Croatia has introduced a new Law on Foreigners that brings significant changes to the procedures for employing and hosting foreign workers. The aim of these changes is to align with European standards, curb abuse, and strike a balance between employer needs and the protection of domestic workers, reports Lider

Longer Residence and Work Permits

One of the most important changes relates to the extension of residence and work permits. Foreign workers can now receive permits for up to three years—instead of just one—if the employer offers them a long-term contract. A 60-day grace period has also been introduced, during which a foreign worker may remain in Croatia after losing their job, giving them more security and a chance to find new employment.
This measure will ease workforce planning for employers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for foreign workers who previously had to renew permits annually. It’s also expected to encourage more foreign workers—especially those with two consecutive years of work experience in Croatia—to consider bringing their families to live with them.

Labor Market Test: Priority for Croatian Workers

A major change requires employers to pass a labor market test before they can hire a foreign worker. This means proving that no suitable candidate is available on the domestic market.
Employers will still list the desired qualifications, but the criteria can no longer be tailored in a way that excludes all local applicants. Job requirements must not be stricter than those for similar positions, and offered salaries cannot be lower than those paid to Croatian workers for the same roles. Offering the minimum wage just because the candidate is foreign will no longer be acceptable.

The goal is to eliminate pay discrimination between local and foreign workers and encourage employers to prioritize domestic hires, as recruiting and housing foreign workers is ultimately more costly.

Exceptions include tourism and construction, where labor shortages are severe—no market test is required in these sectors, nor for returning foreign workers previously employed by the same company.

1:12 Ratio of Domestic to Foreign Workers in Shortage Sectors

The law introduces a quota: for shortage occupations, at least 8% of workers must be Croatian, and 16% in non-shortage fields. This translates to a 1:12 ratio (one domestic worker for every 12 foreigners) in shortage sectors, and 1:6 in others.

This especially affects construction and hospitality, where large numbers of foreigners have been employed without proportional domestic staffing.
Until the system is fully operational, temporary limits apply:

• Employers with fewer than 50 domestic workers may submit up to 50 work permit requests

• Employers with 50 or more can submit up to 250 requests

Stricter Employer Requirements

To even be eligible to hire foreign workers, an employer must have employed at least one Croatian, EU, or Swiss worker full-time and on a permanent basis for at least one year prior to applying.
If the employer is a legal entity, their turnover must be at least €10,000 per month over the past six months. For sole proprietors, this rises to €15,000 per month.
Seasonal sole proprietors must have employed a domestic worker last season and reached €15,000 turnover during the season, not monthly.

Employers must also:

• Have no history of illegal employment

• Have no outstanding tax debts

• Use legal employment contracts

They cannot hire through temporary staffing agencies, unless the permit is linked to a specific client and both agency and client meet all legal requirements.
Agencies must register all foreign workers and provide them equal conditions to those of permanent employees, reducing the potential for exploitation through short-term contracts.

Foreign Workers Can Switch Employers

After working with the same employer for one year, foreign workers with valid permits longer than one year can change employers.
The new employer must sign a contract and register the case with the police. The employment service must approve the change before the foreigner can begin work.

This provision gives foreign workers freedom of movement in the job market, enabling them to leave employers who underpay or mistreat them.

Foreigners may also take on additional part-time work with another employer, provided that employer also meets all the requirements for hiring foreign workers.
This is especially beneficial for those wanting to drive taxis or make deliveries in their free time.

Decent Accommodation Required

The law now mandates that employer-provided housing must meet minimum living, health, and safety standards throughout the worker’s stay. Any changes must be reported to the police.

Rent can be charged only if it’s reasonable in relation to the worker’s net salary and the housing quality. It cannot be deducted automatically from wages.
Until now, housing quality was only regulated for seasonal workers, and the government did not intervene in cases of exorbitant rent or poor living conditions.

Specific standards (e.g., cubic meters per person, number of toilets) will be detailed in a forthcoming bylaw.

