Language & communication

Learn Croatian in Zagreb

Croatian language courses for foreigners — CEFR levels A1 to C2, in-person or online, individual or in small groups. Learn the Croatian you actually need for work, permits and daily life.

Free level assessment Croatian for a work permit
A1–C2six CEFR levels
70/140hours per package
from 500 €group, 70-hour package
1:1or small group
Zagrebin person or online

About the course

Our Croatian programme follows European guidelines and recognised levels of language competence. The goal is communicative competence — enabling you to communicate confidently in real situations: at work, in administration and in everyday life. You develop all four skills — listening, reading, speaking and writing — along with the cultural understanding that makes settling in easier.

Listening
Reading
Speaking and interaction
Writing

Six levels (A1–C2)

A1

Beginner

Basic expressions and everyday situations — introducing yourself, shopping, getting around.

A2

Elementary

Simple communication on familiar topics: work, family, surroundings.

B1

Intermediate

Managing independently at work and in daily life, simpler texts.

B2

Upper-int.

Fluent communication on more complex topics, safety at work.

C1

Advanced

Flexible, effective language including professional context.

C2

Proficiency

Near-native precision and understanding in all situations.

Croatian for a work or residence permit (A1.1)

Under 2026 amendments to the Croatian Aliens Act, knowledge of Croatian at level A1.1 and the Latin alphabet is becoming a condition for extending a residence and work permit. The requirement is being phased in. Our course brings you to the required level — and, because Anparo is first and foremost an occupational-safety specialist, we teach the Croatian you need to understand workplace safety and instructions, not just textbook phrases.

How we teach

We use an active, communicative approach — you are a participant, not a passive listener. Classes run individually or in small groups, and we adapt content, pace and materials to your needs and goals. You learn what you actually need.

Price and funding

The price depends on the size of the package (number of teaching hours) and the format (group, one-to-one or online). For group classes, as a guide:

70 hours from ~500 €

An intensive package up to your target level — the usual choice for A1.1, the level required for extending a permit. It is also the shortest programme length accepted for an HZZ voucher.

140 hours from ~800 €

A full CEFR level — all four skills, a wider vocabulary and more speaking practice. Lower price per hour.

  • One-to-one: quoted individually, built around your pace and goal — get in touch for an offer
  • For companies: a group quote based on the number of workers and the shift schedule — see Croatian for a work & residence permit
  • A free level assessment before enrolment — you only pay for the hours you actually need

Prices are indicative and apply to group classes; the final quote depends on the number of participants and the schedule. One teaching hour is 45 minutes.

Co-funding through an HZZ voucher

Learning Croatian in Croatia can be co-funded through an education voucher from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) — roughly 50–70 % depending on the size of the employer, and up to 100 % for returning emigrants and people under temporary protection. Vouchers are requested through the „Moj vaučer" application, and the programme is selected from the national Catalogue of skills and programmes.

Where we stand: our programme is verified with the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education and is in the process of being added to the voucher system. Until that is completed, a voucher cannot yet be used with us — tell us you are interested and we will let you know the moment it is.

First step

Not sure which level to start from?

Before you enrol we run a free level assessment — a short conversation and a written task that show what you already know. Based on that we suggest the level, the number of hours and a schedule, so you do not pay for hours you do not need.

  • Takes about 20–30 minutes, in person in Zagreb or online
  • No obligation to enrol and no fee
  • Result: a recommended level (A1–C2) and an indicative number of hours
Request a free assessment Email us instead

Our enrolment form is in Croatian — if that is a problem, just email info@sec.anparo.hr or call +385 1 2852 117 and we will take it from there in English.

Who it's for

  • Foreign workers who need Croatian for their job, paperwork and daily life
  • Families and partners relocating to Croatia who want to integrate faster
  • Anyone learning Croatian for personal or professional reasons
  • Companies organising a Croatian course for their foreign employees

Frequently asked questions

Which levels can I enrol in?

The full CEFR range — from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency). Before enrolment we assess your level and suggest the right starting point.

Do I need Croatian for a work or residence permit?

For third-country nationals, knowledge of Croatian at level A1.1 and of the Latin alphabet is becoming a condition for extending a residence and work permit under the 2026 amendments to the Aliens Act. The requirement is being phased in and applies when your permit comes up for extension. Our course prepares you for that level — see Croatian for a work and residence permit for the employer side and the exam itself.

How long does one level take?

A full CEFR level is roughly 140 teaching hours. If you only need level A1.1 — the level required for extending a residence permit — an intensive package of 70 hours is usually enough. We set the exact number of hours after a free level assessment, because it depends on your previous knowledge and how often you can attend. One teaching hour is 45 minutes.

How much does a Croatian course cost?

For group classes, from around 500 € for a 70-hour package and from around 800 € for a full 140-hour level. One-to-one lessons are quoted individually. The level assessment before enrolment is free, so you only pay for the hours you actually need. Prices are indicative and apply to group classes; the final quote depends on the number of participants and the schedule.

Can the course be co-funded?

Croatian language learning in Croatia can be co-funded through an education voucher from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) — roughly 50–70 % depending on the size of the employer, and up to 100 % for returning emigrants and people under temporary protection. Vouchers are requested through the "Moj vaučer" application and the programme is chosen from the national Catalogue of skills and programmes. Our programme is verified with the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education and is currently in the process of being added to the voucher system — until that is completed, a voucher cannot yet be used with us. Tell us you are interested and we will let you know as soon as it is.

Is the course in-person or online?

Both. Classes run in-person in Zagreb or online, individually or in small groups, adapted to your level, pace and goals.

Do you organise courses for companies?

Yes. For employers we run group courses for foreign workers — tailored to the shift schedule and industry, at our location in Zagreb or at your workplace.

Is the programme recognised?

It is the curriculum of an adult-education institution verified with the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Related

Croatian is the first step

Start from where you are — we'll adapt the rest.

Start with a free assessment