Immigrate To Bolivia: Steps To Take For A New Life

Bolivia's immigration law is based on the theory of reciprocity, meaning that what your country's immigration officials require of Bolivians who emigrate, Bolivia will require of you. The requirements and application guidelines are not complicated, but there are several steps to the process. The first step is to obtain a Specific Purpose Visa from a Bolivian consulate in your country of origin. This is required for the specific purpose of applying for residency and is valid for 30 days. Once you arrive in Bolivia, you must approach the Bolivian Immigration office and request a list of requirements to be fulfilled before filling out the residency application. There are several types of residency visas available, including one-year, two-year, five-year, and permanent residency visas, each with its own requirements and costs.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for Bolivia depend on your country of origin and the type of visa you are applying for. Bolivia divides countries into three groups, each with different requirements and procedures. Here is an overview of the visa types and their respective requirements:

Tourist Visa:

• Group 1 countries: Citizens from Group 1, including many European countries, the Philippines, Australia, and the USA, can enter Bolivia without a visa for an initial 30 days, which can then be extended to 90 days. They receive a Bolivian tourist card with an entry stamp and may have to pay an exit fee when leaving the country.
• Group 2 countries: Citizens of Group 2 countries, such as India, South Korea, and China, are eligible for a visa on arrival or can apply for one at a consulate.
• Group 3 countries: Citizens from Group 3 countries, like Indonesia and Pakistan, must obtain a tourist visa from a Bolivian consulate before arriving in Bolivia. The application process typically takes 1-5 weeks, and the visa fee is usually $30.
• Mercosur countries: Citizens of Mercosur countries (e.g., Colombia, Argentina, and Peru) can enter with only an ID card and a Yellow Fever certificate.

Student Visa:

There are different types of student visas available:

• 60-day student visa: This visa allows individuals to study Spanish or other short-term courses in Bolivia.
• 180-day exchange student visa: This visa is for those studying in public or private universities or other teaching centres in Bolivia. It can be extended up to three years until the completion of studies.

Temporary Residence Visa:

The Temporary Residence Visa is typically granted for one year and can be renewed. It can be obtained by those with a local employment contract or for up to three years without one. MERCOSUR nationals can obtain temporary residence post-arrival or at a Bolivian consular post abroad. Argentinians only need to provide police clearance certificates from an Argentinian consular post in Bolivia, which is a quicker process.

Specific Purpose Visa (Objeto Determinado Visa):

The Specific Purpose Visa allows temporary entry into Bolivia for various purposes, including marriage, filming for commercial purposes, or applying for residency. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended to 90 days if needed. Citizens of certain countries can apply for this visa while in Bolivia, while others must apply from a consulate abroad.

Multiple Entry Visa (Bolivia Business Visa):

The Multiple Entry Visa is issued for one year and can be renewed annually. It is for foreign citizens who want to conduct business in Bolivia.

Humanitarian Visa:

The Humanitarian Visa is granted for 30 days based on specific humanitarian grounds, such as for victims of human trafficking or companions of individuals requiring medical treatment.

Courtesy Visa:

The Courtesy Visa is granted for up to 60 days to foreigners invited by a public institution in Bolivia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for activities deemed of interest to the country.

Official/Diplomatic Visa:

The Official/Diplomatic Visa is for foreign citizens travelling to Bolivia to perform official duties on behalf of their countries, such as consular officers and ambassadors.

General Visa Requirements:

While specific requirements vary based on the type of visa and the applicant's country of origin, here are some general requirements for obtaining a Bolivian visa:

• Sworn statement for the visa application form.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation or a letter of invitation if sponsored.
• Proof of financial solvency, such as account statements for the last three months.
• A residence permit or resident visa for the country you are currently in if you are not in your home country.

Residency application process

The residency application process for Bolivia involves several steps and requirements that must be completed and fulfilled. Here is a detailed guide on the process:

• Obtain a Specific Purpose Visa (Visa de Objeto Determinado): Before arriving in Bolivia, obtain this visa from a Bolivian consulate in your country of origin. This visa is specifically for applying for residency and is valid for 30 days.
• Visit the Bolivian Immigration Office: Once you arrive in Bolivia, go to the Bolivian Immigration office in the city where you plan to live. Foreigners need to approach the "Extranjeria" window. Here, you will receive a list of requirements ("lista de requisitos") to fulfil before filling out the residency application.
• Choose the Length of Your Residency: You can request a one-year or two-year residency visa initially. After that, you may renew it for two years, five years, or permanent residency. Each option has its own set of requirements and costs.
• Complete the Required Documents: Prior to submitting your residency application, you must obtain several documents from various Bolivian institutions. These documents include:

