Continuing Your Research Career in Croatia
A concise, practical overview of recruitment, programme agreements, academic ranks, administration, indicative salaries and living costs, and funding sources for researchers considering a return to Croatia.
How the system works in 2026
Returning-scientist positions are no longer approved solely as individual posts under the old model. Institutions plan them through multiannual programme agreements and their own development priorities.
The institution plans the position
Programme agreements define development objectives, international cooperation, infrastructure, recruitment plans, funding for positions and talent attraction in advance.
The guide describes a four-year cycle
The programme agreements described in the guide were signed for four years, with a review after two years. The first agreements were signed between late 2023 and late 2025, so they do not expire at the same time for every institution.
Early communication is essential
If a position has not already been planned, an institution may recruit the candidate to a regular position or try to include the position in the two-year review or a new programme agreement.
Where the guide locates programme agreements
| Institution | Date signed | Link or verification method |
|---|---|---|
| University of Zagreb | November 2025 | MZOM |
| Universities of Osijek and Split, and University North | October 2025 | MZOM |
| Universities of Dubrovnik, Slavonski Brod, Pula, Zadar and Rijeka | October 2025 | MZOM |
| Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Institute of Economics, IRMO, IMI, Croatian Forest Research Institute, Institute of Physics, Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Ruđer Bošković Institute, IDIZ, Institute for Tourism, Institute of Ethnology and Folklore Research, Institute of Archaeology, Institute of Croatian Language, and Zagreb University of Applied Sciences | December 2023 | The guide states that the agreements should be sought on the institutions' websites or requested directly. IRB example |
What does “returning scientist” mean?
The guide uses the term for scientists who decide to continue their careers in Croatia after working abroad. The original programme was launched in 2004 to encourage return, knowledge transfer and international networking, while the Ministry approved positions and covered salaries at public universities or institutes. The criteria were revised in 2018, and programme agreements introduced from late 2023 significantly changed the structure and implementation. The guide explicitly presents the view that the old programme therefore ceased to exist in its original form as the perspective of certain stakeholders.
Why does capacity vary between institutions?
Financial and organisational capacity for new recruitment is not the same everywhere. The guide cites the Institute of Physics, the Ruđer Bošković Institute and the Faculty of Science at the University of Zagreb as examples of institutions with experience in international projects and returning-scientist positions, but this does not guarantee an available vacancy. Returning-scientist positions are increasingly integrated into broader development plans rather than treated as a separate administrative category.
Five steps to employment
Contact the institution
Approach a research group or an individual professor. Check whether there is interest, an available position and sufficient institutional recruitment capacity.
Assess the fit
The institution assesses your research field, alignment with its development priorities and programme agreement, and whether the position can be included in its recruitment plan.
Begin the formal selection procedure
Once an agreement has been reached, the formal selection procedure for a research or research-and-teaching position begins, including evaluation by a committee and a trial lecture.
Arrange recognition of qualifications
In parallel, and preferably in advance, obtain confirmation of citations, initiate evaluation of your foreign qualification and, where relevant, recognition of employment periods completed abroad.
Decision and employment contract
Once the position has been approved, the relevant Field Committee verifies whether the candidate meets the national criteria. After the institution receives the decision, the employment contract is signed.
Academic ranks, criteria and administration
Election to an academic rank and appointment to a position are related but separate procedures. In addition to national criteria, an institution may set further requirements.
The first comparable level of research and research-and-teaching career progression.
A higher level of independent research or teaching work.
The highest level before permanent appointment.
Scientific Adviser with permanent appointment or Full Professor with permanent appointment.
What is evaluated?
The 2026 national criteria emphasise the candidate's overall contribution, not only the number of publications.
- Quality and international visibility of research.
- Leadership of and participation in competitive projects.
- Supervision of students and doctoral candidates, and teaching contribution.
- Institutional engagement, international cooperation and contribution to the community.
- As an example for appointment as Assistant Professor, the guide cites at least one requirement from the teaching contribution category and one from the research and professional contribution category; higher levels require more achievements.
Additional institutional requirements
Alongside the national criteria, an institution may require qualifications related to its strategic priorities.
- Teaching experience and supervision of doctoral candidates.
- Experience in project leadership and attracting funding.
- Alignment with the institution's research and development priorities.
- Expectations concerning teaching, supervision and institutional work.
