More Croatians returning with skills and spirit

Croatia’s workforce has grown steadily over the last decade. Today, around 1.7 million people are employed in the country — that’s 400,000 more than ten years ago, when finding a good job was often close to impossible.

Back then, many young Croats moved abroad in search of better opportunities. But Steven George Vuković chose a different path.

“I came as a tourist, knowing I had Croatian roots, but I’d never visited. After finishing university in the US, I came to Split and instantly fell in love. The beauty of Dalmatia was a shock — in the best way. So I decided to move. Life quality here is much better than in the US,” Vuković told HRT’s Globalna Hrvatska.

Steven has built a career in Croatia’s booming tourism industry — a sector that requires 70,000 seasonal workers each year.

Luxury hotels, in particular, struggle to find skilled staff, and employers are increasingly turning to the Croatian diaspora for help.

Hotelier Nenad Nizić, also head of the Unique Croatian Hotels Association Impresia, has hired diaspora Croats from France, Belgium, and Australia.

“Some came for internships or seasonal work, others stayed longer and climbed the ranks. A few even started their own businesses in tourism,” Nizić explained.

Croatian employers outside the tourism sector are also recognising the value of the diaspora. Lorenzo Mayol, a director at a delivery platform in Croatia, calls them a “huge intellectual asset.”

“Croatia has incredible potential in its diaspora. Our goal is to help those communities find work and return home,” Mayol added.

Since Croatia joined the EU, many who emigrated chose Western and Northern Europe. Their return is often smoother, both culturally and legally.

Klaudija Jugović, a corporate security manager, is one of them. She moved to Norway for school and stayed six years before returning for university in Croatia.

“I planned to go back to Norway, but I found a job here that brings me joy and growth. That’s what I really wanted,” Jugović shared.

Her colleague Stefan Džakula spent a decade studying and working in Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain before moving back.

“Last July, I decided to leave Barcelona. One big reason was simple — home is home. Things have changed here, and I see a lot of opportunities,” said Džakula.

One of those opportunities is the Choose Croatia initiative, which last year helped around 500 returnees start their own businesses.

Those who find employment in Croatia can also benefit from income tax relief, explained Ivan Vidiš, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labour.

“These benefits are aimed at returnees and last five years. With the average monthly salary at just over €1,300 net, it can mean up to €13,000 in tax savings over that period,” Vidiš noted.

The focus on returnees isn’t just about boosting today’s economy — it’s a long-term demographic strategy. Steven George Vuković, who came for the views and stayed for the lifestyle, now has even more reason to call Croatia home.

“I found love here — what more do you need? Now we’re expecting our first child in four weeks. I can’t wait,” he smiled.

They say work isn’t the purpose of life — but it can shape where that life unfolds.