How to Apply for Bosnian Citizenship from Australia

Bosnian citizenship offers Australian residents with Bosnian ancestry a unique opportunity to formalize their connection to their homeland while enjoying benefits like visa-free travel, property ownership rights, and potentially simpler paths to residing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you’re among the thousands of Australians with Bosnian heritage considering this important step, our detailed guide will help you understand eligibility pathways, required documentation, and how to navigate the application process from Australia.

Eligibility for Bosnian Citizenship

Qualifying for Bosnian citizenship depends on your personal circumstances and connection to Bosnia and Herzegovina. These are the primary routes to citizenship:

1. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis) – The most common pathway for Australians with Bosnian ancestry. You may be eligible if:
   • Both of your parents were citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time of your birth;
   • One of your parents was a citizen of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time of your birth and you were born in Bosnia;
   • One of your parents was a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time of your birth and you don’t have any other citizenship;
   • If you were born overseas, and one of your parents was a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time of your birth, provided that you have submitted a citizenship application by the time you are 23 years old.
2. Citizenship by Birth – All persons born in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina are granted Bosnian citizenship by constitutional right.
3. Citizenship by Marriage – Spouses of Bosnian citizens may acquire citizenship after meeting certain residency and marriage duration requirements.
4. Citizenship by Naturalisation – May be acquired after 8 years of legal residency in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with meeting language, character, and other statutory requirements.

Please note that we are not Migration Agents, nor giving any migration advice, and that we encourage you to contact your local Bosnian embassy or consulate for more information.

Required Documents

All documents in English must be translated by an official translator into Bosnian. At Balkan Translations, we specialize in translating citizenship application documents and can help ensure your paperwork meets all requirements.

Important: All official Australian documents must have an Apostille stamp. This verification confirms that your document is official and the contents are authentic. Apostille stamps should be obtained before submitting your documents for translation, as the stamp itself must also be translated into Bosnian.

You can obtain an Apostille stamp by contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through their Notarial Services here. You can book an appointment or send your documents by post through the Australian Passport Office website here.

Citizenship where both parents are Bosnian citizens

Below is a list of documents typically required when applying for Bosnian citizenship by descent through both parents:

1. Translated Birth Certificate with Apostille Stamp – A certified copy of your Australian or New Zealand birth certificate with an Apostille stamp affixed to it. Both the certificate and the stamp must be translated into one of the three official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. Proof of Your Citizenship – You will need to present a certified copy of a valid Australian passport or Certificate of Citizenship to prove your current citizenship.
   ○ Handy Tip: This Certified Copy must be done by a Justice of the Peace.
3. Proof of Your Parent’s citizenship – You will need to present a certified copy of a valid Bosnian passport or Certificate of Citizenship to prove that your parents are Bosnian citizens.
   ○ Handy Tip: This Certified Copy must be done by a Justice of the Peace.
4. Completed Application Form – Available through the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canberra here: Predmet: Zahtjev za naknadnim upisom u MKR građana BiH
   ○ Handy Tip: The application form must be completed in one of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We can help translate this document for you!

Citizenship only one parent is a Bosnian citizen

If only one of your parents is a Bosnian citizens, then the requirements to apply for citizenship are slightly different. In addition to the above list, you must also:

1. Be under 23 years of age when applying.
2. Provide a Certified Copy of ID for the non-Bosnian parent – This has to be a valid passport of which a Justice of the Peace has made a certified copy.
3. Proof of registration in the Register of Births – You will need to demonstrate that you’ve been registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This can only be done up to the age of 23 via this pathway.

Where to Apply in Australia

Bosnian citizenship applications in Australia can be made via the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canberra.

The Embassy serves all Australian residents. Your application should include the relevant completed form, all original documents, all translations and proof of payment.

Additional Requirements for Bosnian Citizenship

1. Application Fees – Administrative fees apply to all citizenship applications. These fees vary based on the application type and processing location. Current fee information is available from the Embassy directly.
2. Processing Timeframe – Bosnian citizenship applications typically take between 12-24 months to process completely, depending on the complexity of your case and your eligibility category.

○ Handy Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of all submitted documents for your records. This can be invaluable if follow-up questions arise during the processing period or if any documents need to be resubmitted.

Additional Considerations

1. Dual Citizenship Benefits – Australia permits dual citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the full rights and privileges of both Australian and Bosnian citizenship simultaneously.
2. Cultural Connection – Bosnian citizenship provides a formal recognition of your heritage and deepens your connection to Bosnia’s rich cultural traditions, history, and language.
3. Economic Opportunities – As a Bosnian citizen, you gain the right to work, invest, and own property in Bosnia without restriction, opening doors to business and investment opportunities in a developing market with growth potential.
4. Regional Advantages – Bosnia and Herzegovina offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries. As a candidate country for EU membership, Bosnian citizenship may provide expanded travel and residency rights throughout Europe in the future.

Final Thoughts

Applying for Bosnian citizenship from Australia is a significant step toward reconnecting with your roots. While the process may seem complex, careful preparation and a clear understanding of the legal requirements can help make your journey smoother. Ensuring all documents are accurately completed, officially translated, and properly authenticated is key to avoiding delays.

Since citizenship laws and application procedures can evolve, it’s always best to verify the most up-to-date information through the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Canberra or official government websites. This ensures you’re working with accurate requirements and timelines.

Need help with translations? Our team at Balkan Translations provides NAATI certified services to ensure your documents are professionally translated and meet the necessary legal standards for your Bosnian citizenship application.