Living in Zagreb: the ultimate expat guide

Zagreb's labor market has shown remarkable strength in recent years, with unemployment dropping to just 5% in 2025, down from over 12% in previous years. The city serves as Croatia's primary economic hub, hosting major companies, startups, and the country's only stock exchange. Key sectors include tourism, IT and technology, finance, manufacturing, and professional services. International companies are increasingly establishing operations in Zagreb due to competitive labor costs and a skilled workforce.

Employment Opportunities

The job market in Zagreb is particularly strong in technology and IT, with growing demand for software developers, data analysts, and digital marketing specialists. The tourism and hospitality sectors offer numerous opportunities, especially during peak seasons. Finance and banking roles are concentrated in Zagreb, while education positions are available for English teachers at international schools and language centers. Average salaries have increased substantially, with the national average reaching $1,416 per month (gross) as of early 2025, representing an 89% increase since 2016.

Work Permits and Employment Requirements

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work in Croatia without permits but must register their residence if staying longer than 90 days. Non-EU nationals require a stay and work permit (combined temporary residence and work authorization), valid for up to 3 years. Employers must conduct a labor market test unless the position qualifies for exemptions. The EU Blue Card is available for highly qualified professionals with bachelor's degrees or equivalent experience, offering a 4-year validity period and faster processing. Croatia also offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies, allowing stays up to 12 months.

Sources: Trading Economics, CXC Global

Zagreb is home to the University of Zagreb, founded in 1669 and ranking as the oldest and largest university in Southeast Europe. The university comprises over 30 faculties and academies, offering programs across all major disciplines. International students can pursue degrees in English, particularly in medicine, business, engineering, and social sciences.

Tuition Fees and Programs

Tuition for English-taught undergraduate programs at the University of Zagreb ranges from $3,800 to $4,000 per year for most disciplines. Medical programs command higher fees at approximately $10,000 to $12,000 annually, while master's programs typically cost $3,800 to $4,000 per year. Programs in Croatian language are generally free for EU citizens, but international English-taught programs require tuition payment. The university offers various programs including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, engineering, economics, law, and humanities.

Admission Requirements

International applicants must provide completed secondary school certificates (equivalent to Croatian completion), official transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL minimum 72, IELTS minimum 5.0), letters of recommendation, and a motivation letter. Medical programs require entrance examinations covering biology, chemistry, and physics. All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian and officially certified. Applications are typically processed through individual faculties, and deadlines vary by program. The university is recognized internationally, including by the UK General Medical Council for medical degrees.

For more information: University of Zagreb

Zagreb offers both public and private education options for international families. Public schools in Croatia provide free education but conduct classes primarily in Croatian. Most international families opt for international schools that follow British, American, French, or German curricula and offer instruction in English or other languages.

International Schools

The American International School of Zagreb (AISZ) serves students from prekindergarten through grade 12, following the American curriculum with IB programs. Annual tuition ranges from $5,000 to $14,500. The British International School of Zagreb (BISZ) offers British and International curricula for ages 3 to 18, with fees between $7,600 and $18,200 per year. École Française Internationale de Zagreb provides French curriculum education with tuition from $4,500 to $8,600 annually. Deutsche Internationale Schule Zagreb follows the German system, charging $4,800 to $7,800 per year for ages 3 to 18.

Enrollment Procedures

International school enrollment typically requires completed application forms, previous school records and transcripts, birth certificate copies, passport copies, language proficiency assessments (for older students), and entrance tests or interviews depending on grade level. Most schools offer sibling discounts (15-30% reduction for second and subsequent children) and have limited spaces, so early application is recommended. The academic year runs from August/September to June, following the European school calendar.

Sources: International Schools Database, US State Department

Zagreb's housing market offers diverse options across various neighborhoods, with rental prices significantly lower than other European capitals. Most expats choose to rent initially, with options ranging from modern apartments in newly developed areas to charming units in historic districts. Rental contracts typically require a security deposit equal to one month's rent.

Rental Market and Prices

In the city center, one-bedroom apartments average $750 per month, while three-bedroom units cost approximately $1,300 monthly. Outside the center, prices drop to around $580 for one-bedroom and $930 for three-bedroom apartments. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a standard 915 sq ft apartment average $190 per month, with internet costing around $30 monthly. Most rental agreements are signed for one year minimum, and landlords may prefer longer-term tenants. Furnished apartments are common and typically command 10-15% higher rents.

