability of higher
education systems in Europe. The structure of the higher education system in Croatia has been significantly
reformed and is now divided into three cycles - undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate.

What courses are available?
In Croatia, graduate study is the equivalent of postgraduate study in the UK. Courses typically last one to two
years and on completion the student is awarded a Masters qualification with reference to a specialist subject.

Alternatively, a specialist professional qualification can be taken at graduate level, which lasts one to two years.
The student will then become a ‘specialist’ of the relevant profession.

Postgraduate study in Croatia refers to Doctorate-level study. This takes three years to complete and consists of
scientific or research training. Upon completion the student is awarded the title of Doctor of Science or Doctor of
Arts depending on the subject.

Although English is widely spoken, many courses are taught in the Croatian language. Foreign students are
encouraged to learn the Croatian language in order to fully understand the culture of their surroundings and
participate in their postgraduate course. Universities often offer additional intensive language courses, such as the
one at the University of Zagreb - Croaticum .

Where can I study?
The largest and oldest university in Croatia is the University of Zagreb . The second largest university is the
University of Split . For a list of all universities in Croatia see Study in Croatia: Institutions and Study
Programmes .

Applying for postgraduate study
To determine individual entry requirements for graduate and postgraduate courses, contact the university directly.

Closing dates for postgraduate study applications can vary between institutions and areas of study, so ensure that
you contact the institution directly for exact closing dates.

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the chosen institution. Applications can often be
made online and often require an application form, personal statement and CV. Two academic references are
usually requested.

Croatia is currently a candidate country for the European Union. If it becomes a member state, other EU citizens
will be able to enrol on programmes of study under the same conditions as Croatian citizens.

Fees and scholarships
Fees for individual courses are set by each higher education institution and vary widely, so check with the
institution you are interested in. Living costs will also differ dependent on individual needs and budgeting skills.
As a rough monthly guide the University of Zagreb recommends 1000hrk for food, 1500hrk for a room and
utilities, 100hrk for transport, 400hrk for books and 800hrk for miscellaneous expenses.

In order to study in Croatia, foreign students need to show they have sufficient funds. This may be sourced
through scholarships, although the majority of higher education institutions in Croatia do not offer any. Some may
be available through programmes such as Erasmus Mundus and Central European Exchange Programme for
University Studies (CEEPUS) .

Are there any exchange programmes?
Erasmus Mundus is a mobility programme for postgraduate higher education. It aims to promote the European
Union by attracting students from countries outside the EU to register for joint Masters degrees. See the website
for information on which programmes are available and check with your institution's Erasmus coordinator (usually
based in the international office) to see which countries they have links with and in what subject areas.

Will my qualification be recognised in the UK?

Croatia is part of the Bologna Process which aims to standardise qualifications in its member countries. This
means qualifications will be recognised back in the UK, which is also a member of the Bologna Process. For
further information and help on comparing qualifications, see UK NARIC (National Recognition Information
Centre for the United Kingdom) .

See Study in Croatia for further information and advice.

Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?
All EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Croatia. They are able to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days without a
visa. Non-EU citizens should check with the embassy in their home country to see if they are exempt from
needing a visa or if they are required to have one before entering the country.

Those intending to stay for a longer period will require a temporary residence permit, which must be applied for
via the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia .

The maximum duration of a first temporary residence permit is one year. It can be extended, on condition that the
applicant's passport remains valid for at least three months after the expiry of the extended temporary residence
permit. Extensions must be applied for via the nearest police station to your residence in Croatia.

In order to work in Croatia you will be required to have an employment visa along with a work permit.

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?
The application for an employment visa can be made at the Croatian consulate in your country of residence or
through the Croatian Ministry of Interior . Required documents for the employment visa are:

     • a completed application form;
     • two photographs;
     • a copy of your passport;
     • a letter or contract proving employment in Croatia;
     • a short explanation from the employer explaining your qualification for the post;
     • a short justification of employment of a foreign national over a Croatian national.

Once you have an employment visa, an application can be made for a work permit. The Ministry of Economy,
Labour and Entrepreneurship issues the permits and the applications are submitted by your employer.

If you are a non-EU citizen you might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own
embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account
when considering working in Croatia.

