Guide for Company Founders in Bosnia and Herzegovina

🏢 Establishing a Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Foreign nationals looking to start a business in Bosnia and Herzegovina must navigate two key processes:

  • 📜 Company Registration – Setting up a legal entity.
  • 🛂 Work Permit & Residence – Ensuring legal stay and work rights.

📌 Registration Process

To register a company, follow these steps:

  1. Choose Entity Type: Most common is DOO (Limited Liability Company).
  2. Register at:
    • 📍 Federation of BiH: Cantonal Court
    • 📍 Republika Srpska: District Court
  3. Obtain a Tax ID & Open a Bank Account 🏦.
  4. Apply for Licenses (if applicable) 🏢.

📂 Required Documents

📄 DocumentRequired?
Application to Court Register✅ Yes
Founding Act/Statute✅ Yes
Passport Copies (All Founders)✅ Yes
Proof of Initial Capital✅ Yes

🛂 Work Permit & Residence

Company founders may need a work permit if actively managing operations.

  • 📌 Required if: You sign contracts, oversee operations, or receive a salary.
  • 🚫 Not required if: You are only an investor with no active role.

📜 Applying for a Work Permit

  1. Register Your Business 🏢.
  2. Gather Required Documents:
    • 📑 Company Registration Certificate
    • 💰 Proof of Financial Solvency
    • 📝 Employment Contract (if applicable)
    • 🛂 Valid Passport
    • 🏥 Medical Certificate & Criminal Record
  3. Submit to Employment Bureau:
    • 📍 Federation of BiH: Cantonal Employment Bureau
    • 📍 Republika Srpska: Republic Employment Bureau

📜 Applying for Temporary Residence

  • Submit application to the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs.
  • Processing Time: 30-90 days ⏳.
  • Required Documents:
    • 🏢 Work Permit (if applicable)
    • 📑 Company Registration Documents
    • 🏠 Proof of Accommodation
    • 💰 Proof of Financial Means
    • 🏥 Health Insurance

📅 Deadlines & Validity

  • 🔄 Work Permit: 12 months, renewable annually.
  • 🛂 Temporary Residence: 1 year, renewal recommended before expiry.

⚠️ Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Operating without registration may lead to fines & company closure.
  • Overstaying residence permits may result in 1-5 year re-entry bans.

📩 Need Help?

💬 Need assistance with company registration or permits? Contact our experts today!

📩 Email: info@europto.com

📞 Phone: +34 625 417 090