Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Croatia Cuts Foreign Work Permits by 14% in 2025

10/17/2025

40 3

Summary

Story summary

Croatia issued 14% fewer work permits to foreign workers in 2025, totaling just under 136,200.
The decline follows three years of growth, tied to new regulations and weaker demand.
Construction permits fell nearly 28%, while the retail sector grew slightly.
The government tightens rules to prevent foreign-worker program abuse.
Employers must hire Croatians and raise foreign worker wages.

1 of 1

Story summary

Croatia issued 14% fewer work permits to foreign workers in 2025, totaling just under 136,200.
The decline follows three years of growth, tied to new regulations and weaker demand.
Construction permits fell nearly 28%, while the retail sector grew slightly.
The government tightens rules to prevent foreign-worker program abuse.
Employers must hire Croatians and raise foreign worker wages.