Living in Bolivia: the ultimate expat guide

Bolivia categorizes countries into three distinct groups with varying entry requirements. Since January 2025, all travelers must register through the SIGEMIG system before arrival or face fines upon departure.

Group 1: Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the European Union, United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Russia, and several other nations enjoy visa-free entry. Upon arrival, you receive an initial 30-day stay, extendable up to 90 days per calendar year at no cost. Required documents include a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of onward travel or return ticket, accommodation confirmation such as hotel reservation or invitation letter, and mandatory SIGEMIG online registration completed before departure.

Group 2: Visa Required for Select Countries

Citizens of the United States, China, Iran, and Taiwan must obtain a visa. US nationals pay $160 USD by credit card only (cash no longer accepted since May 2024 except Bolivianos). The visa can be obtained upon arrival at airports and land borders, or free of charge at Bolivian embassies in advance. Initial duration is 30 days, extendable to 90 days annually. Required documents match Group 1 requirements plus a recent ID photo. Important July 2025 update: visa-on-arrival for other Group 2 countries (excluding the US) may have been discontinued, requiring advance embassy applications.

Group 3: Advance Visa Mandatory

Certain nationalities must apply for visas at Bolivian embassies or consulates before travel. Processing takes approximately 10 days. Required documentation includes the completed Declaración Jurada de Solicitud de Visa form, color 4x4 cm ID photo with red background and no glasses, passport valid 6 months minimum, accommodation booking, round-trip tickets, and proof of sufficient funds.

SIGEMIG: Mandatory Registration

As of 2025, all travelers regardless of nationality must register through the SIGEMIG system before entering Bolivia. This free online process collects personal information, travel details, and Bolivian accommodation address. Non-compliance results in a 100 UFV fine (approximately 250 Bolivianos) upon departure. The registration takes just minutes but enforcement is strict.

Extensions and Long-Term Visas

To extend beyond your initial 30 days, visit the Dirección General de Migración in major cities before your current visa expires. Maximum total stay remains 90 days per calendar year. For work, business, or study purposes, apply for a Specific Purpose visa through a Bolivian embassy, allowing 4 to 6 weeks processing time.

Vaccination Requirements

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from at-risk areas like Brazil, or when traveling to Amazonian regions of Beni, Pando, or northern La Paz. No COVID-19 requirements exist as of 2025.

Bolivia's job market features a notably low unemployment rate of 2.8% and an employment rate of 76.6% in 2025. However, average wages remain modest at $436 USD monthly with a minimum wage of $343 USD. While these figures offer cost advantages, they reflect a developing economy with significant informal sector activity.

Key Economic Sectors

The mining and hydrocarbon sector dominates Bolivia's economy, with the country holding South America's second-largest natural gas reserves. Lithium extraction at Uyuni has accelerated significantly with an operational facility since December 2023, creating opportunities in green technology. Agriculture forms a major economic pillar, with Cochabamba known as "Bolivia's breadbasket." The construction and infrastructure sector experiences robust growth, particularly in Santa Cruz, the country's most dynamic city. Tourism continues developing, driven by exceptional sites like the Uyuni Salt Flats and Lake Titicaca.

Salary Overview

The following table presents key employment data reflecting Bolivia's economic landscape:

Sources: Trading Economics, The Next Gen Business

Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Bolivia presents opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish local operations. The regulatory framework is gradually evolving to facilitate foreign investment, particularly in strategic sectors like energy, tourism, and services. Major cities including Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabamba concentrate most economic activity. Working with local legal counsel is recommended to navigate administrative procedures and understand Bolivian market specifics.

Bolivia's university system offers interesting opportunities for international students, with tuition costs significantly below European or North American standards. Public universities are tuition-free but admission is highly competitive with reduced chances for foreign students, generally requiring entrance exams. Private universities therefore constitute the preferred option for expats continuing their studies in Bolivia.

Major Private Universities

Universidad Católica Boliviana (UCB), founded in 1966, maintains campuses in Tarija, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz serving approximately 16,000 students annually. It offers faculties in engineering, economic and financial sciences, humanities and social sciences, political science and law, plus architecture and graphic design. Semester tuition ranges from $500 to $1,500 USD with scholarships covering 30% to 100% of fees for top students. Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB), established in 1993, specializes in business administration and economics with campuses in Cochabamba (main), La Paz, and Santa Cruz. Semester tuition reaches 14,845 BOB (approximately $2,150 USD) for upfront payment, increased by 1,400 BOB for installment plans. Scholarships reward top academic and athletic performers. Universidad Privada Domingo Savio (UPDS), founded in 1988, serves over 20,000 students across 8 campuses in Santa Cruz, Tarija, La Paz, Potosí, Cochabamba, Sucre, Trinidad, and Oruro, with a ninth under construction in Pando. Admission requires an entrance exam and fees can drop below $500 USD in certain cases.

