The minimum wage in Croatia should increase from 2027, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tomislav Ćorić.

How much the increase will amount to is not yet known. As reported by the N1 portal, the Government will make the decision by the end of October, after additional analyses.

Inflation the reason for the increase

Ćorić explained that inflation in 2026 could be above 4%, which is why the lowest wage should be increased in order to protect the standard of living of workers who receive it. 'The conditions we have had the opportunity to experience in the economy over the past year suggest that there should be an increase in the minimum wage (...) How much, we will leave that for the end of the month,' the minister stated. He thus announced the expected increase, but did not reveal the specific amount.

Unions are seeking 1,250 euros gross

The minimum wage for 2026 amounts to 1,050 euros gross, and the unions are seeking 1,250 euros gross for 2027, that is, an increase of 200 euros or approximately 19%. The General Secretary of the Construction Workers' Union of Croatia, Domagoj Ferdebar, described that proposal for RTL Danas as around 1,000 euros net.

That is his rough estimate, and the actual payout would depend on tax and personal allowances. An increase of 200 euros gross therefore does not mean 200 euros more in the account.

Will a higher wage also mean an easier life?

The Government plans to determine the amount of the minimum wage for the following year no later than 31 October, and the union demand has not yet been accepted as a decision. For workers who pay for housing, food, and bills out of the lowest wage, what matters is how much will remain after those costs. The announced increase could bring relief, but only the final amount and further price movements will show how much.