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.