Exploring Dual Citizenship Options In Bolivia

Bolivian nationality law is regulated by the 2009 Constitution, which outlines the criteria for citizenship. Bolivia permits dual citizenship, with the constitution stating that Bolivians acquiring foreign citizenship do not lose their Bolivian nationality, and those acquiring Bolivian nationality are not required to renounce their original nationality. There are, however, some restrictions on dual citizenship for those with criminal records or those who have remained in Bolivia illegally.

Dual citizenship is allowed in Bolivia

Bolivia permits dual citizenship. The country's constitution states that Bolivians who acquire a foreign citizenship do not lose their Bolivian nationality, and those who become Bolivian citizens are not required to renounce their original citizenship.

Dual citizenship is restricted only for those with a criminal record or police record, both inside and outside Bolivian territory, and for those who have remained in Bolivia illegally.

Citizenship by Birth

Children born in Bolivia acquire citizenship at birth, except for those born to foreign diplomats. Children born abroad to a Bolivian mother or father are also entitled to citizenship by birth, either by returning to live in Bolivia or by being registered at a consulate.

Citizenship by Descent

Children born abroad to a Bolivian mother or father are entitled to citizenship by descent. If abroad, they must register with their local consulate.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreigners can apply for naturalization if they meet the following requirements:

• They must have resided in Bolivia for at least three years without interruption (this is reduced to two years for those with close ties to Bolivia, such as being married to a Bolivian, having Bolivian children, or having Bolivian foster parents, or serving in the military).
• They must make an express declaration of their desire to obtain Bolivian nationality.
• Their current residence must be legal.

Bolivian nationality by birth

Bolivia permits dual citizenship. The 2009 Constitution states that Bolivians who acquire foreign citizenship do not lose their Bolivian nationality, and those who acquire Bolivian nationality are not required to renounce their original citizenship.

Children born in Bolivia acquire citizenship at birth, except for those born to foreign diplomats or personnel on diplomatic missions. Those born to a Bolivian mother or father, whether in Bolivia or abroad, also acquire citizenship by birth. This includes children born abroad to Bolivian parents who have been registered by diplomatic or consular officials in the Civil Birth Registry for Bolivia.

To obtain a Bolivian birth certificate for children born abroad to Bolivian parents, registration with the local consulate is required. The child must be present at the consulate at the time of registration, and both parents must be present with their identification documents. If the parents are foreign, they must carry their passports or identity documents, and a translation of the foreign birth certificate is required. There may be additional requirements and costs depending on the age of the child.

Bolivian nationality by descent

Bolivia does allow dual citizenship. The country practices unrestricted ius soli, which means that anyone born on Bolivian territory is granted citizenship by birth. This includes children of foreign diplomatic staff.

For those over 18, the process is slightly different. The holder of the Bolivian nationality (i.e., the parent) must submit the following documents:

• Original birth certificate
• Identity document
• Identity card, passport, or original birth certificate of the Bolivian mother or father
• Identity card, passport, or identity document of the foreign mother or father (if applicable)
• Translation of the foreign birth certificate

It is also possible to acquire Bolivian citizenship through naturalization. To do this, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have resided in Bolivia for at least 3 years without interruption (2 years if married to a Bolivian, have Bolivian children, have Bolivian foster parents, or have served in the military)
• Express a declaration of desiring Bolivian nationality
• Have legal residency

Bolivian nationality by naturalisation

Bolivia does allow dual citizenship. The constitution states that Bolivians who acquire a foreign citizenship do not lose their Bolivian nationality, and those who acquire Bolivian nationality are not required to renounce their original nationality.

To acquire Bolivian nationality by naturalisation, a foreigner must make an explicit and voluntary statement expressing their desire to acquire Bolivian nationality. They must also comply with the procedures contained in the "Migration Law of 8 May 2013 and its Supreme Decree No. 1923 of 13 March 2014". Applications are processed by the General Directorate of Migration, and naturalisation is bestowed by resolution of the President of Bolivia.

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Uninterrupted residence in Bolivia for at least 3 years (2 years for those who are married to a Bolivian, have Bolivian children, or have Bolivian foster parents, or have served in the military)
• Current residence must be legal
• Registration with the local consulate (if abroad)

Loss of Bolivian nationality

Bolivia permits dual citizenship. The country's constitution states that Bolivians who acquire a foreign citizenship do not lose their Bolivian nationality, and those who become Bolivian citizens are not required to renounce their original nationality.

However, there are some ways in which Bolivian nationality can be lost, either voluntarily or involuntarily.

Voluntary Loss of Bolivian Nationality

Those who wish to renounce their Bolivian citizenship can do so by sending a letter of voluntary renunciation to the nearest Bolivian embassy.

Involuntary Loss of Bolivian Nationality

According to Bolivian law, the following are grounds for involuntary loss of citizenship:

• Aiding an enemy of Bolivia during wartime.
• Accepting a foreign government job without Senate approval.
• Acquiring the citizenship of a foreign country that does not have a reciprocal dual citizenship agreement with Bolivia.

Historically, there were other ways to lose Bolivian nationality, particularly for women. Under the civil code of 1830, a woman lost her Bolivian nationality upon marrying a foreigner, and married women could not independently naturalize or relinquish their nationality. A Bolivian woman could only repatriate if her foreign husband died, she established residence in Bolivia, and she declared her intention to become a Bolivian national again.

Additionally, until 1938, a Bolivian man's choice to relinquish his nationality automatically resulted in his wife giving up her nationality as well. If he then chose to take his children from the country and acquire new nationality, the children's nationality would change as well.

Frequently asked questions