Today Croatia is facing a situation in which young Croatians are moving abroad to other EU countries. As a result, Croatia is currently in need of a lot of workers because there are lots of industries, like construction and tourism that simply do not have enough people to fill all the open positions. So, if you’re considering to work in Croatia, you need to know how to get work permit in Croatia. Without work permit in Croatia, you could face with fines.
How to get a job in Croatia?
In reality, if you want to be granted a work permit in Croatia, the first thing you need to do is get a job. So, you must have a job offer first, and then the company applies for a work and residence permit on your behalf. It is very importanT to say that you cannot apply for a work permit before you have a job.
So, once you find a job, you can start your work permit application. A work permit is tied to a specific work contract. Because of that, the employer must provide you with one of the following as proof that you are employed: An offer of employment with a Croatian company or a valid employment contract or other proof of employment. After you have one of the above, then the company can request a work permit on your behalf.
Who can get work permit in Croatia?
Work permit is a unique permit, which provides temporary residence and allows one to work for a specific Croatian company in Croatia. So, a residence and work permit is a combined approval of temporary stay and work in the Republic of Croatia.
According to the Foreigners act, an application for a residence and work permit may be submitted by:
– third-country national,
– employer
How to get work permit in Croatia
An application for a residence and work they submit to the the local police department or station according to the place of intended residence or work of the third-country national or the seat of the employer.
The decision on issuing a residence and work permit is made by the police department or station regardless of the place where the application was submitted.
Duration of work permit in Croatia
Because of a work permit is tied to a specific work contract, work and residence permits are limited to 12 months. But, if your work contract is terminated (either by you or the employer), your work and residence permit will be terminated within 15 days. However, Croatia allows applicants to extend their work permit at least 60 days before it expires if they need to continue to work in the country.
The new Foreigners Act
The new Foreigners Act regulates the terms for entry, movement, stay and work of third country nationals in the Republic of Croatia. So, starting January 1, 2021, work quotas are abolished. This means that there is no limit to the number of foreign workers that can be hired within Croatia. The new change is that system of annual quotas will no longer exist. Instead of that, „a labor market test“ is implemented.
First, if a Croatian employer wishes to hire a non-EU national, then they must first request permission from the unemployment agency called HZZ (Hrvatski zavod za zapošljavanje) before they can request a work and residence permit for foreign worker. HZZ will perform „a labor market test“ to determine if they will grant the company permission to hire the foreigner.
What is a labor market test?
So, from 1 January 2021, prior to filing an application for a WSP, the employer must contact the Croatian Employment Office (HZZ) and ask for a labor market test to be conducted. Through the labor market test, HZZ would check its records of unemployed individuals to determine if there are suitable unemployed individuals who could fill the position. About the results of the labor market test HZZ must notify the employer of the results within 15 days of the employer’s request.
After employers get the green light from HZZ, they must request a work permit for their new foreign employees, and than employers must send a request for a work permit to police department or station.
It is important to say that the manner and proceeding for conducting of the labour market test and the issuance of HZZ’s opinion are to be regulated by underlying by-laws, which must be rendered until 30 June 2021.
Exemption from the labor market test
Conducting of a labor market test and obtaining of a positive opinion of HZZ are not required:
– deficient occupations
– seasonal employment of third-country nationals in agriculture, forestry, catering and tourism (for up to 90 days during one calendar year)
Also, there are some occupations for which the labor market test isn’t required. This is called the “brz uvoz radnika” (rapid import of workers). HZZ has made a list of occupations that are exempt from the labor market test.
The occupations exempt from the labor market test are auto-mechanics, baker, butcher, building worker, car body worker, car paint worker and other. Occupations from the list have worker shortages, and as a result, there is an increased and sustained demand for them in the Croatian labor market.
If you need assistance to get work permit in Croatia or you need a legal advice, do not hesitate to contact us.
