Living in Sarajevo: the ultimate expat guide

Sarajevo's job market presents both opportunities and challenges for expatriates. The city serves as Bosnia and Herzegovina's economic center, hosting international organizations, NGOs, and a growing technology sector. Key employment sectors include information technology, finance, tourism, and international development. Many expats work for organizations such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, various UN agencies, and international NGOs focused on post-conflict development.

Employment Landscape and Key Sectors

The technology sector has emerged as particularly promising, with software development companies actively recruiting skilled professionals. Average monthly net salaries in Sarajevo reach around 1,611 BAM (approximately USD 930), though international organizations typically offer higher compensation packages. The IT and consulting sectors command the highest salaries, averaging 2,755 BAM monthly, while other sectors range between 1,000 and 2,000 BAM. Tourism and hospitality continue expanding, driven by Sarajevo's growing reputation as a cultural destination.

Work Permits and Employment Requirements

Foreign nationals require work permits and temporary residence permits to work legally in Sarajevo. The process typically takes several months and requires employer sponsorship, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and housing arrangements. Most international organizations assist with visa procedures. Bosnia and Herzegovina operates outside the European Union, so EU citizens face similar requirements to other nationalities. English proficiency is increasingly valuable, particularly in international organizations, though knowledge of Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian significantly enhances employment prospects and integration.

The following table presents key employment indicators for Sarajevo as of 2025:

Sources: Trading Economics, Numbeo

Sarajevo hosts several reputable universities offering programs in English, making it increasingly attractive for international students. The city's academic institutions combine traditional European educational standards with growing international collaboration and exchange programs.

International University of Sarajevo (IUS)

International University of Sarajevo, founded in 2004, stands as the premier English-language institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. IUS offers comprehensive programs across five faculties: Engineering and Natural Sciences, Business Administration, Arts and Social Sciences, Law, and Education. All instruction occurs in English, with an intensive English Language School (ELS) available for students requiring language preparation. The university welcomes students from over 47 countries, creating a truly international campus environment. Annual tuition fees range from EUR 3,600 to EUR 7,200 depending on the program, with scholarships available through the Visegrad Scholarship Program and other international funds. The modern campus in Ilidža features well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and student dormitories.

University of Sarajevo

The University of Sarajevo, established in 1949, serves as the country's largest and oldest public university. While most programs are taught in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian, the university increasingly offers courses and programs in English, particularly at graduate levels. The institution comprises over 20 faculties covering humanities, sciences, medicine, engineering, and arts. International students benefit from Erasmus+ exchange programs and bilateral agreements with universities worldwide. Tuition fees for international students are considerably lower than at private institutions, though specific costs vary by faculty and program level.

Admission and Application Process

Application procedures typically require certified translations of secondary education certificates, transcripts, passport copies, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs). IUS conducts rolling admissions, with the main intake in September. Students should apply several months in advance to allow time for visa processing and accommodation arrangements. Most universities provide student visa support and assist with temporary residence permit applications.

For detailed information, visit: International University of Sarajevo and University of Sarajevo

Expat families in Sarajevo have access to several international schools offering curricula in English and other languages. While options are more limited than in larger European capitals, the available schools provide quality education following recognized international standards.

International School Options

QSI International School of Sarajevo, established in 1997, serves as the primary choice for expat families. This non-profit institution offers education from preschool through grade 12, following an American curriculum based on US National Standards. The school includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the AP Capstone Diploma program, preparing students for university admission worldwide. With approximately 170 students representing over 25 nationalities, QSI provides a truly international environment. Annual tuition ranges from USD 6,000 to USD 15,700 depending on grade level. The school operates on a three-term calendar from August to June and offers foreign language instruction in Bosnian, French, and German. Located in central Sarajevo, QSI features modern facilities and extracurricular activities including sports, Model UN, and robotics.

French International School of Sarajevo (CIFS), founded in 1998, offers education from kindergarten through high school following the French national curriculum. Instruction is bilingual in French and English, making it suitable for francophone families. The school is accredited by the French Ministry of Education and prepares students for the French Baccalaureate.

Other Educational Options

Maarif International Schools operates campuses offering the Cambridge program alongside local curriculum options, including the IB Diploma Program at the high school level. This makes it unique in Bosnia and Herzegovina for offering multiple international qualifications. Richmond Park Schools provides British-style education following the Cambridge curriculum with instruction in English. These schools typically serve both expat and local families seeking international education.

