New figures show 22,565 work and residence permits issued to Bosnian citizens in the first nine months of 2026, while the number of Filipino workers has surged by 46.1%.
Workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to make up the largest group of foreign workers in Croatia, according to the latest data from the Croatian Ministry of the Interior. However, their numbers are steadily declining as the country’s foreign workforce becomes increasingly diverse.
During the first nine months of 2026, Croatian authorities issued 22,565 residence and work permits to citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, keeping them in first place among foreign workers.
Despite maintaining the top position, the number represents a 12.4% decline compared with the same period last year, continuing a downward trend that has been evident for several years.
In 2025, Croatia issued 25,763 permits to citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, compared with 30,424 in 2024 and 30,555 in 2023.
Serbia Remains Second, While the Philippines Surges
Workers from Serbia rank second, with 19,886 permits issued during the first nine months of 2026. Their numbers also declined, falling by 4.5% compared with the same period last year.
The biggest change in the rankings comes from the Philippines, which has moved into third place.
Croatia issued 18,712 permits to Filipino citizens, representing a 46.1% increase from the 12,809 permits issued during the same period in 2025.
Meanwhile, workers from Nepal dropped to fourth place, with 17,386 permits. Compared with 2024, Croatia now has approximately 8,000 fewer workers from Nepal.
Where Do Workers from the Balkans Rank?
The latest figures place workers from the region among Croatia’s largest foreign labor groups:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 22,565 permits
- Serbia – 19,886
- Philippines – 18,712
- Nepal – 17,386
- Macedonia – Fifth place
- India – Sixth place
- Kosovo – Seventh place
The figures reflect changing patterns in Croatia’s labor market, where workers from traditional neighboring countries continue to play a major role, while recruitment from Asian countries, particularly the Philippines, is growing rapidly.
The data were reported by Slobodna Bosna, citing figures from Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior.
