Can my shop open on Sundays?
In Croatia, shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, and the trader sets the opening hours from Monday to Saturday up to a total of 90 hours a week. The trader may choose up to 16 Sundays a year to open, and then the weekly 90 hours include the Sunday. Display the hours at the entrance. Applies since 1 July 2023. Checked by the State Inspectorate.
- Who must?
- Shops and other retail outlets (not hospitality or online shops).
- What to do?
- Set the opening hours within 90 hours a week and display them at the entrance.
- Choose up to 16 working Sundays a year and stick to the choice.
- Closed on public holidays, except outlets exempted by a government decision.
- Where to file?
- Nothing is filed; the hours are displayed at the entrance.
- Who checks?
- State Inspectorate (market inspection)
- Fine
-
The Trade Act prescribes fines for working outside the prescribed hours; we are confirming the amounts in the penalty provisions.
We are confirming the amount in the source before we publish it.
- What if I am already late?
- Align the schedule and the sign at the entrance; choose the working Sundays in advance.
What gets said wrong online
Wrong: "Small shops can open every Sunday."
Right: The rule applies to all retail outlets; the exceptions are up to 16 Sundays chosen by the trader and outlets exempted by the government or the act itself (e.g. at stations, petrol stations).
Sort it out
The free solution comes first, then tools. Nobody calls you.
- Croatian Trade Act, art. 57 (NN 33/23; consolidated text, zakon.hr, Croatian), read on 25 Oct 2026
Author: 3D&TECH LAB d.o.o. editors · Version 1
This is not legal advice. Deadlines and fines come from the sources listed; check the source before you decide.