The Reciprocity Principle
Under the Law on Property Rights of the Federation of BiH and equivalent legislation in Republika Srpska, foreign nationals can purchase real estate in Bosnia and Herzegovina only if reciprocity exists between Bosnia and their home country.
Reciprocity means: if your country allows Bosnian citizens to purchase real estate on its territory, you have the right to purchase real estate in Bosnia.
Confirmation of reciprocity is issued by the Federal Ministry of Justice (for FBiH) or the Ministry of Justice of Republika Srpska (for RS), depending on where the property is located.
Countries WITH Confirmed Reciprocity
Based on current bilateral agreements and ministry practice, nationals of the following countries can buy property in Bosnia:
EU Member States (all 27):
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Other European Countries:
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo
Americas and Pacific:
United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
Middle East and Asia:
Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Japan, Republic of Korea
Countries WITHOUT Confirmed Reciprocity
Reciprocity is not confirmed or is unclear for some African, Asian and Central Asian states. In such cases, we recommend contacting the Ministry of Justice of BiH directly for a current confirmation.
This is not necessarily a permanent situation – the status can change, and the Ministry can issue confirmation for countries not on the standard list if factual reciprocity is established.
How Is Reciprocity Proved?
The buyer submits to the notary or ministry:
- Valid passport
- Details of the property to be purchased
- The Ministry then verifies and issues written confirmation
Arimes assists foreign buyers in obtaining the reciprocity confirmation and completing the entire purchase process.
EU Citizens: The Easiest Path
EU citizens have the simplest access to buying property in Bosnia. EU policy generally ensures freedom of capital movement, meaning virtually any EU citizen can buy property in Bosnia without significant obstacles.
What if My Country Has No Reciprocity?
Without confirmed reciprocity, a direct personal purchase is legally problematic. However, some transactions are structured through a locally registered company (the buyer establishes a d.o.o. / LLC in Bosnia, which then purchases the property). This is a legal route but involves additional costs and ongoing obligations.
Contact Arimes for a free assessment of your specific situation. Visit our Foreign Nationals page to get started.