Europe
Croatia, Romania Emerge as Popular Destinations for Foreign Workers. Croatia and Romania are rapidly becoming sought-after destinations for foreign workers seeking employment within the European Union, according to new data reported by Schengen.News. These two Eastern European nations accounted for the most significant increase in work permits granted to non-EU citizens in 2022, highlighting their growing appeal as employment hubs.
Record Growth in Work Permits Issued
In 2022, Croatia issued more than 53,400 work permits to foreign workers, a staggering increase from just 599 permits granted in 2013. Romania followed closely with 32,000 work permits issued in the same year, compared to 1,542 in 2013. These statistics reflect an 80-fold increase for Croatia and a 20-fold rise for Romania in foreign work permits over the last decade.
This remarkable growth places Croatia and Romania among the top destinations in Europe for non-EU workers, outpacing several Western European countries in terms of the rate of increase in work permits. At a European Union level, a total of 1.2 million work permits were granted to non-EU nationals in 2022, nearly triple the figures from 2013. The majority of this growth was concentrated in Eastern Europe, with Romania and Croatia leading the charge.
Highest Demand Jobs in Croatia and Romania
Both Croatia and Romania have experienced an increase in demand for foreign labor in several key sectors:
- In Croatia, the highest demand is in industries such as:
- Construction: Rapid infrastructure development has created a need for skilled laborers, engineers, and construction workers.
- Tourism and Hospitality: As a popular tourist destination, Croatia requires workers for hotels, restaurants, and other service industries.
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, and caregivers are in high demand, particularly in rural areas where healthcare shortages are most acute.
- IT and Technology: With its growing technology sector, Croatia is attracting tech professionals for roles in software development, cybersecurity, and digital services.
- In Romania, the job sectors most in demand include:
- Information Technology (IT): Romania’s flourishing IT sector continues to attract foreign developers, engineers, and data analysts.
- Manufacturing: The country’s industrial base, particularly in automotive and electronics, has a strong need for assembly workers and technicians.
- Agriculture: Seasonal work in farming and food production remains a key driver for foreign workers.
- Construction: Like Croatia, Romania has a significant need for skilled construction workers due to ongoing infrastructure projects.
Procedure for Obtaining Work Permits
The process for obtaining a work permit in both countries has been streamlined in recent years to attract foreign labor:
- In Croatia, the procedure typically involves:
- Employers must apply for a labor market test to determine if there is a shortage of domestic workers in the relevant job sector.
- Once approved, employers can apply for work permits on behalf of foreign workers, which are usually granted for a period of one to two years.
- Applicants must provide proof of employment, a valid passport, and any necessary qualifications or certificates.
- For more information, visit the Croatian Ministry of the Interior’s website: Croatian Ministry of the Interior – Work Permits.
- In Romania, the process includes:
- Foreign workers need a job offer from a Romanian employer who will initiate the work permit application process with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration.
- Required documents include proof of employment, a valid passport, proof of qualifications, and a clean criminal record.
- Work permits are generally valid for one year, with the possibility of extension.
- For detailed information, visit the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration’s website: Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration – Work Permits.
Advantages for Foreign Workers
The growing demand for international workers in Croatia and Romania offers several advantages:
- Competitive Wages: While wages in Eastern Europe may be lower than in Western countries, foreign workers often find the cost of living more affordable, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life.
- Path to EU Residency: Working in Croatia or Romania provides an opportunity for non-EU workers to gain legal residence within the European Union, opening doors to further opportunities across the continent.
- Simplified Work Permit Process: Both countries have taken steps to streamline the work permit application process, making it easier and faster for foreign workers to secure employment.
- Job Security and Benefits: Foreign workers in these countries enjoy labor protections and social benefits, including healthcare and social security, similar to those available to local workers.
A Shift in the European Labor Market
While countries like Germany, Sweden, and Spain continue to be popular destinations for non-EU workers, their rate of work permit increases has been lower than the European average. In contrast, Eastern European countries such as Romania and Croatia are experiencing surges in labor demand, making them new hotspots for those seeking employment in the EU.
This shift highlights a broader trend in the European labor market, where countries traditionally seen as sources of migrant workers are now becoming destinations for international labor. Croatia and Romania are poised to continue this upward trajectory as they work to fill labor shortages and attract skilled workers from around the globe.
As these countries expand their efforts to integrate foreign workers into their economies, their role as key players in the EU’s labor landscape will likely grow, offering new opportunities for both workers and employers alike.
