As in every country, Bosnia and Herzegovina has regulations for foreigners entering and exiting the country. If you are staying in Bosnia and Herzegovina for educational purposes, you must regulate your residence status. The type of residence procedure you must follow depends on the duration of your stay and on whether you require a visa to enter Bosnia and Herzegovina. Please refer to the sections below for detailed information on each case.
BEFORE ARRIVAL
UPON YOUR ARRIVAL
Expected costs
Obtaining your White Card and Residence Permit involves additional costs, which include:
- White Card administrative tax – 11.90 KM (~6€) (paid via bank/post office using bank notes)
- Residence Permit tax – 150 KM (~76€) (paid via bank/post office using bank notes)
- Medical examination – 40-50€
- Health insurance (if purchased in Sarajevo) – approx. 30€
- Passport photos (35x45mm) – 5-8€ (you can bring these with you if you already have them)
- Official translations (if needed) – Cost depends on the number of documents and translation fees
- TOTAL APPROXIMATE COST: between 292 KM (~146€) and 458 KM (~235€)
Tip: Ensure your budget accordingly to cover these required fees for your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
The bank notes must be filled out correctly to ensure successful payment. Below is an explanation of how to complete it (you are entering words and numbers that are marked bold):
| Meaning of the fields: | You need to write the following: |
| UPLATIO JE (payment by): | your name, surname, address in Sarajevo and contact phone |
| SVRHA UPLATE (reason for payment): | for white card: Za prijavu boravišta u Službi for residence permit: Odobrenje privremenog boravka |
| PRIMALAC (payment to whom): | JRT Trezor BiH |
| RAČUN PRIMAOCA (account for payment): | 3380002210018390 |
| IZNOS (amount of payment): | for white card: 10,00 KM for residence permit: 150,00 KM |
| BROJ PORESKOG OBAVEZNIKA (your code): | since you are not B&H resident, you put 1111111111111 (thirteen times number 1) |
| VRSTA UPLATE: | 0 |
| VRSTA PRIHODA: | for white card: 722101 for residence permit: 722191 (in accordance to the amounts at the official website) |
| OPŠTINA (county of Sarajevo): | based on your address in Sarajevo you can be in different part of the city which have different codes: Stari Grad (109), Centar (077), Novo Sarajevo (079) or Novi Grad (108) – check with your landlord which part of city you are in. |
| POREZNI PERIOD (date of payment): | DD/MM/YYYY |
| BUDŽETSKA ORGANIZACIJA: | 2704999 |
| POZIV NA BROJ: | 0000000000 |
Do not forget to sign yourself at the „potpis nalogodavca“!
White card
What is a White Card?
A White Card is an official document that notifies the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO) of your address in Sarajevo during your stay. It is a required registration for all foreigners who will be residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina outside of hotels or hostels.
What happens if you don’t get a White Card?
If you need a White Card but fail to obtain one, you may face legal consequences. According to Article 134, Clause 5 of the “Law on Aliens”: A fine between 100 BAM (50€) and 500 BAM (250 €) shall be imposed on a foreigner who does not use accommodation services provided by a legal or physical entity and fails to register their stay under Article 103. Additionally, without a White Card, you cannot apply for a temporary residence permit. If you later decide to apply for one, you will have to exit and re-enter Bosnia and Herzegovina to complete the process, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Who Issues the White Card?
If you are staying in a hotel or hostel then the hotel/hostel should automatically register you and issue the White Card. In case you change your address from the hotel to a private accommodation, you will need to register for white card again. Make sure to request a copy for your records. However, for many staying in a student dorm or private accommodation you have to go personally to the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO) to apply for the White Card.
Once you arrive in Sarajevo and settle into your accommodation, you have 48 hours to obtain your White Card. You must submit personally to the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO) documents below:
- Copy of your passport
- Administration tax
- Proof of accommodation
How to obtain White Card?
There are several ways to obtain it:
- The quickest way to register your White Card is to go with your landlord to the Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) within the first 48 hours after your arrival. Make sure to bring your passport (the landlord should bring their ID) and proof of payment of Administration Tax. The process can be completed on the spot, and your White Card registration will be done immediately. However, please note that for the second process (Residence permit) you will need proof of accommodation.
