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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
5 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Short-Stay Visa (Visa C) - Tourism / Visit
The short-stay visa (Visa C) is the main tourist and visit visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina, issued for single or multiple entries. The holder may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period beginning from the date of first entry. The visa itself may be valid for up to one year, exceptionally longer. It is issued for tourism, private visits, business meetings, education and training, science, sport, religion and similar purposes. Nationals of the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom and many other countries are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days and do not need this visa. The visa does not authorise employment or local study enrolment and does not lead to residence.
Government fee
€60
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed short-stay visa application lodged at a B&H diplomatic or consular mission.
PassportTravel document valid at least three months beyond the intended departure, with at least one blank page.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking, prepaid voucher or a certified invitation letter from a host in B&H.
Travel medical insuranceHealth insurance valid for the stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements (typically last three months) showing means to cover the stay.
Return or onward ticketConfirmed travel ticket showing the intended departure.
Tourist Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
The long-stay visa (Visa D) is the national long-stay entry visa required for stays exceeding 90 days and is the standard gateway for foreigners who intend to regulate temporary residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the entry document required before a foreign national who needs a visa can lodge a first temporary-residence application from inside the country (visa-exempt nationals may apply without it). The visa must be requested in person at a B&H diplomatic or consular mission, generally one to three months before travel, and the same supporting documents as for Visa C apply, with additional evidence justifying the longer stay (employment, study, family, property or business). The Visa D itself does not grant work rights or residence; residence is granted separately by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
Residency: Standard route to lodge a first temporary-residence application after entry.
Government fee
€90
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Long-stay visa application formCompleted and signed Visa D application lodged in person at a B&H diplomatic or consular mission.
PassportTravel document valid well beyond the intended stay, with blank pages.
Evidence of purpose of long stayDocuments justifying a stay over 90 days: employment/work permit, university enrolment, family ties, property or business documents.
Travel medical insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements or equivalent showing means of subsistence.
Proof of accommodationOptionalLease, property document or host declaration in B&H.
Transit Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Airport Transit Visa (Visa A)
The airport transit visa (Visa A) permits a foreign national to pass through the international transit zone of a Bosnia and Herzegovina airport while changing flights to a third country, without entering the territory of the state. It does not authorise leaving the airport. It is required only for nationals of certain countries listed in the Decision on Visas; most travellers connecting through Sarajevo do not need it. Applications are lodged at a B&H diplomatic or consular mission abroad. The visa does not lead to residence and confers no stay rights inside the country.
Government fee
€20
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
1 day
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (5)
Visa application formCompleted and signed visa application submitted to a B&H diplomatic or consular mission.
PassportTravel document valid at least three months beyond the intended transit, with a blank page.
Onward travel ticketConfirmed ticket to the final third-country destination.
Visa for destination countryEntry visa or equivalent authorisation for the onward destination where required.
Transit Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Transit Visa (Visa B)
The transit visa (Visa B) allows a foreign national to travel through the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina en route to a third country. It may be issued for one, two or exceptionally more transits, and the total duration of any single transit may not exceed five days. The visa itself may be valid for up to six months. Applicants must show onward visas or entry rights for the next and final destination countries, means of transport, and sufficient funds. The visa does not authorise employment and does not lead to residence.
Government fee
€35
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
5 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (6)
Visa application formCompleted and signed visa application submitted to a B&H diplomatic or consular mission.
PassportTravel document valid at least three months beyond the intended transit, with a blank page.
Onward visas and ticketsEntry visas or exemption proof and confirmed travel tickets for the next and final destination countries.
Proof of means of transportEvidence of the transport used to cross the territory (vehicle documents, tickets).
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements or equivalent showing means to cover the transit.
Business Visitor Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Short-Stay Visa (Visa C) - Business
The short-stay Visa C issued for business purposes covers meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs and similar commercial activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa can be single or multiple entry and valid up to one year. Applicants supply a certified invitation from a B&H company together with proof of the business relationship. Visa-exempt nationals (EU, US, UK and many others) conduct short business visits without a visa. The visa permits business activity but not local employment, and it does not lead to residence.
Government fee
€60
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed short-stay visa application lodged at a B&H diplomatic or consular mission.
