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Bosnia & HerzegovinaWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Work permit and temporary residence for work

incl. Blue Card

To work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, most foreigners need a work permit obtained by the employer before entry. The foreigner then applies for temporary residence for work. Permits are tied to one job and last up to one year. Highly qualified workers may instead get a two-year Blue Card without a work permit.

See requirements ↓

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.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.4

#45 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreign workers with a job offer from an employer in BiH, including seasonal workers and highly qualified professionals.

Eligibility

  • Work permit before entry

    A foreigner coming for paid work must hold a work permit issued by the employment authority of the Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska or Brcko District before entering, unless exempt (Law on Aliens, Article 62).

  • Employer application

    The employer applies. It must give details of the foreigner and the job, court registration, bank proof of solvency, proof of paid taxes and contributions, and a justification for hiring a foreigner (Article 66).

  • Annual quota

    Work permits are issued within an annual quota set by the Council of Ministers.

    • Extensions are served first, then new hires.
    • Source: Article 64.
    Official wording

    Work permits are issued within an annual quota set by the Council of Ministers. Extensions are served first, then new hires (Article 64).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementOutside the quota
  • Document checklistWork permit
  • FeesApproval or extension of temporary residence

The full requirements are for members

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  • 3 more requirements
  • 8 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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