As 2025 unfolds, Croatia is grappling with a significant shortfall in seasonal labor, with the country needing a staggering 70,000 workers to meet the demands of its booming tourism and construction industries. This shortage is further compounded by the continued reliance on foreign workers, particularly from countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nepal, and India. For those looking to work in Croatia, this presents an opportunity for skilled laborers, especially in sectors that require seasonal support.

The Growing Demand for Seasonal Workers in Croatia

The Croatian economy, particularly its tourism sector, is heavily dependent on seasonal workers each year. With the 2025 season just beginning, the country finds itself in need of a workforce capable of filling crucial roles in industries such as tourism, construction, and hospitality. According to reports from Schengen.News, approximately 70,000 seasonal workers are needed to maintain the country’s economic momentum.

Croatia’s tourism industry, which draws millions of tourists each year, accounts for a large portion of this need. The coastal regions and popular tourist destinations require a substantial workforce to manage the influx of visitors during peak seasons. This includes a range of roles from hotel staff, maids, cooks, and waiters, to construction workers who maintain and build infrastructure that supports the tourism industry.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Leads the Way: The Source Markets for Foreign Workers

For years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been the primary source of foreign workers in Croatia. In 2024, nearly 38,000 Bosnian workers entered Croatia to fill seasonal jobs. However, a shift is underway. Nepal, traditionally a supplier of seasonal workers to the Middle East and Gulf countries, is quickly becoming a key contributor to Croatia’s labor force.

In January and February of 2025, the Croatian Ministry of Interior issued the most work and residence permits to Nepalese nationals, signaling a potential change in the labor market dynamics. Nepal has emerged as the second-largest source of foreign workers, with 35,635 workers arriving in Croatia for employment. This shift indicates a growing trend of Nepalese workers, who could soon surpass Bosnians as the leading foreign workforce in Croatia.

Alongside Nepal, countries such as India and the Philippines are contributing to the influx of foreign workers. In 2025, 28,000 and 14,700 permits were issued to nationals from these two countries. These workers are taking on roles predominantly in construction, hospitality, and tourism.

High Demand in the Tourism and Construction Sectors

The hospitality industry, which is closely tied to tourism, continues to be a major employer of seasonal workers in Croatia. Hotels, restaurants, and resorts along the Adriatic coast, particularly in cities like Dubrovnik and Split, require a large workforce to accommodate the summer influx of tourists. Roles like assistant cooks, waitstaff, maids, and kitchen helpers are essential for maintaining the service standards expected by international visitors.

Construction also remains a top sector for foreign workers in Croatia. With significant infrastructure projects and new tourist developments, the demand for construction labor has risen. Foreign workers, particularly from neighboring countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, are frequently employed to help meet the growing demand for skilled labor in the construction industry.

According to the Croatian Ministry of Interior, a substantial number of work and residence permits have been issued for construction workers—75,000 permits, making up 36.3% of the total number issued. The tourism and hospitality sectors are the second-highest, with 56,000 work and residence permits granted in 2025.

The Evolution of Worker Salaries in Croatia

In response to the growing demand for labor, Croatia is adjusting the wages of seasonal workers to ensure competitive pay and attract skilled individuals. As of 2025, the average salary in Croatia stands at €1,361 per month. However, for seasonal workers, salaries vary depending on the industry and job role.

For example, seasonal hospitality workers, such as maids, assistant cooks, and waitstaff, can expect to earn between €1,000 and €1,400 net per month during peak seasons. Larger employers, such as one of Croatia’s biggest hotel chains, offer more competitive pay for skilled workers in high-demand roles. Some workers in management or specialized positions might earn €1,500 to €2,000 net per month, depending on the location and level of experience.

Notably, the salaries for foreign workers cannot fall below the rates set for Croatian nationals in similar positions. This ensures that foreign workers are fairly compensated and helps maintain a balanced labor market.

The Growing Reliance on Foreign Workers

As Croatia’s economy continues to grow, its reliance on foreign labor increases. This trend is particularly noticeable in the seasonal workforce, where the need for skilled workers in tourism, hospitality, and construction outpaces the availability of domestic labor.

In 2022, Croatia only needed around 30,000 seasonal workers during the first half of the year. This number dropped slightly in 2023 to 21,000, but it surged back to 70,000 in 2025, reflecting the country’s expanded labor requirements. This shift underscores Croatia’s increasing dependence on foreign workers to maintain its economic activities.

Additionally, foreign workers are essential for the growth and stability of the tourism sector. With millions of tourists visiting each year, it is crucial for Croatia to provide sufficient services and infrastructure to meet the needs of travelers. The hiring of seasonal workers from abroad ensures that businesses can handle the peak season demand without compromising on quality.

How Croatia Can Tackle the Shortage of Seasonal Workers

To mitigate the shortage of seasonal workers, Croatia must take proactive measures to attract workers from abroad. This includes making the work visa process smoother and more efficient for foreign nationals. In the past, Croatian authorities have made efforts to streamline the issuance of work and residence permits, particularly for workers from countries like Nepal and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Furthermore, Croatia could offer incentives for workers to stay for longer durations by providing better housing conditions, transportation allowances, and competitive wages. These incentives would not only help attract more workers but also ensure that they remain in the country for the duration of the season.

The Role of Seasonal Workers in Croatia’s Economic Growth

Seasonal workers are a cornerstone of Croatia’s economic success, particularly in industries like tourism and construction. As the country faces a shortage of labor, particularly in high-demand sectors, it will need to rely increasingly on foreign workers to fill the gap. By offering competitive wages and improving the conditions for seasonal workers, Croatia can continue to thrive economically while providing opportunities for individuals from around the world to contribute to its growth.

Conclusion: A Changing Landscape for Foreign Workers

Croatia’s seasonal workforce is undergoing significant changes as the demand for foreign workers increases. As the country faces a shortage of up to 70,000 workers in 2025, it will continue to rely on countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nepal, and India to fill essential roles in tourism, hospitality, and construction. By offering competitive salaries and improving the working conditions for seasonal workers, Croatia can continue to grow its economy and maintain its status as a top tourist destination in Europe.

For foreign nationals looking to work in Croatia, this is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving labor market with high demand for skilled workers in multiple sectors. As Croatia adjusts its immigration and work policies to meet these challenges, foreign workers will play an even more significant role in the country’s ongoing economic success.