Navigating VAT in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Last Updated: November 2025

17%

The country has a single flat VAT rate (17%), no reduced or special rates

Bosnia and Herzegovina at a glance.

Standard rate

17% VAT

Digital services VAT

N/A

Mandate e-invoicing

No

Currency

Convertible mark (KM)

Zero-rated items

Zero-rated supplies in BiH include selected export-related goods and services, as well as certain financial and central-bank-related items.

VAT format

12 or 13 numeric digits long

Fiscal representation

Yes, generally required for non-residents.

Reclaiming VAT in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Foreign businesses incurring expenses in Bosnia and Herzegovina? You might be eligible for a VAT refund.

Who can reclaim?
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
0%
Accommodation
0%
Food, drink & restaurant services
0%
Hiring means of transport
0%
Fuel
17%
Public Transport
0%
Taxis
0%
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
17%
Training courses & seminars
17%
Goods
17%
Inter-company charges
17%
Office expenses
17%
Marketing costs
17%
Professional fees & AP invoices
17%
e-invoicing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

No

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

To be announced

B2B e-Invoicing model

N/A

Name of exchange infrastructure

N/A

Format(s) used

N/A

FAQs

Generally, a business will be entitled to claim a VAT refund in Bosnia and Herzegovina if it is not registered for VAT in Bosnia and Herzegovina (and thus does not have a VAT number in Bosnia and Herzegovina) and does not make taxable supplies that would be subject to VAT in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

No, photocopies and scans are allowed to be included in a claim for VAT refund in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Generally, businesses would be able to claim the following expenses as part of a VAT refund in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Diesel, Admission to fairs and exhibitions, and other general business expenses (such as professional fees).

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

Croatia
Serbia
Montenegro

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