For those seeking an accurate overview of the typical costs involved in creating and maintaining a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2025, this article presents clear, precise figures based exclusively on credible national sources. The focus is on the limited liability company, known locally as “Društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću (d.o.o.)”, as it is the standard legal entity for business operations.
Company Creation Costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2025)
The process of registering a d.o.o. in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires navigating several administrative and legal steps. Total average direct costs for formal registration are generally around 1,200 BAM (Bosnia and Herzegovina convertible mark), including all mandatory government and associated professional fees. The breakdown below details the typical cost elements involved:
| Cost Item | Amount (BAM) | Amount (USD)* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1,000 BAM | $550 (rate: 1 BAM ≈ $0.55) |
| Court registration fee | 50 BAM | $27.50 |
| Publication in Official Gazette | 50 BAM | $27.50 |
| Notary fees (founding act registration) | 70 BAM | $38.50 |
| Lawyer fees (standard d.o.o. incorporation) | 30 BAM | $16.50 |
| Total (excluding minimum capital) | 200 BAM | $110 |
| Total (including minimum capital) | 1,200 BAM | $660 |
*USD conversions are based on an approximate exchange rate of 1 BAM = $0.55 as of 2025. Actual rates may vary on transaction day.
It should be noted that the minimum capital requirement (1,000 BAM) is a statutory deposit and not a fee; it remains as company equity after incorporation.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs
Once a d.o.o. is incorporated, maintaining compliance and proper operations generates annual fixed and optional costs. For 2025, the typical yearly maintenance expenses range from a minimum of 600 BAM ($330) for a small or inactive entity to around 1,500 BAM ($825) for modestly active businesses relying on external professionals.
| Annual Expense Item | Average Annual Amount (BAM) | Average Annual Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual court/company registry fee | 50 BAM | $27.50 |
| Mandatory accounting services (small company) | 500 BAM | $275 |
| Tax filing fees (if outsourced) | 50 BAM | $27.50 |
| Lawyer/consultant retainer (optional, average) | 100 BAM | $55 |
| Other admin fees (bank, compliance, etc.) | 100 BAM | $55 |
| Typical annual total | 600–1,500 BAM | $330–$825 |
Mandatory accounting is the main expense, and all registered d.o.o. are required to submit annual financial reports and tax filings. Outsourcing to a professional firm is standard even for dormant companies. Additional legal or consulting retainers are advisable, especially when dealing with regulatory changes or compliance issues.
Official References
- Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Government
- Agency for the Promotion of Foreign Investment of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Pro Tips for Managing Company Formation & Costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Budget for both creation and annual maintenance expenses, as the smallest ongoing obligations (accounting, registry fees) cannot be avoided even for inactive companies.
- Initiate the registration process with documents pre-prepared by a qualified professional, which often reduces notary and legal fees and shortens processing times.
- If your operations remain modest, negotiate accounting fees based on actual transaction volume rather than blanket package rates.
- Deposit the minimum capital only once—unlike fees, this amount forms your company’s starting assets and can later be used for operational purposes.
- Regularly monitor updates to business law via official ministry websites to avoid missed compliance deadlines or fee increases.
Setting up a standard d.o.o. in Bosnia and Herzegovina is straightforward in terms of procedure, with transparent and relatively modest cost requirements compared to many European systems. Average registration totals around 1,200 BAM ($660), with yearly maintenance typically under 1,500 BAM ($825) for routine activity. Consistent review of official government resources ensures ongoing compliance and keeps expense forecasts realistic.