What is the labour market test for a Croatian work permit and when can it be skipped?

Before hiring most third-country nationals, the Croatian employer asks the Croatian Employment Service for an opinion confirming there is no suitable domestic or EU worker for the role. This labour market test is a normal part of the process and can affect timing.

The test is not required where the job is on the Employment Service's high-demand professions list, or where the applicant falls under an exemption (for example key personnel, EU Blue Card holders, intra-corporate transferees, or someone self-employed with majority ownership in the company). Extensions with the same employer also bypass a fresh labour market test.