653 More Children Born Than Last Year

In the first six months of 2026, more than 16,000 children were born in Croatia, which is more than in the same period in any of the previous three years. The last time such a number of newborns was recorded in the first half of the year was in 2022, which was also the last year with a total of more than 33,000 births.

Although data for 2025 and 2026 show growth, they are still far from the figures recorded before Croatia's entry into the European Union, when more than 41,000 children were born annually, or more than 20,000 in a single half-year. Even then, due to a higher number of deaths, the natural increase was negative. Therefore, the current trend does not signify demographic renewal, but rather a halt in the decline of births.

First Time in 18 Years More Croatian Citizens Immigrated Than Emigrated

Alongside the slight increase in births, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics recently published data on a positive migration balance for Croatian citizens. For the first time in 18 years, more Croatian citizens moved to Croatia than left it. However, this statistic hides a concerning detail: among children up to nine years old and young people up to 19 years old, emigration still exceeds immigration.

This means that the migration balance for Croatian citizens is positive for all age groups above 19, but remains negative precisely for families with children. In other words, more young families are still leaving the country than returning. The Ministry of Demography and Immigration, on the other hand, claims that the largest number of returnees who contact them are families with preschool and school-age children, and suggests that some returnees fly under the radar of official statistics. They add that last school year saw the highest number of enrolled returnee children to date.

Increased Parental Leave Allowance Up to Three Thousand Euros

Croatia has had a Ministry of Demography and Immigration since 2024, headed by Ivan Šipić from the Homeland Movement. One of the key measures that has also received support from the opposition is the increase in the allowance for the second six months of parental leave. Previously, the maximum allowance for that period was 995 euros, and now it is a full salary up to three thousand euros.

For most citizens, this means that in the first year of a child's life, they can count on a full salary during parental leave. The Ministry of Demography and Immigration says the new data inspire "cautious optimism," but also warns that there is no reason for euphoria.

"Data for 2025 show the first encouraging shifts. After a long period of negative trends, the number of children born is increasing, and the population continues to grow. The new demographic indicators, although still a modest shift, inspire cautious optimism," the Ministry of Demography and Immigration told Telegram.hr.

In May, 235 More Children, Largest Increase in Three Counties

They consider the data for May 2026 particularly encouraging, when 235 more children were born than in the same month last year. In the first five months of this year, a total of 653 more children were born compared to the same period last year, which is equivalent to the number of students in 38 school classes, or one entire school.

"The data for May 2026 are especially encouraging, when 235 more children were born than in May last year. This shows that Croatia is moving in the right direction, but we have no reason for euphoria," the Ministry concludes.

Regarding the regional picture, the largest increase in newborns is recorded in Split-Dalmatia and Zagreb counties. They are followed by Osijek-Baranja County, which the Ministry highlights as particularly important given that the demographic situation has been worsening the most for years in Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem, as well as in Banija.