PassportTravel document valid at least three months beyond the intended departure, with at least one blank page.
Company invitation letterCertified invitation from the host company in B&H stating the purpose and duration of the visit.
Proof of business relationshipEmployer letter, contracts or correspondence evidencing the commercial purpose.
Travel medical insuranceHealth insurance valid for the stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of sufficient fundsBank statements showing means to cover the stay.
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence for Education
Temporary residence on the basis of education is granted by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs to foreign nationals enrolled at a recognised school, university or other educational or scientific institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or undertaking research, specialisation or pupil/student exchange. The permit is normally granted for up to one year and renewed for the duration of studies. Applicants must show enrolment, secured accommodation, health insurance and means of subsistence. Only half of the time spent on an education-based permit counts toward the five years of continuous residence required for permanent residence. The administrative fee for issuing a temporary residence permit is 150 BAM.
Study: Full enrolment at the admitting institution.
Residency after 5 years
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for approval of temporary residence filed at the competent Field Office of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; foreigners who need a visa must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Certificate of enrolmentConfirmation of enrolment or admission to a recognised educational or scientific institution in B&H.
Proof of accommodationLease, dormitory confirmation or host statement evidencing secured housing.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of funds to support the stay (scholarship, bank statements or sponsor).
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the 150 BAM administrative fee.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
5 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Freelancer Visa
Temporary residence on the basis of work (self-employment)
Available
No dedicated freelancer visa: independents register as a sole proprietor or company founder (about EUR 500 minimum capital) and obtain a temporary residence permit of up to 1 year, renewable, with founders partly exempt from work permit requirements.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence for Business / Company Founder
Foreign nationals who establish and run a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina can obtain temporary residence as a founder, owner or director, and such persons may also work for their own company without a separate work permit. Company formation is comparatively inexpensive, with a minimum share capital around BAM 1,000 (roughly EUR 500) for a limited-liability company. The residence permit is granted for up to one year, tied to the active business, and is renewable. Applicants must show company registration, secured accommodation, health insurance and means of subsistence. Bosnia and Herzegovina has no passive investor or golden-visa scheme, so investor migration runs through this active-business route. Time on this permit counts toward the five years required for permanent residence.
Work: May work for the own company without a separate work permit.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the business.
Residency after 5 years
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence based on business activity filed at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Company registrationCourt/registry extract proving the company's establishment and the applicant's role as founder, owner or director.
Proof of business activityEvidence the company is operating (tax registration, bank account, contracts or financial statements).
Proof of accommodationLease, property document or host statement evidencing secured housing.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of income or funds to support the stay.
Skilled Work Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Work Permit and Temporary Residence for Employment
Employment of foreigners follows a two-step model: an employer first obtains a work permit from the competent Employment Service (in the Federation of B&H, Republika Srpska or Brcko District), after which the foreigner applies to the Service for Foreigners' Affairs for temporary residence based on employment. Work permits are issued within an annual quota set by the Council of Ministers by sector and entity, and the employer must normally pass a labour-market test showing no suitable domestic worker is available. The residence permit is granted for up to one year, tied to the work permit, and is renewable. The administrative fee for the temporary residence permit is 150 BAM (the work-permit fee is charged separately by the Employment Service). Time spent on employment-based residence counts in full toward the five years required for permanent residence.
Work: Work for the specific employer and role named in the work permit.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work.
Residency after 5 years
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Work permitPermit issued by the competent Employment Service authorising the foreigner's employment, obtained by the employer.
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence on the basis of employment filed at the Field Office of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Employment contractContract or job offer matching the work permit, stating position and salary.
Proof of accommodationLease, property document or host statement evidencing secured housing.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the 150 BAM administrative fee.
Seasonal Work Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Seasonal Work Permit and Residence
Foreigners engaged in seasonal work in sectors such as agriculture, construction, tourism and hospitality obtain a work permit from the competent Employment Service and then regulate temporary residence with the Service for Foreigners' Affairs for the duration of the seasonal engagement, up to one year. The work permit is issued within the annual foreign-worker quota set by the Council of Ministers. The 2026 Federation reform removes the labour-market test for designated shortage occupations, which include several seasonal sectors, speeding up hiring. The residence administrative fee is 150 BAM. Short, single-season engagements generally do not build toward permanent residence unless residence is continuously maintained.
