Last Updated: April 2026
Income tax refunds in Croatia for the 2025 tax year will officially begin on May 4, 2026. The refund process will cover more than 800,000 taxpayers, including eligible foreign workers.
Who Will Receive a Tax Refund?
If you worked in Croatia during 2025 and paid income tax, you may be eligible for a refund depending on your tax situation.
- Employees with overpaid tax during the year
- Workers with applicable tax deductions or benefits
- Some foreign workers depending on residency and tax status
Do You Need to Apply?
In most cases, no application is required.
- The Croatian Tax Administration processes refunds automatically
- The money will be transferred directly to your bank account
- Payments will be made gradually throughout May (and possibly later)
How Will You Receive Notification?
You will be informed about your tax refund decision through one of the following methods:
- e-Građani users: Notification will be delivered to your digital inbox
- Other users: A physical letter will be sent to your registered address
What If You Do Not Receive the Refund?
If you do not receive a decision or payment by June 30, 2026, you should:
- Contact the nearest Tax Administration office in Croatia
- Verify your tax status and eligibility
Important Information for Foreign Workers
Foreign workers who are considered non-residents (temporary stay without permanent residence) should pay special attention.
- If no decision is received by June 30, 2026
- You may submit a request to the Tax Administration
- The deadline for submission is July 31, 2026
In your request, you should clearly explain why you believe you are entitled to a tax refund.
How to Check Your Eligibility
You may be eligible for a refund if:
- Your employer deducted more tax than required
- You qualify for personal tax allowances
- Your income situation changed during the year
Each case is calculated individually by the Tax Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Croatia tax refunds be paid in 2026?
Payments will start on May 4, 2026, and continue throughout May and possibly beyond.
Do foreign workers get tax refunds in Croatia?
Yes, foreign workers may receive tax refunds depending on their tax status and eligibility.
Do I need to apply for a tax refund?
No, in most cases the process is automatic.
What if I don’t receive my refund?
If you do not receive it by June 30, 2026, contact the Tax Administration. Non-residents can apply manually until July 31, 2026.
Conclusion
The 2026 tax refund process in Croatia provides financial relief to many workers, including foreign employees. Since most refunds are processed automatically, it is important to ensure your bank details and residence information are accurate.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, consider contacting the Tax Administration or reviewing your tax records.
2 replies on “Croatia Tax Refund 2026 – Payments Start from May 4 (Important Guide for Foreign Workers)”
Good day, I’ve been working here in Croatia for almost 4 years in the same company, but i don’t receive any tax repond, i don’t know how, i try to ask on our HR company before but they dint answer anything, can you please help me on this, thank you in advance for your response, have a wonderful day ahead,
Hello, thank you for your question.
Not everyone in Croatia receives a tax refund. A refund is issued only if you have paid more income tax during the year than required. In many cases, if your employer has correctly calculated and deducted taxes each month, there may be no refund to receive.
Since you have been working for several years and are unsure about your situation, it is best to verify it directly:
• Check your status through the e-Građani system (if you have access)
• Contact the Croatian Tax Administration (Porezna uprava)
• You can also request written clarification from your employer or HR department
If you believe you should have received a refund but did not, you may visit the nearest tax office and ask them to review your records.
Each case is different, so only the Tax Administration can give you an exact answer based on your income and tax data.
Hope this helps.