EU Blue Card Extended to Four Years

The EU Blue Card for highly qualified foreign workers will now be valid for up to four years, provided the employment contract and passport allow it.
This change will make it easier for skilled professionals to live and work in Croatia.
The minimum gross monthly salary for an EU Blue Card holder is set at €2,700.

Visas That Aren’t Officially Visas: EES & ETIAS Border Systems

Beyond employment rules, starting in May, the EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS will be introduced at EU borders.
These are digital monitoring systems for travelers from non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss countries who do not require visas to enter the EU.

Foreigners must:

• Fill out an online form explaining the purpose of their trip

• Pay a €7 fee

• Receive approval or rejection through the system

Each entry will require fingerprint scans and iris photos.
On first entry, biometric data will be collected, causing major delays at border crossings, especially at airports and road borders with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, where waits can already exceed seven hours.

Approval is valid for three years.

Companies Must Prepare for Changes

Companies should brief their partners and colleagues from outside the EU—including Americans, Canadians, and Brits—on what to expect at borders, how to answer questions about their stay, and what documents to present.

In-person meetings should be planned carefully, as quick day-trips from Istanbul to Vienna or same-day drives from Belgrade to Zagreb may no longer be feasible.

Public transport operators will also face new obligations: passengers will need to show ID or passports before boarding, so operators can verify EU entry eligibility.
This will prevent overstaying tourist stays.

Similar systems are being rolled out by the UK and the USA.

The price of Bitcoin fell below $79,000 on Sunday evening as investors brace for continued volatility in global financial markets this week. This comes after global stock markets suffered their steepest drop since 2020 last week, triggered by the imposition of U.S. tariffs on goods from around the world.

According to Coin Metrics, Bitcoin dropped by four percent to $78,835, after trading mostly above $80,000 for much of this year, with only a few brief dips below that level amid last week's turbulence. The current price is roughly 34 percent lower than Bitcoin's record high reached in January.

The price of the leading cryptocurrency often moves in tandem with the shares of major tech companies and is frequently seen by traders as a barometer of market sentiment. However, last week it behaved contrary to equity markets – despite the crash in stock prices, Bitcoin remained relatively stable, trading between $82,000 and $83,000.

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On Sunday evening, however, jittery investors began selling off cryptocurrencies – which trade 24/7 – as they anticipate a fresh wave of turmoil in the markets. Trump's reciprocal tariffs have heightened fears of a global recession and sparked a flight from riskier assets.

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In just the last two trading days of last week, the U.S. tariffs wiped out $7.46 trillion in market value from stocks included in the S&P Global Broad Market Index – $5.87 trillion on Wall Street and another $1.59 trillion from other major global markets.

Bitcoin’s price is now down 15 percent since the start of the year, and analysts expect it to continue moving in sync with stock prices, as recession fears overshadow all other potentially positive news for cryptocurrencies in 2025.

One of Dubrovnik’s most iconic architectural landmarks, the Jesuit Stairs, has been fully restored for the first time since they were built nearly 300 years ago. Famously featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones during the “Walk of Shame” scene, the baroque staircase now gleams anew, following a comprehensive renovation funded by the City of Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, alongside colleagues and Mihaela Skurić, director of the Dubrovnik Restoration Institute, visited the site to mark the completion of the works. The restoration is part of the city’s broader 2024 programme to preserve the UNESCO-protected Old City and was entirely financed from the city’s budget. The total cost is estimated at €242,000 (excluding VAT).

Photo - Grad Dubrovnik

“After 290 years, the Jesuit Stairs have been completely restored and now shine in their full glory. They are truly impressive and, after the City Walls, are the most visited attraction in Dubrovnik,” said Mayor Franković. “This project confirms our deep commitment to protecting cultural heritage – not for exploitation, but for preservation, so future generations can enjoy it too.”

The restoration works, carried out by local company Projekt 22 d.o.o., included preparation, structural repair, and detailed conservation across the entire staircase – from its base to the top at Bošković Square. Subcontractors included Kamenoklesarstvo Konavle and Kist i Čekić, both known for their expertise in stonework and heritage preservation.

