Bosnia and Herzegovina Citizenship & Second Passport Guide
Balkans
🛂 Passport Rank: #50
✈️ Visa-Free Countries: 120
💰 Tax System: territorial
🗺️ Pathways: 1
Overview
Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a straightforward path to citizenship by descent for those with familial ties, particularly to prevent statelessness. This is the most accessible route for individuals with Bosnian heritage, providing immediate citizenship.
Citizenship Pathways
Citizenship by Descent
Cost: Minimal fees
Timeline: 0.0 years
Presence Required: None required
Automatic citizenship for individuals born to at least one Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizen, regardless of birth location, especially if it prevents statelessness. This is a direct and immediate path to citizenship for those with heritage.
Step-by-Step Process
Citizenship by Descent
: Gather all required documents (birth certificates, parent's BiH citizenship proof, etc.).
— 1-3 months (depending on document availability) — 50-300 EUR (for document acquisition/legalization)
: Submit the application to the BiH embassy/consulate in your country or relevant local authority.
— 1-2 weeks (for submission and initial review) — 50-150 EUR (application fee)
: Respond to any requests for additional information or clarification from authorities.
— Ongoing during processing — Variable (for translations, notarizations)
: Receive citizenship decision and obtain BiH birth certificate and ID/passport.
— 3-6 months (after submission) — 50-100 EUR (for passport/ID issuance)
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Automatic citizenship for descendants
No residency requirement for descent
Low application fees
Access to EU potential in future
Cultural connection to heritage
Challenges
Complex bureaucracy for document verification
Limited economic opportunities currently
Political instability can be a concern
Passport strength is moderate
Language barrier for non-speakers
Requirements
Birth Certificate — Original or certified copy, apostilled/legalized.
Parent's BiH Citizenship Proof — Birth certificate, old passport, or citizenship certificate of Bosnian parent.
Marriage Certificate (if applicable) — For parents, if relevant to lineage, apostilled/legalized.
Application Form — Completed and signed, obtained from embassy/consulate or local office.
Proof of Identity — Valid passport or national ID, notarized copy.
Tax System
System: territorial
Bosnia and Herzegovina operates on a territorial tax system. Residents are taxed on income earned within BiH, while foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed unless remitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hold dual citizenship?
Yes, BiH generally allows dual citizenship, especially for those acquiring it by descent, but check specific bilateral agreements.
Is there a language requirement for citizenship by descent?
No, there is no language proficiency requirement for citizenship acquired through descent.
How long does the process take?
Typically 3-6 months, but can vary based on document verification and administrative load.