Language and Payment Options

Instruction occurs entirely in Spanish, requiring solid language proficiency. Universities offer flexible payment options including monthly, semester, or full-program terms. All universities operate in 2025 with well-equipped campuses in major cities.

Degree Recognition

Recognized Bolivian private university degrees are valid locally. For international recognition, particularly in English-speaking countries, verify bilateral degree recognition agreements between Bolivia and your home country. Institutions offering IB programs or affiliated with international networks generally facilitate this recognition.

Bolivia operates a territorial tax system: only Bolivian-source income is taxed, leaving foreign income untaxed. This feature can significantly benefit expats receiving overseas income. The tax system was last revised in July 2025, with administration handled by the Servicio de Impuestos Nacionales.

Personal Income Tax

Personal income tax operates under the official name Régimen Complementario del Impuesto al Valor Agregado (RC-IVA). A flat 13% rate applies to gross income after social security deductions. Employers must withhold tax at source on a monthly basis. Non-residents face the same 13% rate on Bolivian-source income. If your employer is non-resident, you must file and pay monthly or upon departure. Capital gains are not taxable, offering a notable tax advantage. Investment income is taxed as ordinary income, except dividends from Bolivian companies. No local personal income taxes exist.

Value Added Tax

Bolivia's VAT applies at a standard 13% rate on goods sold and services rendered in Bolivia. Law 1613 adopted in January 2025 introduced temporary exemptions to stimulate the economy. Capital goods imports for agriculture, industry, construction, and mining enjoy VAT exemption through December 31, 2025. Domestic sales of these capital goods are zero-rated. Hydrocarbon imports including crude oil, gasoline, and diesel are also VAT-exempt.

Corporate Income Tax

The general corporate tax rate stands at 25%. Mining and petroleum sectors face an additional 25% tax on extractive activities, plus specific mining taxes of 12.5% or 7.5% depending on circumstances. Financial institutions and insurance companies may see higher rates if their return on equity exceeds 6%. Tax incentives introduced in 2025 encourage dividend reinvestment, reducing withholding from 12.5% to 3.125% based on reinvestment percentage.

Social Security Contributions

Employers must contribute 17.21% of gross salary for social security, rising to 19.51% in the mining sector. These contributions fund Bolivia's social security system.

Wealth Tax

Fortunes exceeding 30 million BOB (approximately $4.3 million USD) face wealth tax at rates between 1.4% and 2.4%. The taxable base includes foreign-held assets, potentially affecting wealthy expats.

Inheritance and Gift Taxes

Inheritance and gift taxes apply at three tiers: 1%, 10%, or 20% depending on relationship to the deceased or donor.

Financial Transaction Tax

A 0.30% tax applies to bank transfers and deposits for fiscal years 2023 through 2028. Though modest, this tax applies to each transaction.

Tax Treaties

Bolivia has no FATCA agreement with the United States but participates in the Common Reporting Standard for automatic tax information exchange. The country has signed bilateral investment agreements with multiple nations. US citizens should note FATCA reporting requirements still apply to Bolivian accounts.

Bolivia launched a universal healthcare system called Seguro Único de Salud (SUS) in 2019, aiming to cover approximately 5 million previously uninsured Bolivians. The healthcare system remains under development with significant infrastructure and staffing challenges. The country spends $307 USD per capita on healthcare, representing 8.4% of GDP, well below the global average.

Healthcare Infrastructure

Bolivia operates 3,983 healthcare facilities including 3,610 primary care centers, 238 basic hospitals, 47 general hospitals, and 32 specialized institutes providing tertiary and quaternary care. Hospital infrastructure provides 1.4 beds per 1,000 inhabitants. Life expectancy reaches 68.6 years, 4.8 years below the global average. Maternal mortality at 205 deaths per 100,000 births exceeds the global average, highlighting healthcare system challenges.

