Asked how many workers from Croatia and the region would be willing to move abroad for a job, respondents from North Macedonia (55%) and Serbia (54%) showed the greatest readiness, while Slovenians (33%) and Croatians (38%) were more reserved.
The survey covered over 6,600 respondents from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.
European countries remain the most appealing destinations for the majority of participants. Interestingly, 45% of Slovenian workers are considering relocating to a neighbouring country, a trend followed by 40% of respondents from North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, 27% of Croatians, and 26% of Serbians.
For those choosing European destinations outside the region, 87% of Croatians prefer this option, alongside 66% of Bosnians and 64% of North Macedonians.
Relocating outside Europe is less appealing, with only 21% of Croatians open to the idea, comparable to respondents from Slovenia (22%) and Serbia (21%). Interest was even lower among workers from North Macedonia (17%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (16%).
For regional relocation, Croatians overwhelmingly preferred Slovenia (90%), with fewer showing interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina (13%), Serbia (10%), Montenegro (3%), or North Macedonia and Albania (1% each).
Similarly, Serbian workers gravitated toward Slovenia, Slovenians favored Croatia, and workers from North Macedonia found Croatia and Slovenia equally appealing.
Regardless of their country of origin, respondents shared similar motivations for relocating: higher salaries, improved working and living conditions, opportunities for professional development, and better social security. Interestingly, workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina also cited political stability as a priority, a concern not shared as strongly by respondents from other countries.
For most Croatian workers, relocation is a temporary solution. About 28% would work abroad for less than a year, 18% for one to three years, and 19% for three to five years. Only 17% were open to staying abroad permanently, compared to significantly higher numbers among workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina (50%) and North Macedonia (37%).
Although most respondents were flexible about the sector of work, tourism, hospitality, and IT emerged as the most attractive industries for those with specific preferences.
Among Croatian respondents, 70% are employed, 28% are unemployed, and 2% are still in education. The largest age group represented was 45 and older (37%), followed by those aged 36–45 (31%) and under 35 (23%). In terms of education, most respondents have completed secondary school (54%), while 33% hold a higher education degree or university diploma.