Working Hours and Overtime in Croatia: A Practical Guide for Employers and Employees

For any business operating in Croatia, understanding the rules around working hours and overtime is essential. The Labour Act (Zakon o radu) sets clear standards that apply to most employees, with some variations allowed through collective agreements or individual contracts as long as they are not less favourable to the worker.

Standard Working Hours

In Croatia, a full-time working week is generally 40 hours, spread over five or six days. Many employers choose a five-day week of eight hours per day. However, the law allows for a six-day week if the employer organises work accordingly. The maximum daily working time is eight hours, but it can be extended under certain conditions, such as for seasonal work or when there is a sudden increase in workload, provided that the average over a four-month period does not exceed the weekly limit.

Overtime Limits and Pay

Overtime is any work performed beyond the regular full-time hours or beyond the agreed part-time schedule. The law sets strict limits: an employee may not work more than 180 hours of overtime per year, unless a collective agreement allows up to 250 hours. Furthermore, overtime cannot exceed 8 hours per week.

Overtime must be compensated at a rate at least 25% higher than the employee's normal hourly rate. Collective agreements or employment contracts may provide a higher percentage, but never lower. For part-time workers, overtime is defined as time worked beyond the agreed part-time hours but not exceeding full-time hours; for full-time employees, it is any time beyond 40 hours per week.

Breaks and Rest Periods

Employees are entitled to a break of at least 30 minutes during a working day longer than six hours. This break is not included in working time. Additionally, an employee must have a daily rest period of at least 12 consecutive hours between two working days, and a weekly rest period of at least 24 consecutive hours, typically on Sunday.

Special Rules for Night and Sunday Work

Night work is defined as work performed between 22:00 and 06:00. Night workers have a reduced maximum working time: they may not work more than 8 hours in any 24-hour period on average over a four-month reference period. Night work also often attracts a higher pay rate, typically at least 25% more, though this may be defined by collective agreement.

Sunday work is allowed in certain sectors, such as retail, tourism, and healthcare. If an employee works on Sunday, they are entitled to a substitute day off during the following week, and may also receive a pay supplement according to the collective agreement or contract.

Record Keeping and Compliance

Employers are required to keep records of working hours, including overtime, for each employee. These records must be available for inspection by labour inspectors. Failure to comply with working time rules can lead to fines for the employer. It is advisable for businesses to have clear policies and to consult with legal experts when drafting employment contracts or collective agreements.

Understanding these regulations helps both employers and employees avoid disputes and maintain a fair, productive workplace.