Virtual assistance is no longer a new phenomenon, but despite its growth many in Croatia still don’t fully understand it as a profession. I’ve noticed this firsthand in conversations with those interested in this training. The most common questions concern the definition and number of virtual assistants, what services they can offer, and how to get started – I’ll try to answer those questions below.

History of Virtual Assistance

The roots of virtual assistance lie in traditional roles of secretary and personal assistant, which in the mid-1990s began to perform certain tasks from home. The popularity of this way of working surged in 2007 after Timothy Ferriss published The 4-Hour Workweek, describing how delegating tasks to virtual assistants boosts productivity and brings numerous benefits.

Virtual assistance really took off in 2020 during the pandemic, both in Croatia and worldwide.

Today this profession is undergoing a mini-revolution thanks to comprehensive courses like “Virtual Assistant – How to Become One and How to Thrive” and platforms such as GoThrive, which connect virtual assistants with clients. There is still no official registry of virtual assistants in Croatia, but available research shows a growing trend: it’s estimated that about 400 active virtual assistants currently work in Croatia, with roughly 100 new ones entering the market each year. The average hourly rate is around €21.

What Is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

Virtual assistance is an umbrella term for all services that virtual assistants provide via the internet and computer. They help clients with tasks they cannot, do not have time to, or do not wish to do themselves—or for which they are not yet ready to hire a full-time employee.

Simply put, a virtual assistant (VA) is someone who, using their own resources, knowledge, and skills, professionally and independently completes tasks for clients (individuals or businesses) without the need for physical presence. A VA sets their own work terms, service offerings, rates, and hours, and charges only for the hours worked—without extra costs like salaries or benefits.

Specialization is key to quality service, and virtual assistants often define themselves by the industry or specific client needs they serve. More on that in future articles.

How to Get Started?

Write down every question that comes to mind and track your progress. The internet offers an abundance of information, inspirational tools, techniques, and methods—explore, experiment, and discover the virtual assistant within you!

Why Walk When You Can Fly?

Your starting point can be simple: begin with your CV. List in detail your knowledge, skills, and past experiences from both professional and personal life. Then highlight what you love and want to do, turn that into your service offering, and eliminate the rest. That offering isn’t final; it will evolve over time.

Next, research the NKD (National Classification of Activities). Choose a primary and secondary activity code that match your services. Based on calculations by Toni Milun from the training, determine which legal business form best fits your services and NKD code.

If you plan to register a sole proprietorship, check the requirements for that activity. Some activities require specific qualifications from formal education, so verify that you meet all criteria before starting your business.

Test the Virtual Assistant in You

Explore self-employment programs and HZZ incentives—they might be the perfect solution for you. If you’re currently employed, learn about your rights and obligations regarding resignation and registering with the public employment service.

Draft your business model—it will help you clearly define your strategy, ideal clients, and revenue streams. Whether or not you apply for grants, create a business plan—it will give you a clearer picture of your path.

Then choose your business name and check its availability. If you want a website, verify domain availability right away (you can get a free .hr domain via CARNET).

Define your “why,” mission, vision, goals, and core values. Prepare a cost estimate and set your break-even point—the minimum rate you’re willing to charge. This will guide your pricing.

Join communities and networks like Plavi ured and explore mentorship programs—with a mentor, everything can be simpler and faster.

Fewer Steps, More Coffee I gathered all this information through the GoThrive training platform. It showed me how much networking and education can shorten the path to independence in this field.

The program is comprehensive, practical, and applicable—I completed over 20 modules and 70 lessons, assignments, and templates in just two weeks. The lessons are short and dynamic, and there’s no expiration date, so you can always revisit any content.

After completing all tasks, you receive a certificate, have access to support groups, consultations, and meet-ups, and there’s even an affiliate program. Masterclasses for specializations are coming soon, making the platform a true one-stop shop for virtual assistants.

Twenty Years Between Paper and Numbers

After 20+ years in administration, accounting, finance, legal and HR tasks, and payroll processing, I decided to transfer my experience into the world of virtual assistance.

My services today cover exactly those areas, and new skills are opening up further possibilities.

If you need help—feel free to reach out. Good luck!

Ivana Novosel is a virtual assistant and owner of the Ifkina Posla sole proprietorship, through which she provides virtual assistance services in administration, accounting and finance, legal and HR affairs, and payroll processing.

More info and contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-novosel-virtualni-asistent/