All About Employee Leave & PTO in Croatia
Learn what you need to know about leave requirements in Croatia and how Justworks EOR can help streamline hiring.
How an EOR Can Help with Employee Leave & PTO
Before hiring in Croatia, it’s important to understand the country’s labor standards for time off and leave. These policies are legally enforced and central to employee satisfaction. Justworks simplifies international hiring by helping you comply with Croatian labor law, so you can build and support your team with confidence from day one.
Employee Leave & PTO Expectations in Croatia
Croatian labor law establishes strong protections for time off, including vacation, public holidays, and family-related leave.
Vacation Leave
After six months, employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks, reflected as 20 working days, of paid time off per year. This vacation cannot be waived or exchanged for compensation and must be used by June 30 of the following year.
Sick Leave Â
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave beginning from their first day of absence, so long as a medical certificate is provided within three days. Employers typically pay at least 70% of the employee's average salary during the first 42 days of leave. After that, payments are covered by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund.
Maternity LeaveÂ
Pregnant employees must begin maternity leave 28 days before their due date and as early as 45 days prior. Following birth, at least 98 consecutive days, roughly three months, of maternity leave must be provided. This leave can be extended up to three months until the child is six months old. Employees on maternity leave receive 100% salary compensation through Croatia’s health insurance system.
Paternity Leave
Fathers are entitled to paid paternity leave during the first six months after childbirth. Paternity leave can be taken up to 10 business days for a single birth or 15 business days for twins or multiple births. This time off is non-transferable and funded through the social benefits system.
Parental Leave
After maternity leave ends, both parents are entitled to parental leave until the child turns eight. Each parent may take up to eight months of leave for their first or second child, or up to 30 months for twins or their third child and beyond. Parental leave can be used all at once or spread out across periods of at least 30 days. A portion of this leave is non-transferable to encourage shared caregiving. Compensation is typically paid through Croatia’s social benefit system.
Other Types of Leave
Croatian law allows for special leave, which can be used for life events like marriage, childbirth, or a death in the family (up to 7 paid days per year). Employees may also take unpaid carer’s leave for up to five working days per year. Time off for civic duties and medical appointments may also be granted based on employer policy or collective agreements.
Public Holidays in Croatia
Croatia recognizes 14 national public holidays, including:
New Year's Day - January 1
Epiphany - January 6
Easter Sunday and Monday - date variesÂ
Labor Day - May 1
Statehood Day - May 30
Corpus Christi - June 19
Anti-Fascist Struggle Day - June 22
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day - August 5
Assumption Day - August 15
All Saints’ Day - November 1
Remembrance Day - November 18
Christmas Day - December 25
St. Stephen’s Day - December 26
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to additional pay at the rate defined in the employment contract or collective agreement.
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