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Elderly poverty and pension policy changes in Croatia

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-27 13:08 UTC → 2026-10-10 12:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Croatia is experiencing significant economic challenges regarding elderly poverty and pension sufficiency. Data shows that approximately 40,800 pensioners are working part-time, with another 3,000 working full-time, to supplement their income. Although average pensions increased by 5.38 percent in July to roughly 711 euros, this remains lower than levels in neighboring Slovenia and Austria. The Croatian Bureau of Statistics reports that 39.4 percent of citizens over 65 face poverty risks, a figure that rises above 64 percent for those living alone. In response to calls from the Croatian Retirees Union for better indexation, recent policy changes have introduced incentives for delayed retirement. The previous 27 percent cap on pension bonuses for delaying retirement has been abolished, removing the maximum limit on increases gained by working longer. Additionally, the requirement of at least 35 years of pension service to qualify for these bonuses has been eliminated. Under these rules, delaying retirement allows for a monthly bonus of 0.45 percent for every month worked beyond the eligibility date. Furthermore, as of January 2026, retirees aged 65 or older have the option to work full-time while simultaneously receiving 50 percent of their pension. For those under 65 who choose to retire and then seek full-time employment, pension payments are suspended. ~~In both scenarios, employers continue to pay mandatory pension contributions, and~~ New data from the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute highlights ongoing financial strain for family pension recipients. More than half of the 150,000 recipients receive less than 511 euros per month. These family pensions, which typically amount ~~can be recalculated after at least one year~~ to 77 percent of ~~continued employment.~~ a deceased spouse’s pension, vary widely from 104 to 1,785 euros. To mitigate future income gaps, experts recommend that individuals engage in long-term pension planning and voluntary savings well before age 65.

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