FAQ in the sector for work, employment, social protection and pensions
What is the "work permit quota"?
The quota of work permits is the number of work permits that can be issued in Bosnia and Herzegovina in one year for foreigners of certain professions, that is, for foreigners who perform certain activities, and for whom a work permit to work in BiH is required and is included in the quota, including the number of work permits that can be issued in BiH in one year for seasonal workers, defined and classified by activities from 90 to 180 days a year, in accordance with the change of seasons.
The annual quota of work permits is determined by the Council of Ministers, on the proposal of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, no later than December 31 of the current year for the following year.
You can view a detailed description of the procedure for issuing work permits.
At whose request is a work permit issued to a foreigner and who is responsible for issuing work permits in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
A work permit can be issued to a foreigner at the request of a legal or natural person who intends to employ him. Depending on the place of residence, i.e. the seat of the employer, the work permit is issued by the authority responsible for employment of foreigners (Employment Offices/Employment Services) in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A work permit cannot be issued with a validity period of more than one year.
Which laws regulate the issuing of work permits for foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
- Law on Foreigners ("Official Gazette of BiH", No. 88/15, 34/21 and 63/23),
- Law on Employment of Foreigners ("Official Gazette of FBiH", No. 111/12),
- Law on Employment of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons ("Official Gazette of Republika Srpska", No. 24/09 and 117/11 and 56/22),
- Law on Employment of Foreigners in the Brčko District of BiH ("Official Gazette of the Brčko District of BiH", No. 15/09, 19/09 and 20/10).
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Who has priority when issuing work permits?
Priority when issuing work permits is given to foreigners who already have a temporary residence permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the basis of family reunification with a foreigner with a temporary residence permit in BiH.
Can work permits be issued to foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina regardless of the established annual quota?
A work permit can be issued independently of the established annual quota of work permits in the following cases:
a) a foreigner who has an education that corresponds to higher education, completed postgraduate or doctoral studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
b) a foreigner whose work in BiH is based on an international agreement;
c) a foreigner who performs key tasks in a business entity, and who is not exempt from the need to have a work permit based on an international agreement;
d) teachers who teach or assist in teaching in educational institutions because of their specific knowledge;
e) professional athletes or sports workers who work in BiH on the basis of a validly concluded contract;
f) to a foreigner who renounced BiH citizenship; or
g) a foreigner who is in a marital or cohabiting union with a foreigner with approved permanent residence in BiH or is the child of a foreigner with approved permanent residence in BiH.