Seasonal Work Permit (Sezonska radna dozvola)
Bosnia and HerzegovinaBosnia and Herzegovina•Europe
Open

Seasonal Work Permit (Sezonska radna dozvola)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost
Stay Duration

Varies (Valid for specific position and employer. Subject to annual quota system.)

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Short-term work authorization for seasonal industries such as agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, valid for up to six months within a calendar year.

The Seasonal Work Permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a specialized, short-term authorization designed to facilitate the employment of foreign nationals in industries that experience high demand during specific times of the year, such as agriculture, tourism, and construction. This permit is strictly tied to a specific employer and a defined job role, and it is issued within the framework of annual quotas established by the relevant employment authorities. Because this permit is intended to fill temporary labor shortages, the employer is required to demonstrate that no suitable local candidates are available for the position, ensuring that the hiring of a foreign worker is justified under local labor market regulations.

To obtain this permit, the applicant must have a concluded employment contract or a formal job offer that details the specific nature of the work, the duration of employment, salary, and working conditions. The employer typically assumes responsibility for the foreign worker during their stay, including covering costs related to subsistence, accommodation, food, and health insurance. The permit is generally issued for a duration of 90 to 180 days within a calendar year, and it serves as a prerequisite for the foreign worker to apply for a temporary residence permit, allowing them to legally reside and work in the country for the duration of their seasonal contract.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid seasonal employment contract or job offer

Work must be of a seasonal nature (e.g., agriculture, tourism) or a holiday replacement

Employer must be registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Must meet the age requirement (typically 18+)

Proof of accommodation and subsistence provided by the employer

Valid health insurance for the duration of the stay

Clean criminal record certificate

Valid passport

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Educational credentials

Resume/CV

Medical examination

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company registration (sponsor)

Justification letter (sponsor)

Financial evidence (sponsor)

Employment information (sponsor)

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Obtain written employment offer from Bosnian employer

2

Employer initiates process

Employer applies for work permit on behalf of employee

3

Submit to Employment Service

Application submitted to competent Employment Service (Federation BiH, Republika Srpska, or Brčko District)

4

Assessment period

Employment Service assesses need for foreign worker vs. local availability (30-60 days)

5

Work permit approval

If approved, work permit issued to employer

6

Apply for Type D visa

Employee applies for Long-Stay Visa at Bosnian embassy

7

Enter Bosnia and Herzegovina

Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Type D visa

8

Apply for residence permit

Register for temporary work residence permit at Service for Foreigners' Affairs within 30 days of arrival

Application Forms

Work Permit Application—

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