• Interpol International Criminal Background Check: This check ensures you have no criminal record in your home country or others.
• Bolivian National Criminal Background Check: This verifies that you have not committed any crimes during previous visits to Bolivia.
• Registration of Your Address in Bolivia: Provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill. Officials may visit your residence to verify the information.
• General Medical Certificate: A doctor must perform a medical check-up and fill out a standardised form indicating your health status.
• Marriage/Divorce/Birth Certificates (if applicable): If applying as a family or single parent, provide translated and notarised documents.
• Work Contract or Incorporation Papers: If you have a local or international work contract, provide a copy. If you plan to start a business, present documents such as incorporation papers or a balance sheet.
• Proof of Financial Stability: Demonstrate your financial stability or provide proof of income if you are retiring in Bolivia.
• Notarised Letter Requesting Residency: Have a notary or attorney write a letter ("memorial") stating your intent to request residency.

• Submit the Official Residency Request: Gather all the required documents and approach the "Extranjeria" at the Immigration Office again. Request and complete the official residency application form, which will be provided in a folder. Add all your documents, pay the corresponding fees in cash (in Bolivianos), and submit your application along with your passport.
• Wait for the Processing: The Bolivian Immigration authorities handle each case individually, and there may be additional documents requested during the process. The specific purpose of your immigration may also impact the requirements. Make sure to research the specific requirements for the type of Specific Purpose Visa you choose.

It is important to note that the information provided is a general guide, and it is recommended to consult a Bolivian consulate or the Bolivian Immigration Services for the most up-to-date and accurate information before initiating your application.

Criminal background checks

To immigrate to Bolivia, you will need to obtain a criminal background check, or a "certificado de antecedentes penales". This is done to ensure that you have not committed any crimes in your country or during previous visits to Bolivia. The process involves two separate checks: an international criminal background check and a Bolivian national criminal background check.

International Criminal Background Check

The international criminal background check is carried out by Interpol and is a compulsory step in the immigration process. This procedure can take longer than others, so it is recommended to start with this check first and then continue with the rest of the requirements. You will need to check with your local Interpol office every few days to see if your form is ready to be picked up.

Bolivian National Criminal Background Check

The Bolivian national criminal background check is conducted by Bolivian officials to ensure that you do not have a criminal record in the country from previous visits. This check is also called a "certificado de antecedentes penales", but at the national level.

In addition to these criminal background checks, you will also need to provide a "certificate of absence of criminal records" when applying for Bolivian citizenship. This certificate can be obtained from the Bolivian authorities and will certify the lack of a criminal record or, if applicable, its existence.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a criminal background check and immigrating to Bolivia may vary depending on your country of origin and specific circumstances.

Proof of address

To immigrate to Bolivia, you will need to provide proof of your new address in the country. This is called a "registro domiciliario" and is one of the requirements you must fulfil before filling in your residency application form.

To prove your address, you can present a water or electricity bill in your name. Officials may also visit your new home or apartment in Bolivia to verify your address.

If you are staying with Bolivian friends or family, authorities may require a letter of invitation from the host.

Medical certificate

To immigrate to Bolivia, you will need to obtain a Specific Purpose Visa (visa de objeto determinado) from a Bolivian consulate in your country of origin. This visa is required for those who wish to apply for residency and is valid for 30 days. Within this timeframe, you must complete all the residency requirements and submit your application to the Bolivian Immigration office.

One of the requirements for obtaining residency in Bolivia is a General Medical Certificate. This certificate must be issued by a doctor and should indicate your current medical condition. A general medical check-up may be performed, which can include blood tests, x-rays, and other tests to verify that you do not have any contagious diseases or HIV/AIDS.

To obtain your medical certificate, you can use the services of certified medical professionals who specialize in conducting visa medical examinations for travel to Bolivia. These professionals will conduct a comprehensive health assessment to meet Bolivia's specific health requirements. The assessment typically includes a thorough physical examination and a review of your medical history, along with any necessary tests or vaccinations required for your visa application.

Once you have obtained your medical certificate and completed the other necessary requirements, you can proceed with submitting your residency application to the Bolivian Immigration office.

Frequently asked questions