Croatia sends first call-ups for mandatory military medical examinations

(Photo credit: MORH/ J. Kopi)

The Croatian Ministry of Defence (MORH) has sent out the first official calls for mandatory medical examinations to young men born in 2007, marking the start of the process for basic military training in Croatia.

The calls were issued on 29 December 2025 and apply to Croatian citizens with permanent residence in Croatia. They are being sent by post through regional defence offices, with recipients expected to receive them within the next seven days.

Around 1,200 candidates have been invited for medical examinations as part of the first intake of conscripts. These examinations are scheduled to take place in the second half of January 2026.

Where examinations will take place

Medical assessments will be carried out at the Ministry of Defence’s Military Health Centre in Zagreb, including the Institute of Aviation Medicine, and at the Institute of Maritime Medicine in Split. In addition, examinations will be conducted at local occupational health institutions across the country.

Regional defence offices in Osijek, Požega, Slavonski Brod, Dubrovnik, Pazin, Rijeka, Gospić and Virovitica will refer candidates to healthcare facilities within their respective areas.

The Ministry of Defence will cover travel expenses for candidates attending medical and psychological assessments, either by organising transport or reimbursing the cost of the cheapest public transport ticket for the journey there and back.

What the medical examination includes

Medical fitness for military service will be assessed by specialist doctors in occupational medicine. Candidates are required to bring all relevant medical documentation.

The examination includes psychological testing, a general medical check-up, body mass index assessment, blood and urine tests, ECG, vision and hearing tests, as well as a review of medical records. Additional specialist examinations and diagnostic tests may be carried out if required.

Next steps for those declared fit

Candidates deemed medically fit for military service will be assigned to basic military training. In accordance with the Defence Act, they may also declare conscientious objection and opt for civilian service instead.

The law also provides for deferral in certain cases, including for students and professional athletes.

Those declared fit will receive their call-up orders for basic military training in February 2026. Training is expected to begin in early March at military barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega. Up to 800 conscripts are planned for the first intake across these three locations.

What basic military training involves

Basic military training lasts two months and includes instruction in fundamental soldiering skills, handling personal weapons and modern equipment – including unmanned systems – first aid, basic self-defence, and an introduction to key military operations from the Homeland War.

During training, conscripts are entitled to a monthly net allowance of approximately €1,100. They also receive two months of recognised work service and a one-off employment advantage when applying for permanent positions in state and local government bodies under equal conditions.

For those already employed, employment rights are suspended during training, and dismissal is not permitted during this period.

Upon completing basic military training, individuals may apply for professional service in the Croatian Armed Forces and pursue a military career. Those who do not do so will be assigned to the reserve forces.