Sole Proprietorship (Obrt) Registration in Sarajevo

1. How much does it cost to open an obrt and what are the monthly running costs?

Start-up costs:

Monthly costs depend on the taxation method, contributions, possible VAT, bookkeeping, fiscalisation and other obligations, so it is best to make an individual estimate before opening. Amounts are approximate and may differ.

2. How long does it take to open an obrt?

From collecting the documents to receiving the decision, being assigned the ID number and completing the other initial procedures, it takes approximately 15–30 days. The duration depends on the competent institutions and the completeness of the documentation.

3. Can I open an obrt if I am already employed?

Yes. An employed person can register an obrt as a supplementary or additional occupation, provided the legal requirements are met. For a supplementary occupation, the owner carries out the obrt personally, for a maximum of 20 hours per week. For an additional occupation, the obrt is carried out through an obrt manager who must be employed by the owner and meet the prescribed requirements.

Pensioners are not subject to the 20-hour weekly limit for a supplementary occupation.

4. Can I open an obrt if I am a student or unemployed?

An unemployed person can register an obrt if they meet the general and special requirements for the specific activity. For students, the specific status and the regulations on the activity and insurance should be checked. Full-time student status should not automatically be treated as a ban on registering an obrt without checking the applicable regulations.

5. Do I need separate business premises or can I work from home?

For certain activities, operating from residential premises is permitted. This depends on the type of activity and the conditions prescribed for it. Before registering, check whether the chosen activity can be carried out at your home address.

6. What if my obrt has no income? Do I still have to pay contributions?

If the obrt is registered as your main occupation, contribution obligations do not stop automatically just because there is no income. If you do not plan to actively run the obrt, see the answer to the next question about dormancy and closing an obrt.

7. How do I close an obrt or put it on hold?

To stop carrying out an obrt, the first step is to contact the competent municipal service. After that, you need to deregister the ID number with the tax administration and deregister the owner using form JS3100. An obrt can be put on hold by application to the municipal service, but while the suspension lasts the owner cannot register with the employment bureau, which means health insurance is not available to them.

8. Can a freelancer or IT professional work through an obrt and invoice clients abroad?

Yes, it is possible to provide services to clients abroad through an obrt. When registering the activity, the sole proprietor should mark foreign trade operations. Use a foreign currency account to receive payments from abroad.

9. Do I need an accountant or can I keep the business books myself?

A sole proprietor can keep the business books themselves if they meet their legal obligations and ensure that business events are recorded correctly and the required returns are filed. Even so, engaging an accounting agency can be more practical and safer, especially because of tax deadlines, contributions and possible penalties for irregularities.

10. How much does an accountant for an obrt cost?

The price of bookkeeping services depends on the type of activity, the number of documents, the number of employees, VAT status and the scope of work. For an exact price, it is best to request an individual quote based on the specific needs of the obrt.

Request a quote for your obrt. Request an estimate

11. Can I hire an employee and what are my obligations?

Yes, a sole proprietor can hire employees. The specific amount of obligations is not fixed because the minimum wage changes every year, and it also depends on contributions and the type of contract. The cost is calculated individually.

12. How does lump-sum taxation of an obrt work?

A sole proprietor who wants to pay income tax as a lump sum submits to the Tax Administration of FBiH an Application for determining the monthly lump-sum amount — form ZMP-1055. The right to a lump sum belongs to sole proprietors who carry out craft and related activities on their own, without employing other persons, and to sole proprietors who carry out old and traditional crafts, on their own or with at most two employees.

The lump sum is paid by the 15th of the month for the previous month.