Photo - Grad Dubrovnik

Although initially scheduled for four months, the project experienced delays due to over 30 rainy days that prevented outdoor work. Additional unforeseen work, including archaeological documentation of three historical drainage channels beneath the steps, also contributed to the extension.

Built in 1735 by architect Pietro Passalacqua, the grand staircase leads to the Church of St. Ignatius and the former Jesuit college, perched above the city’s southern side. The last partial repairs to the staircase were made in the 1990s to fix damage caused by direct shelling during the Homeland War.

The stairs shot to international fame when they served as the backdrop for Cersei Lannister’s infamous “Walk of Shame” in Game of Thrones, drawing legions of fans to the site. Now, with this extensive restoration complete, both locals and visitors can enjoy the steps in all their original splendour – no shame required.

Croatian National Bank (HNB) Governor Boris Vujčić expressed hope that the coming days will bring a softening of plans to impose tariffs, helping avoid worst-case scenarios such as a significant drop in GDP or a rise in prices. He commented on the financial disruption caused by Trump’s tariffs during the HNB’s Open Day event, reports Jutarnji List

"This kind of tariff introduction is not good. If tariffs were beneficial, we would have had them already. For decades, we have worked to reduce barriers to the free flow of goods and services, and now we are heading strongly in the opposite direction. This could lead to reduced economic activity, slower GDP growth, and rising prices – inflation. After all, a tariff is nothing more than a tax on goods or services crossing borders, which increases the price," said the governor.

The disruption has already reached the domestic capital market. On Friday, the main stock indices on the Zagreb Stock Exchange dropped sharply, following global market corrections, with very high trading volumes. The focus was on the shares of Ing-Grad and Končar, according to a HINA analysis.

Stock Market Plunge

On Friday, the Crobex index plunged 2.76% to 3,174 points, while the Crobex10 fell 2.35% to 1,994 points. Both indices have been in decline for the third trading day in a row, and are now down more than 4.5% for the week, erasing all gains made since the beginning of the year. The domestic capital market mirrored the sharp corrections on European exchanges, where major indices dropped more than 4%, compounding Thursday's heavy losses. 

This weekend, April 12 and 13, in Dubrovnik Primorje, the tradition of celebrating Easter and the region’s rich cultural heritage continues with the event “Easter in Primorje 2025,” organized by the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board. This vibrant two-day programme offers a wide range of activities for all generations—from cycling and hiking tours, races and traditional village games, to musical performances and creative workshops—all in the spirit of preserving local customs and traditions.

The programme kicks off on Saturday, April 12, with the active “Paths of Our Ancestors” walking and cycling tour. Participants can choose between two routes starting from Mrčevo—either towards Gornji Majkovi or Mravinjac—combining natural beauty, the scents of spring, and stories from the past. The 16-kilometre cycling route and the 7-kilometre walking route will be led by expert guides, and organized transport is provided. Registration is open until Friday, April 11.

That same day, Triathlon Club Dubrovnik is organizing a race on the Mrčevo–Riđica–Mrčevo route, while from 11 AM to 1 PM, the “Lokva na Mrčevu” event will take place at the village pond in Mrčevo. Visitors can enjoy traditional craft workshops, Easter egg decorating and toy-making demonstrations, the preparation of heritage dishes, and an exhibition of folk costumes. The programme also includes a competition for the most beautiful pengana (decorated) eggs, along with performances by cultural-artistic societies and young local performers, plus a market of local products from family farms.

On Sunday, April 13, the most cheerful part of the programme takes place—village games on Osojnik, starting at 3 PM. Traditional competitions for children, women, and men never fail to bring smiles and revive the spirit of community, accompanied by music from DJ Vjeverica. At 5 PM, there will be an awards ceremony followed by a concert by the band Taliri, bringing the day to a joyful close with dancing under the open sky.

As part of the event, several local eateries are also preparing special Easter menus. Musladin rural household (Ljubač), Agrotourism Laptalo (Gromača), and Konoba Knez (Pobrežje) will serve traditional Easter dishes with prior reservation, offering guests an authentic experience of a Primorje-style Easter.

