Getting help with living in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Help from the Bosnian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Sarajevo cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Professional help in Bosnia and Herzegovina
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Laws and cultural differences
Read about laws and cultural differences in safety and security in the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes:
- penalties for illegal drugs
- advice during Ramadan
- advice for LGBT+ travellers
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more information.
You can get a visa or residence permit for various purposes, including:
- working
- studying
- getting married to a Bosnian citizen
- living with family in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- receiving medical treatment
- if you own property in Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you want to extend your visa, read guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina or contact the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (in Bosnian).
Registering as a resident
When you arrive, you must register your address in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the police within 24 hours.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact an English-speaking lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Bosnia and Herzegovina if you’ve:
- lived there for at least 5 years
- meet the Bosnian government’s criteria for residency
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the ‘Grounds for permanent residence’ section in the guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the requirements for residence permits is a Certificate of Good Conduct. The British embassy cannot issue this document, but you can get a copy of your UK police records.
Citizenship
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not recognise dual citizenship with the UK. This means you’ll probably have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Bosnian citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Bosnian citizenship:
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Sarajevo cannot help with Bosnian visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Read the entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina for information on letters of authority for resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian.
Children aged 14 and under must carry a notarised letter of consent if they’re travelling out of Bosnia and Herzegovina without their parent or legal guardian.
Contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in London or the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (in Bosnian) for more information.
Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Bosnian and international providers. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) card does not cover Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
Working in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need a work permit or work visa.
The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs explains the different work permits and visas available to you in its guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
You can drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 6 months using your UK driving licence if driving your own vehicle or a car hired outside Bosnia. For any other vehicle, you will need an international driving permit.
To get a local driving licence contact:
Read about road travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in safety and security in the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes information on driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including driving licence rules.
For roadside assistance cover and more information about road use in Montenegro, contact the motoring organisation BIHAMK.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Bosnian disabled parking permit. For more information contact:
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Indirect Taxation Authority for any questions.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Bosnian pension
To find out whether you can claim a pension in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contact:
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Bosnian benefits
You cannot claim benefits in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless you hold Bosnian citizenship.
Buying and renting property in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Bosnia and Herzegovina
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Bosnian elections
You cannot vote in Bosnian elections unless you hold Bosnian citizenship.
Studying in Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you plan to study in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must meet all visa requirements.
For more information:
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Education starts in either pre-schools or primary schools. Children start in primary schools (Osnovna škola) at the age of 6. Primary education is compulsory for all children age 6 to 15 and is free of charge.
For more information, contact:
Childcare
The early childhood education and care (ECEC) system provides childcare services in Bosnia and Herzegovina for children from birth to age 6.
Childcare places under the ECEC system are not guaranteed, nor free of charge, for children aged 4 and under.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, register the birth with the authorities within 15 days. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to register the birth online through the eBaby system.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are not legally recognised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For information about LGBT+ rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
Municipal court authorities offer guidance on the process of divorce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (in Bosnian).
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Documents for British people in Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you need to use any UK-issued documents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need to get them legalised in the UK.
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Bosnian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Getting help with living in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Help from the Bosnian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Sarajevo cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Professional help in Bosnia and Herzegovina
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Laws and cultural differences
Read about laws and cultural differences in safety and security in the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes:
- penalties for illegal drugs
- advice during Ramadan
- advice for LGBT+ travellers
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Read guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more information.
You can get a visa or residence permit for various purposes, including:
- working
- studying
- getting married to a Bosnian citizen
- living with family in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- receiving medical treatment
- if you own property in Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you want to extend your visa, read guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina or contact the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (in Bosnian).
Registering as a resident
When you arrive, you must register your address in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the police within 24 hours.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your address, contact an English-speaking lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Bosnia and Herzegovina if you’ve:
- lived there for at least 5 years
- meet the Bosnian government’s criteria for residency
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the ‘Grounds for permanent residence’ section in the guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the requirements for residence permits is a Certificate of Good Conduct. The British embassy cannot issue this document, but you can get a copy of your UK police records.
Citizenship
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not recognise dual citizenship with the UK. This means you’ll probably have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Bosnian citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Bosnian citizenship:
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Sarajevo cannot help with Bosnian visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Read the entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina for information on letters of authority for resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian.
Children aged 14 and under must carry a notarised letter of consent if they’re travelling out of Bosnia and Herzegovina without their parent or legal guardian.
Contact the Bosnia and Herzegovina Embassy in London or the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (in Bosnian) for more information.
Healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Bosnia and Herzegovina does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK.
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Bosnian and international providers. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) card does not cover Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
Working in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need a work permit or work visa.
The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs explains the different work permits and visas available to you in its guidance on residency and registration in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
You can drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina for up to 6 months using your UK driving licence if driving your own vehicle or a car hired outside Bosnia. For any other vehicle, you will need an international driving permit.
To get a local driving licence contact:
Read about road travel in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in safety and security in the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes information on driving in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including driving licence rules.
For roadside assistance cover and more information about road use in Montenegro, contact the motoring organisation BIHAMK.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Bosnian disabled parking permit. For more information contact:
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Indirect Taxation Authority for any questions.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Bosnian pension
To find out whether you can claim a pension in Bosnia and Herzegovina, contact:
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Bosnian benefits
You cannot claim benefits in Bosnia and Herzegovina unless you hold Bosnian citizenship.
Buying and renting property in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Bosnia and Herzegovina
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Bosnian elections
You cannot vote in Bosnian elections unless you hold Bosnian citizenship.
Studying in Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you plan to study in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must meet all visa requirements.
For more information:
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Education starts in either pre-schools or primary schools. Children start in primary schools (Osnovna škola) at the age of 6. Primary education is compulsory for all children age 6 to 15 and is free of charge.
For more information, contact:
Childcare
The early childhood education and care (ECEC) system provides childcare services in Bosnia and Herzegovina for children from birth to age 6.
Childcare places under the ECEC system are not guaranteed, nor free of charge, for children aged 4 and under.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, register the birth with the authorities within 15 days. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to register the birth online through the eBaby system.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
Same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are not legally recognised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For information about LGBT+ rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on safety and security in the travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
Municipal court authorities offer guidance on the process of divorce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (in Bosnian).
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Documents for British people in Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you need to use any UK-issued documents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you will need to get them legalised in the UK.
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Bosnia and Herzegovina, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Bosnian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
This article was originally published on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina. It is shared here under a Creative Commons license.
