Croatia's Defence Ministry opens recruitment for 300 contract soldiers and marines

Croatia's Ministry of Defence announced on 15 July 2026 a public call for the contract recruitment of 300 soldiers and marines for two‑year service beginning 1 September 2026.

Recruitment will be carried out according to needs at bases in Benkovac, Bjelovar, Đakovo, Gašinci, Gospić, Karlovac, Lučko, Knin, Našice, Petrinja, Ploče, Pula, Sinj, Slunj, Split, Varaždin, Velika Gorica, Zagreb and Zemunik Donji. The trial period lasts six months.

Candidates of either sex must be Croatian citizens, be no older than 30 years by the end of 2026, have at least completed secondary education (or basic education with a plan to finish secondary before the contract ends) and have successfully completed a voluntary or basic military training programme. Former service members dismissed honorably and under 40 may also apply.

Applications require a birth certificate, diploma, proof of no criminal proceedings and can be submitted online via the ministry's e‑application portal or in person at the central personnel management office in Zagreb. Selections include background checks, psychological testing and health examinations.