Citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina: a hidden opportunity for access to the EU
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Bosnia is an EU candidate country with visa-free access to the Schengen Area. How to obtain citizenship, what it offers today, and what it could unlock after EU accession — explained by Visa Dan.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is rarely discussed in the context of second citizenship. It is often overshadowed by more “popular” destinations such as Romania, Mexico, or Israel. Yet the passport of this Balkan country provides visa-free access to the Schengen Area, offers the possibility of living in a country with a low cost of living, and — most importantly — carries real strategic potential: Bosnia is an official candidate for European Union membership. That changes the equation.
Let’s examine what this pathway offers today and what long-term prospects it may provide for those viewing Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as a strategic move.
Let’s examine what this pathway offers today and what long-term prospects it may provide for those viewing Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as a strategic move.
What the Bosnia and Herzegovina passport offers today
As of 2026, the Bosnia and Herzegovina passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 124 countries, including the Schengen states. Bosnian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen Area since 2010.
This is a significant advantage for nationals of countries where obtaining a Schengen visa has become increasingly difficult. A Bosnian citizen may enter France, Germany, Austria, and other Schengen countries without visa queues or refusal risks.
Another key factor: Bosnia offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to most European countries. This makes it an attractive option for permanent residence, particularly for individuals engaged in international activities.
This is a significant advantage for nationals of countries where obtaining a Schengen visa has become increasingly difficult. A Bosnian citizen may enter France, Germany, Austria, and other Schengen countries without visa queues or refusal risks.
Another key factor: Bosnia offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to most European countries. This makes it an attractive option for permanent residence, particularly for individuals engaged in international activities.
Bosnia as an EU candidate: real horizon or distant prospect?
This is the central question for those considering Bosnian citizenship as a long-term strategic instrument.
The European Union officially granted Bosnia and Herzegovina EU candidate status in December 2022. In March 2024, all 27 EU leaders agreed in principle to open accession negotiations with BiH.
Once Bosnia joins the EU, its citizens will automatically gain full EU citizenship rights: freedom of movement, residence, and employment across member states. In other words, someone who obtains a Bosnian passport today could, in the future, hold an EU passport without additional procedures.
A realistic caveat: according to various experts and political analysts, even in an optimistic scenario, Bosnia’s accession is unlikely before 2030. Given internal political complexities, this timeline may shift further. Bosnia has not yet opened negotiation chapters with the EU, unlike Montenegro or Serbia.
This is a long-term strategy, not a short-term solution.
Expert advice: If your goal is immediate EU citizenship, consider Romania (via repatriation) or Lithuania (by ancestry). If you are comfortable with a 5–10 year horizon and want to secure a position in Europe in advance, Bosnia deserves careful consideration. Visa Dan specialists can help compare options based on your individual case.
The European Union officially granted Bosnia and Herzegovina EU candidate status in December 2022. In March 2024, all 27 EU leaders agreed in principle to open accession negotiations with BiH.
Once Bosnia joins the EU, its citizens will automatically gain full EU citizenship rights: freedom of movement, residence, and employment across member states. In other words, someone who obtains a Bosnian passport today could, in the future, hold an EU passport without additional procedures.
A realistic caveat: according to various experts and political analysts, even in an optimistic scenario, Bosnia’s accession is unlikely before 2030. Given internal political complexities, this timeline may shift further. Bosnia has not yet opened negotiation chapters with the EU, unlike Montenegro or Serbia.
This is a long-term strategy, not a short-term solution.
Expert advice: If your goal is immediate EU citizenship, consider Romania (via repatriation) or Lithuania (by ancestry). If you are comfortable with a 5–10 year horizon and want to secure a position in Europe in advance, Bosnia deserves careful consideration. Visa Dan specialists can help compare options based on your individual case.
How to obtain citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. Naturalization — The Standard Route
Standard naturalization requires at least 8 years of legal residence in the country, including 3 years as a permanent resident.
Additional requirements:
The path begins with obtaining a residence permit. Bosnia offers residence permits through property purchase (no minimum investment threshold), employment, business registration, or family reunification — making entry relatively accessible.
2. Citizenship Through Marriage
Citizenship through marriage is possible after 3 years of official marriage and at least 1 year of joint residence in the country.
Marriage does not grant automatic citizenship — a simplified naturalization procedure still applies.
3. Citizenship by Descent
If at least one parent is a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the child is entitled to citizenship regardless of birthplace.
Applications may be submitted until the age of 23. This route is particularly relevant for descendants of the Bosnian diaspora in Russia, Germany, the United States, and Australia.
Standard naturalization requires at least 8 years of legal residence in the country, including 3 years as a permanent resident.
Additional requirements:
- Passing a language exam (Bosnian, Serbian, or Croatian) at a minimum B1 level
- Stable income
- Clean criminal record
The path begins with obtaining a residence permit. Bosnia offers residence permits through property purchase (no minimum investment threshold), employment, business registration, or family reunification — making entry relatively accessible.
2. Citizenship Through Marriage
Citizenship through marriage is possible after 3 years of official marriage and at least 1 year of joint residence in the country.
Marriage does not grant automatic citizenship — a simplified naturalization procedure still applies.
3. Citizenship by Descent
If at least one parent is a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the child is entitled to citizenship regardless of birthplace.
Applications may be submitted until the age of 23. This route is particularly relevant for descendants of the Bosnian diaspora in Russia, Germany, the United States, and Australia.
Important nuance: renunciation of previous citizenship
Bosnian legislation permits dual citizenship only with a limited number of countries. Official agreements exist only with Serbia, Croatia, and Sweden.
Foreign nationals from other countries — including CIS states — are generally required to renounce their previous citizenship when acquiring Bosnian nationality.
For Russian citizens, renunciation of Russian citizenship is a major decision requiring careful evaluation. Therefore, the Bosnian pathway must be considered within the context of an overall immigration strategy.
If you are unsure whether this option suits your situation, book a free consultation with Visa Dan — we will assess your case and propose the optimal route.
Foreign nationals from other countries — including CIS states — are generally required to renounce their previous citizenship when acquiring Bosnian nationality.
For Russian citizens, renunciation of Russian citizenship is a major decision requiring careful evaluation. Therefore, the Bosnian pathway must be considered within the context of an overall immigration strategy.
If you are unsure whether this option suits your situation, book a free consultation with Visa Dan — we will assess your case and propose the optimal route.
Is Bosnia worth considering as a pathway to the EU today?
Bosnian citizenship is not a fast track — it is a deliberate long-term position.
It makes sense for:
This means the current window may be more favorable than future conditions.
It makes sense for:
- Individuals ready for genuine relocation and residence in Bosnia
- Descendants eligible for citizenship by origin
- Those building a 7–10 year strategy to secure a foothold in Europe before accession rules potentially tighten
This means the current window may be more favorable than future conditions.
Conclusion
Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an obvious choice — but it is a strategically sound one for long-term planners.
Today, the passport provides visa-free Schengen access and affordable European living. Its EU candidate status transforms it into a potential gateway to future EU citizenship.
The key is understanding that this is an 8+ year pathway — not an express solution.
If you would like to evaluate whether Bosnia fits into your strategy — or compare parallel options — contact Visa Dan. We will help build a migration plan tailored to your goals.
Today, the passport provides visa-free Schengen access and affordable European living. Its EU candidate status transforms it into a potential gateway to future EU citizenship.
The key is understanding that this is an 8+ year pathway — not an express solution.
If you would like to evaluate whether Bosnia fits into your strategy — or compare parallel options — contact Visa Dan. We will help build a migration plan tailored to your goals.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!