Guide · section 10
Work and business
Zagreb is the country's economic centre, and almost everything that happens professionally in Croatia happens here. But the market is small and you feel it: fewer openings than in larger capitals, and connections count for more.
Employment
Where the demand is
Strongest in tech and everything adjacent: development, product roles, outsourcing for European clients. Then tourism and hospitality (seasonal and mostly coastal), logistics, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and the service centres of international companies.
Language
In international companies and tech, the working language is often English. In local business, the public sector and client-facing work, Croatian is required — and it is the hardest filter on the job market.
Work authorisation
Third-country nationals need a residence and work permit, and the employer drives the process. The practical consequence: smaller companies often simply do not want the trouble. Large and international employers are used to it and are easier to deal with.
EU citizens need no separate permit.
Business structures
d.o.o.
The standard company and the most versatile form. Requires share capital, accounting and regular reporting. The right choice if you plan to hire, work with large counterparties, or build something long-term.
j.d.o.o.
A variant with substantially lower starting capital, designed as an easier entry point. Reporting obligations are broadly similar to a d.o.o.
obrt
Individual entrepreneurial activity. Simpler to administer, with simplified taxation regimes available. The key difference is that you are liable with your personal assets.
Freelancing
Contract work is possible, but regular income almost always runs into the need to register an obrt or a company. "I just receive transfers from abroad" is not, from a tax point of view, a working arrangement.
Job hunting in practice
- LinkedIn works, particularly in tech and international companies.
- Local job portals cover the domestic market better than international aggregators.
- Networking decides things. The market is small and a meaningful share of roles are filled through acquaintance before a listing ever appears. Zagreb has professional meetups, and attending them beats mass-sending CVs.
- An English CV is fine for tech and international employers; for the local market, have a Croatian version.
- Diploma recognition may be required for regulated professions — medicine, law, teaching, engineering. The procedure is slow, so start early.
FAQ
Can I work remotely for a foreign company?
Yes, including on a digital nomad permit. But the tax consequences depend on your residency and how the arrangement is structured — a question for an accountant.
What does opening a company cost?
It combines share capital, notary and registration costs, and ongoing accounting. The amounts change — price it against current tariffs rather than chat-group posts.
Does opening a company grant residence?
Not automatically. It is a separate procedure requiring evidence of real activity. See the residence section.
What are tech salaries like?
Above the national average and below Western Europe, against a substantially lower cost of living. Check current Croatian market salary surveys for specifics.
Do I need Croatian to work in tech?
Often not. But for progressing inside a company, for local clients, and simply for being part of a team, it helps a great deal.
Related
Need help with your specific situation?
Tell us what you're dealing with. We'll explain the steps, and tell you honestly if you don't need us.