Best Neighborhoods for Expats

Lower Town (Donji Grad) is the most popular area, featuring grand Austro-Hungarian architecture, parks, museums, restaurants, and excellent public transport connections. Upper Town (Gornji Grad) offers historical charm with cobblestone streets, St. Mark's Church, and proximity to cultural attractions. Trešnjevka provides more affordable housing with local markets, cafes, and good transport links. Maksimir appeals to families with its large park, zoo, and football stadium nearby. Jarun attracts younger expats and families due to the recreational lake, outdoor activities, and modern apartment complexes. Novi Zagreb (south of Sava River) offers newer housing and shopping centers at lower prices, though it's less central. Most areas in Zagreb are safe, walkable, and well-connected by tram and bus networks.

Sources: Numbeo

Zagreb offers a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries, parks, and entertainment options. The city successfully balances its historical heritage with contemporary creativity, providing activities for all interests and age groups throughout the year.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Museum of Broken Relationships showcases personal objects from failed relationships in a unique and emotionally engaging exhibition. The Archaeological Museum houses impressive collections including the famous Zagreb mummy bandages with the world's longest Etruscan inscription. The Technical Museum features exhibits on Croatian innovation, including a dedicated Nikola Tesla section. The Museum of Illusions provides interactive exhibits challenging perception. The Museum of Contemporary Art displays works from the 1920s onwards in a modern facility in Novi Zagreb. The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art presents paintings by talented self-taught artists. Most museums are closed on Mondays and offer free or reduced entry during special events like Night of Museums (January) and Zagreb Museum Weekend (September).

Parks, Recreation, and Nightlife

Maksimir Park spans 18 hectares and includes the city zoo, walking trails, and lakes. Lake Jarun offers swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, cycling paths, and waterfront cafes. The Sljeme cable car provides access to Medvednica mountain for hiking and skiing. Zrinjevac Park and Botanical Garden offer peaceful green spaces in the city center. The nightlife centers around Tkalčićeva Street with numerous bars and clubs, while venues like Aquarius Club at Lake Jarun host major events. Annual highlights include InMusic Festival (June, featuring international acts), Advent in Zagreb (December, Christmas markets), Zagreb Film Festival, and Zagreb Beer Fest. The city's cafe culture thrives year-round, with locals spending hours at outdoor terraces during warmer months.

Sources: Zagreb.com, Visit Croatia

Zagreb offers a comfortable lifestyle with excellent infrastructure, safe streets, and a blend of Central European efficiency and Mediterranean relaxation. The city is compact and walkable, with most amenities within easy reach. Croatians are generally welcoming to foreigners, and English is widely spoken in business settings and tourist areas.

Public Transportation

Zagreb's public transport system, operated by ZET (Zagrebački električni tramvaj), includes 15 daytime and 4 nighttime tram lines running along 120 kilometers of track, plus 136 daytime and 5 nighttime bus lines. Single tickets cost just $0.55 for 30 minutes of travel, while 90-minute tickets are $1.30. Monthly passes cost $53, providing unlimited travel. The city introduced 20 new low-floor trams in 2025, with 40 additional units arriving in 2026. Trams operate from 4:00 AM to midnight, with night services running hourly. A funicular railway connects the Lower and Upper Towns, and a cable car provides access to Medvednica mountain (though the funicular is under renovation until March 2026). Free public transport is available for residents over 65 and under 18.

Lifestyle and Culture

Zagreb's famous coffee culture is central to social life, with numerous cafes lining streets and squares. The city hosts year-round cultural events, including the InMusic Festival (June), Zagreb Film Festival, and internationally acclaimed Advent Christmas markets (ranked among Europe's best). The food scene combines traditional Croatian cuisine with international options, and outdoor dining is popular from spring through autumn. Dolac Market, the main farmers' market, offers fresh produce daily. The city enjoys a continental climate with warm summers (averaging 25°C/77°F) and cold winters (often below freezing), with snow common from December to February.

Sources: ZET Official Website, Wikipedia

Zagreb ranks as one of Europe's most affordable capital cities. According to 2025 data, monthly expenses for a single person average $750 (excluding rent), while a family of four requires approximately $2,595 monthly. These costs are significantly lower than Western European capitals—Zagreb is roughly 60% cheaper than London and 50% less expensive than New York for overall living costs.

Monthly Expenses Breakdown

The following tables provide detailed cost estimates based on current market prices from Numbeo and local sources. Grocery costs are reasonable, with local markets offering fresh produce at competitive prices. Dining out is affordable, with inexpensive restaurant meals costing around $12 and mid-range three-course dinners for two averaging $60. Public transportation remains one of the best values in Europe.

Sources: Numbeo, Croatia Week