Residence & citizenship
Bosnian and Herzegovinian Citizenship by Naturalisation
For foreigners acquiring Bosnia and Herzegovina citizenship after long-term registered residence, with facilitated rules applying to the spouses of citizens.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Residence periods (8 years standard; ~3 years residence plus ~5 years marriage for spouses) and renunciation rules come from the Law on Citizenship; verify current thresholds against the official consolidated law.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Bosnia and Herzegovina government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Naturalisation under the Law on Citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Route type
- Citizenship / naturalisation
- Qualifying residence
- Registered permanent residence for at least 8 years (standard route)
- Minimum age
- 18 years
Who it is for
- Long-term settled residents seeking BiH citizenship.
- Spouses of BiH citizens (facilitated route).
- Emigrants and their descendants under defined rules.
Requirements
- Age 18 or over.
- Registered permanent residence in BiH for at least 8 years before applying (standard route).
- Knowledge of an official language of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- No threat to national security and no disqualifying serious criminal sentence in the qualifying period.
- Release from or renunciation of previous citizenship, unless a bilateral agreement applies.
What you can do
- Hold Bosnia and Herzegovina citizenship, with full rights of residence.
- Facilitated route for spouses: shorter residence with a qualifying marriage duration.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.