From June 4, 2027, Croatia is introducing a requirement to pass a basic exam in the Croatian language and Latin script for some foreign workers who want to continue working in the country.

This is level A1.1, meaning very basic knowledge needed for simple communication in everyday situations.

The amendments to the Foreigners Act were published on May 27, 2026, in Narodne novine. Most of the new rules began to apply on June 4, 2026, while an additional one-year deadline was left for the requirement of knowledge of the Croatian language.

Exam after one year of residence

The obligation applies to third-country nationals who have resided in Croatia for at least one year on the basis of certain residence and work permits. Proof of passing the exam will have to be submitted at the next extension or issuance of the corresponding permit.

The cost of the exam will be borne by the employer, and it will be administered by authorized foreign language schools, universities, and adult education institutions. If the worker has completed an appropriate Croatian language course at least at level A1.1, the certificate of course completion may be recognized as proof, while failure to provide proof could lead to the rejection of the permit application.

The exceptions are nevertheless broad. Workers who completed primary, secondary, or higher education in Croatia, persons who speak one of the South Slavic languages, and seasonal workers will not have to take the exam, which means that the new obligation will not affect all workers from the region equally.

Easier change of employer, but only after six months

Another important change concerns moving to another employer. A foreign worker who came to Croatia on the basis of a work permit will be able to change employers after six months of work without the issuance of a completely new permit, but the new employer must still carry out the prescribed procedure and notify the police.

The worker will be able to start working for the new employer after a positive opinion from the Croatian Employment Service. The change will also be allowed before the expiry of six months if the worker has not been paid wages or if proceedings have been initiated against the employer for serious violations of labor rights, occupational safety, or the protection of the worker's dignity.

The law also introduces a clearer period during which a foreign worker may remain in Croatia after losing a job. Unemployment is allowed for up to three months if the worker has had the permit for less than two years, or up to six months if they have had it longer, and in cases of particularly exploitative conditions the period is extended by another three months. The worker must notify the Croatian Employment Service within five days, actively seek work, and respond to its calls, while this option does not apply to seasonal workers.

Slovenia is preparing even stricter rules

Slovenia is following a similar path, but its amendments have not yet been adopted. As we wrote earlier, the Slovenian proposal brings stricter language requirements, an increase in the required maintenance amount from 507.43 to 1,014.86 euros, and an extension of the waiting period for family reunification from one to three years.

For now, Croatia is not going that far, but the message of the new rules is clear. Foreign workers who want to stay longer will have to show at least basic knowledge of the Croatian language, while at the same time they are being given more freedom when changing employers and more time to find a new job.