Bosnia grants thousands of work permits to foreign nationals

The utilization rate of the quota for approved work permits for foreign nationals in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 stood at 62 percent.

Of this, 76 percent of the quota for new employment was filled, and 39 percent for extended work permits, CE Report quotes FENA.

According to data from the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the quota utilization rate in the Federation of BiH was 52 percent, with 74 percent filled for new employment and 27 percent for extended work permits.

In that entity, 3,588 work permits were issued in 2025, of which 2,437 were for new employment and 1,151 were extensions.

The quota utilization rate in Republika Srpska was 99 percent, with both new employment and extended work permits also at 99 percent.

In that entity, 2,789 work permits were issued, including 1,941 for new employment and 848 extensions.

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

In total, 6,702 valid work permits were issued to foreign nationals in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025.

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, including 3,370 for new employment and 1,086 extensions.

The highest number of work permits was issued in six sectors: construction (1,672), manufacturing (1,170), other service activities (697), trade (675), accommodation and food services (588), and arts, entertainment and recreation (585).

The largest number of work permits was issued to nationals of India (933), Nepal (831), Turkey (784), Serbia (663), Bangladesh (639), and China (461).