> Croatia's Whistleblower Protection Act: the 50-worker rule, the Ombudswoman's role as external authority, and the official Croatian sources.

Source: https://ethicsportal.eu/whistleblower-laws/croatia/
Updated: 2026-04-24

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# Whistleblower law in Croatia

Croatia implemented Directive (EU) 2019/1937 through the **Whistleblower Protection Act** published in **Narodne novine 46/2022**. The Croatian framework combines the standard **50-worker** employer trigger with a strong coordinating role for the Ombudswoman.

## Applicable law

- [Whistleblower Protection Act — official text in Narodne novine](https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/eli/sluzbeni/2022/46/572)
- [Croatian Ombudswoman key implementation guidance](https://www.ombudsman.hr/en/the-new-act-for-the-protection-of-persons-reporting-irregularities-whistleblowers-key-information-for-reporting-persons-and-confidential-persons/)

## Who must establish an internal channel

Private employers with **at least 50 workers** must establish an internal reporting channel. Croatian public authorities are also covered by the act's internal-reporting rules.

## External reporting authority

The [Croatian Ombudswoman](https://www.ombudsman.hr/en/the-new-act-for-the-protection-of-persons-reporting-irregularities-whistleblowers-key-information-for-reporting-persons-and-confidential-persons/) is the external reporting authority. The Ombudswoman receives reports, protects the reporting person's position and forwards the substance of the case to the competent authority where needed.

## Data protection authority

For complaints about the processing of personal data in the whistleblowing process, the relevant authority is the [Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency (AZOP)](https://azop.hr/zahtjev-za-utvrdivanje-povrede-prava-2/).

## Key compliance points

- Croatian law requires the employer to appoint a confidential person and a deputy for internal handling.
- Anonymous reporters can still obtain protection if their identity is later established and retaliation follows.
- The Ombudswoman's official guidance emphasizes identity protection, emotional support and timely communication with the reporting person.

## Official sources

- [Whistleblower Protection Act — official law text](https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/eli/sluzbeni/2022/46/572)
- [Ombudswoman — key information for reporting persons and confidential persons](https://www.ombudsman.hr/en/the-new-act-for-the-protection-of-persons-reporting-irregularities-whistleblowers-key-information-for-reporting-persons-and-confidential-persons/)
- [Ombudswoman — public disclosure guidance](https://www.ombudsman.hr/en/public-disclosure-what-it-is-when-it-is-used-and-how-it-supports-the-fight-against-corruption/)
- [AZOP — request to determine infringement of rights](https://azop.hr/zahtjev-za-utvrdivanje-povrede-prava-2/)

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