Free transportation is provided by Libertas buses on both days so everyone can enjoy the full programme. On Saturday, buses to Mrčevo depart from Pile at 8 AM and again at 10 AM, while on Sunday, buses to Osojnik depart from Pile at 2 PM.

 The second edition of the Dalmatia Boat Show sets sail this Thursday, April 10, promising an unforgettable four-day experience for nautical enthusiasts, industry professionals, and lovers of good fun. Taking place at Marina Baotić in Seget Donji, the event runs through Sunday, April 13, with over 150 exhibitors, 200 boats, 72 global brands, and 15 exciting premieres on display.

Alongside cutting-edge marine technology and luxury vessels, visitors can enjoy a rich professional and entertainment programme designed to educate, inspire, and entertain.

Nautical Knowledge and Sustainability

Kicking off the professional agenda is a panel discussion on Thursday at 2 PM titled “What, How, and Where with Abandoned Boats in Marinas?” On Sunday, April 13, a seabed clean-up initiative begins at 11 AM, followed by an engaging children’s marine biology workshop, “Sea Creatures of the Adriatic.”

Eats, Beats, and Boats

Every day at 5 PM, the popular Glory Bar becomes the place to be with DJ Dado spinning sunset beats. On Thursday, the official opening features a performance by Klapa Sv. Juraj of the Croatian Navy. Friday brings lively energy from Tamburaški sastav Dukati (2–6 PM), while Saturday night at 7:30 PM belongs to Marko Pecotić Peco, whose crowd-pleasing performance last year is still the talk of the docks. The evening ends with a dazzling firework display above Seget Donji.

Practical Info

• Opening hours:
  Thursday & Sunday: 10:00–18:00
  Friday & Saturday: 10:00–19:00

• Tickets: €9 for adults; free entry for children and pensioners.

A Must-Visit on the Adriatic Calendar

Launched in 2024, the Dalmatia Boat Show quickly established itself as a premier platform for innovation, networking, and lifestyle in the Adriatic boating world. With its stunning marina backdrop, compelling programme, and signature blend of luxury, leisure, and local charm, the 2025 edition promises to raise the bar even higher.

The musical history of Dubrovnik and Croatia was forever changed on April 13, 1925, when the Dubrovnik Philharmonic held its first concert in the then Bondino Theatre. Exactly one hundred years later, on the very same stage—today's Marin Držić Theatre—a gala concert will be held by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. For this special occasion, the orchestra will be conducted by the renowned conductor Dawid Runtz, with violin virtuoso Jiří Vodička, concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic, performing as the soloist. The concert begins at 7:30 PM.

The program will open with Symphony No. 4 by Luka Sorkočević, followed by the overture to Mozart's opera The Marriage of Figaro. The soloist will then perform Mendelssohn’s famous Violin Concerto in E minor. The orchestra will close the evening with selections from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream suite.

Dawid Runtz and Jiří Vodička - Photo DSO

Conducted by Tadeusz Sygietyński, a composer and conductor at the Warsaw Opera, the Dubrovnik Philharmonic gave its first concert on April 13, 1925, with pianist Paula Begović as the soloist. The program included works by Felix Mendelssohn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carl Maria von Weber, Friedrich von Flotow, and Sygietyński himself. Over the next hundred years—despite many challenges—the orchestra evolved into an ensemble that is now an essential part of Dubrovnik’s cultural scene and a true guardian of its musical heritage.

A workshop on weaving palm fronds and decorating Easter eggs will be held on Saturday, April 12, at 10:00 AM at the Zavičajna House in Slano.

The Dubrovnik Primorje Tourist Board and the Heritage of Dubrovnik Primorje invite all interested individuals to a workshop on weaving palm fronds and decorating Easter eggs, which will take place on Saturday, April 12, at 10:00 AM at the Zavičajna House in Slano. All interested participants can learn the technique of weaving palm fronds, known as "poma" and decorating eggs. Of course, those who already know the technique are encouraged to come and share their knowledge with others and enjoy the pleasant company.