Enrollment Procedures and Costs

Enrollment typically requires previous school transcripts, birth certificates, passport copies, immunization records, and application fees. Most schools conduct placement assessments, particularly for students entering mid-year or from non-standard curricula. Waiting lists can occur for popular grade levels, so early application is recommended. Many schools offer payment plans and some provide sibling discounts. Private kindergartens charge between 250 and 500 BAM monthly, while international primary schools average around 5,725 BAM annually.

For more information: QSI International School, French International School

Sarajevo offers diverse housing options at prices significantly lower than Western European cities. Expats can choose between historic neighborhoods in the city center and modern developments in suburban areas, each offering distinct advantages and atmospheres.

Popular Expat Neighborhoods

Baščaršija, Sarajevo's historic Ottoman old town, attracts those seeking cultural immersion. This UNESCO-recognized area features cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and proximity to museums and cafes. However, it can be noisy with tourist activity and offers limited parking. Marijin Dvor represents the modern business district, close to international organizations, shopping centers, and diplomatic offices. This area is particularly popular among expat professionals. Grbavica provides a family-friendly environment with green spaces, schools, and a mix of older apartments and newer buildings. The neighborhood offers good value while remaining close to the city center. Centar encompasses Sarajevo's administrative heart, including areas like Koševo and Mejtaš, with excellent public transport connections. Ciglane, situated on hills near the center, offers scenic views and upscale housing options. Dobrinja, located near the airport, provides the most affordable housing but requires longer commutes to central areas.

Rental Market and Costs

The rental market in Sarajevo operates primarily through real estate agencies such as Prostor, Rental.ba, and Metropola Nekretnine, most of which have English-speaking agents. Online platforms like OLX.ba and Facebook groups ("Expats in Sarajevo") also list properties. Most contracts run for 12 months with a one-month security deposit, though shorter terms can sometimes be negotiated. Agency fees are typically paid by landlords, though some agencies charge tenants approximately 50% of one month's rent. Rent is usually paid in BAM, though some landlords accept euros. Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) typically cost an additional 200 to 400 BAM monthly and are often not included in rent. Most apartments come fully furnished.

Average monthly rental costs for 2025:

Sources: Numbeo

Housing Considerations

Ensure rental contracts are legally registered, as some landlords attempt to avoid taxes. Verify the heating type before signing; district heating (centralno grijanje) proves more economical during winter than electric heating. Air pollution becomes problematic in winter months when heating systems and weather conditions worsen air quality. Investing in air purifiers is advisable. Not all properties allow pets, so mention this upfront if applicable. Houses with gardens are easier to find than pet-friendly apartments in central areas.

Sarajevo offers an exceptionally rich cultural scene that blends centuries of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. The city provides diverse entertainment options from world-class museums to outdoor adventures, all while maintaining its unique multicultural character.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Sarajevo hosts over 20 museums exploring its fascinating history. The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, founded in 1888, houses artifacts from ancient civilizations through medieval times, including the famous Sarajevo Haggadah, a beautifully illuminated 14th-century Jewish manuscript. The War Childhood Museum provides a deeply moving perspective through personal stories, artifacts, and testimonies from children who lived through the 1990s conflict. The Sarajevo Tunnel Museum preserves the underground passageway that served as the city's lifeline during the siege, allowing visitors to walk through a section of the historic tunnel. Gallery 11/07/95 commemorates the Srebrenica genocide through powerful photographic and multimedia exhibitions.

The Museum of Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide 1992-1995 documents war crimes through photos, videos, and artifacts. The Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina covers the country's modern history, while the Sarajevo 80s Museum offers a nostalgic journey through Yugoslav-era life. Svrzo House presents an authentic example of 18th-century Ottoman residential architecture, divided into public (selamluk) and family (haremluk) sections.

Historic Sites and Landmarks

Baščaršija, the Ottoman-era old bazaar, serves as Sarajevo's cultural heart. Its cobblestone streets host traditional copper craftsmen, carpet sellers, and countless cafes serving Bosnian coffee. The Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, built in 1531, represents one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the Balkans and was the world's first electrified mosque. The Latin Bridge, site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914, marks the event that triggered World War I. The Sarajevo Cathedral (Sacred Heart Cathedral) showcases neo-Gothic architecture from the Austro-Hungarian period. The Ashkenazi Synagogue and Orthodox Cathedral demonstrate the city's religious diversity, all located within walking distance of each other.

Outdoor Activities and Entertainment

The Trebević Cable Car, restored in 2018, transports visitors from the old town to Mount Trebević in just 10 minutes, offering panoramic city views. At the summit, explore hiking trails, the abandoned Olympic bobsled track covered in graffiti art, and restaurants with terraces. Nearby Olympic mountains Jahorina and Bjelašnica provide world-class skiing and snowboarding during winter, both accessible within 30 minutes from the city center. Summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and visiting waterfalls in surrounding nature.

