Banking & Finance
Banking Overview in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark (BAM) KM |
| Bank Account for Foreigners | May be possible — confirm with the bank |
| Access Difficulty | Medium |
| Remote Opening | No |
| Wise Available | No |
| N26 Available | No |
Opening a Bank Account in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Foreign nationals may be able to open a bank account in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we have not independently verified this — confirm the current rules directly with the bank, in writing, before you rely on it. The process difficulty is rated as medium, which means you should expect some bureaucracy and possibly language barriers.
Required Documents
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of address / residence registration
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Tax identification number (if available)
- Initial deposit (amount varies by bank)
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Banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina — remote & non-resident opening
Named banks operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and what our automated research found about non-resident remote account opening (no branch visit required). This has not been verified by a human reviewer — use it as a starting point and confirm directly with the bank.
| Bank | Remote opening | Confidence | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASA Banka | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Low | No evidence of remote non-resident onboarding; BiH foreigners generally must visit a branch in person. |
| Intesa Sanpaolo Banka BiH | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Low | FCY account requires CIPS residence cert and in-branch ID; no remote non-resident onboarding found. |
| Raiffeisen Bank BiH | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Medium | Join Raiffeisen offers online video ID but requires permanent residence in BiH; non-residents excluded. |
| Sparkasse Bank BiH | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Low | NetBanking requires an existing account opened in branch; no remote non-resident onboarding found. |
| UniCredit Bank (Mostar) | May require an in-person visit — confirm with the bank directly | Medium | Accepts non-residents but walk-in branch visit is standard; cannot open fully online as a foreigner. |
Last checked 2026-06-21 · Source: official bank websites, gathered via automated research that has not been reviewed by our founder — treat every row as a lead, not a verified fact, and confirm directly with the bank before you rely on it. Research confidence: High = clear supporting evidence found · Medium = partial or indirect evidence · Low = weak or conflicting evidence · Unrated = no confidence assessment recorded (unreviewed automated research).
Digital Banking Options
Wise (TransferWise)
Wise has limited availability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While you may be able to send money to Bosnia and Herzegovina, full local account features may not be available. Check their website for the latest on Bosnia and Herzegovina-specific services.
N26
We have no record of N26 operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina — check N26's own country list, as their coverage changes. You may need to consider local digital bank alternatives or traditional banks.
International Transfers
When transferring money to or from Bosnia and Herzegovina, consider these factors:
- Exchange rate: The currency is BAM. Always compare the offered rate with the mid-market rate.
- Transfer fees: Transfer fees vary — compare providers like Wise for the best rates.
- Transfer speed: Bank-to-bank (SWIFT) transfers take 2-5 business days. Digital services often complete within 1-2 days.
- Regular transfers: If sending money home regularly, set up a recurring transfer to lock in better rates.
Salary and Everyday Banking
The average salary in Bosnia and Herzegovina is approximately €914 per month. Your employer will typically require a local bank account for salary deposits. Most banks offer:
- Debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
- Online banking portal and mobile app
- Direct debit setup for rent and utilities
- ATM withdrawals (check fee policies)
Tips for Expats
- Open your account early: Visit a bank branch within your first week. Having a local account speeds up everything from rent to mobile contracts.
- Learn key banking terms: A few words in the local language go a long way at the bank counter and when reading statements.
- Carry cash for the first week: Card acceptance varies. Have enough local currency to cover taxis, meals, and small purchases until your account is active.
- Keep your home bank account: Maintain an account in your home country for at least the first year, in case you need to transfer funds back.
- Understand tax reporting: Bank interest may be taxable. Ask your bank about withholding tax and whether they report to foreign tax authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account remotely before moving to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Remote account opening is generally not available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You will likely need to visit a branch in person with your documents.
Can I receive my salary in a foreign bank account in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Technically yes, but most employers in Bosnia and Herzegovina prefer paying into a local bank account. Using a local account avoids international transfer fees and delays.
Does Wise (TransferWise) work in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Wise has limited functionality in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You may need to rely on traditional banks for transfers.
How do ATM withdrawals work in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
ATMs are widely available in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Your bank's ATM network is usually free; out-of-network ATMs may charge KM1-5 per withdrawal. International cards may incur additional fees.
Is mobile banking widely available in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Yes, most major banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina offer mobile banking apps with features like transfers, bill payments, and balance checks. Local banks are increasingly investing in mobile technology.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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