Bosnia and Herzegovina · Skilled Worker Visa

Temporary Residence — Work Without Work Permit (specialist categories)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology
5.5/10 diff
Challenging

Article 84 of the LMSA exempts specific categories from the work-permit requirement while still allowing them to apply f…

Min income
Processing
90+ days
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

Article 84 of the LMSA exempts specific categories from the work-permit requirement while still allowing them to apply for temporary residence: company founders, university professors and scientists, experts/teachers/lecturers from foreign cultural-educational institutions, members of international scientific missions, artists, international correspondents, doctors invited by BiH medical institutions, persons engaged in projects of importance for BiH, volunteers in humanitarian organisations, etc. The list contains 17+ enumerated specialist categories (Articles 66–84 of the Rulebook).

At a Glance

Visa Duration
12 months
Processing Time
90+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18–65
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Sarajevo
Single (monthly)€836
Family (monthly)€2,805
Rent 1BR (center)€276
Groceries€178
Transport pass€26
Banja Luka
Single (monthly)€765
Family (monthly)€2,576
Rent 1BR (center)€287
Groceries€158
Transport pass€20
Mostar
Single (monthly)€714
Family (monthly)€2,499
Rent 1BR (center)€280
Groceries€148
Transport pass€18

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Temporary Residence — Work Without Work Permit (specialist categories)?

Article 84 of the LMSA exempts specific categories from the work-permit requirement while still allowing them to apply for temporary residence: company founders, university professors and scientists, experts/teachers/lecturers from foreign cultural-educational institutions, members of international scientific missions, artists, international correspondents, doctors invited by BiH medical institutions, persons engaged in projects of importance for BiH, volunteers in humanitarian organisations, etc. The list contains 17+ enumerated specialist categories (Articles 66–84 of the Rulebook).

Can I bring my family on the Temporary Residence — Work Without Work Permit (specialist categories)?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents.

Can the Temporary Residence — Work Without Work Permit (specialist categories) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

Are there alternative pathways to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Yes. Bosnia and Herzegovina offers 11 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Bosnia and Herzegovina country page.

What is the cost of living in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sarajevo: €836/mo; Banja Luka: €765/mo; Mostar: €714/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

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