Over 1,800 Croatian returnees use “Biram Hrvatsku” scheme, new version coming

Zagreb

ZAGREB, 28 May 2026 (Hina) – Croatia’s government says that 1,802 people have returned to the country through the “Biram Hrvatsku” (“I Choose Croatia”) employment measure since its launch in 2022, with a new expanded version of the programme expected later this year.

The scheme, aimed at encouraging Croatian emigrants to return home and start businesses, offers support of up to €27,000 for self-employment and relocation.

According to figures presented on Thursday at the “Biram Hrvatsku” conference organised by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ), almost 2,500 workers have been employed in businesses established through the programme.

Most returnees have come back to Croatia from Germany, Austria, Ireland and Switzerland.

Labour Minister Alen Ružić said the programme had produced “excellent results” since its introduction, but noted that Croatia’s labour market conditions had changed significantly in recent years.

“We are now in a period where unemployment in Croatia is extremely low,” Ružić said, adding that the unemployment rate is estimated at 3.7 percent.

He announced that an upgraded version of the programme, called “Biram Hrvatsku 2.0”, will be presented by the end of the year.

The next phase is expected to focus on highly educated professionals, workers in shortage occupations and specialised talent.

Although details have not yet been finalised, Ružić said the government plans to target healthcare professionals who left Croatia and are now increasingly renewing licences to work again in the country.

He also highlighted the importance of attracting highly skilled workers and talented individuals across a range of sectors, including science, creativity and the arts.

The director of the Croatian Employment Service, Ante Lončar, said the programme has so far received €27 million in funding.

He said the measure aims not only to encourage the return of Croatian emigrants but also to support economic development, particularly in less developed parts of the country.

“Every year we are seeing a growing number of applications and arrivals,” Lončar said.

More than 700 applications were submitted in 2025, while officials expect an even higher number this year.

State Secretary Ivan Vidiš said Croatia has created around 300,000 new jobs since 2015 and now records high employment levels.

He also pointed to strong wage growth over the past decade, saying Croatian salaries are increasingly competitive compared with some parts of the world where large Croatian communities live, particularly in Latin America.

Speaking about migration trends, Vidiš said Croatia is witnessing a reversal after years of emigration.

According to government data, the peak in departures was recorded in 2017, while authorities now expect returnee numbers to continue increasing.

Several returnees also shared their experiences during the conference.

Ana Filipović, who returned from Germany after eight years with her husband, said she used the “Biram Hrvatsku” measure to open a jewellery-making business.

“For eight years we only had money, but you miss your people, your family, your homeland,” she said.

Michelle Jurić, who returned from Australia seven months ago, welcomed the support offered through the programme but said administration remained the biggest challenge for returnees starting businesses in Croatia.