PERSONS IN PAID EMPLOYMENT, BY ACTIVITIES, MAY 2026

In May 2026, the total number of persons in employment in the Republic of Croatia was 1 739 878, out of which 809 174 were women. Compared to April 2026, the total number of persons in employment increased by 2.2% and the number of employed women by 1.8%. Compared to the same month of the previous year, the total number of persons in employment in May 2026 decreased by 1.1% and the number of employed women by 0.6%. In the period from January to May 2026, as compared to the same period of the previous year, the total number of persons in employment decreased by 1.4% and the number of employed women by 0.7%.

In May 2026, the total number of persons in paid employment in legal entities in the Republic of Croatia amounted to 1 494 078, out of which 707 847 were women. Compared to April 2026, the number of persons in paid employment in legal entities increased by 1.9%, while the number of employed women increased by 1.5%. The number of persons in paid employment in legal entities in May 2026, as compared to the same month of the previous year, decreased by 1.5%, while the number of employed women decreased by 0.9%. In the period from January to May 2026, as compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of persons in paid employment in legal entities decreased by 1.8% and the number of employed women by 1.0%.

In May 2026, as compared to the previous month, the number of persons in employment in crafts and trades and free lances increased by 4.1%, and the number of employed women by 4.4%. The total number of employed insured persons – private farmers decreased by 0.4%, and the number of employed female farmers by 0.1%.

The total number of unemployed persons decreased by 9.2% and the number of unemployed women by 9.7% in May 2026, as compared to April 2026. The total registered unemployment rate in May 2026 was 3.4% and for women, it was 3.8%.

Detailed data by activities can be downloaded from the link Statistics in Line.

NOTES ON METHODOLOGY

Since January 2026, statistical data are observed, processed and presented according to the National Classification of Activities, 2025 version (NKD 2025). The classification entered into force on 1 January 2025 (NN, No. 47/24). Its content and structure are completely harmonised with the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community (hereinafter referred to as: NACE Rev. 2.1). Its implementation ensures quality international comparability of statistical data.

In order to calculate the indices, the 2025 data were converted from NKD 2007 activities to NKD 2025 activities using the macro method of conversion.

The National Classification of Activities 2025 – NKD 2025 has a different structure compared to the NKD 2007 and a more detailed overview of the differences by sections between the new and the existing classification is described in the document Differences between NKD 2007 and NKD 2025.

Data sources

Data on persons in employment in legal entities were gathered by processing data from the Report on Income, Income Tax and Surtax as well as Contributions for Mandatory Insurances (JOPPD form), which has been in effect since 1 January 2014.

All persons or entities that are payers of income for which the income tax regulations prescribe the obligation of accounting and paying deduction tax are under the obligation to submit the JOPPD form.

Data on persons in employment in crafts and trades and free lances are processed according to the records on pension insurance beneficiaries obtained from the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute.

The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute provides data on employed insured persons − private farmers.

Data on the number of unemployed persons are obtained from the Croatian Employment Service.

Coverage and comparability

The survey on persons in paid employment in legal entities includes all persons who have signed a work contract, regardless of the type of work contract and whether they work full-time or less than full-time.

The survey on persons in crafts and trades and free lances includes owners and employees registered with the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute.

Definitions

Persons in paid employment are all persons who have signed a work contract with an employer for a fixed or an unspecified period of time, irrespective of the type of ownership and whether they work full-time or less than full-time.

Registered unemployment rate is calculated as a ratio of the number of unemployed persons to the total active population (labour force).

Published by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, Zagreb, Ilica 3, P. O. B. 80
Phone: (+385 1) 48 06 111
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Persons responsible:
Mario Vlajčević, Director of Demographic and Social Statistics Directorate
Lidija Brković, Director General

Prepared by:
Dean Maslovara and Snježana Varga

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