Guide to Family Reunification Residence Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Reunification in BiH

Family reunification allows immediate family members to legally reside in Bosnia and Herzegovina with their relatives who are BiH citizens or foreign nationals with a valid residence permit.

❓ Who Can Apply?

Eligible sponsors:

  • ✅ BiH citizens with permanent residence.
  • ✅ Foreigners with permanent residence in BiH.
  • ✅ Foreigners with a temporary residence permit (valid for at least one year).
  • ✅ EU Blue Card holders (higher education & work contract of at least 6 months).
  • ✅ Recognized refugees.

Eligible family members:

  • 👫 Spouse or legally recognized common-law partner (proof of at least 3 years of cohabitation required).
  • 👶 Children under 18 (or up to 26 if they are full-time students or unable to work).
  • 👴 Dependent parents (over 65, unable to work, or lacking financial resources).

📌 Requirements for Residence Permit

  • ✔️ Proof of family relationship.
  • ✔️ Valid passport (at least 3 months longer than requested stay).
  • ✔️ Proof of accommodation.
  • ✔️ Proof of financial self-sufficiency.
  • ✔️ Health insurance.
  • ✔️ Medical certificate (issued within the last 3 months).
  • ✔️ Criminal record certificate (from home country and BiH).

💰 Financial Stability

The applicant must prove financial self-sufficiency to ensure they do not become a burden on BiH’s welfare system:

  • 💰 Bank statement or proof of income from the family member in BiH.
  • 🏠 Ownership of real estate generating income.
  • 💼 Employment contract of the family member in BiH.

📍 Where to Apply?

  • ✅ In BiH – At the Foreigners’ Affairs Service (based on residence location).
  • ✅ From abroad – At the BiH Embassy/Consulate.

📅 When to Apply?

👉 At least 15 days before the visa or visa-free stay expires.

📂 Required Documentation

  • 📝 Completed application form for a temporary residence permit.
  • 📸 Photo (35x45 mm).
  • 🛂 Certified copy of passport.
  • 🏠 Proof of registered residence in BiH.
  • 💰 Proof of financial resources.
  • 🏥 Proof of health insurance.
  • 👨‍⚖️ Criminal record certificate (not older than 6 months).
  • 👩‍❤️‍👨 Proof of family relationship (birth or marriage certificate).
  • ✍️ Notarized statement of cohabitation.
  • 💼 Proof that the family member in BiH has a stable income.

📌 Important Notes

  • All foreign documents must be translated into an official BiH language and certified (Apostille if required).
  • The applicant must submit the request in person (except for minors or legally incapacitated persons).

⏳ Processing Time & Residence Duration

  • ⏳ Processing time: 30-90 days.
  • 🛂 Temporary residence validity: Up to 1 year (renewable).
  • 📌 Renewal: Application must be submitted at least 15 days before expiry.

🔹 Special Cases

👶 Minor Children Reunification

  • 📜 Birth certificate.
  • 👨‍⚖️ Parental consent (if only one parent is present).

👴 Dependent Parents Reunification

  • 📄 Proof of inability to work, age over 65, or lack of income.

💔 Common-Law Partners

  • 🏠 Proof of at least 3 years of cohabitation.
  • 📝 Household registration, witness statements, or cohabitation registry.

📚 EU Blue Card Holders

  • ✅ Can reunite with their family without additional restrictions.
  • ✅ Family members can work in BiH without a special work permit.

💰 Application Fees

  • ✔️ Administrative fee: 150 BAM (to be paid upon submission).

📩 Need Assistance?

💬 Need expert help with your application? Contact us for guidance!

📩 Email: info@europto.com

📞 Phone: +34 625 417 090