HZMO Releases New Figures: Number of Insured Persons Jumps by More Than 14,000
As of the end of July 2026, Croatia had 1,802,261 registered insured persons, continuing a positive employment trend that has lasted for two years.
As of the end of July 2026, Croatia had 1,802,261 registered insured persons, continuing a positive employment trend that has lasted for two years.
According to the latest data from the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute (HZMO), the number of insured persons reached 1,802,261 by the end of July 2026. This is an increase of 0.8 percent, or 14,021 people, compared to the same period last year, HZMO announced on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The number of insured persons in the pension system is considered a reliable indicator of employment trends because it directly reflects the number of workers officially registered by employers. The year-on-year growth of nearly one percent suggests a continued stable trend in the domestic labor market.
An analysis by sector reveals where the workforce is most concentrated. The wholesale and retail trade sector remains firmly in first place with 246,999 insured persons. It is closely followed by manufacturing, which recorded 243,513 insured persons.
Construction also accounts for a significant share of employment with 155,453 insured persons, as does the accommodation and food service sector, which counted 151,526 insured persons at the end of July. Together, these four sectors form the backbone of the Croatian economy in terms of formal employment.
The positive developments are even more pronounced when comparing data over a longer period. Compared to July 31, 2024, the number of insured persons has increased by three percent, which in absolute terms amounts to 53,166 more people.
Even more impressive growth is visible in the two-year comparison. As of July 31, 2023, HZMO counted 115,632 fewer insured persons, representing a jump of 6.9 percent in just 24 months. These figures confirm the continued recovery and growth of employment in Croatia following the global economic challenges at the beginning of the decade.
