Foreigners Working In Bolivia: Can They Stay?

Bolivia offers a relatively simple and accessible residency process for foreigners, with visa options tailored to different types of applicants, including investors, retirees, and remote workers. The country boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, and diverse investment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for location-independent entrepreneurs and investors seeking a unique base in South America.

The requirements and process for obtaining a Bolivian visa vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and the purpose of their visit. While citizens of some countries are visa-exempt for short stays, others must obtain a visa before entering Bolivia, either from a Bolivian embassy or consulate or on arrival. Those seeking to reside and work in Bolivia should be prepared to submit various documents, including proof of accommodation, vaccination certificates, and financial resources.

Obtaining a visa: Group 1 countries (like the US) don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days

Obtaining a Visa: Group 1 Countries

Citizens of Group 1 countries, such as the US, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, there are specific requirements that must be met to enter Bolivia. Here is a detailed breakdown of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a visa for Group 1 countries:

Document Requirements:

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Bolivia.
• International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination: This is a mandatory requirement for entry into Bolivia, especially if you are arriving from a country with a high risk of yellow fever.
• Proof of lodging: You must provide evidence of your accommodation in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. If you plan to stay with Bolivian friends or family, you may need a letter of invitation from them.
• Round-trip ticket or travel plans: You must show proof of a round-trip ticket or provide confirmation of your plans to depart Bolivia.
• Web-based registration: All foreign travellers must complete the web-based registration process (SIGEMIG) prior to their arrival in Bolivia. This registration must include lodging information.

Visa Fees and Duration:

• Visa fees: There is no visa fee for Group 1 countries for stays of up to 90 days.
• Duration of stay: With a visitor visa, you can stay for 30 days per trip, not exceeding 90 days per year.

Visa Extension:

If you wish to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for an extension through the Dirección General de Migración (National Migration Service). Their offices are located in most major cities.

Border Visa or Embassy Visa:

You can obtain a tourist visa at any land or air border upon arrival. Alternatively, you can obtain a visa in advance from a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in your home country or a neighbouring country.

Work, Study, or Business Visa:

If you plan to work, study, volunteer, or conduct business in Bolivia, you must apply for a separate visa specific to your purpose.

Entry and Exit Stamps:

Remember to obtain entry and exit stamps from the Bolivian authorities each time you enter or leave the country. These stamps are crucial for avoiding complications when exiting Bolivia.

Visa Fee Exemption:

If you obtain your Bolivian visa from a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate in your home country (e.g., the US) and lose your passport, you will only need to obtain an exit stamp. In this case, you will not be required to pay the visa fee again.

Residence and work visas: Required for employees working in Bolivia long-term

To work in Bolivia, employees who plan to work in the country must obtain a residence and work visa. This is different from fixed-purpose and business visas, which are used by investors and executives.

There are two types of residence and work visas in Bolivia: transitory and temporary. Transitory residence or work visas are for employees working in Bolivia for a short time, and are valid for 30 to 180 days. Temporary residence visas are for longer stays, lasting for one to three years. After living in Bolivia for three years, employees may apply for permanent residence. The cost of each visa increases with the duration of the employee's stay.

To apply for a temporary residence or work visa, candidates must file the following documents with the Bolivian Consulate in their home country:

• A completed and signed application form
• Their passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• Proof of a yellow fever vaccination if their workplace is in a high-risk area
• Documents that prove employment, such as an invitation from the company and other supporting documents
• Their police record issued through INTERPOL and criminal and police records from their last country of residence
• A medical certificate
• A passport photograph
• Any other supporting documents the consulate requests

Once an applicant files the above documents with the consulate, the entire process of obtaining the necessary visas could take another one to five months. The employee cannot start working in Bolivia until they have the appropriate visa.

Healthcare: Universal health insurance is only for residents, and many treatments are not covered

Bolivia has one of the lowest healthcare rates in Latin America. While there has been increased investment in public health facilities in recent years, the availability and quality of healthcare remain poor.

The country has a mix of public and private hospitals that can provide medical care to both foreigners and locals. Public facilities are subsidised by the government but are severely underfunded and massively used, resulting in long waiting times and poor quality of medical care compared to Western countries. Private facilities offer a higher level of care and can deal with most medical problems, but their services are much more expensive. Outside the big cities, it is much more difficult or even impossible to find high-quality medical care.

There are three options for health insurance in Bolivia:

• Public sector: The government has introduced basic public health insurance to increase access to healthcare for citizens. This covers most of the costs of medical care and the full costs for at-risk groups (children, pregnant women, and the elderly) at public hospitals.
• Social insurance: There is social insurance with compulsory payments for foreigners actively working in Bolivia. A law passed in 2010 introduced a double-payment system where employers and employees contribute, providing savings that can cover medical costs in some facilities.
• Private insurance: Private health insurance is available to cover the cost of treatment in non-government hospitals. There are two main categories: Local Health Insurance Plans, which only cover treatment in Bolivia, and International Health Insurance Plans, which cover treatment in any country.

It is recommended that foreigners obtain international medical insurance that covers medical costs and air evacuation in case of an emergency.

