Foreign-born population – 2025 | 14.2% of the population |
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Size: 0.5 million, 50% women | Evolution since 2015: 0% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, 5 500 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Croatia (excluding EU citizens), 82.1% more than in 2024. This figure comprises 64.5% labour migrants, 26.5% family members (including accompanying family), 1.7% who came for education reasons and 7.3% other migrants. Around 300 short-term permits were issued to international students and 44 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 33 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a ‑52% decrease compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Nepal, Bosnia and Herzegovina and India were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Nepal registered the strongest increase (4 200) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑9 600) in flows to Croatia compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased to 800. The majority of applicants came from Türkiye (200), Russia (100) and Syria (75). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Nepal (40) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑100). Of the 290 decisions taken in 2025, 9% were positive.
Emigration of Croatian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑25% in 2024, to 22 000. Approximately 39% of this group migrated to Germany, 27% to Austria and 9% to Switzerland.
A year after the extensive amendments to Croatia’s Law on Foreigners in 2025, further amendments entered into force on 4 June 2026 to address growing pressure from rising foreign labour migration, labour-market abuses and the need to align Croatian rules with EU migration policies. The reform introduces stricter oversight of employers, clearer border screening procedures, and several changes aimed at modernising the residence and work permit system.
Key labour-market reforms include a new Croatian language requirement for some permit renewals, starting in 2027, easier employer changes for foreign workers already holding permits, multi-year seasonal work permits valid up to three years, and longer official deadlines for authorities to process work permit applications.
The law also expands protections and flexibility for foreign workers. Workers who lose their jobs may now remain unemployed for longer periods while searching for new employment, and both employers and workers must report employment termination to the authorities. Croatia is also introducing a special long-term visa for non-EU truck and bus drivers to avoid Schengen 90-day stay limitations that disrupt transport and logistics. Additional practical changes include extending the address registration deadline from 3 to 15 days after arrival, and the possibility for international students to receive residence permits covering the full duration of their study programme, up to three years.
Another major focus of the reform is tighter regulation and stronger monitoring. Croatia is formalising border screening procedures for irregular migrants as part of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, including identity, health and vulnerability checks in designated facilities. At the same time, the government introduced stricter employer obligations regarding accommodation and health status for foreign workers. Employer‑provided housing must now meet minimum living standards, occupancy limits and rent caps, while foreign workers must submit a certificate of health and vaccination status, which must not be more than 90-days old. The reforms aim both to reduce exploitation of foreign workers and to create a more controlled, transparent immigration framework.
The City of Zagreb launched a public consultation in November 2025, on its 2026‑2030 integration programme, supporting migrant inclusion through accessible services and intercultural initiatives. The proposal encourages co‑operation between public institutions, civil society, businesses and local residents to strengthen social cohesion. Its priorities include inclusive governance, stronger integration capacities and greater public awareness for migrant workers, asylum applicants, and beneficiaries of international protection.
Croatian Parliament enacted adopted amendments to the law on international and temporary protection, which is in force from 12 June 2026. Amendments to the Law stem from the need to transpose and align with the Directive and Regulations that are part of the Pact on Migration and Asylum.
For further information: https://emn.gov.hr | https://mup.gov.hr/
