In the face of an increasing scarcity of skilled labor in Croatia, the prospect of hiring foreign employees has emerged as a viable solution for many businesses. Profesio specializes in guiding companies through the intricate process of hiring foreign employees in Croatia. From initial planning and recruitment to handling administrative complexities such as obtaining relevant immigration documentations, residence and work permits, and the likes our agency offers comprehensive support throughout the entire integration process, ensuring a seamless and successful onboarding experience for foreign employees. To understand the ins and outs of hiring foreign employees, we have prepared this article.
UNDERSTANDING THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
When considering the possibility of hiring foreign employees in Croatia, it is crucial to grasp the legal framework that governs the employment of non-citizen individuals. As per the Aliens Act, any individual who is not a Croatian citizen is classified as a foreigner. This distinction is pivotal in determining the specific conditions and requirements that apply to the employment of third-country nationals in the country.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR EMPLOYERS
Both legal entities and natural persons who are Croatian residents are eligible to employ foreign employees, provided they meet certain prerequisites. For instance, if you are a new company, you must have employed at least one worker who is a citizen of Croatia, a member state of the EEA, or the Swiss Confederation on a full-time basis in the last six months. Similarly, for seasonal trades, you should have hired at least one worker meeting the aforementioned criteria in the previous season.
COMMENCING THE HIRING PROCEDURE
Once a Croatian company has established eligibility to hire foreign employees, the question arises: Can you hire foreign employees directly from their home country? While this is possible in certain cases, it is essential to be well-informed about the bureaucratic intricacies involved. This includes understanding the specific procedures and regulations that exist between the country of origin of the foreign employee and Croatia.
NAVIGATING EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS FOR FOREIGN EMPLOYEES
Foreign employees can be employed in Croatia based on specific conditions, such as possessing a valid residence and work permit, a work registration certificate (for a limited duration), or meeting particular criteria outlined by the Aliens Act. It is imperative that the employment relationship is established with an employer who adheres to these regulations.
UNDERSTANDING THE LABOR MARKET TEST
In Croatia, the labor market test is a crucial step in the process of hiring foreign employees. It assesses the availability of suitable candidates from the national labor market before an employer can apply for a residence and work permit. The significance of this test is ensuring that the employment of foreign employees does not adversely affect the opportunities available to the domestic workforce.
EXPERT GUIDANCE FOR A SUCCESSFUL HIRING PROCESS
To effectively navigate the intricacies of hiring foreign employees in Croatia, it is highly advisable to seek the professional support and guidance of experts such as Profesio. Our comprehensive services not only streamline the hiring process but also ensure compliance with all legal requirements, fostering a successful integration of foreign employees into your workforce.
With Profesio’s expertise and support, you can successfully navigate the complexities of hiring foreign employees in Croatia. From initial planning to final integration, our dedicated team is committed to providing tailored assistance and ensuring a seamless and compliant process for hiring foreign employees. For further inquiries and personalized guidance, feel free to contact us at janette.milinovic@profesio.hr.