Ways to live in Bosnia and Herzegovina
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Temporary residence for work with a work permit
For foreigners hired by an employer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A work permit comes first; the residence permit is then issued on that basis.
- What you need
- A valid work permit, plus the general conditions: passport valid at least three months beyond the stay, means of subsistence, housing, health insurance, a medical certificate, a criminal record certificate and the paid fee.
- How long
- Up to 1 year
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Normally at a Bosnian embassy or consulate; in the country at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs if you hold a D visa or are visa-exempt, at least 15 days before your current stay ends. Extensions at least 15 days before the permit expires.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Temporary residence for education
For foreigners enrolled at a school or university in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including unpaid traineeships and volunteering, which fall under the same ground.
- What you need
- Proof of enrolment, a passport valid at least three months beyond the requested stay, enough money to live on, housing, health insurance, a recent medical certificate, a clean criminal record certificate from your home country (no older than six months) and the paid administrative fee.
- How long
- Up to 1 year
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- First application at a Bosnian embassy or consulate. If you hold a long-stay D visa or are visa-exempt, you can apply in the country at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs at least 15 days before your visa or visa-free period ends.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Extensions are granted only on the same ground, so you stay a student unless you switch to another basis with a new application.
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Temporary residence for property owners
Owning a home or other real estate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a separate ground for temporary residence, provided you have a real connection to the country. No minimum property value is set.
- What you need
- Proof of ownership of the property and of a genuine link to the country, plus the general conditions: passport, means of subsistence, health insurance, a medical certificate, a criminal record certificate and the paid fee.
- How long
- Up to 1 year
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- At a Bosnian embassy or consulate, or in the country at the Service for Foreigners' Affairs if you hold a D visa or are visa-exempt.
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| One-bedroom flat | $230 |
|---|---|
| Two-bedroom flat | $380 |
| Bills | $90 |
| Typical local salary | $970 |
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Sarajevo layers Ottoman bazaars, Austro-Hungarian facades and coffee rituals into one walkable city. Mostar's bridge, emerald rivers and forested mountains are close, and food centres on grilled meat, pies and strong coffee.
Day to day
Buses connect most towns, and mountain roads make journeys slower than distances suggest. Public healthcare is basic, private clinics are affordable. Cash is still widely used, internet is decent, and English is common among younger people.
Trade-offs
A complex political structure makes bureaucracy slow and confusing. Winter air pollution in Sarajevo can be heavy, wages and opportunities are limited, and landmines remain in some remote areas off marked paths.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
Switzerland90 days
Norway90 days
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South AfricaVisa
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Investment and golden visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
