Bosnia and Herzegovina: all programs

Bosnia and Herzegovina at a glance

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a mountainous Balkan country with a short Adriatic coastline at Neum and a population of about 3.2 million. The capital is Sarajevo, and other large cities are Banja Luka, Tuzla and Mostar. Since the war of the 1990s the country has consisted of two entities - the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska - plus the Brčko District, each with its own taxes and many of its own laws.

The country attracts with low prices, low taxes, mountains and ski resorts near the capital and visa-free entry for Russian citizens. Since 2022 Bosnia and Herzegovina has been a European Union candidate. The currency is the convertible mark, firmly pegged to the euro.

History and government

The medieval Kingdom of Bosnia became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, the territory passed to Austro-Hungarian administration in 1878, and in the 20th century it became part of Yugoslavia. After Yugoslavia's break-up the country went through the 1992-1995 war, ended by the Dayton Agreement. Under it, supreme power is shared by a three-member presidency - Bosniak, Serb and Croat - and a High Representative of the international community oversees implementation.

How to move in 2026

Russian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, and border guards may ask for the purpose of the trip and proof of accommodation. Bosnia and Herzegovina has no citizenship by investment programme. Dual citizenship is possible only with countries that have an agreement, so Russian citizens usually have to renounce their prior citizenship for a passport. The passport allows visa-free travel to the Schengen area. More on the page Citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Taxes

Income tax in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which includes Sarajevo, is 10%, and 8% in Republika Srpska. Corporate tax is 10% and VAT 17% nationwide. Buying a home in the Federation incurs a 5% transaction tax. Besides tax, employees and employers pay pension and health contributions. More on the page Taxes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Property

Foreigners buy apartments and houses in Bosnia and Herzegovina on reciprocity with their own country; a notary certifies the deal and the land register records it. Title checks before buying are essential, as post-war housing disputes remain in some areas. A purchase alone gives the right to temporary residence only exceptionally and with a real link to the country. Prices in Sarajevo and Mostar are well below neighbouring Croatia.

Cost of living

The rate is 1.95583 marks per euro, about 1.75 marks per dollar in early October 2026. Food, restaurants and services are cheaper than in most European Union countries, while imported goods cost about as much as in neighbouring countries.

Where to live

• Sarajevo - the capital with its Old Town, Austro-Hungarian centre and surrounding mountains. More in the Sarajevo guide.
• Banja Luka - the capital of Republika Srpska, a calm green city.
• Mostar - the old bridge, a warm climate and proximity to the sea.
• Neum - the country's only Adriatic resort.

Practicalities

• Climate. Snowy winters and warm summers; Sarajevo has winter smog, and southern Herzegovina is warmer.
• Language. Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian are close variants of one language, easy for Russian speakers to start understanding.
• Transport. Trams, trolleybuses and buses in Sarajevo; a car is handier for travel around the country.
• Leisure. The Jahorina and Bjelašnica ski resorts half an hour from Sarajevo, rafting rivers and waterfalls.

Who Bosnia and Herzegovina suits

The country suits those looking for an inexpensive European base with visa-free entry for Russian citizens, remote workers and entrepreneurs who value low taxes, and those ready for a long path to a passport with visa-free Schengen travel. The downsides are the complex state structure, a small job market, winter smog in Sarajevo and renouncing prior citizenship on naturalisation. Murblz specialists choose the residence basis, register companies and prepare documents. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.