Work: Limited to the seasonal sector and employer named in the permit.
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
30 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Seasonal work permitWork permit issued by the competent Employment Service for the seasonal sector and employer.
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence based on employment filed at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Employment contractSeasonal employment contract matching the work permit.
Proof of accommodationLease or employer-provided housing evidence.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Residence for Work Without a Work Permit (Key Personnel / Secondment)
The Law on Foreigners lists categories of foreigners who may work in Bosnia and Herzegovina without an Employment-Service work permit, including company founders and directors, key personnel and specialists seconded within an enterprise, university professors and visiting scientists, religious officials, accredited correspondents, and participants in certain projects. These foreigners still regulate temporary residence with the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, supplying evidence of the qualifying category instead of a work permit. The permit is granted for up to one year and is renewable while the basis continues. The administrative fee is 150 BAM. Time on this residence counts toward the five years required for permanent residence.
Work: Work permitted in the qualifying capacity without an Employment-Service work permit.
Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the activity.
Residency after 5 years
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence based on work without a work permit, filed at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Proof of qualifying categoryEvidence of the listed basis: company registration showing the founder/director role, secondment or assignment letter, academic appointment, religious posting or accreditation.
Proof of accommodationLease, property document or host statement evidencing secured housing.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of income or funds to support the stay.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Residence by Real Estate
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence Based on Property Ownership
Foreign nationals who own residential or commercial real estate in Bosnia and Herzegovina may apply for temporary residence based on property ownership. There is no minimum property value or investment threshold. The application is filed at the Field Office of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs covering the area where the property is located. In practice the authorities require evidence of a genuine and lasting connection to the country in addition to ownership (for example B&H origin, children schooled in B&H, a B&H pension, investment activity, or close family resident in B&H). The permit is granted for up to one year and renewed annually with similar documentation. This is not a golden-visa programme: residence is discretionary and grants no automatic work rights. Time on the permit counts toward the five years required for permanent residence.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 5 years
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence based on property ownership filed at the competent Field Office of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Property ownership documentLand-registry extract or title deed proving ownership of real estate in B&H.
Evidence of genuine connectionProof of an effective tie to B&H, such as origin, children's schooling, a B&H pension, investment activity or close family resident in B&H.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of regular income or funds to support the stay.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Business Investor Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence for Retirees (Pension / Means)
Bosnia and Herzegovina has no dedicated retirement visa, but financially independent foreigners, including pensioners, can regulate temporary residence on the basis of other justified reasons, often combined with property ownership or a genuine connection to the country. Receipt of a pension and proof of stable income and secured housing support the application, which is assessed by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs. The permit is granted for up to one year and renewed annually. There is no fixed statutory income threshold, but applicants must convincingly show sufficient regular means and health insurance. The administrative fee is 150 BAM, and time on the permit counts toward the five years required for permanent residence.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 5 years
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence on the basis of other justified reasons, filed at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Proof of regular income or pensionPension statements, bank statements or other evidence of stable, sufficient means of subsistence.
Proof of accommodationLease or property document evidencing secured housing in B&H.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Evidence of connection (if relevant)OptionalProperty ownership or family ties strengthening the basis for the stay.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence - Family Reunification
Family reunification allows close family members of a foreigner who already holds temporary or permanent residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the sponsor) to obtain residence to live together. Eligible members are typically the spouse or cohabiting partner, minor children, and dependent parents or other dependants. The sponsor must show adequate accommodation, sufficient income and health insurance for the family. The permit is granted to match the sponsor's residence, up to one year, and is renewable. The administrative fee is 150 BAM. Time on the permit counts toward the five years of continuous residence required for permanent residence.
Study: Education permitted under lawful residence.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Covers the sponsor's spouse/partner, minor children and dependants.
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence based on family reunification, filed at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required members must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Proof of family relationshipMarriage or birth certificate establishing the relationship to the sponsor, translated where required.
Sponsor's residence documentCopy of the sponsor's valid B&H temporary or permanent residence permit.
