Bosnia and Herzegovina adopts VAT refund rule for first‑time homebuyers

The Administrative Board of the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina approved amendments to the Regulation governing indirect taxation. The changes enable a refund of Value‑Added Tax for adult citizens with permanent residence who purchase their first residential property in new construction. The rule takes effect after its publication in the Official Gazette of BiH, and eligible buyers can submit refund requests by the end of the year using the required documentation. Eligibility is limited to those registered as owners after 12 April 2025. The amendment follows a law enacted in April 2024 but was delayed for over a year due to political blockages within the board. Finance Minister Srđan Amidžić confirmed the measure aims to ease the housing shortage for first‑time buyers.