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Bosnia & Herzegovina Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Bosnia & Herzegovina? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Sarajevo

Currency

Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Marka

(

)

Timezone

CET

(

GMT +1

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

8% - 10%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Bosnia & Herzegovina: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Bosnia & Herzegovina? Navigating Bosnia & Herzegovina’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Bosnia & Herzegovina, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers, or EOR providers, must be registered with the relevant authorities to sponsor foreign workers and comply with Bosnia & Herzegovina’s work permit regulations.

The work permit process typically takes 30 to 60 days to complete, depending on the complexity of the application.

The most common work visas are the Temporary Work Visa and the Residence and Work Permit for foreign employees.

Independent contractors follow a different process and are not typically subject to the same employer sponsorship requirements. Contractors often need to have a self-employment status or independent contracting agreements.

Work permits are location-specific, and employees may need approval for job changes or transfers within the country. If employees move to a new location, they may need additional approvals.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Bosnia & Herzegovina

In Bosnia & Herzegovina, foreign nationals intending to work are required to obtain a work permit unless exempt under specific agreements or statuses. Work permits are mandatory for full-time employees, temporary assignments, or freelance professionals.

Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with local labor and immigration regulations, including determining if a potential hire requires a work permit before employment begins.

Types of Work Visas in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina provides different types of work visas to accommodate the needs of various professionals and industries.

Visa Type	Description
Temporary Work Visa	Issued for foreign workers employed for a fixed duration, typically up to one year.
Seasonal Work Visa	Designed for workers in industries such as agriculture or tourism, valid for short-term seasonal jobs.
Highly Skilled Worker Visa	Granted to professionals with specialized skills in high-demand fields.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Bosnia & Herzegovina

When hiring talent in Bosnia & Herzegovina, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Bosnia & Herzegovina. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employers or EOR providers must be registered with the local authorities in Bosnia & Herzegovina to sponsor foreign employees.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (30 to 60 days on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Independent professionals in Bosnia & Herzegovina can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Bosnia & Herzegovina

Transferring an existing team member to Bosnia & Herzegovina? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Europe, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Bosnia & Herzegovina? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Employers must meet specific requirements to secure a work permit for their international hires:

Valid Employment Contract: A signed contract outlining the employment terms must be submitted.
Proof of Qualifications: Employers must provide evidence of the employee’s skills, such as diplomas or certifications.
Criminal Background Check: The employee must present a clean criminal record from their home country.
Health Insurance: Proof of valid health coverage in Bosnia & Herzegovina is mandatory.
Labor Market Test: In certain cases, employers must demonstrate that the role could not be filled by a local worker.

Bosnia & Herzegovina Work Permit Application Process

Identify the appropriate visa type and gather necessary documentation.
Submit an application to the local employment office, if labor market approval is required.
Apply to the Ministry of Security or relevant cantonal authorities for the work permit.
Pay the applicable fees.
Provide the approved work permit to the employee for visa finalization.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Employers sponsoring work visas in Bosnia & Herzegovina must formally offer employment and assist with the visa application. This includes preparing necessary documentation, covering financial responsibilities, and ensuring compliance with local labor laws during the employee’s stay.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Work visa and permit fees in Bosnia & Herzegovina vary by visa type and duration.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Temporary Work Visa	$150
Seasonal Work Visa	$100
Highly Skilled Worker Visa	$200

Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina

The processing time for work permits and visas ranges from 30 to 60 days, subject to document completeness and application volumes.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Work permits are generally valid for one year. Renewal applications should be submitted 30-60 days before the permit’s expiration.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Although Bosnia & Herzegovina does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, freelancers can use other visa categories if they meet specific requirements:

Proof of Remote Employment
Minimum Income Proof
Health Insurance Validity

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Employers face challenges like:

Managing complex documentation requirements.
Overcoming language barriers during communication with local authorities.
Complying with labor market restrictions and proving foreign hires' necessity.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Bosnia & Herzegovina

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Bosnia & Herzegovina — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Bosnia & Herzegovina, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

A work permit authorizes employment within Bosnia & Herzegovina, while a work visa allows entry and legal stay in the country for employment purposes.How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina?Processing typically takes 30-60 days, depending on the completeness of the documentation and the current volume of applications.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

Processing typically takes 30-60 days, depending on the completeness of the documentation and the current volume of applications.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Bosnia & Herzegovina?

Sponsorship requires employers to provide a valid employment contract, assist with documentation preparation, and comply with labor and immigration laws.