Nationality of Bolivia: all obtaining pathways
Bolivia requires three years of uninterrupted residence for ordinary naturalization, reduced to two for spouses of Bolivian citizens. Descent is transmitted through consular registration of children of Bolivians born abroad, with good criminal and police records as a cross-cutting requirement.
1Citizenship by naturalization
Citizenship by naturalization
Requirements
- 3 years of uninterrupted residence in Bolivia
- Over 18 years of age
- Good criminal and police record
- Legitimate means of livelihood
- Attitude of respect for and compliance with the Bolivian Constitution and laws
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin apostilled
- Criminal and police record certificate in Bolivia
- Certificate of residence in Bolivia
- Birth certificate apostilled or legalized
- Sworn declaration of legitimate means of livelihood
2Citizenship by marriage to a Bolivian citizen
Citizenship by marriage to a Bolivian citizen
Requirements
- Being the spouse of a Bolivian
- 2 years of residence in Bolivia
- Marriage registered in Bolivia
- Good record
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Bolivia
- Valid passport
- Apostilled criminal record certificate
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Certificate of residence
3Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by descent
Requirements
- Being a child of a Bolivian father or mother born abroad
- Register before a Bolivian consulate
Documentation
- Birth certificate apostilled or legalized
- Bolivian father's/mother's birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Bolivia
How many years of residence does Bolivia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Bolivia (Citizenship by naturalization), the term is 3 years of uninterrupted residence under State supervision, in legal status (Constitution art. 142.I). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Bolivia be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage to a Bolivian citizen pathway (2 years of residence (reduction under art. 142.II.1): Bolivian spouse, Bolivian children or substitute parents; no obligation to renounce the nationality of origin (Constitution arts. 142.II and 143)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Bolivia require?
The Citizenship by naturalization pathway requires: Valid passport; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin apostilled; Criminal and police record certificate in Bolivia; Certificate of residence in Bolivia; Birth certificate apostilled or legalized; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Bolivia?
Bolivia provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by naturalization, Citizenship by marriage to a Bolivian citizen, Citizenship by descent.
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