Public System Limitations

The SUS faces several limitations identified in 2022 studies: lack of quality control guidelines for infrastructure and services, insufficient qualified medical personnel, recurring medication and bed shortages, bureaucracy slowing recruitment, and often lengthy wait times. However, notable improvements include reduction in out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 65% in 2018 to 19% in 2020 of tertiary hospital budgets. The 2023 health budget reached $3.54 billion USD with $333 million allocated to hospital construction and improvement.

Major Hospitals

In La Paz, key facilities include Hospital del Niño, the country's largest pediatric hospital, Clínica Los Ángeles specializing in gynecology and obstetrics with quality private care, and Hospital de la Mujer dedicated to women's and maternal health. In Cochabamba, Hospital Viedma is recognized for neonatology and maternal-child care. Major cities feature well-developed private sectors offering superior quality to the public system.

Private Health Insurance

International or local private health insurance is strongly recommended to ensure access to the best facilities and avoid public system limitations. The private sector in major cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba provides care comparable to international standards. Costs vary significantly based on coverage and your profile.

Public Health Concerns

Bolivia faces several specific health challenges. Obesity affects 20.2% of the population. Malaria remains endemic with 13,940 infections in 2023, a 71% increase versus 2014-2018. Rabies persists in certain areas with 1 death in 2024. Chagas disease is endemic particularly in Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended before visiting Amazonian regions.

Bolivia's public education system mandates schooling from ages 7 to 14 with an 86.7% literacy rate. Public school quality remains unfortunately poor and unevenly distributed. Expat families typically choose international schools offering recognized curricula with instruction in English, German, or other languages depending on the institution.

International Schools in La Paz

The American Cooperative School (ACS), founded in 1955, serves pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with an American curriculum. The school awards both American and Bolivian diplomas, with the academic year running August-December and January-June. Highlands International School located in Valle Del Sol, Mallasilla, also offers an American curriculum with graduates heading to the United States, Canada, or remaining in Bolivia.

International Schools in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, the country's most dynamic city, hosts several quality institutions. Santa Cruz Cooperative School (SCCS), established in 1959 and reorganized as a cooperative in 1971, provides pre-kindergarten through 12th grade programming with an American curriculum. Accredited by SACS and the Bolivian Ministry of Education, it offers AP courses and awards American and Bolivian diplomas. The academic year runs early August through mid-December, then mid-January through early June. Santa Cruz International School (SCIS) follows the Cambridge International Examinations Board curriculum with English instruction from pre-school through secondary. Students take Checkpoint exams in 8th grade, IGCSE in 10th, and continue to AS-Level in 12th, earning Bolivian and Cambridge diplomas. Colegio Alemán Santa Cruz offers a German curriculum approved by the Central Office for German Schools Abroad, with bilingual German-Spanish instruction and IB Diploma Programme accreditation.

International Schools in Cochabamba

The American International School of Bolivia (AIS/B) welcomes students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in a bilingual, bicultural environment. Tuition ranges from $1,391 to $4,567 USD annually, making it more accessible than some institutions.

IB Schools and Costs

Bolivia hosts three IB World Schools: American International School of Bolivia in Cochabamba with English instruction, Colegio Alemán Santa Cruz with Spanish instruction, and Saint Andrew's School offering bilingual Spanish-English instruction with the IB Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma. International school tuition generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 USD annually for standard institutions, potentially exceeding $20,000 USD at premium schools. These fees remain competitive compared to international schools elsewhere while delivering internationally recognized education.

Bolivia's real estate market offers diverse housing from budget studios to luxury homes in prestigious neighborhoods. Options include apartments of all sizes, single-family houses particularly available in Santa Cruz and city outskirts, and condominios—secure residential complexes popular with expats.

Prime Neighborhoods in La Paz

Southern La Paz concentrates the most sought-after neighborhoods for expats and affluent families. Calacoto ranks as the capital's top neighborhood, offering a mixed residential-commercial environment perfectly suited for expats. You'll find numerous restaurants, shops, and green spaces within walking distance in a highly secure setting allowing safe nighttime circulation. House prices range from $500,000 to $2,500,000 USD while apartments trade around $90,000 USD. San Miguel, adjacent to Calacoto, is primarily commercial with numerous shopping centers and offices. Sopocachi, near the historic center, appeals with its mixed residential-commercial character featuring lively streets and many apartment buildings. Miraflores offers a more residential, quiet atmosphere while maintaining strategic positioning for city-wide access.

