Croatia opens recruitment for 250 soldiers and sailors

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

The Croatian Ministry of Defence has announced a new public call for the contractual recruitment of 250 soldiers and sailors, with service set to begin on 21 July 2025.

The announcement was made on 27 June 2025.

Successful candidates will be assigned based on service needs across various locations in Croatia, including Benkovac, Bjelovar, Gospić, Karlovac, Knin, Lučko, Molunat, Mali Lošinj, Našice, Petrinja, Ploče, Pula, Slunj, Split, Varaždin, Velika Gorica, Zagreb and Zemunik Donji.

The initial trial period for those recruited will last six months.

Who Can Apply

Both men and women are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Articles 34 and 35 of the Act on Service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.

Specific requirements for applicants include:

• Completion of at least secondary education

• Not older than 30 years by the end of 2025

• Successful completion of the voluntary military training programme

Former soldiers and sailors who left service honourably and on personal request (without claiming a pension), and are under 40 years of age, may also apply.

In addition to the above, they must meet conditions under Article 34.b of the Act and point 3 of the Decision on Terms and Procedures for Permanent Military Service Contracts (Official Gazette 91/18).

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• A copy of their national ID

• Birth certificate

• Certificate or diploma of completed education

• A certificate confirming that no criminal proceedings are being conducted against them (not older than six months)

Applications must be complete and submitted on time. Incomplete or late applications, or those that do not meet the requirements, will not be considered.

Selection Process

Before joining the Armed Forces, candidates will go through a selection process. Those who do not meet the criteria will be excluded based on official military records, results from psychological and medical assessments, and other checks as per regulations for entry into active military service.

How to Apply

Applications, along with the required documents, should be submitted to the regional defence office corresponding to the candidate’s place of residence or to the Personnel Management Centre at Ilica 256, 10 000 Zagreb.

The application deadline is 16 July 2025, following the announcement in the Official Gazette (Narodne novine).

For further details, visit the Ministry of Defence website at www.morh.hr, or contact the Ministry by phone at 01/3784-812 or 01/3784-813. Information is also available at local defence departments and offices.