The Ministry of Defence has published a public tender for the recruitment of 300 soldiers and sailors into active service, with a start date of 1 September 2026, the Ministry announced, as reported by the Virovitica-Podravina County.
Candidates will be recruited according to identified needs across 19 locations: Benkovac, Bjelovar, Đakovo, Gašinci, Gospić, Karlovac, Lučko, Knin, Našice, Petrinja, Ploče, Pula, Sinj, Slunje, Split, Varaždin, Velika Gorica, Zagreb, and Donji Zemun. The probationary period lasts six months.
Individuals of either sex who meet the conditions for entry into the Armed Forces as stipulated by the Act on Service in the Armed Forces may apply. The specific conditions include having completed secondary education, or having primary education with a requirement to complete secondary education with the support of the Ministry of Defence by the end of the first contract, and being no older than 30 years of age by the end of 2026, as well as having successfully completed a volunteer or basic military training programme.
Former soldiers who left service at their own request, with an honourable discharge and without entitlement to a pension, may return, provided they are not older than 40 years of age and meet additional statutory requirements.
Applicants are required to submit proof of Croatian citizenship, a birth certificate, a certificate or diploma of completed education, and a certificate confirming that no criminal proceedings are being conducted against the applicant, not older than six months. Applications can also be submitted electronically via the Ministry of Defence’s website.
Candidates who have completed volunteer military training are to submit their applications to the Personnel Management Centre in Zagreb or the regional office for defence affairs in the region of their residence, no later than eight days after the publication of the tender in the Narodne Novine (Official Gazette). The deadline for candidates with basic military training is 24 July 2026.
Candidates will undergo a selection process, which includes a review of military records, psychological testing, and medical examinations. Further information is available on the Ministry of Defence’s website and by telephone at 01 3784 813 and 01 3784 814.
