- by croatiaweek
- October 22, 2025
-
in
News
Šibenik
Croatia is ready for its people to return home, Minister of Demography and Migration Ivan Šipić said during an appearance on HRT’s A sada Vlada programme.
Šipić outlined a series of new government measures aimed at supporting population retention, encouraging return migration, and strengthening economically weaker regions.
A key initiative is a new loan scheme, created in cooperation with HAMAG-BICRO, offering entrepreneurs in underdeveloped areas up to €150,000, with the possibility of having up to €75,000 of the loan forgiven.
“This is not an interest subsidy but a write-off of part of the principal,” Šipić explained.
“Those who operate successfully, employ locally and contribute to their communities will have part of their loan gradually written off over ten years.”
He emphasised that the goal is to revitalise every part of Croatia, not only major cities. “Croatia is only as strong as its smallest communities. Every corner of the country deserves life,” he said.
On family support, Šipić highlighted several pro-natal measures, including a 100% increase in allowances for second and third children and extended parental leave.
Paternity leave has also been doubled to 20 days, or 30 days for multiple births. “Protecting motherhood and involving fathers is a key part of our approach,” he said.
Housing support for young families, tax refunds for first-time buyers under 45, and new affordable housing projects are also part of the government’s efforts to make family life in Croatia more sustainable.
A major focus now is on return migration.
“The biggest challenge is sending a clear message abroad that Croatia has changed,” Šipić said, pointing to rising wages, pension growth and new investment opportunities as signs of progress.
The ministry also plans to simplify the recognition of foreign diplomas through a new inter-ministerial task force to remove bureaucratic barriers for returnees.
“Our aim is to make it easier for educated Croatians abroad to come back and contribute,” he concluded.