- If your landlord cannot accompany you to the FAO, you will need to obtain certain documents, verifications, and signatures before your visit. It is highly advisable to contact your landlord before your arrival and inform them that you will need supporting documents for the White Card. The landlord can prepare them in advance, and you can collect them once you arrive. This will make the process smoother and hassle-free, saving you both time and effort. Along with your passport, you will need the following documents:
- Landlord’s identification document (ID) → a copy (verification is not required)
- Landlord’s CIPS document → an official residence document that your landlord must obtain
- Proof of accommodation
WHAT QUALIFIES AS PROOF OF ACCOMMODATION?
Note: Our office has prepared a document in local language that you can give to your landlord, so they have a clear understanding of documents needed from them.
Landlord’s statement
The statement must be verified at the Municipality Office (Opština or Općina in Bosnian) and this is where your landlord must obtain and verify the statement. In most cases, the Municipality provides an official form to fill out. Once obtained, the statement should be given to you upon your arrival so that you can take it to the FAO.
Agreement between landlord and student
This is a written agreement that confirms that the student is renting accommodation from the landlord for the duration of their stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agreement must include basic information such as the names of both parties, the address of the accommodation, the rental period, and the landlord’s signature. It serves as proof of accommodation and is required when registering the White Card and applying for a residence permit. If the agreement is issued in digital form, it must be printed and signed by the landlord. Digital versions without original signatures are not accepted by the authorities.
Alternative options
Sale and Purchase Agreement – This is a document confirming that the landlord is the legal owner of the property, based on a completed sale and purchase transaction. It can be used as proof of ownership when the standard rental agreement is not available.
Land Registry Extract (ZK Izvadak) – This official extract from the land registry confirms the legal ownership of the property and its registration in the cadastre. It is an accepted alternative proof of ownership and can support the accommodation documentation required for the White Card and residence permit procedures.
Cost breakdown
In addition, you must paid Administrative tax for the White Card. Obtaining a White Card falls under Tourist Taxation, meaning you are required to pay a 10 KM (approx. 5€) administrative fee. You cannot pay this tax directly in cash or by card at the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO). Instead, you must pay through a bank note at any post office or bank.
- Tax amount: 10 KM
- Post or bank office service charge: 1.90KM
- Total cost: 11.90 KM
After completing the payment, you will receive two stamped copies of the payment slip. You must submit one of these copies to the FAO when applying for your White Card. You must go to the Foreign Affairs Office (location: Michaela Schumachera Street 10, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina). Check Scanajevo under the category “Visa and Residence” for the locations of FAO office in Sarajevo. If you are unsure how to complete the bank notes, feel free to come to our office.
Processing Time
The White Card is issued instantly, so you will receive it on the spot once your documents are verified. It is a white A4 format document containing your personal information. You must carry it with you at all times until you submit your documents for a residence permit. Make sure to double-check all documents before visiting FAO to avoid unnecessary delays.
Residence permit
What is a Residence Permit?
The Residence Permit is an official document that regulates your stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina as an international student for the purpose and duration of your education period. It must be issued within the first one or two months of your arrival (preferably in the first month of your stay). The Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO) issues this permit in the form of a sticker in your passport.
Do I need a Residence Permit?
It is a legal requirement for everyone staying in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than 90 days.
What happens if I don’t get a Residence Permit?
Failure to regulate your stay in accordance with Bosnian law will result in severe consequences:
- You will be considered an illegal migrant and may face deportation from Bosnia and Herzegovina 🚨
- A ban on re-entering Bosnia and Herzegovina may be imposed for a minimum of one to five years 🚨
- Fines ranging from 300 KM to 1500 KM may be imposed for overstaying your visa-free period, visa, or temporary residence permit 🚨
Important to note: If you had to regulate entry visa, and it covers entire duration of your stay, you don’t need to regulate residence permit and don’t need non-criminal record. However, if your visa expires before your planned departure, you must regulate your residence permit as well, and will need the non-criminal record.
How to Get a Residence Permit?
The process is similar to obtaining the White Card. You must submit personally to the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO) all the required documents.
Make sure to check the list of required documents in advance and prepare all necessary paperwork before applying. However, to help you navigate this complex bureaucratic process smoothly, we have listed below the required documents and how to obtain them.
