In 2025, 6,702 valid work permits were issued in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 2025, a total of 6,702 valid work permits were issued to foreign citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a total of 4,584 new work permits were issued, 2,118 were extended, and 800 permits were revoked. Within the quota, 4,456 permits were issued, of which 3,370 were for new employment and 1,086 were extensions. The quota utilization rate was 62%, of which the utilization rate for new employment was 76%, and 39% for extended work permits. At the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most work permits were issued in six sectors: construction (1,672), manufacturing (1,170), other service activities (697), wholesale and retail trade (675), accommodation and food service activities (588), and arts, entertainment, and recreation (585). Most work permits were issued to citizens of: India (933), Nepal (831), Turkey (784), Serbia (663), Bangladesh (639), and China (461).

In the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3,588 work permits were issued, of which 2,437 were for new employment and 1,151 were extended permits. The quota utilization rate in the Federation of BiH is 52%, of which the quota utilization rate for new employment is 74%, and 27% for extended work permits.

In the entity of Republika Srpska, 2,789 work permits were issued, of which 1,941 were for new employment and 848 were extended permits. The quota utilization rate is 99%, of which the quota utilization rate for both new employment and extended work permits is also 99%.

In the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 325 work permits were issued, of which 206 were for new employment and 119 were extended permits. The quota utilization rate is 20%, of which the quota utilization rate for new employment is 23%, and 13% for extended work permits.

The total annual quota of work permits for the extension and new employment of foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2026 amounts to 7,427 work permits (the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 4,500 work permits, the entity of Republika Srpska 2,000 work permits, and the Brčko District of BiH 927 work permits).

The annual quota for the extension of already issued work permits at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina amounts to 2,350 work permits (the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,500 work permits, the entity of Republika Srpska 500 work permits, and the Brčko District of BiH 350 work permits).

The annual quota of work permits for the new employment of foreigners in Bosnia and Herzegovina amounts to 5,077 work permits (the entity of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina 3,000 work permits, the entity of Republika Srpska 1,500 work permits, and the Brčko District of BiH 577 work permits).