Student work rights in Croatia
Rules for working while studying in Croatia, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.
Read the complete Croatia study abroad guide.
Part-time Jobs
Croatia's Student Service system legally brokers student work through authorised intermediaries such as Student Centres. The minimum student-work compensation for 2026 is EUR 6.56 net per hour. Croatian student-work law also gives a 50 percent supplement for hours worked on public holidays, at night, overtime and on Sundays.
The immigration ceiling changed in May 2026: a third-country national holding temporary residence for university study may perform student work, be employed or self-employed for up to 25 hours per week without a separate stay-and-work permit, except where student practice is an integral part of the study programme. This replaces the older 20-hour figure still found on some pre-amendment pages. The announced 2026 tax-free amount for student receipts is EUR 12,000, but tax and dependent-relief thresholds are separate.
Source: https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2026_05_55_692.html
Post-study Work
After completing studies, a third-country graduate can apply to remain for up to one year to seek employment or set up a business, and that period can be renewed for one further year under the current student-migration framework. Once suitable employment is found, the graduate moves onto the relevant work/residence basis.
For long-term residence, only half of the time spent on temporary residence for university study is counted, subject to the conditions in the Aliens Act. Croatia's May 2026 amendment retained that half-time treatment, so do not assume three study years equal three full years toward long-term residence.
Source: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/student-croatia_en
Common questions
What should international students know about work in Croatia?
Up to 25 hours/week for qualifying third-country students; 2026 Student Service minimum EUR 6.56 net/hour.
What should international students know about post study in Croatia?
After study, eligible third-country graduates can seek work or start a business for one year, renewable once.