My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Državni inspektorat — inspekcija rada (01 2375 100) — the body that enforces employment law in Croatia; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica) (sssh.hr), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Agencija za osiguranje radničkih potraživanja pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstDržavni inspektorat — inspekcija rada

Report toVaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica)

If that failsAgencija za osiguranje radničkih potraživanja

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Državni inspektorat — inspekcija rada and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to Državni inspektorat — inspekcija radaComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Agencija za osiguranje radničkih potraživanjaThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Državni inspektorat — inspekcija radaEmployer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 01 2375 100 🔗 dirh.gov.hr/podnosenje-prijava/83

Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.sssh.hr

Agencija za osiguranje radničkih potraživanjaPays up to three months' wages in employer bankruptcyWithin 30 days of the bankruptcy ruling🔗 www.aorp.hr

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Vaš sindikat (SSSH, NHS, Matica) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?