The Ministry of Defence (Ministarstvo obrane) announced a public tender on Wednesday for the contract recruitment of 300 soldiers and sailors into active military service, with service commencing on 1 September 2026, the Ministry stated, as reported by Virovitica-Podravina County.
Candidates will be recruited according to demonstrated needs in 19 service locations: Benkovac, Bjelovar, Đakovo, Gašinci, Gospić, Karlovac, Lučko, Knin, Našice, Petrinja, Ploče, Pula, Sinj, Slunj, Split, Varaždin, Velika Gorica, Zagreb and Zemunik Donji. The probationary period lasts six months.
The tender is open to individuals of both sexes who meet the conditions for admission to the Armed Forces as prescribed by the Law on Service in the Armed Forces. Specific requirements include at least a completed secondary school education — or primary school education with the obligation for the candidate to complete secondary education with the support of the Ministry of Defence (Ministarstvo obrane) by the end of the first contract — a maximum age of 30 years by the end of 2026, and successful completion of a voluntary or basic military training programme.
Former soldiers whose service ended at their own request with an honourable discharge and no pension rights may also return to service, provided they are not older than 40 years and meet additional legal requirements.
Along with the application, candidates must 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 brought against the candidate, not older than six months. Applications can also be submitted electronically via the Ministry of Defence (Ministarstvo obrane) website.
Candidates who have completed voluntary military training must submit their applications to the Personnel Management Centre in Zagreb or the regional defence office according to their place of residence, no later than eight days after the tender was published in the Narodne novine (Official Gazette). For candidates with basic military training, the deadline is 24 July 2026.
Before recruitment, candidates will undergo a selection process that includes verification of military records, psychological testing and medical examinations. Further information is available on the Ministry of Defence website and by telephone at 01/3784-813 and 01/3784-814.
