Bosnia Long Stay Visas

A long-stay visa is a type of visa issued to foreign nationals who intend to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a period of six to twelve months. This visa allows the holder to enter and exit the country one or more times within the visa's validity period.

Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Bosnia for longer than one year can obtain a long-stay visa and subsequently apply for a temporary residence permit. This permit allows the holder to stay in Bosnia for a longer period and engage in certain activities, such as work or study.

To obtain a long-stay visa, applicants must provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of sufficient funds to support their stay, a travel itinerary, and other supporting documents as requested by the embassy or consulate. Additionally, applicants may need to undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate.

The processing time for a long-stay visa may take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the embassy or consulate. Therefore, applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their planned travel date.

Once the long-stay visa is granted, the holder may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina and stay for the authorized period. However, it is important to note that a long-stay visa does not automatically grant the holder the right to work or engage in any other activities that require a separate permit or license.

To stay in Bosnia for longer than one year, the holder of a long-stay visa can apply for a temporary residence permit at the Ministry of Security. The application must be submitted before the expiry of the long-stay visa and requires additional documents, such as a criminal record check, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.

A long-stay visa is a viable option for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Bosnia for an extended period. It is essential to carefully review the visa requirements and submit a complete and accurate application to avoid any delays or complications.

Types of Long Stay Visas Available in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina offers various types of long stay visas to foreign nationals who wish to stay in the country for an extended period. The following are the most common types of long stay visas available:

• Work.
• Study.
• Medical treatment.
• Business.
• Family reunion.
• Research work, etc.

If you wish to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a period longer than one year, you can apply for a temporary residence permit with your long-stay visa. This permit allows foreign nationals to live and work in Bosnia and Herzegovina for an extended period.

To apply for a temporary residence permit, you need to submit a set of documents, including a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of financial support, and proof of health insurance. The application process may also require you to provide additional documentation depending on your individual circumstances.

It is important to note that a temporary residence permit is not a permanent residency. It is issued for a limited period, and it is subject to renewal. To obtain permanent residency in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you must meet specific requirements, such as residing in the country for a certain period and meeting the necessary conditions.

Work

A Work Visa is issued to foreign nationals who have secured employment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It allows the holder to work and live in the country for a specified period.

Study

A Study Visa is issued to foreign students who have been accepted into a Bosnian educational institution. It allows the holder to study and live in the country for the duration of their studies.

Medical treatment

A Medical Treatment Visa is issued to foreign nationals who require medical treatment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It allows the holder to enter the country and receive medical care for a specific period.

Business

A Business Visa is issued to foreign nationals who need to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina for business-related activities, such as attending meetings or signing contracts.

Family reunion

A Family Reunion Visa is issued to foreign nationals who wish to join their family members who are already residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Research work

A Research Work Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are conducting research in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It allows the holder to enter the country and carry out their research work for a specified period.

Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Long Stay Visa in Bosnia

To be eligible for a long stay visa in Bosnia and Herzegovina, foreign nationals must meet certain requirements. The following are the general eligibility criteria:

Valid Passport: The applicant must have a valid passport that will remain valid for the duration of their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Purpose of Visit: The applicant must have a valid reason for visiting the country, such as work, study, medical treatment, business, family reunion, or research work.

Financial Means: The applicant must have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes having enough money to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.

Accommodation: The applicant must have proof of accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the duration of their stay. This can include a rental agreement or a letter of invitation from a host.

Health Insurance: The applicant must have valid health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

No Criminal Record: The applicant must not have a criminal record and must not be considered a threat to national security or public health.

It is important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the type of long stay visa being applied for. For example, work visa applicants may need to provide additional documentation related to their employment status, qualifications, and work experience.

Documents Required for Applying for a Long Stay Visa in Bosnia

If you're applying for a long-term visa in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you need to submit the following documents:

Completed Application Form

Fill out the application form in English and sign and date it yourself. For minors under 18 years old, both parents must sign it.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Bosnia and Herzegovina. It should also have a signature and not be older than 10 years. Your passport should have at least one or two blank visa pages and undamaged pictures securely attached to it.

Recent Photo

The photo you submit should not be older than 6 months and must show a frontal view of your face covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo. The background should be uniform and white. Your facial features and eyes should be clear and not covered by hair or glasses frame. The photo should be 3.5x4.5 in size.

ID Card Copy

Your ID card copy should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if applicable)

If you're a citizen of a different country from where you reside, you need to submit a copy of your residence permit/visa that is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Photocopies

Include a copy of the main page of your passport and copies of your previous visas.

Travel Itinerary

Provide a flight reservation and valid hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with full address details (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking reference).

Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

Your employer/sponsor must provide a letter including their name, postal address, and telephone number. The letter should contain details about your working position, starting date of the employment, and salary. If you own the company, you need to provide a valid trade license copy and company ownership documents. If you're a student, provide a letter from the university. If you're a dependent, include a copy of your sponsor's valid passport and residence visa. The letter should also state the timeframe of your work leave, expected date to resume duties, and the purpose of your travel.

Proof of Financial Means

Provide personal bank statements from the last 3 months before application, personal property, assets, etc. The minimum required financial resources are 150 KM (about 93 USD) per day of intended stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Medical Insurance

Your medical insurance should cover the entire duration of your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Supporting Documents to Show Your Reason for a Trip

• For business travel: An original invitation letter from the company and confirmation of accommodation.
  
  
• For private visit: An original invitation letter from the inviting person and an original document confirming their ownership of the property you'll be staying at. Include copies of their passport and ID card/residence permit.
  
  
• For studying (long-term): An original invitation letter from the educational establishment and an acceptance letter to the establishment. Provide confirmation of accommodation.
  
