ZAGREB, 20 April (Hina) – State Secretary at the Interior Ministry Irena Petrijevčanin on Monday presented a new rulebook governing the stay of third-country nationals, setting clearer conditions for residence and employer obligations towards foreign workers.
According to official data, Croatia has 105,231 registered foreign workers with valid permits, with the largest numbers employed in hospitality, tourism and construction.
Legislative changes allowing permits to be issued for up to three years have led to a rise in renewals. Within that period, foreign workers are entitled to work for nine consecutive months or for up to 90 days without additional approvals.
This year, most work permits were granted to nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by workers from Philippines, Nepal, Serbia and North Macedonia, Petrijevčanin said.
Increased inspections uncovered more than 10,000 irregularities, many in hospitality and construction, resulting in fines worth millions for breaches of workplace safety rules and undeclared work.
The new rulebook sets clear criteria for what constitutes humane and adequate accommodation to prevent worker exploitation. Employers must ensure that housing has functional electricity and water supply, sanitary facilities, and separate areas for sleeping and food preparation.
At least 14 square metres must be provided per worker, with an additional six square metres required for each extra occupant.
A house of 150 square metres may accommodate a maximum of 10 workers, while apartments are limited to eight workers in 56 square metres.
Where employers provide accommodation, rent must not exceed 30% of a worker’s net salary and cannot be automatically deducted without clear documentation.
Employers must submit a certified lease agreement or a statement from the property owner specifying the size of the premises and the number of occupants.
Foreign workers must also provide proof of a medical examination, vaccination status and general health condition when first applying for a permit, even if they intend to stay for less than three years, in order to ensure a high level of health protection and reduce epidemiological risks.
