The Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Economy has launched a specialized program aimed at attracting foreign direct investment from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by supporting the establishment of new companies in the region.
✅ Who Is the Program For?
This program is designed for:
- Foreign legal entities that currently do not operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but plan to establish a company headquartered in Sarajevo Canton. These entities must have been operating profitably for at least two years abroad.
- Newly registered companies in Sarajevo Canton (registered in 2025) with majority foreign ownership.
- Members of the Bosnian diaspora who have influence in foreign companies and are interested in investing in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also strongly encouraged to apply.
💼 What Can the Funds Be Used For?
Successful applicants may receive grants of up to 50,000 BAM (approx. €25,500) for:
- Purchase of capital goods: equipment, machines, tools, and technology (excluding mobile phones), not older than 10 years and purchased from registered suppliers.
- Digital transformation: development of IT systems, business websites, e-commerce platforms, hosting solutions, mobile applications, and similar services.
- International standards: certification costs (e.g. ISO, CE, HACCP, HALAL), and the establishment of quality management systems.
📝 How Does the Program Work?
The program is implemented through a public call, officially published on 29 May 2025.
The process includes:
- The foreign entity (or newly established local company with majority foreign ownership) prepares a business plan and supporting documentation.
- All documents must be translated and certified by a court interpreter.
- The applicant must contribute at least 40% of the total project value from their own funds.
- After the selection process, successful applicants sign a funding agreement.
🌟 Why Apply?
This program presents a unique opportunity for foreign investors—particularly SMEs—to:
- Establish a company in Sarajevo Canton with lower initial costs,
- Enter the BiH and regional markets faster through support for digital and certified business operations,
- Build partnerships and local supplier networks,
- Benefit from proximity to the EU market and the institutional support of KAIP and the Sarajevo Canton Diaspora Office.
Beyond financial assistance, this program is a strategic gateway to business internationalization and long-term growth in a new, emerging market.
📌 Learn more and apply at:
👉 https://mp.ks.gov.ba
👉 https://www.poticajimpks.ba
📩 For inquiries: mp@mp.ks.gov.ba | ☎️ +387 33 562-122
