Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina • Capital: Sarajevo
Geographic Note: Bosnia and Herzegovina is an EU candidate country characterized by a decentralized administrative structure comprising two entities and the Brčko District.
Labour Europe is an independent public information resource and is not affiliated with Bosnia and Herzegovina immigration authorities, the European Union, or sovereign ministries. Statutory wages, permit thresholds, and procedural rules change frequently. Always verify requirements directly with the sovereign authorities cited below before submitting applications or making relocation commitments.
1. Country Overview & Mobility Context
Bosnia and Herzegovina handles work and residence permits at the entity and state levels via the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs and ARZ.
2. Wages & Pay Floor Structure
Wages are governed at entity levels (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - FBiH, and Republika Srpska - RS). Net minimum wages vary by entity: 619 KM net in FBiH, 900 KM net in RS.
3. Work & Residence Permit Routes
All non-citizens moving to Bosnia and Herzegovina for employment require an authorized national work and residence permit.
4. International Student Work Rights
Third-country students enrolled in higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina are subject to specific legal restrictions regarding employment hours during academic terms.
5. Family Reunification & Dependent Rights
Spouses, registered partners, and minor children of foreign workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina generally have the right to apply for family reunification, subject to statutory conditions:
- Proof of Subsistence: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient stable recurring income to support dependents without resorting to social welfare.
- Adequate Accommodation: Proof of a rental contract of sufficient size for the family unit.
- Health Insurance: Full comprehensive health cover for all accompanying family members.
6. Living & Relocation Budgets
Relocating to Bosnia and Herzegovina requires evaluating both recurring monthly expenses (rent, food, transit, utilities) and upfront capital needs (housing deposits, temporary stays, flights).
7. Worker Rights & Protection
Employment rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina are regulated under domestic labour legislation and overseen by the national labour inspectorate.
8. Finding Official Work Resources
Avoid fraudulent recruitment scams. European law prohibits charging recruitment or job application fees to candidates. Use the verified public employment service:
9. Verified Official Portals & Authorities
Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (Služba za poslove sa strancima) ↗
Official state agency for border control, temporary residence permits, and foreign registration.
https://sps.gov.ba/Labour and Employment Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARZ) ↗
Coordinates employment matters, international labor conventions, and foreigner work permits.
http://www.arz.gov.ba/10. Next Official Step & Relocation Checklist
Ready to take your next step? Use our interactive checklist to track paperwork, appointments with municipal authorities, and financial preparation.