Vrelo Bosne, a stunning natural spring and park near Ilidža, offers peaceful walking paths along the River Bosna, popular for picnics and horse-drawn carriage rides. The city hosts numerous annual events including the Sarajevo Film Festival, one of the region's most prestigious cinema events, and the International Theatre Festival (MESS). Live music venues, traditional sevdah performances, and modern clubs create diverse nightlife options. The cafe culture thrives year-round, with establishments ranging from traditional kafanas to contemporary European-style cafes. Cinema tickets cost around 12 BAM (USD 7), making entertainment highly accessible.

Living in Sarajevo means embracing a relaxed pace of life while navigating a city that blends historic charm with modern conveniences. Daily routines revolve around the city's vibrant cafe culture, efficient public transport, and strong community connections.

Transportation and Getting Around

Sarajevo's public transportation network, operated by GRAS, includes trams, trolleybuses, buses, and minibuses. The tram system, one of Europe's oldest (established 1885), runs along the main east-west axis connecting Baščaršija to Ilidža, covering most major attractions. New modern trams arrived in 2024, the first in 40 years, featuring air conditioning, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and accessibility features. Single tickets cost 1.60 BAM (USD 0.92) when purchased from kiosks or 1.80 BAM from drivers. Monthly passes cost approximately 53.50 BAM. Trolleybuses serve areas near the airport and connect to districts like Dobrinja. The network operates roughly 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. A useful mobile app, JavniPrevozKS, available in English, provides timetables and allows mobile ticket purchases. University of Sarajevo students benefit from free public transport.

Taxis remain affordable with starting fares around 1.50 BAM and 1 BAM per kilometer. Reliable companies include Sarajevo Taxi (1515) and Red Taxi. Ride-sharing apps are gaining popularity. The city center is highly walkable, and many expats find walking combined with occasional tram use the most enjoyable way to experience Sarajevo. The recently renovated Trebević Cable Car connects Baščaršija to Mount Trebević, offering stunning city views and access to hiking trails and the abandoned Olympic bobsled track.

Lifestyle and Cultural Particularities

Sarajevo's lifestyle centers on coffee culture. Bosnian coffee, distinct from Turkish coffee as locals insist, is traditionally served in small copper pots with Turkish delight. The concept of "ćejf" (pronounced "chafe") represents the art of slowly savoring the moment, typically over coffee or tea. Cafes fill throughout the day as meeting spots for friends, family, and business. The city maintains a Mediterranean-style relaxed atmosphere despite its continental location. Local superstitions include avoiding drafts (propuh), believed to cause illness. Smoking remains permitted in many bars and restaurants, though some establishments are smoke-free. Winter brings challenges with cold temperatures (-3 to 4°C), snow, and significant air pollution when heating systems combine with weather conditions. However, this season offers excellent skiing opportunities at nearby Olympic mountains like Jahorina and Bjelašnica, just 30 minutes from the city. Summers (14 to 28°C) are warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring outdoor attractions and attending numerous cultural festivals.

Sarajevo offers one of the most affordable costs of living in Europe, allowing expats to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on modest budgets. Expenses remain approximately 60% lower than major Western European cities, with particularly significant savings on housing, dining, and transportation.

Single Person Monthly Costs

A single person living in Sarajevo can expect total monthly expenses of approximately 1,620 BAM (USD 935) excluding rent. With rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, total monthly costs reach around 2,390 BAM (USD 1,380). Outside the center, costs drop to approximately 2,155 BAM (USD 1,245) monthly. Grocery expenses for one person typically range from 400 to 600 BAM monthly, as local markets offer fresh produce, meats, and baked goods at modest prices. Dining out remains affordable, with inexpensive restaurant meals costing around 15 BAM (USD 9) and mid-range three-course dinners for two averaging 60 BAM (USD 35).

Sources: Numbeo (November 2025)

Family of Four Monthly Costs

A family of four typically requires approximately 4,060 BAM (USD 2,345) monthly excluding rent. Including a three-bedroom apartment in the city center, total costs reach around 5,620 BAM (USD 3,245). School fees represent the largest additional expense for expat families, with international schools charging USD 6,000 to USD 15,700 annually depending on the institution and grade level. Private kindergartens cost between 250 and 500 BAM monthly.

Sources: Numbeo (November 2025)

Comparative Cost of Living

Sarajevo's affordability becomes evident when compared to other European cities. Living costs are approximately 50% lower than Berlin, 65% lower than London, and 20% lower than Zagreb. This makes Sarajevo particularly attractive for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and retirees seeking European living standards at accessible prices.