Proof of accommodationLease or property document evidencing adequate housing for the family.
Proof of sufficient incomeEvidence the sponsor has regular income to support the family members.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the family members.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence - Marriage to a B&H Citizen
A foreign national married to, or in a recognised extramarital (cohabiting) community with, a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina may obtain temporary residence on that basis. The application is filed with the Service for Foreigners' Affairs and supported by proof of the marriage or partnership and the spouse's B&H citizenship. The permit is granted for up to one year and renewed; spouses of citizens reach permanent residence and naturalisation faster than other categories. The administrative fee is 150 BAM. Holders may take up employment, though local rules on work authorisation for spouses of citizens should be confirmed at the competent office.
Work: Spouses of B&H citizens generally enjoy access to employment; confirm work-authorisation rules locally.
Study: Lawful residence permits study.
Residency after 5 years
Family: The applicant is the spouse; their minor children may join via family-reunification residence.
Government fee
BAM 150
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Temporary residence applicationApplication for temporary residence based on marriage or cohabitation with a B&H citizen, filed at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document; visa-required nationals must have entered on a long-stay Visa D.
Marriage or partnership certificateMarriage certificate, or evidence of a recognised extramarital community, recently issued and translated where required.
Spouse's proof of citizenshipB&H identity document or citizenship certificate of the spouse/partner.
Proof of accommodationLease or property document evidencing shared housing in B&H.
Health insuranceHealth insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of household income or funds to support the stay.
Not yet researched
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Humanitarian / Asylum Route
Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Residence on Humanitarian Grounds
Temporary residence on humanitarian grounds is granted by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs to foreigners who do not meet ordinary conditions but whose situation warrants protection, including victims of trafficking in human beings, unaccompanied minors, persons who cannot leave the country for serious humanitarian reasons, and those cooperating with authorities in criminal proceedings. It is distinct from international protection (asylum), which is handled under a separate procedure. The permit is granted for up to one year and renewable while the grounds persist. Standard income and accommodation conditions may be relaxed for these categories. Time spent on certain humanitarian bases is excluded from, or only partly counts toward, the five years required for permanent residence.
Study: Education permitted under lawful residence.
Processing time
60 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (5)
Temporary residence applicationApplication or referral for humanitarian temporary residence assessed by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
Identity or travel documentPassport or other identity document where available.
Evidence of humanitarian groundsDocumentation supporting the qualifying situation (trafficking-victim identification, minor status, medical or cooperation evidence).
Health insurance or coverageOptionalProof of health coverage or eligibility for it.
Proof of accommodationOptionalEvidence of accommodation, which may be provided or arranged by authorities.
Permanent Residence
Bosnia and Herzegovina Permanent Residence Permit
Permanent residence grants the right to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina indefinitely. The general route requires at least five years of continuous, lawful temporary residence in the country immediately before the application. Applicants must show sufficient and regular means of subsistence, adequate accommodation, valid health insurance, basic knowledge of an official language and alphabet, and no criminal proceedings or convictions. Time spent on education-based residence counts only at half rate, and stays on temporary protection, diplomatic status or certain humanitarian and work-without-permit bases generally do not count. The administrative fee is 200 BAM. Permanent residents enjoy broad equal treatment, including access to the labour market.
Work: Permanent residents have access to the labour market without a separate work permit.
Study: Education on broadly equal terms with citizens.
Residency: This is permanent residence; naturalisation may follow under the Citizenship Law after further lawful residence.
Government fee
BAM 200
Processing time
90 days
Document checklist (9)
Permanent residence applicationApplication for permanent residence filed at the competent Field Office of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
PassportValid travel document.
Proof of 5 years continuous temporary residenceEvidence of at least five years of lawful, uninterrupted temporary residence immediately before the application.
Proof of means of subsistenceEvidence of sufficient, regular income to support the applicant.
Proof of accommodationConfirmation of adequate housing in B&H.
Health insuranceValid health insurance.
Knowledge of official language and alphabetEvidence of basic knowledge of one of the official languages and its alphabet.
Police clearanceConfirmation of no ongoing criminal proceedings or convictions.
Proof of fee paymentConfirmation of the 200 BAM administrative fee.
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