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Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign workers due to its EU membership, growing job market, and attractive quality of life. If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national seeking employment in Croatia, understanding the conditions of your work permit is essential—especially if you're considering part-time work.
This blog post explores whether foreign nationals holding a Croatian work permit are allowed to work part-time, and under what conditions this is possible.
1. Understanding the Croatian Work Permit
In Croatia, the main authorization for foreign nationals to work is known as a "Stay and Work Permit" (dozvola za boravak i rad). This permit combines the right to reside in Croatia and to be employed in a specific position with a named employer.
Typically, the permit is issued based on a full-time job offer and is tied to the specific employer, job title, and location stated in the application. It is issued through the Ministry of the Interior, often with the involvement of the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ).
2. Can You Work Part-Time on a Croatian Work Permit?
The short answer is: Yes, but only under certain conditions.
The Croatian work permit is job-specific. This means that the hours and terms of employment (including full-time or part-time status) are determined at the time of application. If you applied for a permit based on a part-time job offer, then your permit allows you to work only part-time in that specified position.
However, if your permit was issued for a full-time position, you cannot automatically reduce your hours or take on part-time work without approval. The change in working conditions must be reported and possibly approved by the authorities.
3. Key Conditions for Part-Time Employment
If you wish to work part-time with a Croatian work permit, the following conditions must generally be met:
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The job offer must clearly state part-time employment (number of hours per week).
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The employer must declare the position as part-time during the permit application process.
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The employment contract must reflect part-time status, and it should comply with Croatian labor laws regarding working hours and minimum wage.
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The Croatian Employment Service must approve the labor market test (if applicable), verifying that no qualified local candidate is available—even for a part-time position.
4. Changing from Full-Time to Part-Time
If you are already working full-time on a valid Croatian work permit and wish to switch to part-time, the process is not automatic. You may need to:
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Apply for a modification of your existing stay and work permit.
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Submit a new employment contract with updated hours and wages.
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Wait for approval from the Ministry of the Interior before starting the new work arrangement.
5. Taking a Second Part-Time Job
Holding a valid work permit for one employer does not give you the right to work for a second employer, even on a part-time basis. If you wish to take on an additional job, you would need:
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A new work permit for the second employer
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Approval from immigration authorities
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A job that complies with national labor rules and immigration quotas
In most cases, this is not permitted under a single work permit. Multiple employment relationships are generally not allowed unless the foreigner qualifies for special exemptions, such as long-term residency.
6. For EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, the rules are more flexible. You do not need a work permit to work in Croatia and can freely take up full-time or part-time employment without prior authorization. You must, however, register your residence if staying longer than 90 days.
7. Students and Part-Time Work
Foreign students in Croatia on a residence permit for studies may work up to 20 hours per week without obtaining a separate work permit, as long as the work does not interfere with their academic obligations.
Conclusion
Working part-time in Croatia on a work permit is possible but must be planned and approved as part of your original work and residence permit application. Foreign workers cannot freely adjust their working hours or take additional part-time jobs without notifying and gaining consent from immigration authorities. Always ensure your employment status matches the terms of your permit to remain compliant with Croatian immigration law.
June 16, 2025