1. Application for issuance of approval/extension (Bos: Obrazac zahtjeva za privremeni boravak)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| To apply for your Residence Permit, you must download and complete the official application form from the Foreigner’s Affairs Office website: – Go to: www.sps.gov.ba → Documents → E-documents; – Find the document titled: Obrazac zahtjeva za privremeni boravak; – Choose your preferred format: XLS (Excel) or PDF | 🖨 Printing Instructions: The document is 2 pages long and you must print BOTH sides on ONE paper (front and back) – make sure all required information fits within a single double-sided page before printing. More than one page? INCORRECT! – Do NOT print on two separate pages (this would be incorrect!) – Sign the form before submission 💡Your Local Buddy can be very helpful in filling out the form correctly, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance! |
2. Residence Administrative fee (Bos: Administrativna taksa)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| To apply for a Residence Permit, you must pay a 150 KM (approx. 76€) administrative tax. Important Payment Instructions: ✅ You cannot pay with cash or card directly at the FAO – Payment must be made before your visit. ✅ Payment must be made via a bank note (available at any post office or bank). ✅ Keep proof of payment – After payment, you will receive two copies of the payment slip (one to give to FAO and one for you). ✅ Attach proof of payment to the rest of your documents when submitting your application. | Please note that the post office will charge an additional 1.90 KM service fee, bringing the total amount to 151.90 KM (if you pay in bank, it can be several KM more). After completing the payment, you will receive two stamped copies of the payment slip, which serve as your proof of payment and must be presented during your appointment. You must attach one copy of the payment slip to your residence permit application documents for submission to the FAO. -> Instructions how to fill in a bank note |
3. Recent photo
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| The required photo format is similar to a passport photo. 📏 Size approx: 35 x 45 mm 📌 If you do not have a recent photo, you can have it taken in Sarajevo for approximately 5-8 €. 📍 Where to get it? Any photo shop can provide passport-style photos. A good place to check is around Skenderija Square. Make sure your photo meets the official standards before submitting your application! | 📌Check Scanajevo (Under Visa and Residence) to find the photo shops for quicker action. |
4. Copy of passport
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| ✅ You must make copies of your page with personal information and page with stamp of entry Make sure to have two copies of your passport. 📌 DO NOT take a photo of your passport and then print it. Copy your passport through copy machine. | 📌 Recommendation: We highly recommend always carrying an extra copy of your passport with you for safety and convenience. |
5. Copy of form of registration of alien’s residence – „white card“ (Bos: Bijeli karton)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| The White Card is a white document that you received when you registered your stay at the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO). | 📌 Keep this document with you at all times until you submit your Residence Permit application. |
6. Copy of last decision/notice
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This does not apply to you! You do not need this if you are applying for a residence permit for the first time. | 📌 If you are extending your stay (prolonging your mobility), then you must provide your previous residence permit certificate as part of your application. |
7. Certificate on enrollment at the educational institution for current academic year (Bos: Potvrda o upisu na univerzitet u tekućoj akademskoj godini)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This document will be issued by your host faculty coordinator at the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) upon your arrival – not before. 📌 Important details: ✅It will be a single document combining information for requested documents under 7, 8, and 9. ✅ Issued in the local language (Bosnian) ✅ Includes your personal data, admission details, duration of stay, and proof of funding | 📌 Make sure your status in the certificate is mentioned as „redovan“ |
8. Certificate certifying that an alien participate in program of students exchange or mobility of youth (Bos: Potvrda da je stranac dio obrazovnog programa mobilnosti)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This document will be issued by your host faculty coordinator at the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) upon your arrival – not before. 📌 Important details: ✅It will be a single document combining information for requested documents under 7, 8, and 9. ✅ Issued in the local language (Bosnian) ✅ Includes your personal data, admission details, duration of stay, and proof of funding | ✅ If you are not coming through Erasmus+, make sure to put the title of the another program or just freemover. |
9. Evidence on means for subsitence (Bos: Potvrda o finansijskoj podršci studenta)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This document will be issued by your host faculty coordinator at the University of Sarajevo (UNSA) upon your arrival – not before. 📌 Important details: ✅It will be a single document combining information for requested documents under 7, 8, and 9. ✅ Issued in the local language (Bosnian) ✅ Includes your personal data, admission details, duration of stay, and proof of funding | ✅ If you are not coming through Erasmus+, make sure to provide proof of funding to your unit’s coordinator before the document is issued (document stating your scholarship amount or prrof of funds on your bank account which must be 200€ per month or more). |
