Work permit renewal in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Renewing a work permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an administrative process managed through local employment services and the Service for Foreigners' Affairs. It requires the employer to initiate the request for a permit extension before the current document expires to maintain legal residency and employment authorization.
Applicants are generally advised to begin the renewal process at least 30 to 60 days before the current permit expires. This lead time accounts for administrative processing at the employment bureau and the subsequent application for an extended temporary residence permit.
Start 45 days ahead
Processing times vary significantly between cantons and depend on the current volume of requests at both the local employment bureau and the immigration office.
The process
- 1The employer obtains a certificate from the local employment bureau confirming the vacancy or the existing employment contract status.
- 2The employer submits an application for the extension of the work permit to the relevant cantonal employment office.
- 3Once the updated work permit is approved, apply for an extension of the temporary residence permit at the local field office of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
- 4Provide proof of housing and updated documentation to the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.
- 5Collect the renewed residence permit once the application has been processed and approved.
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Current work permit
- Employment contract or proof of ongoing employment
- Proof of health insurance
- Registration of temporary residence (address)
- Completed application forms provided by the local authorities
Who handles it
Služba za poslove sa strancima (Service for Foreigners' Affairs) / Zavod za zapošljavanje (Employment Bureau)
Fees for work permit extensions vary by canton and according to the specific type of employment. Applicants should confirm current administrative fees directly with their local cantonal employment bureau.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failure to renew the work permit before the current one expires may lead to a loss of residency status.
- Rules and required documentation can vary between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, and the Brčko District.
- Discrepancies in the employer's tax or contribution payments can result in an immediate rejection of the renewal application.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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