Majority of Foreign Workers in Croatia Support Families Abroad, But Only 19% Plan to Stay Permanently

A new survey has revealed that while foreign workers in Croatia are largely contributing to their families back home, only a small share plan to settle in the country long-term. The study, presented on May 22 at a national conference on migration and labor integration, found that just 19% of foreign workers intend to remain in Croatia for life.

The survey, conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, covered 400 foreign nationals, mainly from the Philippines (38%), Nepal (26%), and India (20%). Key employment sectors include transportation (22%), hospitality (19%), and construction (17%).

When asked about their future in Croatia:

• 32% plan to stay more than five years
• 23% foresee a stay of 6–10 years
• 20% aim to remain until retirement
• 55% intend to relocate their families to Croatia

The survey also found that nearly 90% of foreign workers financially support family members in their countries of origin, underscoring the economic importance of migrant labor for families abroad.

Croatia Sees Growing Asian & African Workforce as Integration Becomes Priority

This was Croatia’s first comprehensive survey focusing on foreign laborers from Asia and Africa, organized by the Croatian Employers’ Association (HUP) and the Institute for Migration Research. The event, titled “Migration, Labor Market and Integration: Croatia Tomorrow,” highlighted the importance of addressing integration for long-term stability.

“Croatia has experienced a shift in its labor force, with a growing number of workers arriving from distant countries. We need to foster integration through cooperation between employers, civil society, and government,” said Sadmir Hošić, Vice President of HUP.

Foreign Work Permit Applications Plunge by 70% in 2025

Despite the growing presence of international workers, Croatia has seen a sharp decline in foreign work permit applications in 2025, according to the Ministry of Interior. Local reports attribute the 70% drop to recent regulatory changes tightening labor migration rules announced in March.

Compared to the same period in 2024, 7,000 fewer applications have been submitted this year, signaling a significant shift in the country’s labor migration dynamics.