Looking for foreign workers?

1. When discussing the employment of foreign workers, does this apply to foreigners from the European Union and foreigners who already have a work permit?

By term ‘foreign worker’ we consider all foreigners, that is, anyone who is not a citizen of the Republic of Croatia. However, there is a difference between:

• Foreigners within the European Union (except Austria, because it’s legal issues are a bit different for the foreigners outside the European Union)
• foreigners outside the European Union

This is important to know because the employment process varies depending on these two categories.

2. Are the foreign workers - with professions among the approved quotas for the import of foreign workers - the only workers who can come and work in Croatia?

Foreign workers from the European Union can work in Croatia independently of the quotas for importing foreign workers. Quotas refer to foreign workers outside the European Union and to foreign workers in the Republic of Croatia, who already have a work permit. Independently of approved quotas, highly educated non-EU workers can also work in Croatia, as well as other categories of workers, under certain conditions listed in the Immigration law.

3. What is the difference between hiring foreign workers for whom quotas are approved, and those who do not fall into that category?

For foreign workers outside the European Union, for whom quotas are approved, it is necessary to apply for a work and stay permit in the Republic of Croatia, while foreign workers outside the European Union need work permits.

With certain exceptions, foreign non-EU workers cannot work in the Republic of Croatia if approved quotas do not apply to them.

4. What kind of documentation is needed for the employment of foreign workers for whom quotas are approved? What about foreign workers for whom there are no quotas?

Foreign non-EU workers, but within approved quotas, need a work and residence permit, while the foreign workers from the European Union need a work permit. Additional information in detail can be found in the brochure of the Ministry of the Interior and the Rulebook of the Status and Work of Third Country Nationals in the Republic of Croatia.

5. Does this mean that the employer must take care of obtaining the necessary documentation in case of the employment of a foreign worker?

Documentation is provided by the employer and foreign worker in mutual co-operation.

Depending on the residence of the employer, the competent police department approves a work permit. The permit is valid for one year and after that it is necessary to extend/renew it.

6. An example: What if an employer wants to employ someone from Macedonia or Slovenia?

An employee from Macedonia needs a work permit and can only work on jobs for which quotas are approved, unless is a highly educated worker.

The required documentation is listed in the brochure of the Ministry of the Interior and the Rulebook on the Status and Work of Third Country Nationals in the Republic of Croatia. To begin with, a valid travel document and visa is required if it is needed for entry into the Republic of Croatia.

Workers from Slovenia need a valid identity card or passport, stay permit and signed contract of employment.