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Croatia: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Croatia
Business practices in Croatia are generally formal, particularly at an initial meeting. Appointments should be arranged beforehand and punctuality is expected. A handshake is the usual greeting, and professional titles and surnames are generally used until invited to use first names.
Business relationships are important and meetings may begin with informal conversation before moving to the main agenda. English is widely used in international business, particularly in Zagreb and among younger professionals, although an interpreter may be useful for more specialised discussions outside international companies.
Business dress is generally conservative and professional. Decisions may take time where several levels of management are involved, and written agreements and follow-up correspondence are important.
Croatia has a diversified, service-based economy in which tourism plays a particularly important role. Other significant sectors include manufacturing, construction, transport, energy, food processing, pharmaceuticals and information and communications technology.
Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and adopted the euro in 2023. EU membership has strengthened trade and investment links with other member states, which account for the majority of Croatia's merchandise trade. Tourism and related services are especially important along the Adriatic coast, while Zagreb is the country's principal business, financial and commercial centre.
Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, mineral fuels, food products and beverages.
Machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, mineral fuels, chemicals, food products and consumer goods.
Keeping in Touch in Croatia
Mobile coverage is generally good throughout Croatia, particularly in cities, towns and along the Adriatic coast, although reception can be weaker in remote mountain areas and on some islands. The main mobile network operators are Hrvatski Telekom, A1 Hrvatska and Telemach Hrvatska. Prepaid SIM cards and data packages are widely available.
EU and EEA visitors can generally use their domestic mobile allowances in Croatia under EU 'Roam Like at Home' rules, subject to their provider's fair-use conditions.
Internet access is widely available, with Wi-Fi commonly provided by hotels, restaurants, cafés and other tourist establishments. Public Wi-Fi is also available in many town centres, airports and transport hubs, while mobile data coverage is extensive across most populated areas.
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