Bosnia and Herzegovina citizenship by birth

Bosnia and Herzegovina citizenship by birth is determined by the principle of jus sanguinis, which means that citizenship is primarily acquired through one’s parents rather than by being born within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How to get citizenship by birth in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Here are some key points regarding citizenship by birth:

1. Descent. If at least one of your parents is a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the time of your birth, you are typically regarded to be a citizen by birth.
2. State Succession. If you were born in Bosnia and Herzegovina before April 1, 1992, when the nation got independence, and one of your parents was a citizen of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for citizenship based on state succession.
3. Parental Recognition. Provided you were born outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of your parents is a Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizen, you may get citizenship provided your parent acknowledges you as their child in line with the applicable legislation.
4. Registration. It is important to note that in some cases, you may need to register your birth or apply for a citizenship certificate to formally establish your Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizenship.

Documentation and Application

To establish your Bosnia and Herzegovina citizenship by birth, you may need to provide certain documentation and complete the appropriate application process. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Birth Certificate.
2. Parent’s Citizenship Documentation.
3. Identification Documents.
4. Parental Recognition (if applicable). If you were born outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of your parents is a Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizen, you may need to provide legal documentation of their recognition of your parent-child relationship according to the relevant laws.
5. Application Form. Obtain the application form for citizenship from the Ministry of Security or the designated government authority responsible for citizenship matters. Fill out the form accurately and completely.
6. Supporting Documents. Depending on your specific situation, additional supporting documents may be required. These could include marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or any other documentation necessary to establish your eligibility for citizenship by birth.
7. Submitting the Application. Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation and completed the application form, submit the application along with the supporting documents to the Ministry of Security or the designated government office. Pay any required fees and ensure that your application is submitted within the specified timeframe.
8. Processing and Decision. The authorities will review your application and supporting documents. They may request additional information or clarification if needed.
9. Citizenship Certificate. If your application is approved, you will receive a citizenship certificate that confirms your Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizenship. This certificate serves as an official proof of your citizenship status.

Dual Citizenship

Bosnia and Herzegovina generally allows dual citizenship, which means that even if you acquire citizenship of another country through birth, you can retain your Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizenship.