Bosnia and Herzegovina family reunification residence

Under Article 50 of the Law on Aliens, a foreigner can bring close family members if he or she holds permanent residence in BiH, temporary residence as a BiH Blue Card holder, recognised refugee status, or temporary residence for one year or longer with reasonably grounded chances of permanent residence. A foreigner on a shorter temporary residence cannot yet sponsor; the same people may, however, invite relatives for a visit.

Close family members are a spouse or common-law partner whose marriage or union is legally valid in BiH, children under 18, dependent adult children in regular education up to the age of 26, adult children unable to work who live in the same household, including adopted children and stepchildren who have not started their own family, and dependent parents.

The sponsor must have secured accommodation for himself or herself and the family members applying, must have a permanent source of income or sufficient means to support them, and must hold health insurance for both himself or herself and the applicants. The family member must also meet the general conditions for temporary residence: a passport valid three months beyond the permit, a medical certificate not older than three months and a criminal record certificate not older than six months.

Reunification is refused in the case of a marriage of convenience. The law lists signs such as spouses who do not live together, did not meet before marrying, give inconsistent personal data, do not share a language, or where money was given for the marriage other than a customary dowry. The same rules apply to common-law unions.

The family member applies in person, through a BiH embassy or consulate abroad or, if a national of a visa-free country or a Visa D holder, at the Service field office in BiH at least 15 days before the visa-free period or visa ends. Nationals of visa-free countries can therefore join a sponsor visa-free and apply in BiH. Biometric data are taken, and the Service decides within 60 days in BiH or 90 days through a mission.

Children of foreigners with residence, whether born in BiH or abroad, can receive residence for the same period as their parents. For a child born in BiH, the application must be made within 180 days of birth.

The permit is granted for the same period as the sponsor's residence, at most one year, and renewed on the same conditions between 60 and 15 days before it expires. It ends automatically if the sponsor's residence ends or is cancelled. Time spent on reunification with a foreigner counts towards permanent residence only if the sponsor's own residence ground is one that leads to permanent residence. Register your address within 48 hours of receiving the permit.

Family members of a BiH Blue Card holder are entitled to work. Other reunited family members need a work permit, but those joining a foreigner with temporary residence receive priority when work permits are allocated within the annual quota. Spouses or children of a foreigner with permanent residence can receive a work permit outside the quota.

After three years of continuous residence for family reunification, an adult family member may apply for temporary residence on another, independent ground if he or she meets its conditions. If the marriage ends, a former spouse can keep residence only in the cases listed in the law, for example custody of a minor child who is a BiH citizen.

A refusal can be appealed to the Ministry of Security within 15 days of delivery; the appeal fee is BAM 10. After a final refusal, the decision sets a period of up to 30 days to leave voluntarily.