Business Visa in Bolivia: How to get a multiple visa

Anyone planning to enter the Bolivian market is likely to need to secure a business visa in Bolivia, be that for themselves or for someone being sent to oversee the establishment or operations of the company. A business visa in Bolivia is technically called a multiple visa, which will be granted for a one-year period and can be renewed for a similar period. It covers a variety of bases, meaning that you will be able to perform various tasks within the country, such as company formation in Bolivia. This guide explains the purpose of the multiple-entry visa, the required documentation, and the step-by-step process for obtaining one for regular business travel to Bolivia.

Understanding the Multiple-Entry Business Visa

The Multiple-Entry Business Visa is designed for foreign professionals who need to travel to Bolivia frequently for business-related activities. Unlike a single-entry tourist visa, it allows the holder to enter and exit the country multiple times without needing to reapply each time, making it ideal for ongoing projects or negotiations.

The multiple visa allows multiple entries into Bolivia throughout its period of validity and is the most common type of visa applied for by foreign investors seeking a business visa in Bolivia.

To secure a multiple visa, foreigners must provide a variety of documents, and pay a visa processing fee of USD$200.

To get a multiple visa in Bolivia, you will need to present the following documentation:

1. A completed visa application sworn declaration form
2. A certificate of good conduct issued by Interpol
3. A passport that is valid for at least six months
4. A yellow fever vaccine certificate, and any other health certificate that is applicable (this can be based on which country you are entering Bolivia from)
5. Recent passport-style headshot photographs
6. Proof of payment of the visa.

The processing time for a multiple visa in Bolivia is approximately 14 business days.

The 4-Step Application Process

Expert Tip: The Apostilled Police Certificate

From our experience, the document that causes the most delays for applicants is the police clearance certificate. Bolivian consular requirements are strict on this point: you must provide a recent police certificate from your country of origin or residence, and this document must be apostilled (or legalized by the Bolivian consulate if your country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention).

The process of obtaining the certificate and then getting it apostilled can take several weeks. We advise all applicants to start this step first, well before they plan to submit their visa application.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

The first step is to fill out the official Sworn Statement for Visa Application (Declaración Jurada de Solicitud de Visa) on the Bolivian government’s online portal.

Step 2: Gather and Legalize All Required Documents

This includes your passport, passport photos, a letter of invitation from a Bolivian company, proof of financial solvency, and an apostilled police clearance certificate.

Step 3: Submit the Application at a Bolivian Consulate

Schedule an appointment and present your printed online application and all original supporting documents to the consular staff.

Step 4: Pay the Fee and Receive the Visa

If your application is approved, you will pay the consular fee, and the multiple-entry visa will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Other options for investors seeking a business visa in Bolivia

Beyond the multiple visa, another type of visa that anyone seeking a business visa in Bolivia might consider is a special purpose visa, which allows short visits of between 30 and 180 days, based on the type of activity.

For anyone developing business activities, or who is in the process of applying for temporary or permanent residence, the visa is granted for 30 days — which can be extended for up to 90 days. For anyone involved in seasonal or transitory work, the visa can be granted for up to 180 days.

The cost of a special purpose visa varies based on the length of the visa, with up to 30 days costing $60, up to 90 days costing $130, and up to 180 days costing $1450.

Temporary and permanent residence also represent alternative options for anyone in need of a business visa in Bolivia, with additional documentation required compared to the multiple visa and special purposes visa, including proof of financial solvency.

Costs associated with residency permits are also based on their length, with a one year residency permit costing $330, while a two year permit costs $430, and a three year permit costs $535.

FAQs on obtaining a business visa in Bolivia

Why invest in Bolivia?

While Bolivia is not the most fashionable investment destination in Latin America and the Caribbean, it offers a great deal of opportunities, with a number of under-exploited markets and sectors ripe for capital injection.

Bolivia has seen considerable growth in recent years, with gross domestic product (GDP) increasing more than four-fold between 2005 and 2019. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected the economy in 2020, the World Bank has predicted that it would bounce back considerably, registering growth of 5.5% by the end of 2021.

Bolivia’s fossil fuel deposits have traditionally been one of the biggest draws for investment, however the country also sits on sizable reserves of lithium, ores, and precious metals. Beyond that, Bolivia is well-known for having a large agricultural sector, while the manufacturing sector consistently contributes more than 10% of GDP.

Bolivia is also a founding member of the Andean Community of Nations, a regional association that includes Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, which has been implementing a series of measures to deepen integration that are beneficial for doing business.

Meanwhile, the country is awaiting formal acceptance to become a member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) — 30-year-old economic association that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

All of this adds up to make the Bolivian market an attractive destination for investment, for which securing a business visa in Bolivia is important.

Biz Latin Hub can help with a business visa in Bolivia

At Biz Latin Hub, we can assist you securing a business visa in Bolivia — be that a multiple visa or any other type, according to your needs. Our locally based team of corporate support experts has extensive experience working with foreign investors in Bolivia, while our comprehensive portfolio allows us to provide tailored packages of integrated back-office services to suit every need.

Our portfolio includes company formation, accounting & taxation, legal services, due diligence, hiring & PEO, and visa processing, meaning we can support every aspect of your market entry and ongoing operations in Bolivia.

We also have teams in 15 other markets around Latin America and the Caribbean, and we specialize in multi-jurisdiction market entry.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can support you doing business in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Or read about our team and expert authors.