How do I apply for permanent residency?
Permanent residency will not be considered until a temporary residence permit has been held for five consecutive
years. For full detail regarding the law and applying for residence permits see the Croatian Ministry of Interior .

Help and advice abroad

Public employment services

The main source of public employment services is the Croatian Employment Service . Its offices are able to help
with job vacancies, vocational guidance and mediation services. Unemployed foreigners can sign up to the job
registry but information is in Croatian so it is advisable to contact the service by email for further support.

Croatia is a candidate country for the EU and if it gains membership there are likely to be further sources of
support for those wishing to work abroad via resources such as the EURES - European Job Mobility Portal .

Higher education careers support
Careers services in universities in Croatia are a relatively new addition following its entrance to the Bologna
Process, which brings its higher education structure in line with other European countries. It may be some time
before services are equivalent to those offered by universities in the UK. The University of Dubrovnik has a
careers service but you should check with other individual institutions in advance to identify whether careers
support will be available.

Help in an emergency
If you face legal or health problems you can contact the British Embassy in Croatia . They are able to direct
individuals to relevant information, provide access to English-speaking lawyers, contact relatives or friends in the
UK and provide local information about police and procedures.

Croatia uses the European standard emergency number, which is 112. This can be used to access the police, fire
service, ambulance, alpine rescuers, as well as other rescue services.

Specific emergency contact numbers in Croatia are:

     • 92 - police;
     • 93 - fire department;
     • 94 - ambulance;
     • 987 - emergency road help (this service is staffed by English-speaking operators).

Country overview

Geography

     • Full country name: Republic of Croatia
     • Population: 4.5 million
     • Border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.
     • Climate: Mediterranean and continental with hot summers and cold winters. The coast tends to get dry
           summers and mild winters.
     • Terrain: the area of land along the Hungarian border consists of flat plains, while there are low mountains
           and highlands along the coastline.
     • Natural hazards: earthquakes.

Living in Croatia

     • Cost of living: slightly less than the UK with general costs such as rent, entertainment and food costing
           less, but this has been rising over the last few years. Rental prices vary depending on location. A three-
           bed flat next to the beach on the Adriatic Coast costs around €1,200 per month while a two-bed house in

the same area costs around €1,800 a month. Croatians expect foreigners to pay more so research
          thoroughly before deciding on somewhere.
     • Utilities: natural gas is used widely in Croatia with LPG tanks supplying it. These can be bought from
          vendor outlets or from vendors who visit the neighbourhoods. Empty tanks are exchanged for free.
     • Internet domain: .hr
     • Health: healthcare in Croatia compares well to that in the UK and is of a high standard. Due to a reciprocal
          agreement, UK citizens do not need to pay for emergency treatment. An EHIC (European health
          insurance card) should entitle you to the same treatment as a Croatian citizen, but it is still advisable to
          get travel or health insurance for while you are in Croatia.
     • Laws and customs: carry a passport at all times in case identification is required. Drugs-related offences
          and violation of local laws are dealt with by fines and jail sentences.

Economy and finance

     • Currency: Kuna (hrk)
     • Type of economy: developed western market economy.
     • Health of economy: Croatia’s economy has been growing with an increase in tourism and credit-driven
          consumer spending. It does still face problems however, in the form of a high unemployment rate,
          uneven regional development and an increasing trade deficit. The long-term growth prospects are strong
          but there is a risk to the economic stability in the medium term, as a result of Croatia’s high foreign debt
          and over-reliance on its tourism revenue, amongst other factors.
     • Unemployment rate: 17.6%
     • Main exports: transport equipment, machinery, foodstuff, clothing and chemicals.

Culture

     • People: Croatians 89%, Serbians 5%, other 6% (includes Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech and Roma).
     • Major religion: Roman Catholic (around 87%).
     • History: see BBC Timeline: Croatia
     • Local etiquette: a proud and friendly nation with similar greetings and social etiquette to the rest of Europe.

Politics

     • Type of government: parliamentary democracy.
     • Major political parties: a multi-party system; the main parties are the Croatian Democratic Union, the
          Social Democratic Party of Croatia, Croatian People’s Party, Croatian Peasant Party-Croatian Liberal
          Party coalition.

Travel advice
Find the latest travel advice and a traveller’s checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.

AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date:
April 2011

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