Embracing Life As A Bolivian Expat: A Comprehensive Guide

Bolivia is a diverse country in South America, boasting a unique blend of indigenous and colonial cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and a growing economy driven by natural resources, agriculture, and manufacturing. With a low cost of living, expats can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a tight budget. Bolivia offers a relatively simple residency process with several visa options, making it an attractive destination for location-independent entrepreneurs, investors, retirees, and remote workers seeking a unique South American experience.

The expat community in Bolivia is small, with most foreigners concentrated in the capital cities of Sucre and La Paz, or other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba. Expats often work for NGOs, volunteer, or start their own businesses, taking advantage of the country's encouraging policies for foreign entrepreneurs. Housing options include detached houses and apartments, with costs varying by location and size.

Bolivia's healthcare system is a mix of private and public facilities. While some good private hospitals exist, the general standard of medical care is poor, with underfunded and overcrowded public hospitals. Expats should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance that covers treatment outside of Bolivia if needed.

The country offers a range of climates, from humid tropical regions to cold semi-arid zones. The high altitude of much of the country results in a broad temperature range, with hot and humid days and freezing nights. Bolivia's dry season runs from June to September, while the wet season spans from November to March.

Overall, Bolivia presents a unique and exciting opportunity for those seeking a new home in South America, with its rich culture, natural beauty, and accessible residency options.

Visas and entry requirements

The first step to becoming a Bolivian expat is to obtain the necessary visas and meet the entry requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

• Specific Purpose Visa: Before arriving in Bolivia, obtain a Specific Purpose Visa (visa de objeto determinado) from a Bolivian consulate in your country of origin. This visa is required if you plan to apply for residency and is valid for 30 days. There are several types of Specific Purpose Visas, so consult your local Bolivian consulate to determine the most appropriate one for your situation.
• Residency Application: Once you arrive in Bolivia, visit the Bolivian Immigration office ("Extranjeria" window) in the city where you plan to live. Officials will provide you with a list of requirements, including documents you need to obtain from other institutions, before filling out the residency application. You can request a one-year or two-year residency visa initially and then renew for longer periods or permanent residency.
• Criminal Background Checks: As part of the residency application process, you will need to obtain an Interpol International Criminal Background Check ("certificado de antecedentes penales") from the Interpol office in the Bolivian city where you plan to live. This procedure can take a while, so it is recommended to start this process first and check in regularly. You will also need to obtain a Bolivian National Criminal Background Check to ensure you have no prior criminal record in the country.
• Address Registration: Be prepared to show proof of your new address in Bolivia, such as a water or electricity bill. Officials may verify your address by visiting your home or apartment. This form is called the "registro domiciliario".
• Medical Certificate: You will need to undergo a general medical check-up, which may include blood tests, x-rays, and other tests to verify that you do not have any contagious diseases or HIV/AIDS. A doctor must fill out a standardised form indicating your current medical condition.
• Marriage, Divorce, and Birth Certificates: If you are applying for residency as a family or a single parent with children, you must provide proof of your relationship to the children and custody documents if applicable. All marriage, divorce, and birth certificates must be translated into Spanish and notarised at a Bolivian consulate in your country before arriving in Bolivia.
• Work Contract or Business Documents: If you plan to work in Bolivia, you will need to provide a copy of your work contract with a local or international company. If you intend to open your own business, you must present documents showing that you have initiated the process, such as incorporation papers, opening balance sheets, or tax office registration.
• Proof of Financial Stability: You will need to demonstrate that you are financially stable and able to support yourself during your stay in Bolivia. If you are retiring and not planning to work, you must provide proof of income sources. If you are starting a business, you may be required to open a local bank account and deposit a certain amount of money.
• Notarised Letter Requesting Residency: Once you have gathered all the required documents, a notary or attorney must write a letter on your behalf stating your intent to request residency. This letter is called a "memorial".
• Official Immigration Residency Request: Take your completed residency application folder, including all supporting documents and your passport, to the Bolivian Immigration office. You will need to pay the corresponding fees in cash, in Bolivian currency (bolivianos).
• Visa Costs and Processing Times: The costs and processing times for visas can vary. According to one source, the Bolivian embassy charges $50 for a student visa, $160 for a multiple-entry tourist visa (30-day stay), and $560 for a two-year resident visa application. Obtaining a Specific Purpose Visa may take around a month, but it is recommended to use the services of someone familiar with the system to expedite the process.
• US Citizens and Tourist Visas: It is important to note that US citizens must obtain a special tourist visa from a Bolivian consulate or embassy before entering the country, which costs $160 and takes a couple of weeks to process. This visa requires providing an itinerary, proof of yellow fever vaccination, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a photo, among other documents.
• Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Bolivia.
• Entry Stamp and Extension: Upon entering Bolivia, you will typically be issued an entry stamp allowing you to stay for 30 days, which can be extended for up to 60 additional days, resulting in a total stay of 90 days. Visit the Bolivian Immigration Office to request an extension if needed.
• Other Considerations: If you plan to bring pets or import certain items, be aware of the specific regulations and restrictions. For example, an import license is required for firearms, and there are restrictions on used clothing, unauthorised pharmaceuticals, and certain electronic devices.

The information provided is a general guide, and it is always recommended to consult official sources and seek legal advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visas and entry requirements for Bolivia.