Three administrative procedures that may take time
Citation report — NSK
EUR 13.27A response is usually provided within a few days- Submit the request through the online form or to bibliometrijske.usluge@nsk.hr.
- Attach a list of publications indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus.
- State “Returning Scientist” as the purpose of the request.
Qualification evaluation — AZVO
several monthsThe procedure may take this long; documentation is submitted by post- Obtain a certified translation of the diploma and supporting documents into Croatian or English.
- Prepare certified copies of the diploma, supporting documents and previous qualifications.
- Include a copy of your identity card, the original certificate of citizenship, a CV with a publication list, and a chronological summary of your education.
- Include the application and proof of payment of the administrative fees.
- If the supporting documents do not contain all required information, request an additional certificate from the institution that awarded the doctorate.
Employment periods abroad — HZMO
0.5%The general salary increase per completed year of service stated in the guide- Employment periods completed abroad may affect salary, annual leave and pension rights.
- For service abroad, the guide refers to Interpretation 50/2014: for the salary increase, the period must be recognised as a pension-insurance period under the applicable rules and agreements.
- The interpretation specifically refers to periods completed in countries covered by agreements and periods completed in the European Union after 1 July 2013.
- Check with HZMO and your employer whether this interpretation applies under the current collective agreement.
- Submit an application and available evidence to HZMO; the procedure may take several months.
- Provide HZMO's decision to the administration of your new institution.
Associate and other positions
- Assistant: an entry-level six-year position combined with doctoral study.
- Project assistant: depending on the project, it lasts two to four years and may or may not include doctoral study.
- Senior assistant: a postdoctoral position lasting no more than four years.
- Teaching positions without a research component include Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, College Professor, Language Instructor and Senior Language Instructor.
- Professional positions include Professional Associate, Senior Professional Associate and Professional Adviser.
Previous criteria for the “returning scientist” category — for guidance only
The guide notes that positions included in programme agreements may in many cases follow the earlier guidelines set out in the 2018 and 2019 decisions. These are not automatically the current conditions of every call — confirm the final criteria directly with the institution.
- Meeting the criteria for Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Full Professor or Full Professor with permanent appointment.
- At least four years of work in the research system outside Croatia after obtaining a doctorate.
- Exceptionally, at least two years of experience where the doctorate was completed at a university ranked among the ARWU top 300, plus at least two additional years of research engagement at such a university.
- For a Croatian or foreign principal investigator of an ERC project, the required experience could be shorter than these thresholds.
- For a foreign national, the criteria referred to a project in Croatia funding research for at least one year and at least three years of experience at ARWU top-300 universities.
Indicative net salaries and living costs
The figures in the guide are indicative estimates for 2026. Final net salary depends on the position, length of service, tax status, place of residence and allowances.
| Level | Comparable positions | Indicative net salary | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Research Associate / Assistant Professor | EUR 2,000–2,200 per month | The first independent research or research-and-teaching level. |
| Level 2 | Senior Research Associate / Associate Professor | EUR 2,200–2,900 per month | The range depends on length of service, tax and allowances. |
| Level 3 | Scientific Adviser / Full Professor | EUR 2,900–3,300 per month | Additional institutional responsibilities may receive extra remuneration. |
| Level 4 | Scientific Adviser with permanent appointment / Full Professor with permanent appointment | often above EUR 3,300 per month | Depends particularly on length of service and allowances. |
Monthly costs stated in the guide
Rent
EUR 700–1,000Zagreb, one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartmentApproximately EUR 450–700 in Osijek, Slavonski Brod or Varaždin. Split and Dubrovnik are often comparable to Zagreb or more expensive, particularly during the tourist season.
Utilities
EUR 100–200Per household, per monthThe estimate includes electricity, heating, water, building reserve fund, internet and mobile services.
Food
EUR 250–400One adult per monthThe cost depends on dietary habits and eating out; families with children should expect higher costs.
Total for one person
EUR 1,300–1,800Zagreb, including rent and basic needsA monthly public-transport pass in Zagreb is estimated at approximately EUR 40; running a car is considerably more expensive.
Additional project income
up to 30%Where permitted by the project and the institution's rulesThe guide mentions the possibility of increasing salary through projects, as well as per diems, work for external stakeholders and supplements for project work packages.
