Residence in Bolivia: permits and requirements
Living legally in Bolivia is possible through 5 permit types: temporary, permanent, other, family, investment. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Temporary Residency
Residence type #1 of 5
Temporary residency authorization for foreigners, up to 2 renewable years under Law 2894/2007.
Requirements
- Legal entry into Bolivian territory
- Verifiable means of subsistence
- No serious criminal record
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and Bolivia
- Proof of address
- Medical certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
Frequently asked questions about residence in Bolivia
How many types of residence permits are there in Bolivia?
Bolivia offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories temporary, permanent, other, family, investment. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Bolivia last?
Durations vary by permit type: Temporary 1, 2 or 3 years depending on category (Law 370 art. 30); Indefinite; 2 years; Temporary 1-3 years; the definitive status extends to spouse and children without minimum years (Law 370 art. 31). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Bolivia be renewed?
It depends on the type: 4 of 5 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Bolivia?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Certificado de antecedentes penales; Valid passport; Proof of address. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Bolivia lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Citizenship by naturalization pathway, which requires 3 years of uninterrupted residence under State supervision, in legal status (Constitution art. 142.I). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Bolivia.
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Anything to correct or add about Bolivia?
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