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  • Bosnia and Herzegovina Temporary Work Permit 2026

    Temporary Work Permit for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Best For

    Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications

    Not Ideal For

    Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications

    Known Issues

    Annual quotas limit available permits; complex entity-level requirements in FBiH, RS, and Brčko District; employer must justify hiring foreign worker over locals

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    120 months
    Processing Time
    30–60 days
    Min Income
    Path to PR
    5 years
    Difficulty
    5/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €50

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Education RequiredHigh school diploma
    Profession RequiredNo
    Job Offer RequiredYes
    Sponsorship RequiredYes
    Language RequiredBosnian (A2)
    License / Recognition RequiredYes
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredNo
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Application Fee€50
    Est. Total Relocation Cost€3,500

    Application Timeline

    1
    Document Collection & Employer Application
    14–30 days
    Employer gathers required documents, applies to Employment Service for quota allocation and work permit approval
    Blocker: Annual quota availability, employer registration verification
    2
    Work Permit Processing
    30–60 days
    Employment Service reviews application, conducts labor market test, issues work permit decision
    Blocker: Quota exhaustion, insufficient justification for hiring foreign worker
    3
    Visa D Application
    15–30 days
    Employee applies for Long-stay Visa D at Bosnian embassy/consulate with approved work permit
    Blocker: Document translation/apostille delays, embassy processing backlogs
    4
    Entry and Temporary Residence
    15–30 days
    Entry to BiH, application for temporary residence permit with Service for Foreigners' Affairs, address registration within 48 hours
    Blocker: Missing health insurance, inadequate accommodation proof

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkNo
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsfull
    RenewableYes
    Time to Permanent Residency5 years
    Time to Citizenship13 years

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Sarajevo
    Single (monthly)€836
    Family (monthly)€2,805
    Rent 1BR (center)€276
    Groceries€178
    Transport pass€26
    Banja Luka
    Single (monthly)€765
    Family (monthly)€2,576
    Rent 1BR (center)€287
    Groceries€108
    Transport pass€20
    Mostar
    Single (monthly)€714
    Family (monthly)€2,499
    Rent 1BR (center)€280
    Groceries€148
    Transport pass€18

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Temporary Work Permit?

    Temporary Work Permit for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Who is the Temporary Work Permit best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications.

    Who should not apply for the Temporary Work Permit?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications.

    How long does it take to process the Temporary Work Permit?

    Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the Temporary Work Permit?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents.

    Can the Temporary Work Permit lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

    Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 13 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

    What are the known issues with the Temporary Work Permit?

    Known issues and warnings: Annual quotas limit available permits; complex entity-level requirements in FBiH, RS, and Brčko District; employer must justify hiring foreign worker over locals. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

    Yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina offers 2 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Bosnia and Herzegovina country page.

    What is the cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sarajevo: €836/month; Banja Luka: €765/month; Mostar: €714/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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    Official source: https://sps.gov.ba/