Croatia mandates 14 square meters of space for foreign worker housing

Croatia now requires employers to show they can house third-country nationals in space that meets a new floor of 14 square meters per worker. The rule took effect eight days after publication in the official gazette, after the government announced it on April 20, 2026.

The accommodation must include separate sleeping and living areas, sanitary facilities, food-prep space, working electricity and water and safe ceiling height. Employers must also file either a notarized rental contract or a property owner’s statement on the new Form 17a.

Who the changes affect

The rules apply to all foreign workers seeking work and residence permits in Croatia. The biggest groups are workers in tourism, hospitality and construction, where most registered permit holders are employed.

Digital nomads aren't directly covered by the employer housing rules, since they work for foreign employers or are self-employed. They still need proof of accommodation when applying for temporary residence and tourists aren’t affected because they don’t need work permits.

What employers and applicants need to file

If the employer provides housing, rent can’t exceed 30% of the worker’s net salary and can’t be deducted automatically from wages. The space limit also scales upward, with an extra 6 square meters required for each additional occupant.

First-time temporary residence applicants must now submit health and vaccination records through a medical exam at a regional public health institute or the Croatian Institute of Public Health, using Form 18a. Fees for stay and work permits start at €74.32 ($79.58), plus €31.85 ($34.17) for a biometric residence permit.

Employers that miss the housing or paperwork standards face fines of €660 to €19,900 ($708 to $21,372) per violation. Read our full Croatia guide for the complete picture.