Croatia Introduces Mandatory Military Service

The Croatian Parliament on Friday, 24 October 2025, passed Amendments to the Defence Act and the Act on Service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, thereby introducing mandatory military service.

After the act enters into force, the Ministry of Defence will adopt by-laws to enable the implementation of mandatory military service.

In line with European trends and changed security circumstances, as well as increasingly frequent natural disasters and crisis situations, Croatia is reintroducing mandatory military service. Seventeen years have passed since its abolition, meaning that approximately 300,000 people have not undergone any form of military training during that period.

The aim of the programme is to train young people in basic military skills so that they acquire the knowledge and abilities needed in crisis situations, thereby contributing to national security. Trained conscripts will form an important part of the reserve component of the Croatian Armed Forces and strengthen the country’s defence readiness.

Designed to meet today’s challenges and requirements, the programme follows the latest standards and is supported by modern technology. Around 4,000 recruits a year, divided into five intake groups, are planned to take part.

From Health Examination Notices to the Start of Training

Men, born in 2007 – military conscripts ‒ will be called up for mandatory military service in 2026. Conscripts aged between 19 and 30 may also be called up in exceptional cases under legally defined criteria, and they may also volunteer.

Women are not obligated but may voluntarily join the mandatory military service.

The first health examination notices are expected by early December 2025 andy will be sent by regional defence offices according to each conscripts’ place of residence.

Health examinations will be organised as close as possible to the conscripts’ place of residence in order to make the process more accessible.

The health examination determines a person’s fitness for service. Under the act, a conscript may be sent for mandatory military service, granted a deferral until the age of 29, or exempted from service under specified conditions. Those who file a conscientious objection after the health examination may undertake alternative civilian service contributing to national health, safety, or other essential interests instead of military duties.

The first generation of conscripts will begin their mandatory military service in early 2026 at the military barracks in Knin, Slunj, and Požega. The training will last two months and will include basic military skills – from handling personal weapons and using modern equipment, including drones, to providing first aid and basic self-defence.

In addition to technical and tactical knowledge, conscripts will learn about key military operations from the Homeland War.

Training will be carried out through individual and group activities that promote teamwork, cooperation, and personal responsibility. It will be delivered by experienced instructors from the Croatian Armed Forces, many of whom have long-standing experience in voluntary military training.

Advantages and Opportunities of Mandatory Military Service

Conscripts will receive a monthly salary of around 1,100 euros net and will be credited with two months of work experience. Employed conscripts will have their employment rights suspended during the training period and will receive compensation equal to their salary (around 1,100 euros net). They cannot be dismissed by their employer during their mandatory military service. The exact amount of salary or compensation will depend on tax reliefs and the income tax rate applicable at the conscript’s place of residence.

In addition to the financial compensation, conscripts will have covered transportat and leave costs and will benefit from a one-time priority under equal conditions for permanent employment in state bodies and local or regional government administration. The annual financial impact of the basic military training programme on the Ministry of Defence is estimated at around 23.7 million euros.

After completing mandatory military service, individuals can apply for active military service and pursue a professional career in the Croatian Armed Forces. Those who do not take up employment in the Armed Forces will be assigned to the reserve component of the Croatian Armed Forces as classified reservists.

The Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces offer a wide range of professions and opportunities for professional development across almost all fields – from operational and technical roles to communication, healthcare, and security – enabling each participant to find their professional path and contribute to the defence system and the security of the Republic of Croatia.