Bosnia Work Visa – Application, Requirements and Exemption

Are you looking for a job abroad? If so, then Bosnia is a country worth considering. The government has an excellent reputation for its hospitality and friendliness towards foreigners. In addition, it provides a diverse range of opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers with a Bosnia work visa.

Bosnia is located in Southeastern Europe, between Croatia and Serbia. It shares borders with Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Also, its capital city is Sarajevo.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a European Union (EU) member Country. As such, it enjoys visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. This means citizens from other EU countries can visit Bosnia without obtaining a visa.

Thus, this guide will walk you through the application process for the Bosnia work visa and the requirements. But, first, let’s take a quick look at what a Bosnia work visa entails.

What is Bosnia Work Visa?

A Bosnia work visa grants foreigners the right to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the same way that Bosnian citizens do, with equal rights and obligations. The working permit is valid for a maximum of one year. You must renew it before the expiry date, which is one year from the date of issue.

Therefore, if you want to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must first obtain a work visa.

Before applying for a work visa, you must also have a job offer from a company in Bosnia. In addition, the company must provide documentation proving that you are being hired for a specific position.

Furthermore, you will also be required to provide documentation proving your eligibility to work in Bosnia. In some cases, you will also be required to show proof of citizenship and your passport.

Types of Work Visas Bosnia

Foreign workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina must obtain a work permit and a temporary residence permit. Bosnia currently has a visa policy similar to the EU. Citizens of 101 countries are permitted to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa and stay for 90 days within 180 days.

While those intending to stay in the country for more than three months must apply for a temporary residence permit at their local field office of the Ministry of Security’s Foreigners’ Affairs Department.

Also, individuals must apply for a temporary residence permit at least 15 days before their three-month visa-free period expires. A temporary residence permit is valid for 12 months and is renewable.

Bosnia Work Visa Requirements

Foreigners must have a valid work visa to work in Bosnia. Here are the documents you must submit when applying for a Bosnian visa:

• Valid passport. Your passport must be in good shape and contain at least two blank pages.
• Copies of previous visas (if any).
• ID document. Your identification must be current or valid.
• Application form. Print a hard copy of the Bosnian application form and sign it at the end.
• Payment of fees. Complete the fee payment when submitting the documents to the Bosnian embassy/consulate, and complete the payment in cash.
• One photograph. Your passport-size photo must be in color and taken within the last six months.
• Travel medical insurance. Your health insurance must be valid for your stay in Bosnia.
• Evidence of lodging in Bosnia. This document attests to the fact that you have a place to stay in Bosnia. Besides, it could be a rental agreement, a hotel reservation, a letter of invitation, or something else.
• Employment contract.
• A letter from the company stating your absence, duration of stay, and confirmation of a return to the current job.
• Company’s information. Company’s details or address in Bosnia.

How To Apply for a Bosnian work visa?

Officially, a work visa is required if you want to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would help if you did a few things to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Bosnian work visa:

#1. First, you must find a job in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Next, your employer must provide you with a letter of intent outlining the terms of your employment and stating that they intend to hire you.

#2. Once you have the letter of intent, you must obtain a visa application form from the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your home country.

#3. Gather all of the necessary documentation for your application.

#4. Complete the application form. You can print a hard copy of the application form, fill it out in writing, and sign it at the end.

#5. Complete the fee payment. You can pay in cash at the embassy/consulate when submitting the required documents. Attach the payment receipt to the required document file.

#6. Wait for a response. After completing all the necessary steps, wait for a response from the Bosnian embassy/consulate to which you have submitted the documents.

How Long Does a Bosnian Work Visa Take to Process?

Typically, the processing time for a Bosnian work visa ranges from one to four months. It begins when the embassy/consulate receives your visa application form.

Validity of a Bosnia work visa

Typically, a Bosnian work visa or work permit is valid for a maximum of one year. You must renew it before the expiry date, which is one year from the date of issue.

Bosnia Visa Fees

Like most other countries, visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina must pay visa fees. The visitor’s country of origin determines the fee.

A visa to Bosnia and Herzegovina from a European Union (EU) member country costs €35. The fee for all other countries is €60. A single entry short-stay C visa costs €35. A short-stay C visa with multiple entries costs €65. While a long-stay D visa costs €81. These fees must be paid at the time of application.

Technically, a visa to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 90 days costs €10. This fee is due at the time of application as well.

Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on the embassy/consulate, currency, age, etc.

Best paying jobs in Bosnia

Bosnia is an excellent place to work, especially if you are looking for a high-paying position. The highest-paying jobs in Bosnia are typically in finance, doctors, business, and engineering. For instance, salaries for surgeons / doctors range from 3,930 BAM to 13,600 BAM. Judges’ salaries range from 3,300 BAM to 11,400 BAM. In contrast, bank managers’ salaries range from 2,520 BAM to 8,700 BAM. Numerous opportunities are available in every sector if you have the necessary skills and experience.

However, finding work in Bosnia can be difficult without the proper visa. Contacting a local recruitment agency or an online job portal is the best way to find work in Bosnia. In addition, numerous English-language newspapers and websites advertise job openings in Bosnia.

In addition, if you are looking for a high-paying job in Bosnia, you should expect some competition from locals. However, suppose you have the necessary qualifications and experience. In that case, you should be able to find a good job that meets your requirements and salary expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an invitation letter from Bosnia?

Certainly, for the Invitation Letter, you must obtain an official letter from the company in Bosnia and Herzegovina that is inviting you, which must be certified by the Field Office of the Ministry of Security – Service for Foreigners’ Affairs. You will also require a letter from the company you are representing.

Who can enter Bosnia without a visa?

Citizens of the following countries are not required to obtain a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, and Canada

Valid multiple entry visa holders and residents of the European Union, Schengen Area member states, and the United States of America are permitted to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa for up to 30 days.

How do I become a temporary resident in Bosnia?

There is no one way to become a temporary resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina. You may be able to apply for residency through your job or obtain a visa through the Bosnian embassy or consulate in your country. It is critical to consult with the specific authority in charge of residency in Bosnia to determine the requirements and process for obtaining residency.

Does the Filipino need a visa to Bosnia?

For Philippine citizens, a tourist visa to Bosnia and Herzegovina is required. However, you can also find visa exemptions and useful information from other travelers.

What Should You Do If Your Bosnia Visa Application is Denied?

If your Bosnian visa application is denied, you can reapply for the same visa or file an appeal with the embassy/consulate that denied your visa.

How Can I Obtain Bosnian Citizenship?

Generally, you must stay in Bosnia for five years with a temporary residence permit and another five years with a permanent residence permit to obtain Bosnian citizenship.

Besides, you can obtain Bosnian citizenship by:

• Origin.
• Birth (if you are born in Bosnia).
• Adoption (if a Bosnian citizen adopts you).
• Naturalization.
• International agreement/understanding.

Conclusion

Finally, to apply for a Bosnia work visa, you must submit certain documents and meet the requirements. Because the process can be time-consuming, it is critical to begin as soon as possible. Again, the process will be much easier with the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy or consulate.