20 Questions to Ask a Croatian Employer Before Accepting a Job

Last reviewed: May 2026. This JobCro guide is written for foreign workers who have received or expect a Croatian job offer. It explains the practical decision points, not only the official rule names.

Good employers can answer practical questions clearly. Asking detailed questions is not rude; it protects both the worker and the employer from misunderstandings about documents, salary, housing and start dates.

What matters most

• Ask questions in writing so you can compare answers later.
• Separate job duties, salary, accommodation and permit process.
• Ask about gross salary even if the recruiter talks only about net pay.
• Confirm health insurance and workplace safety.
• For family plans, ask whether the job can realistically support housing and income requirements.

The 20 core questions

1. What is the full legal name of the employer?
2. Where exactly is the workplace?
3. What is my job title and daily duty list?
4. Is the contract seasonal, fixed-term or indefinite?
5. What is the gross monthly salary?
6. What net salary should I expect?
7. How many hours per week are included?
8. How is overtime approved, recorded and paid?
9. Are Sunday, holiday and night hours paid extra?
10. When is salary paid each month?
11. Is accommodation provided?
12. How many people share the room and bathroom?
13. Are utilities, meals and transport included?
14. Who handles the permit application?
15. Does this job require a labour market test or HZZ opinion?
16. Who pays official fees, translations and medical checks?
17. When does health insurance start?
18. What training and safety equipment are provided?
19. Who helps after arrival?
20. Can my family join later, and what conditions must be checked?

Step-by-step checklist

1. Send the questions by email or message before accepting the offer.
2. Ask the employer to answer in writing, not only by phone.
3. Compare the answers with the contract when you receive it.
4. Mark any answer that is vague, missing or different from the recruiter promise.
5. Ask follow-up questions before paying fees or travelling.
6. Save all documents and screenshots in one folder.
7. If the employer changes key terms, restart the decision process.

Questions to ask before you decide

• Can I speak directly with HR or the employer, not only the recruiter?
• Can I see the draft contract before I travel?
• What documents do you need from me and why?
• What happens if permit approval is delayed?
• Who should I contact if accommodation or salary is different from the offer?

Warning signs

• The employer becomes angry when you ask normal questions.
• You receive only voice messages, not written answers.
• The recruiter says the contract will be shown after arrival.
• Salary, location or employer name changes during the process.
• You are told not to contact the employer directly.

FAQ

Will asking questions reduce my chance of getting hired?

Serious employers usually prefer workers who understand the job. The tone should be polite and practical.

Which question is most important?

For risk, employer identity and legal work permission are first. For daily life, salary and accommodation are usually decisive.

Should I ask family questions in the first interview?

If family relocation is part of your decision, yes. Ask realistically, not as a demand.

Useful official sources

• Croatian Ministry of the Interior: Work of third-country nationals
• Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs: Granting stay in Croatia
• Croatian Employment Service
• Invest Croatia: Working hours and rest

JobCro provides practical information for international candidates and families. This article is not legal advice. Always check the official Croatian authority pages and the official job listing before making a decision.