Bosnia and Herzegovina is outside the EU, so all foreign workers, regardless of nationality, need work authorisation. Employing them legally is employer-led and tied to a specific job, with penalties for breaches.

In short: to employ a foreign worker in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you secure a work permit and temporary residence through the Service for Foreigners Affairs, verify their legal stay, sign a written contract, register them for social security and tax, and keep records. There is no EU free-movement exemption here.

Step 1: The Worker Needs Authorisation

Because Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the EU, there is no free-movement exemption; foreign workers need both work authorisation and a right to reside. A job offer from your company is the starting point.

Step 2: Secure the Permit

You arrange a work permit and temporary residence through the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs. The worker then obtains the matching visa or residence permit, and you confirm the document allows the specific job before they start.

Step 3: Contract, Social Security, and Records

• Sign a written contract on terms no worse than for local staff.
• Register the worker for social security and tax under national rules.
• Keep copies of the permit, the residence document, and the contract on file.

Penalties for Illegal Employment

Employing a worker without the right authorisation can bring fines, liability for unpaid contributions, and other sanctions under the rules of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Verify status before work begins.

Avoiding Scams and Staying Compliant

Never pay or accept upfront fees for a guaranteed permit, and avoid providers who promise to bypass the rules. Verify every document yourself, use the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, and consider a compliance check before you hire. Legitimate processes do not require secret payments.

Official Sources

Confirm current rules, fees, and penalties with the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs and the Bosnia and Herzegovina labour and tax authorities, as procedures change.