Bosnia and Herzegovina spouse visa and residence for spouses of citizens

The spouse or common-law partner of a BiH citizen with residence in BiH counts as a close family member, provided the marriage or union is legally valid in BiH. The citizen spouse must have secured accommodation, have a permanent source of income or sufficient means of subsistence, and hold health insurance for both partners. The foreign spouse must also meet the general conditions for temporary residence, including a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate from the country of origin.

Residence is refused if the authorities conclude that the marriage was concluded for personal gain. Signs listed in the Law on Aliens include not living together, not having met before the marriage, inconsistent personal information, no common language, or payment for the marriage other than a customary dowry.

The Service's checklist PB-1.1 asks for the marriage certificate (from the BiH register of marriages not older than six months, or a foreign certificate on the international form or with a certified translation), a citizenship certificate of the BiH spouse not older than six months, the BiH spouse's certificate of registered residence, a statement on living in a common household, and a guarantee statement certified by a municipality or notary in which the BiH spouse undertakes to cover all costs of the stay, medical treatment and any removal.

The guarantee is supported by proof of income: cash or bank statements, a pension slip, an employment certificate or contract, card payment means, or income from real estate or investments. Health insurance must cover both spouses. All foreign documents are submitted in the original or as certified copies with a translation into an official language of BiH.

The foreign spouse applies in person through a BiH embassy or consulate, or, as a national of a visa-free country or after entering on a Visa D, at the Service field office in BiH no later than 15 days before the visa-free period or visa ends. Biometric data are taken. The Service decides within 60 days in BiH and within 90 days through a mission, and an applicant who filed in time in BiH may stay until the final decision.

The permit is granted for up to one year and renewed on the same conditions 60 to 15 days before expiry; for renewals the medical certificate is usually not needed, but a BiH certificate of no criminal proceedings is. If the marriage ends during the permit, the former spouse can renew only in the cases listed in the law: custody of a minor BiH citizen child, the death of the BiH spouse where the foreigner has a right to work or own means, or pending divorce proceedings deciding custody of such a child.

After five years of continuous temporary residence you can apply for permanent residence, which needs knowledge of one of the official languages and costs BAM 200. Register your address within 48 hours of receiving each permit.

The Law on Aliens gives a foreigner with temporary residence based on marriage or common-law union with a BiH citizen the right to employment without a work permit. The same applies to a foreigner with residence as the guardian of a minor BiH citizen.

A refusal, for example on suspicion of a marriage of convenience, can be appealed to the Ministry of Security within 15 days of delivery. A final refusal sets a voluntary departure period of no more than 30 days.