Healthcare for Foreign Residents

As mentioned earlier, social insurance with compulsory payments is available for foreigners who are actively working in Bolivia. This provides coverage for medical care in some facilities. It is also recommended that foreigners in Bolivia have private health insurance, particularly an international plan that covers treatment in other countries. This is especially important for those living outside the big cities, as medical evacuation can be necessary and very expensive.

Foreigner Identity Card: Required to work in Bolivia

Foreigners can reside and work in Bolivia, but they must obtain the necessary visas and permits. The process for obtaining a Bolivian residency visa varies depending on individual circumstances, such as whether one is an investor, retiree, or remote worker.

To work in Bolivia, foreigners need to obtain the Bolivian Foreigner Identity Card, also known as the "Carnet de Extranjero" or "Cedula de Extranjero". This card serves as proof of identity and residency for foreigners living in the country. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain the Foreigner Identity Card:

Step 1: Obtain Temporary Residency

First, you need to obtain a temporary residency visa for Bolivia. This can be done by applying for a specific purpose visa, such as a student or work visa. The requirements for obtaining a temporary residency visa may vary depending on the type of visa and your country of origin. It is recommended to check the Bolivian Immigration website or consult with the Bolivian Consulate in your home country for specific requirements.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Once you have obtained your temporary residency, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card within a specified time frame, usually within 25 days of receiving your residency, to avoid fines. The required documents typically include:

• A digital copy of a passport-style photograph with a white background.
• A completed SEGIP pre-registration form, which can be found on their website.
• A photocopy of your passport, including the page with the residency permit sticker.
• Other supporting documents, such as a legalised photocopy of your marriage certificate or academic degree, if applicable.

Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees

After gathering the required documents, you should submit your application at the SEGIP office. The location of the SEGIP office may vary depending on the city you are in. For example, in La Paz, the SEGIP office that deals with foreigners is located on Calle Mexico, a few blocks away from Plaza Estudiente. Along with your application, you will need to pay the associated fees, which may vary depending on the location and your specific situation.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application and paying the fees, you will usually be asked to return after a certain period, typically around one week, to collect your Foreigner Identity Card. During this time, your application will be processed, and your information will be verified.

Step 5: Collect Your Foreigner Identity Card

Once the processing is complete, you can collect your Foreigner Identity Card from the SEGIP office. This card will contain your personal information, such as your marital status, occupation, and address. It is important to keep this card safe and valid as it may be required for various purposes during your stay in Bolivia, such as opening a bank account or entering into legal contracts.

Obtaining the Bolivian Foreigner Identity Card is a crucial step for foreigners seeking to work in Bolivia. It serves as official recognition of your residency status and allows you to navigate the local job market and legally obtain employment within the country. Remember to adhere to the specified requirements and time frames to ensure a smooth application process.

Driving in Bolivia: Foreign driving licences are valid for 180 days from entry

Driving in Bolivia

Foreign driving licences are valid in Bolivia for 180 days from the date of entry into the country. If you are driving with a British driving licence, you must also carry your British passport with you.

An International Driving Licence issued in the UK would also be valid in Bolivia from the date of entry into the country, as long as the licence is valid for the same period or longer than your intended stay.

To drive legally in Bolivia, foreign visitors need to have a driver's licence and insurance. It is also recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit for short-term driving. For driving outside major cities, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended. Most roads in Bolivia are toll roads.

The minimum age to drive in Bolivia is 18 years. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.07%. Driving is on the right-hand side. While driving, cell phones may only be used with a hands-free system.

It is prohibited to make U-turns:

• At intersections of streets and roads
• In pedestrian crossings
• Within 200 metres of curves, peaks, gradients, railroad crossings, bridges and tunnels
• In places where there is a ban signal
• In streets and avenues, where there is a full turn around the block

It is prohibited to move back on urban roads, except in the case of stagnation. On rural roads, this manoeuvre may only be made when absolutely necessary and with extreme caution.

At an intersection of paths of the same class, a vehicle approaching from the right side has the right of way.

The glare (high beam) is strictly prohibited.

It is prohibited to use the horn during evening and night hours within urban cities. During the day, it can be used only in cases of emergency and when the driver has no other way to avoid an accident.

It is mandatory to use the horn at curves, intersections, slopes and especially on mountain roads.

It is forbidden to drive the vehicle in neutral, with the joystick placed in neutral or with the engine off.

Vehicles may not interrupt or disturb a military parade, school or civil, religious or funeral procession, whether it is running or stopped.

Generally, towing vehicles are prohibited.

If there are puddles of water or other substances on the road, the driver must slow down and take the necessary precautions to avoid wetting or soiling pedestrians.

The maximum speeds within the urban areas of cities and towns are:

• 10 km/h in school and military zones (this rule is in effect between 50 metres before and after the zone)
• 20 km/h on streets where pedestrians are present

The maximum speed on highways is 80 km/h and on roads outside urban areas, 70 km/h.

Drivers are required to carry their valid driver's licences, car registration documents and insurance documents at all times while driving. A warning triangle is also mandatory.

It is prohibited to park:

• Within 10 metres of the entrance doors to educational institutions, churches, hospitals, clinics and theatres during hours of turnout
• Within 20 metres of a railroad crossing
• Within 5 metres of a corner or intersection of roads
• Before fuel pumps (petrol, diesel, etc.) and within a space of 15 metres of them, with the exception of vehicles stopping to load or unload fuel

Frequently asked questions