10. Certificate on passed exam
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This does not apply to you! You do not need this if you are applying for a residence permit for the first time. | 📌 If you are extending your stay (prolonging your mobility), then you must provide your transcript of records as part of your prolongation application. 📌 Transcript of records is issued by the host unit coordinator at the University of Sarajevo |
11. Medical attestation (Bos: Potvrda o medicinskom statusu stranca)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| All international students must undergo a medical examination as part of the residence permit application. 📌 Key details: ✅ Where? Any approved clinic in Sarajevo ✅ Estimated cost: 40-50 € ✅ Keep your medical examination results – you will need them for your application. ✅ Issued in the local language (Bosnian). ✅ Your Local Buddy can be very helpful in guiding you to the right clinic and assisting with the process. | Previous generations of international students have used private clinics which is familiar with the Erasmus+ program and provide necessary documents for the residence permit regulation: medical exam + insurance. ✅ Medical examination – required for the residence permit (certificate issued directly in Bosnian). ✅ Health insurance option – it has been recommended to purchase your insurance in Sarajevo which covers your stay (check more details at the point 12 – evidence on secured health insurance). Package option – For the fee of 80-100€, you can obtain both documents: Medical attestation and Health insurance. Both documents will be in Bosnian and valid for residence permit regulation. This can simplify the process and save time, so consider this option if you still need to arrange health insurance for your stay. In this case, you do not need health insurance from your home country, but only travel. |
12. Evidence on secured health insurance (Bos: Dokaz o zdravstvenom osiguranju stranca)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| 📌 It is mandatory to obtain insurance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it provides the necessary coverage during your stay and is accepted as a valid document for regulating your residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You may also use your home-country insurance as additional insurance, but it must follow the steps below: ✅ The original insurance document must be printed, signed, and stamped by the issuing authority. Digital documents and digital signatures are NOT accepted in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ✅ If the document is not originally issued in one of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian), it must be officially translated before submission (translation can be done in Sarajevo). 📌 You must submit both the original document and its translation into Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian. | Previous generations of international students have used private clinics in Sarajevo which is familiar with the Erasmus+ program and the residence permit requirements for international students. Package option – For the fee of 80-100€, you can obtain both documents: Medical attestation and Health insurance. Both documents will be in Bosnian and valid for residence permit regulation. This can simplify the process and save time, so consider this option if you still need to arrange health insurance for your stay. In this case, you do not need health insurance from your home country, but only travel. |
14. Evidence that no criminal proceeding is being conducted issued by the competent court in BiH
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This does not apply to you! You do not need this if you are applying for a residence permit for the first time. | 📌 If you are extending your stay (prolonging your mobility), you will need to provide your previous residence permit certificate as part of your application. |
15. Evidence on secured accommodation in B&H (Bos: Dokaz o obezbjeđenom smještaju u BiH)
| How to get it? | 📌Note the following |
|---|---|
| This will be the statement from your landlord or agreement with your landlord that you previously used to obtain your White Card. 📌 Ensure that you have a copy, as it is required for the residence permit application. |
Final steps: Submitting your residence permit application: After collecting all required documents (listed from 1-15), you must visit the Foreigner’s Affairs Office (FAO) to apply for your Residence Permit. Do not forget to check it once more with the International Relations Office to make sure you are submitting all correct documents. You must go to the Foreign Affairs Office (location: Michaela Schumachera Street 10, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina). Check Scanajevo under the category “Visa and Residence” for the locations of FAO office in Sarajevo (it is the same office where you got your White Card).
Important Notes: The residence permit sticker (which goes into your passport) is NOT issued instantly in most cases. However, you will receive a document stating that you have started the process, which can be used to prove your legal status in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this document, you can relax and wait until the FAO calls you to pick up your residence permit sticker. If your documents are in English or another language, you must provide an official translation in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian, along with the original document.
💡 Tip: Keep a copy of all your documents and be prepared for potential follow-up visits!