Nationality of Bosnia and Herzegovina: all obtaining pathways
Bosnia and Herzegovina naturalizes in three years those with permanent residency; the spouse of a citizen needs five years of marriage and three of permanent residence. Facilitated pathways exist for refugees and stateless persons, and birth citizenship is transmitted by descent, adoption included.
1Citizenship by birth and descent
Citizenship by birth and descent
Requirements
- Child born in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina when both parents are citizens of BiH, or one is unknown or stateless (art. 6-7 of the Citizenship Law)
- Child born abroad to at least one citizen of BiH
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Documents of the parent
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
2Citizenship by adoption
Citizenship by adoption
Requirements
- Minor adopted by a citizen of BiH (art. 8 of the Citizenship Law, official gazettes 4/97 and amendments)
Documentation
- Adoption record
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
3Naturalization
Naturalization
Requirements
- Be at least 18
- Permanent residency registered in the territory of BiH at least THREE (3) years before the application (reduced from the original 8 by amendment 87/13)
- Sufficient command of the script and of a language of one of the constituent peoples
- Renunciation of the previous nationality (or reasonable impossibility of renouncing)
- Permanent income and not imposing a social burden
- No threats to the security of BiH
- No criminal proceedings under way (unless it is unreasonable to demand it)
Documentation
- Form 10 application to the Service for Foreign Affairs (SFA/sps.gov.ba) or consular representation
- Residence, income and language certificates
4Facilitated naturalization (spouse of a citizen)
Facilitated naturalization (spouse of a citizen)
Requirements
- Marriage to a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina of at least FIVE (5) years still subsisting at the application date (art. 10)
- Recognized permanent residence in BiH for at least 3 years
Documentation
- Certified marriage record
- Proof of permanent residence (3 years)
5Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons
Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons
Requirements
- Residing continuously in BiH for at least 5 years as a recognized refugee or stateless person, without needing to meet all the general requirements (art. 11a)
Documentation
- Recognized status
- Proof of continuous residence
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Bosnia and Herzegovina
How many years of residence does Bosnia and Herzegovina require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Naturalization), the term is 3 years of permanent residency. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of the previous nationality (or reasonable impossibility of renouncing)
Can the nationality of Bosnia and Herzegovina be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Facilitated naturalization pathway (5 years of marriage plus 3 of permanent residency). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Bosnia and Herzegovina require?
The Naturalization pathway requires: Form 10 application to the Service for Foreign Affairs (SFA/sps.gov.ba) or consular representation; Residence, income and language certificates.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina provides 5 pathways: Citizenship by birth and descent, Citizenship by adoption, Naturalization, Facilitated naturalization, Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons.
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