Temporary residence for family reunification
Close family members of BiH citizens and of certain foreign residents can get temporary residence for family reunification. The sponsor must show accommodation, a steady income and health insurance for the family. Permits are issued for up to one year and can be renewed. Sham marriages are refused.
Life in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Money
3
Currency
Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
BAM
Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
Cost of living
44
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 10%
Income tax (national)
VAT 17%
Flat rate set by entity: 10% in the Federation of BiH and Brcko District, 8% in Republika Srpska.
Living
1
Happiness
#45 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Spouses, partners, children and dependent parents of BiH citizens, permanent residents, Blue Card holders, recognised refugees, or foreigners with at least one year of temporary residence and good prospects of permanent residence.
Eligibility
Eligible sponsors
A BiH citizen living in BiH; or a foreigner with permanent residence, a Blue Card, temporary residence of one year or more with good prospects of permanent residence, or recognised refugee status (Law on Aliens, Article 50).
Family members
Family members you can join include a spouse or partner, children, and dependent parents, with set age and dependency rules for children.
- Children under 18
- Adult dependent children: in full-time education up to age 26, or unable to work
Official wording
Spouse or extramarital partner; children under 18, or adult dependent children in full-time education up to 26 or unable to work; and dependent parents (Article 50).
Sponsor requirements
Accommodation for the family, a steady source of income or enough funds to support them, and health insurance for himself or herself and the family (Article 50).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementGeneral conditions
- Document checklistMarriage, partnership or birth certificate
- FeesApproval or extension of temporary residence
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 6 documents
- 2 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
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Official sources
Other routes to Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Visit & tourismVisa-free stay and short-stay visa
- StudyTemporary residence for education
- Work permitsWork permit and temporary residence for work
- Permanent residencePermanent residence
- CitizenshipCitizenship by naturalisation
Family in other countries
- BangladeshNo Visa Required (NVR) for foreign spouses, children and people of Bangladeshi origin
- BelgiumFamily reunification with a third-country national
- BulgariaFamily reunification
- BahamasResident Spouse Permit
- BhutanEntry and stay for foreign spouses and children of Bhutanese citizens, and dependants of foreign professionals
- BotswanaResidence permit for spouses of citizens and dependants