  
• For employment (long-term): An original invitation letter from the company and confirmation of accommodation.
  
  
• For family reunion: An original invitation letter from your family member and an original document confirming their ownership of the property you'll be staying at. Provide copies of their passport, ID card/residence permit, and documents proving your ties with your family member in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For Minors:

Provide a copy and English translation of your birth certificate/proof

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Long Stay Visa in Bosnia

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a long stay visa in Bosnia:

Check the visa requirements:

Before you start your visa application process, make sure to check the visa requirements for the long stay visa in Bosnia. You can find the visa requirements on the website of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country.

Gather the required documents:

After you have checked the visa requirements, gather all the required documents. The documents required for a long stay visa in Bosnia include a fully completed application form, passport, photos, ID card copy, residence permit/visa copy (if applicable), travel itinerary, letter from local employer/sponsor (if applicable), proof of financial means, medical insurance, and supporting documents that show your reason for the trip.

Fill out the application form:

Fill out the application form completely and accurately. The application form should be in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself. If the applicant is a minor, the application form must be signed by both parents.

Submit your application:

Submit your application to the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country. Make sure to submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time.

Pay the visa fee:

Pay the visa fee as required by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country. The visa fee is non-refundable.

Attend the visa interview:

Attend the visa interview as scheduled by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country. During the interview, you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to support your application.

Wait for the visa decision:

Wait for the visa decision to be made by the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country. The processing time for a long stay visa in Bosnia can vary depending on the volume of applications received.

Collect your visa:

If your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa in your passport. Collect your passport with the visa stamp from the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in your country.

Processing Time and Fees for Bosnia Long Stay Visas

The processing time and fees for Bosnia long stay visas depend on various factors such as the applicant's nationality, purpose of travel, and type of visa. Generally, the processing time for a long stay visa in Bosnia is around 15 to 30 days. However, this may vary depending on the embassy/consulate and the volume of visa applications.

The visa fees for a long stay visa in Bosnia also vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay. The fee can range from 71 Euros for most categories of long stay visas. It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected.

It is recommended to check with the nearest Bosnia embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information on the processing time and visa fees for long stay visas.

Rights and Limitations of Holders of Bosnia Long Stay Visas

Holders of Bosnia long-stay visas are granted certain rights during their stay in the country. These rights include the ability to live and work in Bosnia for a specified period, access to social and health services, and the right to apply for a residence permit.

However, there are also limitations to the rights of long-stay visa holders. They are not entitled to vote or run for office in Bosnia, nor are they allowed to work in positions that require special security clearance. Long-stay visa holders are also required to abide by the laws and regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It's essential to note that long-stay visas do not provide permanent residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visa holder will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in the country beyond the validity of the visa.

Moreover, overstaying the validity of the long-stay visa can lead to penalties and other legal consequences, including deportation. Long-stay visa holders are also expected to respect the country's culture and traditions and be mindful of local customs and etiquette.

How to Extend Your Stay in Bosnia with a Long Stay Visa

If you want to extend your stay in Bosnia beyond the validity period of your long stay visa, you need to apply for an extension. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Gather the Required Documents: You will need to submit several documents, including your passport, a copy of your long stay visa, proof of financial means, and a statement of your reasons for the extension.

Fill out the Application Form: You will need to fill out an application form for an extension of stay. The form is available at the Foreigner's Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application along with the required documents to the Foreigner's Office. The office will then review your application and may request additional information or documentation.

Pay the Application Fee: You will be required to pay a fee for your extension application. The fee will vary depending on the length of your intended stay.

Wait for the Decision: After reviewing your application and supporting documents, the Foreigner's Office will decide whether to grant your extension. This decision may take several weeks, so be patient.

Collect Your New Long Stay Visa: If your extension is approved, you will need to collect your new long stay visa from the Foreigner's Office. Make sure to carry this visa with you at all times while you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It's important to note that extensions are not guaranteed, and you should apply well in advance of your visa's expiration date to avoid any issues with overstaying.

Temporary Residence Permit in Bosnia - All You Need to Know

A temporary residence permit allows foreign nationals to legally reside in Bosnia and Herzegovina for a specific period of time, usually for a period of up to one year. Here's all you need to know about obtaining a temporary residence permit in Bosnia:

Types of temporary residence permits: There are several types of temporary residence permits in Bosnia, including those for employment, studying, family reunification, and personal reasons.

Eligibility: Eligibility for a temporary residence permit depends on the specific type of permit being applied for. In general, applicants must have a valid passport and meet specific criteria, such as having a job offer or being accepted to a university.

Application process: The application process for a temporary residence permit involves submitting various documents, including a completed application form, passport photos, proof of financial means, and proof of accommodation. The application is typically submitted to the local Ministry of Security office.

Processing time: The processing time for a temporary residence permit can vary, but generally takes several weeks or months.

Renewal: Temporary residence permits can be renewed for an additional period of time, usually up to one year. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process and requires the submission of updated documents.

Work permit: In order to work in Bosnia with a temporary residence permit, a separate work permit must be obtained from the relevant authorities.

Travel: With a temporary residence permit, holders are allowed to travel within Bosnia and Herzegovina, but must obtain a separate visa to travel to other countries.

Limitations: Temporary residence permits have certain limitations, such as not allowing the holder to engage in certain activities or access certain services. Additionally, the permit can be revoked if the holder violates Bosnian laws or regulations.

Overall, obtaining a temporary residence permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires careful preparation and submission of the necessary documents. However, it provides foreign nationals with legal status to live and potentially work or study in the country for a defined period of time.

Frequently Asked Questions