How the Croatian permit works
A Pakistani worker in Croatia needs a stay-and-work permit (dozvola za boravak i rad), tied to a specific employer and job. Before applying, the employer requests the opinion of the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) through the HZZ portal. For most roles this includes a labour market test to confirm no suitable local worker is available. For occupations on HZZ’s high-demand list the test is skipped, but the HZZ opinion is still required.
Permits based on the HZZ procedure are filed online by the employer. The permit is issued for the length of the contract, normally up to one year, and renewals must be filed at least 30 days before expiry.
Government fees
Under the official schedule the permit decision fee is about EUR 74, and the biometric residence card about EUR 32 on the normal track (about EUR 60 accelerated) plus a small card charge. These are modest; the larger costs are on the worker side and in logistics.
Worker-side costs in Pakistan
- Police character certificate, legalised for a first permit.
- Medical fitness and health insurance evidence.
- Proof of qualifications, and recognition where the profession is regulated.
- Trade test with a work video so you see the skill before you sign.
- Visa appointment, travel documents and emigration clearance in Pakistan.
Travel, housing and onboarding
Plan for a one-way flight to Zagreb, Split or Rijeka, airport transfer, shared accommodation close to the site, PPE and safety induction, and a Croatian-speaking point of contact for the first weeks. Housing arranged before arrival is the single biggest saving most employers miss.
Wages and equal treatment
Permit holders have equal treatment with Croatian nationals on working conditions and pay. We do not publish fixed salary figures: tell us your budget and we will tell you honestly which trades and experience levels it attracts.
Obligations after arrival
The permit covers one employer and one job. A change of employer needs a new application, and both the employer and the worker must report termination or changed conditions to the police within 15 days. Build these into your HR process from day one.
What our service covers
Sourcing to your specification, trade testing, document collection and legalisation, support for your HZZ and permit file, visa preparation, orientation and departure from Pakistan as a licensed overseas employment promoter. We quote per brief and do not charge workers for the job.
Next step
Share the roles, headcount, location and start date. We will come back with a timeline and a clear quote built around your budget.
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Questions employers ask us
Do Croatian employers need a labour market test to hire Pakistani workers?
Usually yes. The employer requests the HZZ opinion online, which includes a labour market test unless the occupation is on the HZZ high-demand list. The HZZ opinion is still required in that case.
How long is a Croatian stay-and-work permit valid?
It is issued for the length of the employment contract, normally up to one year, and can be renewed. Renewal must be filed at least 30 days before the permit expires.
Can a Pakistani worker change employers in Croatia?
Not on the same permit. The permit is tied to one employer and job, so a new employer needs a new application.
What are the government fees for a Croatian work permit?
Under the official schedule the decision fee is about EUR 74 and the biometric card about EUR 32 on the normal track, or about EUR 60 accelerated. Check the current schedule before filing.