Establishing a Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Co... | 2026

Atomic Answer: Establishing A Company In Bosnia And Herzegovina: Conditions And Necessary Procedure is a critical component of the Canadian immigration framework. As of 2026, applicants navigating this pathway must adhere to the latest IRCC guidelines, ensure all documentation is properly prepared, and meet the specific eligibility requirements. Processing times and exact costs will vary based on individual circumstances.

Establishing a Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Conditions and Necessary Procedure

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 90th in the ease of doing business index. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a preferential trade system with European Union countries. There is also a free trade agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey. Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 27th in cross-border trade.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the state provides many privileges to foreign investors who invest in the country and open companies in the country. In particular, the exemption from customs and income taxes provides an important advantage for foreign investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the value added tax is applied at 17%. Transactions such as insurance transactions, postal transactions, housing rental or purchase transactions are exempt from value added tax.

What are the Types of Companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The types of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina are listed below.

Unlimited Joint Liability Company (dno / od) : It is established by the establishment agreement of two or more partners, local or foreign. The founding partners are obliged to use all their assets, including their personal property. There is no minimum or maximum limit for the initial capital.
Limited Company (doo) : It is established by one or more real or legal persons, local or foreign. The member of a limited company is responsible for the investment he makes in that company. The minimum initial capital for a limited company is approximately 1000 euros.
Limited Partnership (kd) : A company established by two or more local or foreign real or legal persons with an establishment agreement. In a limited partnership, there must be at least one fully responsible and at least one limited partner. Liability is limited to the value of the shares in the company. There is no minimum or maximum limit on the initial capital.
Joint Stock Company (dd / ad) : A company established by the establishment agreement of one or more local or foreign real or legal partners. An open joint stock company is a legal entity whose shares are publicly traded. Joint stock companies are banks and insurance companies or companies with a minimum initial capital of approximately 2,000,000 Euros and at least 40 shareholders. A closed joint stock company is a legal entity whose shares are distributed among a limited number of shareholders. The minimum initial capital is approximately 25,000 Euros.

What are the Requirements for Starting a Business in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The requirements for establishing a business in Bosnia and Herzegovina are listed below.

Application for extension of residence permit : A temporary residence permit or extension of residence permit is required in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
150 Bosnian Marks : Required for approval or extension of temporary residence.
Photo : 2 photographs, 3.5 mm wide and 4.5 mm long, taken with a white background are required.
A certified copy of the passport : A certified copy of the passport that is valid for at least 3 months from the requested temporary residence permit date is required.
Copy of the foreigner's stay record : Required only when applying for temporary residence.
Certified copy of temporary residence permit : Only required when applying for temporary residence.
Proof of safe accommodation : Proof of ownership of the residence where the foreigner is staying or declaration of the rental agreement is required.
Health report : A health report or a certified copy proving that the foreigner does not have a disease that threatens public health is required.
Criminal record : A criminal record or a certified copy is required, showing that the foreigner has not received any criminal sanctions in his/her home country, issued at least six months before the residence application date.
Criminal record report : A criminal record report or a certified copy proving that there is no investigation against the foreigner in Bosnia and Herzegovina is required.
Proof of financial situation : Documents proving that the foreigner has the financial means to support himself/herself in Bosnia and Herzegovina are required.
Health insurance : Documents proving that the foreigner has health insurance valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina are required.
Type of work : Documents regarding the type of work the foreigner will do are required.
Court record of the company : Documentation regarding the court record of the established company is required.
Proof of the company's solvency : A document issued by authorized banks showing the company's solvency is required.
Tax declaration : A document issued by the competent tax authority, not older than 90 days, showing that the taxes for which the company is liable have been paid is required.
Document proving the employment of Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens : For each foreigner, including the founders, 5 documents proving the employment of Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens are required.
Proof of salary : It must be proven that each employee is paid at least the gross salary valid in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Can Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye Establish a Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Citizens of the Republic of Türkiye can establish companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What are the largest companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The largest companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina according to Bolddata data are listed below.

ArcelorMittal Zenica Company : Founded in 2004, ArcelorMittal Zenica is one of the most important steel producers in the Balkans with a production capacity of approximately one million tons per year.
Boreas Company : Founded in 1993, Boreas is one of the companies with the most significant market share in the Balkans in the alcohol and tobacco sector.
HIFA-OIL Company : Founded in 2002, Hifa-Oil operates as one of the most important oil distributors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Petrol BH Oil Company : Established in 1999, Petrol BH Oil operates as one of the most important oil distributors in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Optima Grupa Company : Founded in 2008, Optima Grupa is a company engaged in the production and trade of oil and petroleum derivatives.
Elektroprivreda HZ HB Company : Founded in 1992, Elektroprivreda HZ HB is a public electricity company.
Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske Company : Established in 1992, Elektroprivreda Republike Srpske is the second largest electricity company in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BH Telecom Company : Founded in 1992, BH Telecom is the first telecommunications company in Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide GSM, 3G, IPTV and many other services.
Mtel Bosnia and Herzegovina Company : Founded in 1996, Mtel is the second largest telecommunications company in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIS Company : Founded in 1995, FIS is one of the most important textile companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The first step in establishing a business in Bosnia and Herzegovina is to prepare the establishment contract by paying a fee of 300 KM. This document must be certified by a notary. A capital investment of 1000 KM must be made from a bank of the person's choice. Then, the company must be registered in the specified media. A fee of 405 KM must be paid for registration and 150 KM for advertising in the Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The company stamp fee varies between 20 and 50 KM. A fee of 15 KM must be paid to start the activity with a municipality permit. The lawyer's fees are 600 KM. All transactions can be concluded within 5 days.

What are the advantages of establishing a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The advantages of establishing a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina are listed below.

Location advantage : Since Bosnia and Herzegovina is located on the European continent and has a preferential trade system with European Union countries, establishing a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina makes it easier to enter the European Union market.
Richness in natural resources : Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country rich in natural resources.
Developed tourism : Bosnia and Herzegovina has very developed spa tourism, nature sports tourism, culture and faith tourism. Developed tourism allows companies to reach more people.
Development potential of the country : Bosnia and Herzegovina is a rapidly developing country and has a high potential in terms of investments.
Rights granted to investors : Those who establish a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina have the same rights and responsibilities as citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tax exemption : Foreign investors in Bosnia and Herzegovina are exempt from income tax for one year, provided that they export 30% of their production.

Can I Get a Residence Permit by Establishing a Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

It is possible to obtain a residence permit by establishing a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is possible to obtain a C type short-term visa or a D type long-term visa and establish a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is no need for a work permit to establish a company, after the company is established, a work permit can be obtained more easily. A residence permit can also be obtained after establishing a company.

The process of obtaining a Bosnia and Herzegovina Residence Permit takes an average of 1 month. In order to obtain a permanent residence permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is necessary to live in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 5 years.

What Job Can I Do in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, agriculture and animal husbandry, wood and forest products industry, metal and metal processing industry, textile and leather industry, natural resources and mining industry are developed industries. Tourism sector is developed. Also, automotive industry is the fastest growing sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina and construction and contracting sector always maintains its importance.

Job postings in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be followed on various career sites on the internet.

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