Emigration as a mechanical movement of the population is one of the strongest negative demographic trends that characterize Croatia, and a big problem is the fact that young people decide to leave significantly more often. Unlike previous guest workers, these new emigrants leave more often for economic, but socio-political and educational-professional reasons, and most of them are not thinking about returning to Croatia. It is especially worrying that young emigrants and those who are just planning to emigrate state really similar reasons and problems for which they decide to take this step. When looking at young people in the diaspora and young people in Croatia, the research clearly showed that emigrants are still somewhat more satisfied than young people living in Croatia. Despite the fact that they have moved out or are just planning to do so, a significant part of young people state that there is something that can attract them back, that is, keep them in Croatia. In order to prevent further emigration and enable the return of at least some of these emigrants, long-term and feasible strategic measures are needed, which means that demographic measures will be implemented in existing public policies to meet the demands and needs of young people.