Croatia retail laws regulate Sunday shopping hours

In Croatia, retail operations are governed by laws that restrict shopping to a maximum of 90 hours per week, with stores generally closed on Sundays and holidays. However, retailers have the legal right to select 16 Sundays per calendar year to operate. On these designated working Sundays, the weekly working hour limit can increase to 105 hours.

This regulation has created seasonal shopping patterns. Retailers in coastal and tourist areas typically utilize their working Sundays during the summer months, while businesses in continental regions often schedule them for the back-to-school period in autumn or during the December holiday season.

Certain locations are exempt from the Sunday closure rule to ensure essential services remain available. These include shops located within bus, train, and airport stations, gas stations, hotels, hospitals, museums, and cultural or religious institutions.