Croatia Needs 70,000 Seasonal Workers Every Year

Croatia is relying more and more on foreign workers to fill job openings, especially in the tourism industry. Every year, nearly 70,000 seasonal workers are needed to keep the tourism sector running smoothly, according to Schengen.News. Without these workers, many hotels, restaurants, and travel services would struggle to operate at the usual standards.

Most foreign workers in Croatia come from nearby countries, with Bosnia and Herzegovina leading the list. In 2024, around 38,100 Bosnian citizens came to Croatia for work, according to the Croatian Ministry of Interior. However, Nepal is not far behind, with 35,635 Nepalese workers employed in Croatia that same year. Serbia ranks third, with 27,988 workers.

Interestingly, early data from 2025 suggests that Nepal could soon become Croatia’s top source of foreign labor. In January and February 2025, more Nepalese workers received work and residence permits than any other nationality. This means that in the near future, Nepal may overtake Bosnia as the largest provider of workers for Croatia.

Aside from Nepal, other countries are also sending more workers to Croatia. In 2025, India and the Philippines saw a sharp increase in the number of workers moving to Croatia. That year, 28,000 Indian workers and 14,700 Filipino workers were granted work permits.

What Jobs Do Foreign Workers Fill?

Foreign workers take on various jobs across different industries in Croatia. The construction sector had the highest number of work and residence permits in 2025, with 75,000 permits issued, making up 36.3% of all permits. Tourism and hospitality were the second largest sectors, receiving 56,000 permits. Additionally, 28,500 permits were issued for other types of industry jobs.

Rising Demand for Seasonal Workers

Croatia has a strong demand for seasonal workers, particularly in tourism, construction, and trade. Because of this high demand, wages for foreign workers have also been increasing.

According to Croatia’s National Bureau of Statistics, the average salary in 2025 was €1,361. By law, foreign workers must receive wages equal to Croatian workers who are doing the same type of job.

For example, one of Croatia’s largest hotel chains, which has properties along the Adriatic coast, is offering seasonal workers salaries ranging from €1,500 to €2,000 net during peak tourist season. Workers in roles such as maids, assistant cooks, waiters, and kitchen staff are expected to earn between €1,000 and €1,400 net.

How Seasonal Worker Demand Has Changed Over Time

The number of seasonal workers needed in Croatia has changed in recent years. In the first half of 2022, about 30,000 seasonal workers were required. However, in 2023, the number dropped to 21,000. By 2025, the demand had surged to an estimated 70,000 workers, showing how much Croatia now depends on foreign labor.

As tourism and construction continue to grow, Croatia’s reliance on foreign workers is expected to rise even more in the coming years.