Croatian employment service – rights and obligations of unemployed persons
The status of an unemployed person in the Republic of Croatia entails certain rights and obligations, which are regulated by legislation and the regulations of the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ). One of the key rights is the right to financial compensation, with clearly defined conditions for its entitlement. Additionally, unemployed persons have access to counseling services, education, and health insurance.
Right to financial compensation
The right to financial compensation during unemployment in the Republic of Croatia is regulated by the Labour Market Act and represents a key form of financial protection for unemployed persons during periods without employment.
To be eligible for financial compensation in Croatia, an unemployed person must meet the following three conditions:
- Previous work requirement – At the time of termination of employment or self-employment, the unemployed person must have worked for at least 9 months within the last 24 months. Exceptionally, an unemployed person under the age of 30 at the time of termination of employment or self-employment is entitled to financial compensation if they have worked for at least 6 months within the last 24 months.
- The employment relationship must not have ended due to the person’s own fault or will (e.g., unilateral resignation, termination due to misconduct). Similarly, self-employment must not have ceased without justified reasons.
- Timely registration – The unemployed person must register with the competent regional office of the Croatian Employment Service and submit a claim for financial compensation within 30 days from the termination of employment.
The amount of financial compensation depends on the salary before the termination of employment, as the base for determining the amount is the average gross salary earned in the three-month period preceding the termination of employment. In the case of self-employment, the compensation amount is determined based on the average contribution base on which mandatory insurance contributions were calculated and paid in the three-month period preceding the end of self-employment.
The financial compensation amounts to:
- 60% of the determined base for the first 90 days
- 35% from 91 to 180 days
- 30% for the remaining period
The right to financial compensation can be granted for a period of 90 to 450 days, depending on the total time spent in employment.
Other rights
Right to free counseling and employment mediation services – HZZ provides professional guidance, counseling, and retraining opportunities.
Right to education and training – This includes the right to financial assistance and reimbursement of costs during education and training or during professional training for work but without establishing an employment relationship.
Obligations of unemployed persons
However, unemployed persons also have certain obligations, the failure to comply with these obligations may result in the loss of financial compensation and other forms of support.
Obligations of unemployed persons:
- Regularly contacting an employment counselor at the agreed time.
- Attending individual counseling sessions.
- Developing a professional job search plan with the employment counselor and adhering to the activities outlined in the plan.
- Submitting job applications and responding to job postings and advertisements.
- Being available for work by responding to HZZ calls for job preparation and employment at the times set in the professional plan.
- Engaging in activities aimed at job preparation – participating in group counseling workshops to develop active job-searching skills and taking part in professional selection processes for specific job positions or training programs.
