Temporary residence for education
Foreigners enrolled at a school or university in Bosnia and Herzegovina can get temporary residence for education. It also covers student exchange, unpaid internships and volunteering. Permits are issued for up to one year and can be renewed. Only half of the time spent on education residence counts toward permanent residence.
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
Primary, secondary and university students, exchange students, unpaid interns and volunteers.
Eligibility
Enrolment
Enrolled at a higher education institution in BiH, or coming under a student exchange or youth mobility scheme (Law on Aliens, Article 55).
General conditions
Provide proof of purpose, a valid passport, means of support, accommodation, health insurance, a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate.
- Passport must be valid at least three months longer than the requested stay
- Medical certificate issued no more than three months before applying
- Criminal record certificate no older than six months
- Source: Law on Aliens, Article 49
Official wording
Proof of purpose, passport valid at least three months longer than the requested stay, means of support, suitable accommodation, health insurance, medical certificate issued no more than three months before applying, and a criminal record certificate no older than six months (Law on Aliens, Article 49).
Secondary school age limit
If you enrol in the final year of secondary school, you may not be older than 20.
20
Age limit
- Source: Article 54
Official wording
A foreigner enrolling in the final year of secondary school may not be older than 20 (Article 54).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementMinors
- Document checklistProof of enrolment or exchange programme
- FeesApproval or extension of temporary residence
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 7 documents
- 2 fees
- 5 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
- Work permitsWork permit and temporary residence for work
- Permanent residencePermanent residence
- FamilyTemporary residence for family reunification
- CitizenshipCitizenship by naturalisation