Prime Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, the economically most dynamic city, northern and eastern zones are particularly prized. Equipetrol leads as the best overall neighborhood with convenient location and mixed residential-commercial environment. Strong expat presence and premium luxury homes make it a top choice. Las Palmas constitutes an upscale residential zone, while Sirari represents a developing neighborhood. Urubo, a peripheral zone, is also gaining popularity.

Prime Neighborhoods in Cochabamba

Cala Cala stands as Cochabamba's premier neighborhood, just 10 minutes from the historic center. You'll discover numerous premium apartments and houses, commercial spaces, shopping centers, restaurants, and large green spaces. Queru Queru also offers quality residential living.

Real Estate Prices

For middle-class apartments of 1,000 to 2,500 square feet, expect $80,000 to $200,000 USD. In Santa Cruz and tropical cities, prices drop to a $50,000 to $150,000 USD range. Renting these apartments runs $400 to $1,000 USD monthly. Middle-class houses show significant price variations by city: in La Paz and Potosi where space is scarce, expect around $300,000 USD or more, while in Santa Cruz, Trinidad, or Oruro where land is more available, prices can drop to $100,000-$150,000 USD. The overall range spans $80,000 to $300,000 USD. Commercial properties like offices or retail spaces of 250 to 1,100 square feet trade between $20,000 and $150,000 USD, representing $40-100 per square foot or more in prime commercial zones.

Rental Advantages

Rent in Bolivia runs 80.3% lower than in the United States, making it particularly attractive for expats. City comparisons show La Paz approximately 7% cheaper than Santa Cruz, though overall cost of living remains similar between these two metros.

Preparing a move to Bolivia requires careful organization and advance planning of several weeks to months. Here are essential steps for successfully establishing yourself in this Andean nation with its unique characteristics.

Pre-Departure Checklist

1. Three months ahead: Begin visa procedures if needed through the Bolivian embassy, select your destination city based on professional and personal criteria, research housing options, and contact international schools if you have children.
2. Two months ahead: Purchase international health insurance covering Bolivia, schedule recommended vaccinations particularly yellow fever, sort belongings distinguishing sea container items from what travels with you, request translated transcripts and diplomas if necessary.
3. One month ahead: Finalize international mover booking, prepare important administrative documents (birth certificates, family records, diplomas), open a Bolivian bank account if possible remotely, register on the mandatory SIGEMIG system introduced in 2025.
4. Two weeks ahead: Confirm first-days accommodation, book flights with likely connections via Lima, Bogota, or Panama, inform your current bank of expatriation, prepare luggage with essentials for first weeks including altitude-appropriate clothing if heading to La Paz.
5. Upon arrival: Present SIGEMIG confirmation to immigration, collect visa or entry stamp, exchange currency to Bolivianos at the airport, contact your landlord or residence, register with your country's consulate if desired.

Practical Moving Considerations

Altitude constitutes a unique factor to consider: La Paz sits at 3,650 meters, requiring gradual adaptation during initial days. Plan to rest upon arrival and avoid intense physical exertion. Customs procedures for importing personal belongings vary by quantity and item value. Working with an experienced mover familiar with Bolivian regulations is recommended. Maritime shipping timelines can reach 6 to 8 weeks depending on your departure port. Less developed logistics infrastructure than in North America or Europe means anticipating additional delays for final delivery to interior cities. Electronic appliances operate on 220V/50Hz current, adapters may be necessary depending on your equipment.

Bolivia offers exceptional cultural, sporting, and tourist activities thanks to its unique geographic diversity spanning Andean peaks to Amazonian plains. The country hosts spectacular natural sites and vibrant indigenous culture making it a fascinating destination for expats seeking discovery.

Must-See Natural Wonders

The Uyuni Salt Flats, the world's largest salt desert, stands as the country's premier attraction with endless white expanses creating striking mirror effects during rainy season. Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 3,812 meters elevation, is shared with Peru and offers exceptional panoramas plus traditional island discoveries. The Tiwanaku ruins showcase a major pre-Incan civilization with impressive archaeological remains. Torotoro National Park fascinates with spectacular rock formations, prehistoric landscapes, and caves to explore. The infamous Death Road attracts thrill-seekers for a mountain bike descent on one of the world's most dangerous yet spectacular routes.

