Bosnia and Herzegovina: immigration

How many refugees and displaced people are there in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted 586 refugees and 164 asylum seekers at the end of 2025, and had 94,796 internally displaced people, according to UNHCR population data. 24,653 refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina were living in other countries, according to UNHCR data by country of origin.

Internally displaced people are those who left their homes but stayed in the country. UNHCR compiles the figures from government sources. Matters concerning foreign nationals are handled by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs.

Official sources: UNHCR population API: Bosnia and Herzegovina as country of asylum, 2025 · UNHCR population API: Bosnia and Herzegovina as country of origin, 2025 · Service for Foreigners' Affairs

How many people move within Bosnia and Herzegovina?

29,637 people registered a change of residence within Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025, according to the BHAS internal migration release. 20,410 moved to a place in the Federation of BiH, 8,666 to Republika Srpska and 561 to Brčko District.

Net internal migration was +389 for the Federation, -322 for Republika Srpska and -67 for Brčko District. 43.7% of movers were aged 20 to 39 and 59.0% were women. The figures count registered changes of address, including moves between the entities, so people who move without registering are not included.

Official sources: internal migration release

How many people claim asylum in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

178 new asylum applications were lodged in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025, down from 239 in 2024, according to UNHCR's refugee data. 5 people were recognised as refugees and 62 received another form of protection in 2025, UNHCR reports.

Many more migrants pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina on the route towards the EU than apply for asylum there. The Ministry of Security's Sector for Asylum decides claims, and the Service for Foreigners' Affairs registers migrants and runs reception centres. 118 cases were closed in 2025 without a decision.

Official sources: UNHCR's refugee data · UNHCR reports

How many immigrants live in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In 2024, the share of people born abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 1.1%, according to the UN Population Division. Europe & Central Asia median: 11.7%; Bosnia and Herzegovina is 52nd highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 149th of 193.

How many people move to Bosnia and Herzegovina each year?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -6,994. The peak was -485 in 2022 and the low -68,182 in 2009. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Bosnia and Herzegovina is 34th highest of 52. Worldwide: 122nd of 193.

How many refugees are in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In 2025, the number of refugees in the country in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 586, according to UNHCR. The peak was 10,566 in 2005 and the low 240 in 2021. It is 47th highest of 50 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 62,365. Worldwide: 129th of 169.

How many people from Bosnia and Herzegovina are refugees?

According to UNHCR, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Bosnia and Herzegovina was 24,653 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2006, at 199,948; its low point was 2020, at 15,578. It is 6th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. World rank, highest first: 43rd of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Bosnia and Herzegovina at 10.7% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 18.2% of GDP; its low point was 2020, at 9.5% of GDP. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.4% of GDP; Bosnia and Herzegovina is 4th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 15th of 127.