Over the last few years, Croatia has become another labor market destination where Nepalese can find job prospects in Europe. Due to its economic development, tourism industry, and labor shortages for skilled as well as semi-skilled workers, there have been opportunities for foreigners in industries such as hotel, restaurant, maintenance work, construction, factory, and agricultural activities.

Based on the reports provided by recruiting firms, Croatia lacks manpower for hotel and restaurant work, caretaker services, cleaning works, and building works. The labor deficit in Croatia has resulted in the employment of workers from Asia and Africa. According to Croatian employers, they prefer foreign workers due to their diligence and flexibility.

The Government of Nepal has signed labor agreements with several European countries, and Croatia is also becoming an attractive option due to its EU membership, which ensures better work standards and legal protection. However, officials advise workers to go only through government-approved manpower companies to avoid fraud and exploitation but Manpower costs are very high. Some agents or manpower agencies commit fraud against workers.

Why We Apply Ourselves

For people looking to build a career abroad, Croatia offers both opportunities and challenges. With proper information and legal processing, it can be a safe and rewarding destination for employment.

On social media, we see many advertisements. Platforms like Facebook and TikTok are full of ads saying things like “There is demand in Croatia. A company needs 100 men and 90 women”, and so on. Many people have been cheated through such ads. They ask for advance money even before applying. After taking the money, they keep people waiting for a long time.

Some have even been cheated with fake visas arranged by agents from India. We have heard that many people were scammed in the name of Croatia jobs through Facebook. This fraud is not only operated from Nepal but also by foreigners living in Europe through social networks.

Therefore, instead of relying on others, I am trying to teach how to search for jobs independently.

How to search a job without agents

Many Nepali workers or other nationalities face problems because of fraud or high charges from manpower agents. Here are safe and practical ways to search for jobs in Croatia (or other countries) without going through agents.

You can apply directly to employers or through free/public platforms. Many jobs (especially in tourism, hospitality, IT, seasonal work, and manufacturing) are posted publicly, and proactive direct applications often work best.

Use Official and Major Croatian Job Portals (Direct Applications)

These sites list openings from employers who want direct hires. Create a profile, upload your CV (in Croatian or English, depending on the role), and apply online.

• MojPosao.net — Croatia’s most popular job portal. Many large companies post here. Filter by location, industry, and keywords.
• Posao.hr — Another major site with a wide range of vacancies.
• Burza Rada (HZZ) — The official Croatian Employment Service portal (burzarada.hzz.hr). It’s government-run, free, and often lists positions that may require a labour market test for foreigners. You can also register as a job seeker for additional support.
• EURES (via ec.europa.eu/eures or eures.hzz.hr) — Great for EU/EEA citizens and some international opportunities. It connects across Europe.
• Aggregators like Jooble.hr or Joberty.com — These pull listings from multiple sources for easier browsing.

Tip: Set up email alerts for new jobs matching your skills. Many listings allow direct “Apply” buttons that send your application straight to the employer.

2. Apply Directly to Company Websites

This is one of the most effective “no-agent” methods.

• Identify companies you want to work for (e.g., in tourism/hotels along the coast, IT firms in Zagreb, or manufacturing in other regions).
• Visit their official websites and look for sections like “Careers”, “Zapošljavanje”, “Radna mjesta”, or “O nama > Poslovi”.
• Send a tailored CV + short cover letter (motivacijsko pismo) to the HR email or via their online form. Even if no opening is listed, an open/speculative application can work—mention why you’re interested in that specific company.
• Follow companies on LinkedIn or Facebook for unadvertised openings.

3. Leverage Social Media and Communities

Many employers post jobs directly here to avoid agencies.

• LinkedIn → Search “Croatia jobs” or specific industries. Follow companies and Croatian professionals. Message recruiters or hiring managers politely (but focus on direct employer posts).
• Facebook Groups → Very active for direct postings:
  • IT Jobs Croatia
  • Jobs Zagreb, Best Jobs Croatia, TRAŽIM POSAO (I’m looking for a job) groups
  • Expat or seasonal work groups (especially tourism in spring/summer)
• Check Instagram or company pages for posts about hiring.

4. Check Newspapers and Other Free Sources

• Croatian newspapers like Večernji List, Jutarnji List, Slobodna Dalmacija, or Novi List often have job sections (print or online).
• Professional associations, chambers of commerce (e.g., Croatian Chamber of Economy – hgk.hr), or industry-specific sites.

5. Networking Without Agents

• Attend local events, job fairs, or industry meetups (check HZZ or EURES for events).
• Talk to friends, expats, or locals—word-of-mouth is strong in Croatia.
• Join coworking spaces or expat communities in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, etc.

6. Important Notes for Foreigners (Non-EU/EEA)

• You usually need a job offer first before applying for a residence and work permit.
• Employers often must do a labour market test via HZZ to show no suitable local/EU candidate is available.
• Seasonal jobs (tourism, hospitality) are easier to get and may have simpler processes.
• Learn basic Croatian if possible—many roles require it, though English works in tourism/IT/international firms.
• Prepare documents: CV, diplomas, proof of experience, health insurance, clean criminal record.

Documents you need prepare to apply

• Passport more than 2 years valid
• School certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Croatian Embassy stamp on Police clearance Certificate(PCC)
• Experience Certificate optional
• Working video optional(sometimes required)

First, prepare the documents required to apply for a work permit in the company. The documents I mentioned above will be necessary. If you have not prepared the documents, even if you find a vacancy, you will not be able to apply.

Sample of work permit

Visa Process Without Agents

Find a job → Sign an employment contract directly with the company.

Employer applies for a work permit on your behalf in Croatia.

If your work permit is prepared and you receive it, then you will need additional documents to apply for the visa. Prepare these:

• Flight booking
• Three months of travel insurance
• Health check-up certificate
• Visa Application form
• Cover Letter
• Original Passport and photos
• Work Permit

You then apply for a visa application, get an appointment and go to VFSGlobal Kathmandu for Nepali.  For other nationalities may differ and follow the rules.

Salary

Average salary is 850 Euro

8 hours work time

weekly 5 days or 6 days. It depends on company.

Not only in Croatia but in any country, salary depends on the type of work. Jobs that are long hours or physically difficult usually pay more. Accommodation and food arrangements also depend on the company, so sometimes it may not be as you expect.

Important Tips

Never pay money to unknown recruiters online. Communicate directly with the company’s official email/website.

Make sure the job offer includes salary, work hours, and accommodation details. Keep all agreements in written contract form.