Healthcare and insurance

As a relatively poor nation, Bolivia is not known for its standards of healthcare. The general populace's health levels are consistently among the lowest in the world. While some hospitals and surgeries exist in major cities like La Paz and Sucre, in more rural areas, you will likely struggle to find a suitable medical centre. Even within the major cities, standards may be lower than what you are used to, and waiting times for treatment can be long.

The country has a mix of public and private health facilities. Public facilities are subsidized by the government but are drastically underfunded and overused, resulting in long wait times and sub-par quality of care. Most expats in the major cities prefer to use private clinics, which offer a higher level of care and can handle most medical concerns, albeit at a higher cost.

Outside the major cities, finding quality healthcare can be difficult or even impossible. The prevalence of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, and leptospirosis is higher, and sanitation and healthcare quality are generally inferior. Therefore, medical insurance is essential.

There are three health insurance options in Bolivia:

• Basic public health insurance introduced by the Bolivian government covers most or all of the cost of care for at-risk groups (children, expectant mothers, and the elderly) at public hospitals.
• Social security is mandatory for residents employed in the country, and since 2010, expatriates must also make social security payments. This dual payment system can cover healthcare costs at some facilities.
• Private health insurance is available to cover the cost of care at private hospitals. There are two categories: local health insurance plans covering care only in Bolivia and international health insurance plans covering worldwide care.

It is generally recommended that expats seek care from private facilities in Bolivia. However, treatment for major conditions and even minor surgeries should be done outside the country. Additionally, those living outside the big cities will likely need to consider medical evacuation, which can be very expensive. Local health insurance plans do not cover healthcare outside Bolivia or provide adequate evacuation coverage, so many expats opt for international health insurance plans with higher coverage limits.

The cost of an international health insurance plan in Bolivia will vary depending on factors such as age, coverage requirements, and nationality. For example, Americans seeking coverage in Bolivia and the US can expect to pay more than those who only need coverage in Bolivia.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Bolivia is extremely low, with everything from transport and rent to groceries being very affordable. Local salaries are also low, so expats may want to consider working remotely and earning in a foreign currency.

Rents in good neighbourhoods start at $200 and can go up to $1,000 for a retired couple. Utility costs are under $50, and local restaurants offer multi-course meals for under $2. A steak dinner with wine can cost under $15, and groceries are also very affordable, with a dozen eggs costing $1.50, a pound of chicken breast for $1.50, and a pound of tomatoes for 50 cents.

Healthcare in Bolivia is of varying quality. While there are some good private hospitals, the general standard of medical facilities is poor, with long wait times and underfunding. Expats should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance that covers them for treatment outside of Bolivia if needed.

Public transportation is affordable but may not be up to the standards of more developed countries. Driving in Bolivia can be challenging due to poor road infrastructure and signage, and chaotic driving conditions.

Bolivia has a diverse range of climates and terrains, from tropical rainforests to cold, semi-arid zones. The country experiences a humid tropical climate in the Llanos region and colder temperatures in the Altiplano region, with frequent frost and snow. The more mountainous regions have a temperate climate with high humidity and precipitation.

In terms of housing, expats can choose between detached houses and apartments, with costs varying depending on location and property size. Overall, the cost of living in Bolivia is very reasonable, and expats can expect to live comfortably on a small budget.

Housing and accommodation

The cost of living in Bolivia is extremely low, with affordable housing options. Expats can find detached houses and apartments available for rent or purchase, with prices varying depending on location and property size.

In the capital cities of Sucre and La Paz, as well as other major cities like Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Cochabamba, expats can expect to find a range of accommodation options.

For example, in Sucre, a two-bedroom home with a large courtyard in the heart of the colonial centro can be rented for around $285 per month. In the same city, a new construction two-bedroom apartment outside the historic district is available for purchase at $55,000.

In Cochabamba, a two-bedroom home can be rented for between $200 and $400 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment in a desirable area with amenities like a gym and pool is listed for sale at $58,000.

In the city of Tarija, rentals start at about $300 per month, with a luxury three-bedroom apartment available for $550 per month.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra offers properties for sale, such as a house with land for $70,000, and a five-bedroom house for $130,000.

It's important to note that there may not be a centralized database of property listings in Bolivia, so networking, asking friends, checking online classifieds, or walking around desirable neighbourhoods might be the best ways to find accommodation.

Additionally, when renting or buying property in Bolivia, it's essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and it may be helpful to seek advice from a reputable real estate professional or legal expert.

Transport and driving

Public transport in Bolivia is affordable, but it may not meet the standards of more developed countries. Buses, trains, and taxis are available, and cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Driving in Bolivia can be challenging due to poor road infrastructure, chaotic conditions, and subpar signage. If you plan to drive, be aware that the road infrastructure and signage are not up to the standards of more developed nations.

If you are importing a vehicle, there are specific regulations to follow. Only left-hand drive automobiles are permitted, and the vehicle must not be older than three years. All vehicles are subject to duties and taxes of up to 51% over their CIF value, and certain size and engine capacity restrictions apply. You will need several documents, including the original Certificate of Title and Registration, an import permit, and an inspection certificate.

Bolivia has a diverse landscape, ranging from soaring mountain peaks to tropical rainforests. This variety of terrain contributes to the challenges of transportation and driving in the country.

When it comes to air travel, the best flight options from Europe are with Air Europa or Boliviana de Aviacion from Madrid to Santa Cruz. From the USA, there are flights from Miami to La Paz and Santa Cruz with American Airlines. Additionally, South America has an extensive bus network, making it possible to reach Bolivia by bus from other countries on the continent.

Frequently asked questions