Ways to live in Bolivia
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Temporary residence for work
You enter on a special-purpose visa (visa de objeto determinado) for work and then apply for temporary residence in Bolivia.
- What you need
- Sworn application form, passport valid 6+ months, proof of the job or activity, police certificate for those over 16, proof of funds.
- How long
- 1–3 years depending on the contract
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Visa at a Bolivian consulate, residence at DIGEMIG in Bolivia
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Temporary residence can later lead to permanent residence.
Student visa Student visas →
Student visa and temporary residence
Student visa valid up to 60 days, which lets you apply for a one-year student residence renewable until you finish your studies.
- What you need
- Sworn form, passport valid 6+ months, study documents legalised by the consulate, police certificate for those 16+.
- How long
- 1 year, renewable until studies end
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Bolivian consulate, then the General Directorate of Migration (DIGEMIG)
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Multiple-entry visa for investment and business
One-year multiple-entry visa for investors and company representatives, with stays of up to 90 days at a time.
- What you need
- Sworn form, passport valid 6+ months, legalised company incorporation documents and tax ID (NIT), police or INTERPOL certificate.
- How long
- 1 year, up to 90 days per visit
- How to apply
- Bolivian consulate
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $150 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $350 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $520 |
| Bills | $50 |
| Typical local salary | $550 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
- Santa Cruz de la SierraBolivia's lowland business hub
- La PazHigh-altitude city of cable cars
- SucreWhite colonial city
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Bolivia spans the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca, the Uyuni salt flats and Amazon lowlands. Indigenous traditions are visible in markets and festivals. Expats tend to choose mild Cochabamba, colonial Sucre or lowland Santa Cruz.
Day to day
Long-distance buses and domestic flights link cities, and La Paz has a cable car network. Private clinics are the norm for foreigners. Cash is king, internet can be slow, and Spanish is essential.
Trade-offs
Altitude in La Paz and the highlands takes time to adjust to. Road blockades and protests can halt travel for days, and the economy is fragile, with cash and currency access sometimes difficult.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
Switzerland90 days
Norway90 days
Singaporee-Visa
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong KongVOA · 30 d
South Africa90 days
Mexico180 days
BrazilVisa-free
Questions
Does Bolivia have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Bolivia?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Investment and golden visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
