The main reasons for Croatians relocating abroad, according to a recent study, include higher salaries, improved working conditions, and opportunities for professional development. Interestingly, most participants view moving abroad as a temporary decision, with plans to stay for just a few years.
Who’s Ready to Move?
A survey conducted by Alma Career Croatia, known for its MojPosao platform, explored the willingness of workers from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia to relocate for work. The findings revealed that workers from North Macedonia (55%) and Serbia (54%) are the most open to moving abroad, while those from Slovenia (33%) and Croatia (38%) are more hesitant.
European countries remain the top choice for relocation, with 87% of Croatians preferring destinations inside the region, compared to 66% of Bosnians and 64% of Macedonians. Moving outside Europe is less appealing, with only 21% of Croatians open to this idea—a sentiment shared by workers in Slovenia (22%) and Serbia (21%).
Within the region, Slovenian is the most favored choice for Croatian workers, with 90% selecting Slovenia as their top destination. Other regional options, like Bosnia and Herzegovina (13%) and Serbia (10%), lag far behind.
What Drives the Move?
Across all surveyed countries, higher pay, better living and working conditions, professional growth, and social security were the top motivators for considering relocation. Notably, political stability was a significant factor for workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, unlike those from other countries.
Temporary or Permanent?
For Croatian workers, relocation is often seen as a temporary move. About 28% would work abroad for less than a year, 18% for 1–3 years, and 19% for 3–5 years. Only 17% are willing to relocate permanently, a much lower percentage compared to Bosnian (50%) and Macedonian (37%) workers.
Industry Preferences and Expectations
While most workers are flexible about the industry they work in abroad, the tourism, hospitality, and IT sectors are particularly attractive. Key expectations from employers include competitive salaries, a supportive work environment, job security, opportunities for professional development, and assistance with the relocation process.
Survey Details
The survey gathered insights from over 6,600 participants across the region, including more than 1,000 from Croatia. Of the Croatian respondents, 70% are employed, 28% are unemployed, and 2% are still in education. Demographically, 75% are women, and 25% are men. The largest age group is 45 and older (37%), followed by those aged 36–45 (31%), and under-35s (23%). Most respondents have a secondary school education (54%), while 33% hold a college degree or higher.
The findings shed light on the factors shaping migration trends in the region, emphasizing the importance of economic and professional opportunities in driving relocation decisions.
