Who can apply for the voucher to learn Croatian language?
The voucher system will allow foreign workers from third countries to learn Croatian language for jobs in sectors and occupations where knowledge of the Croatian language is required for quality work, as well as migrant returnees and their descendants, and foreign nationals under temporary protection.
Foreign workers from third countries may apply for the voucher to learn Croatian language if:
- they have approved residence for the purpose of work after one year of work in the Republic of Croatia
- they are third country nationals who are Croatian emigrants, family members of Croatian emigrants, descendants of Croatian emigrants or family members of Croatian emigrants
- they are foreigners under temporary protection
The compliance with the criteria for applying for a voucher will be checked based on the possession of the following evidence:
- certificate of temporary residence (issued by the police department)
- residence and work permit (name, Personal Identification Number, validity period, nationality)
- residence permit
- identity card of a foreigner under temporary protection
The education will take place through short informal programmes lasting 70 hours, adapted to the following sectors:
- construction
- turism and hospitality
- manufacturing
- food industry
[NEW] High-skilled workers and workers in regulated professions will be able to continue learning Croatian through formal programmes (up to C1 level).
FINANCING OF THE PROGRAMME
The obligation to partially co-finance the cost of the programme of Croatian as a foreign language for foreign workers is established.
HZZ finances through vouchers part of the cost of attending the programme as follows:
- 50% for a person employed by an employer that employs over 250 employees,
- 60% for a person employed by an employer that employs up to 250 employees,
- 70% for a person employed by an employer that employs up to 50 employees.
The part of the cost of education that is not co-financed by the CES is paid at the beginning of the programme, while the CES pays the remaining amount at the end of the programme.
