Bosnia and Herzegovina: Where your new chapter begins.

Employment Opportunities and Entrepreneurship in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The work environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is continuously evolving, offering opportunities across various sectors. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the labor market, tips for job searching, and information on starting a business.
Overview

Overview of the Labor Market

The labor market in Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by a high unemployment rate, but there are growing opportunities in sectors such as information technology, engineering, and tourism.

  • Main Sectors: Growing industries include the service sector, manufacturing, and the IT sector.
  • Working Conditions: Working conditions vary greatly between urban and rural areas. Major cities generally offer better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Job Search

  • Online Job Portals: Platforms like www.MojPosao.ba are excellent resources for job listings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Networking: Many jobs are found through personal connections. Networking events and local meetups can be helpful for building contacts in the local business world.
  • Employment Agencies: Numerous agencies are available to assist with job searches, especially for international professionals.

Starting a Business

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a supportive environment for starting a business, particularly in sectors such as technology and exports.

  • Startup Process: The process of starting a business in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been simplified in recent years. Steps include company registration, opening a business bank account, and registering with tax authorities. However, bureaucracy is still somewhat slow compared to other countries like Germany, making the process not as quick or easy.
  • Investment Support: There are various government and international programs that promote business startups, offering financial and advisory support.

Here you can find a detailed guide on starting a business (as a foreigner) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Working as an Expat

  • Work Permit: Foreign nationals require a work permit, which is typically arranged by the employer.
  • Living and Working Culture: Adapting to the local work culture can be challenging but also rewarding. Communication is often direct, and personal relationships play a key role in business life.

How to Obtain a Work Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

First, you need to find a job or receive a work invitation. Then, your employer applies for a work permit for you at the employment office. You may only enter Bosnia and Herzegovina after the work permit has been issued. Once granted, you can apply for a residence permit based on this permit. This can be done outside Bosnia and Herzegovina through a diplomatic consular mission or directly within the country at the appropriate authority. Note: The initial application for temporary residence must typically be submitted in person, unless you entered with a D-visa or come from a visa-free country.

When Can You Start Working?

You may only start working after you have been granted both a work permit and a temporary residence permit. The work permit only allows you to work in the specific job or activity for which it was issued. Temporary residence is granted for the duration of your work permit’s validity plus 30 days, but no longer than one year.

Working Without a Work Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Certain categories of foreigners may work in Bosnia and Herzegovina without a work permit under specific conditions. These include key personnel, business founders, university professors, scientists, and experts or teachers from foreign cultural and educational institutions.

Government officials, both civilian and military, members of international scientific missions, representatives of registered religious communities, and accredited foreign correspondents or media reporters can also work without a special work permit.

Additionally, this applies to artists, technical staff, participants in sports and chess events, individuals undergoing professional training, and those involved in major projects, trade fairs, circuses, amusement parks, or voluntary work in humanitarian organizations.

A fee of 100.00 KM is required for the approval or renewal of temporary residence. The necessary documents must be submitted in original or certified copy form. Documents in a foreign language require a translation into one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s official languages.

These details aim to provide an in-depth insight into the working environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you believe any information is missing, incorrect, if you have questions, or would like to provide feedback, feel free to send us a message at: info@lifeinbih.com