Benefits stated for 2026
- Annual leave of up to 30 days; the guide states a minimum of 20 days, +5 for job complexity, +2 per child and an additional amount based on length of service, without explaining the limits or calculation in detail.
- Holiday allowance: EUR 300.
- St Nicholas gift: EUR 100 per child.
- Christmas bonus: EUR 300.
- Annual Easter bonus: EUR 100.
Research funding and other measures
Before returning, check whether the institution has the administrative capacity to manage an international project, which funding sources it supports, and whether there is scope to develop your research group.
National and European sources
- Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ).
- Horizon Europe and ERC and EIC grants.
- COST research networks.
- Bilateral and multilateral projects, including Weave calls.
- The guide also lists WidERA/ERA Fellowships, ERA Chairs, M-ERA and QuantERA as separate examples.
Measures for returnees
- The guide states that Croatian citizens, emigrants and their descendants who have lived abroad for a specified period may, subject to the prescribed conditions, qualify for a five-year income-tax exemption on employment income.
- The PDF does not define the required period abroad or provide all conditions and procedural details, so eligibility should be checked directly with the Tax Administration.
- Before moving, check your tax-residency status, double-taxation rules and any potential obligations to the country from which you are returning.
- The Ministry of Demography and Immigration publishes changing calls for returnees and immigrants.
- Such programmes may include relocation, integration, living costs or recognition of qualifications, but they are not permanently guaranteed categories of support.
- For 2026, the guide highlights a pilot project funding translations of foreign higher-education qualifications.
Self-employment
- HZZ measures may include business start-up support, contribution subsidies, training and mentoring.
- “I Choose Croatia” may be relevant to returnees starting their own business activity.
- In its description of “I Choose Croatia”, the guide states that applicants must be registered as unemployed with HZZ; check the specific call for applicability and current conditions.
- In certain cases, additional support for relocation and living in less-developed areas is also mentioned.
- Examples include spin-offs, consultancy, deep-tech start-ups and private research initiatives.
Selected official and source links from the PDF
Links are grouped by task and open in a new tab.
Employment, criteria and institutions
- MZOMLegal framework, programme agreements and the research system.
- National criteria — Official Gazette 42/2026Official criteria for election to ranks and appointment to positions.
- Act on Higher Education and Scientific ActivityOfficial text in the Croatian Official Gazette.
- Field CommitteesList of committees by field.
- NSZ salary calculatorIndicative salary calculation for the research and higher-education system.
Diplomas, service, tax and day-to-day administration
- NSK — bibliometric requestConfirmation of publication coverage and citation counts.
- AZVO — evaluation of foreign qualificationsInstructions and documentation for the procedure.
- HZMOEmployment periods abroad and pension rights.
- Five-year tax exemptionThe informative MVEP page cited in the guide; check the conditions before returning.
- Tax AdministrationThe general official link from the PDF for residency, reliefs and obligations.
- e-CitizensElectronic public-administration services.
- HZZOHealth insurance after returning.
- EURAXESS CroatiaVisas, residence, healthcare and practical information for researchers.
Research funding
- Croatian Science FoundationNational calls for research projects.
- Agency for Mobility and EU ProgrammesMobility programmes and European opportunities.
- Horizon EuropeEU research and innovation programme.
- European Research CouncilInformation on ERC grants.
- European Innovation CouncilFunding for innovation projects.
- COST ActionsEuropean research networks and networking.
- WeaveBilateral and multilateral calls.
Return, support and self-employment
- Ministry of Demography and ImmigrationCalls and programmes for returnees and immigrants.
- Croats AbroadInformation for citizens, emigrants and descendants.
- 2026 qualification-translation pilot projectLink to the call cited in the guide.
- Croatian Employment ServiceEmployment and active labour-market measures.
- HZZ measures catalogueOverview of current active labour-market measures.
- 2026 self-employment supportLink to the measure cited in the guide.
- “I Choose Croatia” measureLink from the PDF; always check the current year and conditions on the page.
Penkala and the Croatian scientific diaspora
- Map of Croatian ScientistsConnecting researchers in Croatia and abroad.
- “Slušalica” podcast — returneesExperiences of scientists who have returned.
- Penkala Spotify channelResearch podcast and conversations.
- “Map of Croatian Scientists” projectInformation on research into the diaspora and return.
- Research resultsPublication in the IMIN repository.
- Public-policy recommendationsPolicy recommendations in the IMIN repository.
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