Cultural and Urban Activities

La Paz captivates with colorful markets selling everything imaginable, its urban cable car system Mi Teleférico offering stunning city and Illimani views, varied museums, and omnipresent indigenous culture. Sucre charms with impeccably preserved colonial architecture earning UNESCO World Heritage status. Cochabamba, nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" and recognized as the country's gastronomic capital, features a rich culinary scene and the majestic Cristo de la Concordia statue overlooking the city. Traditional festivals punctuate the year including the spectacular UNESCO-recognized Oruro Carnival.

Sports and Adventures

Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle the legendary Chimborazo descent or attempt Death Road under professional supervision. Hiking in the Andes offers varied routes from accessible treks to technical expeditions toward peaks exceeding 6,000 meters. High-altitude sports like mountaineering occur in exceptional settings with snow-capped peaks accessible from La Paz. The Bolivian Amazon in Beni and Pando regions enables tropical wildlife and flora observation during guided excursions. Bolivia's ecosystem diversity, from desert Altiplano to humid tropical forests, guarantees infinite playground for nature and adventure lovers.

Daily life in Bolivia presents unique particularities linked to the country's exceptional geography and rich cultural diversity. Adapting to these specifics ensures successful and enriching expatriation.

Getting Around

In La Paz, the Mi Teleférico urban cable car system provides modern, efficient transportation linking the capital to El Alto with spectacular city and mountain views. Urban buses and taxis complete transportation options. The La Paz Terminal, designed by Gustave Eiffel, serves as the intercity bus hub with daily departures to all major cities. Main roads connect La Paz to Oruro (then toward Sucre, Potosí, and the south), plus Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. For air transport, El Alto International Airport in La Paz faces limitations due to extreme 4,200-meter altitude restricting aircraft types that can land. Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz serves as the main international hub. Oxygen services are available at El Alto airport to facilitate newcomer acclimatization.

Food and Cuisine

Cochabamba is recognized as the country's gastronomic capital with rich, varied traditional Bolivian cuisine. Local markets omnipresent in all cities offer fresh produce at highly accessible prices. Bolivian cuisine blends indigenous and Spanish influences with typical dishes like salteñas (Bolivian empanadas), silpancho, or fricasé. Expats also discover traditional use of coca leaf, legal in Bolivia and used for centuries by Andean populations to combat altitude sickness, though its export is prohibited.

Important Considerations

Altitude represents the major challenge in La Paz (3,650 m) and El Alto (4,200 m). Initial days require gradual adaptation with rest, ample hydration, and avoiding intense physical exertion. Some people experience altitude sickness (soroche) with headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Bolivia's exceptional geographic diversity offers arid Altiplano, temperate valleys, tropical plains, and Amazon, creating vastly different climates and lifestyles by region. The country officially recognizes 36 indigenous languages beyond Spanish, witnessing vibrant cultural richness. Major indigenous groups include Quechuas (2.5 million), Aymaras (2 million), Chiquitano (180,000), and Guarani (125,000).

Climate by Zone

La Paz and El Alto experience subtropical highland climate with cool to cold temperatures, rainy summers from November to March, and dry winters. Santa Cruz enjoys hot semi-tropical climate year-round with high temperatures and significant humidity. Cochabamba benefits from pleasant temperate climate justifying its "eternal spring" nickname with mild, stable temperatures. This climate diversity lets you choose your city based on weather preferences.

Bolivia ranks among South America's most affordable countries with overall living costs 60.8% lower than the United States excluding rent. This gap jumps to 80.3% for housing costs, making the country particularly attractive for budget-conscious expats or those seeking to maximize purchasing power. The country ranks 144th globally out of 197 nations for cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Singles

Here's a detailed breakdown of monthly expenses for a single person living in Bolivia, excluding rent which varies significantly by city and neighborhood:

Source: Numbeo (October 2025)

Monthly Budget for Families of Four

Families with children need higher budgets, particularly due to international school tuition which often constitutes the largest expense item:

Source: Numbeo (October 2025)

Regional Comparisons

Bolivia proves significantly more affordable than neighboring countries and major continental cities. La Paz shows living costs 28% lower than Santiago, Chile, 24% cheaper than São Paulo, and 35% more economical than Buenos Aires. Between Bolivian cities themselves, differences remain modest with La Paz roughly 7% cheaper than Santa Cruz, though overall costs remain comparable between these two metros. This financial accessibility combined with quality of life makes Bolivia a prime choice for expats seeking to maximize their budget while living comfortably.