Starting a taxi business in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires navigating local regulations, obtaining the proper licenses, and managing a fleet and drivers. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
✅ 1. Market Research
Understand demand in your target city (e.g., Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar).
Study competition, pricing, and customer preferences (e.g., traditional taxis vs. app-based).
Analyze the feasibility of owning vs. leasing cars.
✅ 2. Choose Your Business Structure
You can register as:
Sole Proprietorship (Obrt)
Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.)
Craft or small business license for taxi drivers (especially in the Federation of BiH)
Consult a local lawyer or accountant to determine the best structure.
✅ 3. Register Your Business
You must register with:
Court or municipal authority (depending on the entity type)
Tax Administration (for VAT, if applicable)
Statistical Office
Pension and health funds
Documents typically required:
ID or passport
Proof of address
Founding documents (for LLCs)
Business plan (sometimes)
✅ 4. Get a Taxi License
Taxi operation is regulated at the municipal level. Requirements may vary by canton (in the Federation) or by entity.
Requirements generally include:
Application to the local municipal transport department
Vehicle inspection and certification
Taxi permit/medallion
Proof of residence and clean criminal record
Professional driver’s license (Category B + additional taxi test)
You may also need:
Radio connection (for dispatch)
Taxi meter and receipt printer
Markings and signage (light, logo, license number)
⚠️ Each municipality (e.g., Sarajevo Canton) has its own rules, including a cap on the number of taxi licenses issued. Some areas may require a public call/competition.
✅ 5. Acquire Vehicles
Decide whether to:
Buy new or used cars
Use electric, hybrid, or gas-powered vehicles
Ensure:
The vehicle meets emissions and technical standards
Has insurance and registration
Is equipped with:
Taxi meter
Signage/light
GPS or dispatch system
✅ 6. Hire Drivers
Drivers must have:
Valid B-category driving license
A professional driver’s license (posebna vozačka dozvola za taksi)
Clean criminal and traffic records
Medical certificate (sometimes)
You can:
Hire them as employees
Contract with self-employed drivers (they must have their own license)
✅ 7. Set Up Dispatch or App Service
Options:
Traditional radio dispatch
Use a third-party app like mojTaxi, Bolt, or Yandex
Develop your own booking system
✅ 8. Comply With Taxes and Regulations
Ongoing requirements:
Pay contributions (health, pension)
VAT registration (if annual turnover > KM 50,00
Maintain business books and submit tax returns
Follow vehicle inspection schedules
✅ 9. Branding and Promotion
Name, logo, and business cards
Website, mobile app, or partnership with platforms
Social media marketing
Loyalty programs or discounts
✅ 10. Optional: Expand With Fleet or Niche Services
Corporate contracts
Airport transfers
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Eco-taxis or ride-hailing apps
Resources
Chamber of Commerce (Privredna Komora)
Municipal websites (e.g., Sarajevo Canton Transport Department)
Ministry of Transport and Communications (for national-level regulations) https://www.grepixit.com/blog/....how-to-start-a-taxi-
