Self-Employment Grants in 2025

In 2025, the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) will continue implementing new self-employment measures, actively supporting employment policy in the Republic of Croatia. Self-employed individuals will have access to financial incentives, advisory services, and mentorship through various national and EU-funded programs, making it easier to launch their own businesses. All aspiring entrepreneurs may submit their business plans by September 30, 2025, or until the allocated funds are fully utilized.

Self-Employment Grant

The Self-Employment Grant is classified as de minimis aid, in accordance with relevant EU regulations. Its purpose is to provide financial support to unemployed individuals seeking to establish their own businesses. The target group includes all unemployed persons registered with the Croatian Employment Service. The grant can be utilized for up to 24 months from the date of approval.

Funding may be used to cover the costs of establishing a business entity in one of the following legal forms: sole proprietorships, craft businesses, limited liability companies, and institutions. The grant amount depends on the legal form and the type of registered business activity:

• Craft businesses with flat-rate taxation: up to €7,000
• Other legal forms:
  • 💡 Group 1: up to €15,000 (manufacturing industry, construction)
  • 💡 Group 2: up to €10,000 (manufacturing, telecommunications, IT services)
  • 💡 Group 3: up to €7,000 (energy, water management, publishing, professional services, education, healthcare, arts, and other services)

Entrepreneurs must meet specific eligibility criteria, including submission of a business plan, cost breakdown, and documentation on education and work experience. The final grant amount will be determined based on an assessment of investment justification.

Ineligible Sectors for Funding

• Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries
• Mining and quarrying
• Wholesale and retail trade; motor vehicle repair
• Hospitality industry
• Financial services and insurance
• Real estate activities
• Legal consulting
• Rental and leasing services
• Employment agencies
• Travel agencies
• Sports-related activities
• Other service activities

Green and Digital Self-Employment Grants

Specialized grants are available for positions that contribute to environmental sustainability or digital transformation, aligned with EU Regulation 2020/852. Digital jobs refer to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

• 🌱 Group 1: up to €20,000 (manufacturing, construction)
• 🌱 Group 2: up to €15,000 (manufacturing, IT services)
• 🌱 Group 3: up to €10,000 (energy, water management, publishing, professional services, education, healthcare, arts, other services)

Employers are required to allocate at least €3,000 of the total grant amount toward activities that support Green or Digital Transition.

“Choose Croatia” – Labor Mobility Incentive

These measures aim to strengthen economic activity in less developed regions of Croatia and to encourage the return of Croatian nationals from abroad.

• Returning Croatian nationals: up to €7,000
• Self-employment grant recipients: up to €3,500 for relocation to underdeveloped areas

Opportunities for Growth in 2025

Promoting green and digital initiatives is a key factor in shaping the future business landscape. Specialized grants enable access to innovative solutions that improve energyefficiency and reduce the environmental footprint. Self-employment grants continue to be a vital tool for fostering entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment, and driving economic growth, particularly in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector.