Zagreb, the capital of Croatia with almost 800,000 inhabitants, has an extremely favorable strategic position in economic terms. Located at the crossroads of important European transport routes, it is characterized by good transport connections by road, rail and air lines, which makes it a key logistics hub. At the same time, it is the administrative, financial and business center of the country, with a concentration of state and public institutions, banks and large companies. As the most important educational and scientific center in Croatia, Zagreb encourages the development of innovation and modern technologies. Its proximity to the markets of the European Union and Southeast Europe further strengthens its economic role in the region.
Economy and investments
Zagreb’s economy is a leader in high-value-added activities, especially in technical, scientific and administrative services, the financial sector, insurance and information and communication technologies. High-quality educational and research institutions, a highly educated and technologically skilled workforce make Zagreb an extremely attractive environment for the establishment and development of new businesses. At the same time, mature and established companies continue to expand their operations precisely because of the favorable business environment.
In recent years, there has been a strong growth in both domestic and foreign investments. According to the Statistical Yearbook of the City of Zagreb for 2024, total gross investments in fixed assets reached EUR 6.6 billion in 2023, which represents an increase of as much as 35.4% compared to the previous year. Foreign direct investments are also on the rise – in 2023 they amounted to EUR 1,768.7 million, with the largest capital coming from the Netherlands.
These indicators confirm that Zagreb is increasingly attracting capital, entrepreneurial initiatives, and high-tech projects.
Entrepreneurship and crafts
In 2023, 51,318 entrepreneurs based in Zagreb operated, which is an increase of 2.6% compared to 2022. According to data from the Trade Register available on the Trade Register Portal of the Republic of Croatia, at the end of 2024, 25,001 trades were registered in Zagreb, which makes up 20% of the total number of trades in Croatia. More than 32,000 people are employed in Zagreb’s trades.
Zagreb’s crafts play a key role in shaping the city’s identity. Traditional craft activities are deeply rooted in Zagreb’s history, and skills passed down through generations make craftsmen an important segment of the local economy. They create products that are recognizable on the market and contribute to the city’s economic and cultural vitality.
Industry and export
The largest share of the value of sold industrial products and exports in 2023 in the processing industry sector was realized in the production of food products (19.7%) and the production of electrical equipment (19.3%). The largest export in 2023 was realized to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the value of 1.2 billion euros, while the largest import was realized from Slovenia in the value of 2.8 billion euros.
Tourism
Zagreb has become one of the most prominent European tourist destinations in the last few years, thanks to its rich history, cultural heritage, modern amenities and overall offering, which includes various events, museums, restaurants and attractions that can attract tourists throughout the year.
In 2024, the number of 1.4 million tourist arrivals and 2.6 million overnight stays indicates a significant increase in tourism, which is also a result of Zagreb’s ability to attract visitors from all over the world, especially from the USA, Germany and Italy. This positive dynamic, coupled with low seasonality , allows Zagreb to position itself as a year-round destination, which is key to maintaining the stability of the tourism industry.
Zagreb is still in the phase of growth and development in terms of infrastructure, offer and promotion, which can only further raise its recognition on the global tourist map.
Business infrastructure
The City of Zagreb is systematically developing public entrepreneurial infrastructure to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Zagreb Innovation Centre Ltd. (ZICER) located at the Zagreb Fair plays a key role in this process. ZICER provides support to innovative entrepreneurs through mentoring, education, networking and access to modern office and laboratory facilities, and brings together more than a hundred startups , especially from the fields of high technology, green innovation and the IT sector, thereby significantly contributing to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city.
In addition to ZICER, the entrepreneurial infrastructure in Zagreb includes a number of other forms of support – business zones, entrepreneurial incubators, acceleration programs and financial support from the City of Zagreb for entrepreneurs and craftsmen. Through such initiatives, a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is created that helps both new and existing companies to develop, employ and contribute to the overall economic development of the city.
In cooperation with educational institutions, scientific centers and the private sector, the City of Zagreb strives to further improve the conditions for innovation, digitalization and knowledge transfer to the economy, thereby positioning itself as a leading center of entrepreneurship and technological development in the region.
[Source: City of Zagreb, May 2025]
Main Indicators
|
GDP
EUR
|
26.671.215.938 |
|
Population
|
774.225 |
|
Men |
367.861 |
|
Women |
406.364 |
|
Age 0-14 |
114.223 |
|
Age 15+ |
660.002 |
|
GDP Per Capita
EUR
|
34.518,31 |
|
Area Size
km²
|
641 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: GDP (2023), Population (2024, Estimate), Area size (2021)
Gross Value Added by ActivitiesEUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023
Infrastructure
|
Motorways
km
|
48 |
|
Broadband Connections
number and density
|
255.135 / 85% |
|
Number of issued building permits
|
727 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics: Motorways (2024), Building permits (2024), Croatian Regulatory Agency for Network Industries: Broadband Connections (Q2 2024)
Investments
| |
Amount |
|
Foreign Direct Investments
million EUR
|
34.327 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Foreign Direct Investment by Activitymil. EUR
| Activity |
Amount |
|
Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding
|
11.338,99 |
|
Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
2.936,38 |
|
Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
2.896,70 |
|
Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations
|
2.776,24 |
|
Telecomunications
|
2.288,71 |
|
Other
|
12.089,94 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Foreign Direct Investment by Countrymil. EUR
| Country |
Amount |
|
Netherlands
|
10.312,36 |
|
Luxembourg
|
5.581,29 |
|
Austria
|
4.259,02 |
|
Italy
|
2.788,68 |
|
Hungary
|
2.047,27 |
|
Other
|
9.338,34 |
Source: Croatian National Bank, 1993 - 2025
Gross Investment in new Fixed Assets, by Location of Investment Constructions and Types of Assets
| Asset type |
Amount (EUR, 000) |
| Buildings, spaces and structures |
1.228.340 |
| Machinery and equipment with fittings |
1.043.871 |
| Transport equipment |
1.129.781 |
| Cultivated biological resources |
1.592 |
| Intellectual property products |
390.117 |
|
Total
|
3.906.029
|
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Biggest Investors
| Company |
Activity |
Website |
|
HEP-Operator distribucijskog sustava d.o.o.
|
ELECTRICITY, GAS, STEAM AND AIR CONDITIONING SUPPLY |
http://www.hep.hr |
|
INA d.d.
|
MANUFACTURING |
http://www.ina.hr |
|
HŽ INFRASTRUKTURA d.o.o.
|
TRANSPORT AND STORAGE |
http://www.hzinfra.hr |
|
Hrvatske ceste d.o.o.
|
CONSTRUCTION |
http://www.hrvatske-ceste.hr |
|
HT d.d.
|
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, CONSULTING, COMPUTER INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER INFORMATION SERVICE ACTIVITIES |
http://www.t.ht.hr |
|
PLINACRO d.o.o.
|
TRANSPORT AND STORAGE |
http://www.plinacro.hr |
|
HOPS d.d.
|
ELECTRICITY, GAS, STEAM AND AIR CONDITIONING SUPPLY |
http://www.hops.hr |
|
A1 Hrvatska d.o.o.
|
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, CONSULTING, COMPUTER INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER INFORMATION SERVICE ACTIVITIES |
https://www.a1.hr/ |
|
SPAR Hrvatska d.o.o.
|
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE |
http://www.spar.hr |
|
LEDO plus d.o.o.
|
MANUFACTURING |
http://www.ledo.hr |
Source: Financial Agency, data for 2024
Maximum Investment Incentives' Intensity according to the Investment Promotion Act
| Large enterprises |
Medium enterprises |
Small and micro-enterprises |
| 35% |
45% |
55% |
Source: 2022-2027 Regional Aid Map for Croatia
International Trade
Export by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2025
Import by Activity000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2025
Export by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Import by Country000 EUR
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Education
| Eduction level |
Number of pupils |
|
Kindergartens and Other Legal Entities Implementing Preschool Education Programmes
|
40.388 |
|
Basic Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
60.213 |
|
Upper Secondary Schools, Beginning of School Year
|
37.225 |
|
Students Enrolled on Professional and University Study, According to Place of Permanent Residence
|
24.250 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024/2025
Number of High School Studends Who Have Completed Their Education
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2023/2024
Number of Students and Institutions by Educational Sectors
| Educational Sector |
Number of Institutions |
Number of Students |
|
Electrical engineering and computing
|
10 |
3.888 |
|
Economics, trade and business administration
|
10 |
3.332 |
|
Health and social work
|
7 |
2.547 |
|
Mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and metallurgy
|
9 |
2.430 |
|
Tourism and catering
|
6 |
1.808 |
|
Personal, security and other services
|
6 |
1.426 |
|
Agriculture, food and veterinary
|
4 |
1.388 |
|
Transport and logisitics
|
4 |
1.246 |
|
Construction and geodesy
|
4 |
1.121 |
|
Graphic technology and audio-visual design
|
4 |
675 |
|
Forestry and wood processing
|
1 |
520 |
|
Textiles and leather
|
3 |
403 |
|
Geology, mining, petroleum and chemical technology
|
1 |
236 |
Source: Ministry of Science and Education, data for 2024/2025
Students Who Graduated From University Study or Completed Professional Studys
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Students Enrolled at Institutions of Higher Education, by Scientific and Artistic Fields of Study
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2022/2023
Institutions of Higher Education and Graduated Students
| Name |
Students who graduated from or completed university or professional study |
|
Algebra Bernays University, Zagreb (Professional Study Programme)
|
233 |
|
Zagreb School of Economics and Management, Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
137 |
|
RRiF School of Professional Higher Education for Financial Management, Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
59 |
|
College of Information Technology, Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
43 |
|
Effectus, School of Professional Higher Education in Finances and Law, Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
37 |
|
Edward Bernays College of Communication Management, Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
126 |
|
Technical Polytechnic in Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
760 |
|
University of Applied Sciences in Criminal Investigation and Public Security, Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
167 |
|
University of Applied Health Studies in Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
1.003 |
|
Vern University in Zagreb (University of applied sciences)
|
262 |
|
Zagreb School of Business (University of applied sciences)
|
86 |
|
Faculty of Forestry, Zagreb (Professional study programme)
|
13 |
|
Faculty of Forestry, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
129 |
|
Faculty of Economics and Business, Zagreb (Professional study programme)
|
457 |
|
Faculty of Economics and Business, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
656 |
|
Faculty of Law, Study Centre for Public Administration and Public Finance, Zagreb (Professional study programme)
|
109 |
|
Faculty of Law, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
448 |
|
Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb (Professional study programme)
|
124 |
|
Faculty of Kinesiology, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
132 |
|
Libertas International University, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
281 |
|
Libertas International University, Zagreb (Professional study programme)
|
439 |
|
Catholic Theological Faculty, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
58 |
|
Faculty of Science, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
698 |
|
Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
257 |
|
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
280 |
|
Faculty of Geodesy, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
119 |
|
Faculty of Graphic Arts, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
185 |
|
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
508 |
|
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
995 |
|
Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
201 |
|
Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
120 |
|
Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
263 |
|
Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb (Professional study programme)
|
3 |
|
Faculty of Textile Technology, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
90 |
|
University of Zagreb (University study programme)
|
99 |
|
Faculty of Medicine, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
336 |
|
Faculty of Dental Medicine, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
86 |
|
Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
159 |
|
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
128 |
|
Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
219 |
|
Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
340 |
|
Faculty of Political Sciences, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
303 |
|
Faculty of Teacher Education, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
664 |
|
Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
339 |
|
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
1.223 |
|
Croatian Catholic University, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
421 |
|
University Center fo Protestant Theology Mathias Flacius Ilyricus, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
3 |
|
Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
33 |
|
Institute of Philosophy of the Society of Jesus, Zagreb (University study programme)
|
33 |
|
Academy of Music, Zagreb (Art Academies)
|
88 |
|
Academy of Fine Arts, Zagreb (Art Academies)
|
116 |
|
Academy of Dramatic Arts, Zagreb (Art Academies)
|
92 |
|
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Croatian Studies (University study programme)
|
339 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Business Indicators of Enterprises
| Activity |
Number of Business Entities |
Number of Persons Employed |
Average Monthly Gross Earnings per Person in Paid Employment
(EUR) |
|
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
|
468 |
1.169 |
1.827 |
|
Mining and quarrying
|
29 |
364 |
2.578 |
|
Manufacturing
|
4.384 |
41.119 |
2.170 |
|
Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply
|
633 |
4.794 |
2.698 |
|
Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
|
168 |
5.008 |
1.868 |
|
Construction
|
6.785 |
29.084 |
1.591 |
|
Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
|
12.083 |
75.808 |
1.990 |
|
Transportation and storage
|
2.550 |
17.169 |
1.961 |
|
Accommodation and food service activities
|
3.989 |
19.979 |
1.394 |
|
Information and communication
|
5.419 |
38.741 |
2.707 |
|
Financial and insurance activities
|
903 |
19.336 |
2.851 |
|
Real estate activities
|
3.078 |
4.504 |
1.939 |
|
Professional, scientific and technical activities
|
12.056 |
35.634 |
2.281 |
|
Administrative and support service activities
|
3.126 |
27.191 |
1.578 |
|
Public administration and defence, compulsory social security
|
185 |
35.547 |
2.641 |
|
Education
|
1.161 |
32.109 |
2.225 |
|
Human health and social work activities
|
1.557 |
33.829 |
2.774 |
|
Arts, entertainment and recreation
|
5.326 |
10.286 |
2.003 |
|
Other service activities
|
13.818 |
8.391 |
1.658 |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2024
Unemployed
| |
Rate |
|
Unemployment Rate
|
2,70% |
Source: Central Bureau of Statistics, data for 2025
Unemployed by Activity
| Activity |
Number |
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing |
82 |
| Mining and quarrying |
6 |
| Manufacturing |
1.031 |
| Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply |
13 |
| Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities |
88 |
| Construction |
632 |
| Wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles |
1.783 |
| Transportation and storage |
363 |
| Accommodation and food service activities |
836 |
| Information and communication |
515 |
| Financial and insurance activities |
228 |
| Real estate activities |
112 |
| Professional, scientific and technical activities |
705 |
| Administrative and support service activities |
770 |
| Public administration and defence, compulsory social security |
140 |
| Education |
541 |
| Human health and social work activities |
411 |
| Arts, entertainment and recreation |
207 |
| Other service activities |
564 |
| Not classified |
1.796 |
| Total |
10.823 |
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2024
Registered unemployed by occupation
Source: Croatian Employment Service, data for 2025
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