Retiring in Banja Luka
According to UK Government figures, almost 9% of retirees receive their UK state pension abroad. That is over 1.15 million people, more than the number of retirees in London. We invite you to consider Banja Luka…
We are ex-pat Brits, and we write from our knowledge base and experiences. While we are happy to assist anyone, please bear in mind that the information, tips, and suggestions may not be applicable to your country of origin. Always check official requirements before making any decisions.
You have worked all your life, brought up a family, the nest is now empty, and you want to enjoy life in your retirement. Whatever your reasons for considering retiring abroad, we invite you to consider Banja Luka and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary motivator for retirees moving abroad is often to find a warmer climate; the next is to find somewhere that enjoys a lower cost of living, which can make their pension go further. So let us first consider these two points, then if you want information on visa, residency application, legal information and taxation, you will find links at the bottom of the page:
Climate
The climate in Banja Luka is generally described as a moderate humid subtropical climate, also referred to as a temperate continental climate. This means the city has four distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Spring
For many, this is the best season, and May is considered the best month, with long, warm days and comfortable temperatures, and highs around $21^\circ\text{C}$–$24^\circ\text{C}$. This is people-watching weather for sure, and the start of outside café season. However, May is one of the wettest months, but precipitation tends to come as thunderstorms and heavy showers rather than prolonged drizzle, and a lot of that is at night. This is the month to layer: cooler mornings, warm to hot days, and rain at times.
Summer
Summers can be hot, with July generally the hottest, high temperatures around $29^\circ\text{C}$ with the occasional heatwave pushing higher. I am surprised how enjoyable the summer can be here when I consider unbearable heat in other Balkan countries. A high number of cafes and bars provide outside shaded seating and some have air conditioning, though be aware that smoking is common in these outdoor areas.
Autumn
I am writing this information on November 2nd at 2:50 p.m., sitting on my balcony in a t-shirt and jogging bottoms—it’s lovely. This anecdote highlights that while average temperature graphs are interesting, the weather here can surprise you with its mildness. Last night it rained quite a bit, and I have noticed a lot of rain is at night, which provides a real freshness the next day.
Winter
Winters are cold with frequent, though usually mild, frosts. Snowfall is almost guaranteed between November and February, although light flurries occur in March. Expect some sunny days with lows of $-2^\circ\text{C}$ to highs of $7^\circ\text{C}$–$9^\circ\text{C}$. The city is well-equipped, with procedures in place to manage the snow.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Coming soon
Utilities
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Groceries
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Entertainment, Food and Drink
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Transport
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Visa or Residency
Visa and residency applications explained, it does not have to be overly complicated and we even provide a dedicated service.
Documentation
Wew explain how to get the documents that you will be required to provide for your temporary residency permit
Health and Insurance
We explain the options and the costs of healthcare and health insurance for your stay in Banja Luka and BiH