Company Formation in Bolivia?

Embarking on the process of company formation in Bolivia is the first step in expanding your business presence in the country. While Bolivia can be overshadowed by its larger neighboring economies, it is emerging as an attractive destination for foreign investors looking to set up a company in Bolivia and expand to new markets.

Bolivia is a member of the World Trade Organization and the Andean Community and an associate member of MERCOSUR, making it look a great destination to form a company. According to data from the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE), in 2023, Bolivia’s total trade volume reached $US 10.5 billion, with exports amounting to $US 5.5 billion and imports totaling $US 5 billion. The country’s main trading partners in 2023 were Brazil, Argentina, China, and the United States.

This article will explain company formation in Bolivia and how to successfully incorporate your business into this untapped market full of investment opportunities.

Incorporating / Forming a company in Bolivia

Company formation in Bolivia: Market outlook for Bolivia 2022.

Before entering the Bolivian market, we recommend spending some time in the country gathering information on the level of demand for your products.

Engage with local business leaders and potential customers, and spread the word about your new venture by attending trade fairs and networking events. Be sure to acquire data on your industry’s performance and assess key players.

3 Types of Business Formation in Bolivia

After deciding to start the company formation in Bolivia process, the first step involves selecting the best type of legal entity to suit your business needs and goals. The most common types of legal entities are outlined below:

  1. Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de responsabilidad limitada, SRL): This is the most simplified legal structure and the most common for most business activities.  It requires a  legal representative to be appointed within the company bylaws, a fiscal address, a minimum of two shareholders, and a USD$500 minimum capital. In our experience, this is one of the best entities to form in Bolivia.
  2. Corporation (Sociedad Anonima): Suitable for medium and large-sized companies. Corporations require three directors (one must be a resident of Bolivia) and three shareholders, who can be foreign or local legal or physical persons. Incorporating a Corporation also requires a Síndico (controller), an auditor, and a fiscal address. Companies that generate over US$160,000 must submit annual financial statements to the Tax Authority and SEPREC.
  3. Branch (Sucursal): Setting up a branch office in Bolivia grants your foreign parent company the opportunity for full ownership, with 100% participation. To initiate this process, you need to officially register the branch office in Bolivia and designate a Legal Representative who must be a resident of Bolivia and have a local fiscal address.
Types of legal structures in Bolivia 2023, Limited Liability Company SRL, Corporation SA, Branch- Sucursal an infographic by Biz Latin Hub 2023
Company formation in Bolivia: Types of legal structures in Bolivia 2023, Limited Liability Company SRL, Corporation SA, Branch (Sucursal)

What are the Minimum Requirements to Incorporate an SRL in Bolivia?

The 4 minimum requirements to incorporate an SRL in Bolivia are:

  1. Minimum of (2) shareholders, which can be either natural (i.e. persons) or legal persons (i.e. entities.).
  2. Contribute a minimum initial capital of USD 500. – Important Note: Based on our experience, we would always recommend a minimum initial capital of USD 1500 to ensure an efficient bank opening process.
  3. Appoint a Legal Representative within the company bylaws, who must be a local national or a foreigner with the right to live and work in the country; normally this is a lawyer, the founder, or a senior executive within the company.
  4. Register a Fiscal Address which must be within the country and used for official correspondence.

 Important Tip: The founding shareholders do not need to physically travel to the country as the establishment can be completed via a power of attorney

What Documents Do You Need to Start Your Company Formation in Bolivia?

To begin incorporating your new subsidiary company in Bolivia, you will need to provide the following:

  • A name for your legal entity.
  • Shareholders’ identification documents.
  • Confirm the business activities, corporate purpose, and primary operations.
  • Minimum initial capital contribution.
  • Company duration can vary from 1 to 99 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Important Tip: We always recommend having a preferred legal name and two alternatives in case the primary legal name is unavailable.

Company formation in Bolivia can take 5 to 6 weeks after all required documentation is provided. Businesses must have a physical office, so before you start, you must purchase or rent office space in the country.

To successfully incorporate a limited liability company in the country, you’ll need at least two shareholders and one legal representative who must be a Bolivian or a foreign residing in Bolivia.

Bolivia does not require you to travel to the country to complete the incorporation process. This means you can set up from anywhere and begin to recruit staff, saving you time and money. CEOs and investors who want to expand into multiple markets quickly will find this particularly attractive. 

Since Bolivia is near other Latin American markets like Peru, Chile, Paraguay, and Brazil, company formation in Bolivia allows you to reach various nearby markets for trade. It is easy to travel between the four countries by road or air. Once you have incorporated your company, you can apply for a corporate business account and begin trading freely in the market.

7 key steps to form a company in Bolivia

  • Step 1 – Gather Client Information Documents: Collect all necessary documents from clients including identification, proof of residence, and any additional documents required for specific business structures.
  • Step 2 – Prepare the Powers of Attorney (POAs) for each shareholder: Draft and finalize the powers of attorney for each shareholder, ensuring they are legally compliant and notarized.
  • Step 3 – Apostille, receive documentation and translate (for foreign shareholders): If any shareholder is a foreign national, their documents must be apostilled (if applicable), then translated into Spanish if they are not already. Receive all documentation and ensure it is complete.
  • Step 4 – Notarize all the documents: Have all documents notarized by a public notary in Bolivia or a Bolivian consulate/embassy if the documents are notarized abroad.
  • Step 5 – Register the company in Bolivia: Submit all notarized and apostilled documents to the Public Registry of Commerce in the appropriate city and pay the registration fees. This step will officially establish the company.
  • Step 6 – Secure the tax ID Número de Identificación Tributaria (NIT) from the Tax ID Authority (Servicio de Impuestos Nacionales) and register the company fiscal address: Apply for the NIT from the Tax ID Authority and register the company’s fiscal address. This step is crucial for tax compliance.
  • Step 7 – Open the company bank account: Once the company is registered and has its NIT, open a bank account in the name of the company. This account will be used for financial transactions and to comply with banking regulations.
Key steps in the process of incorporating an entity in Bolivia (updated 2023)
Company formation in Bolivia: Key steps in the process of incorporating an entity in Bolivia (updated 2023)

Foreign executives planning to register a company in Bolivia can apply for a business visa. Applying for a visa can take a couple of weeks, but it offers investors permanent residence after two years of living in the country. After residing continuously in the country for three years, citizenship becomes accessible.

Those citizens who are part of the Andean Community or MERCOSUR do not need to apply for a visa if they are visiting Bolivia to assess demand or to meet a contact as long as they stay for less than 90 days.

Additionally, foreign investors who are not part of the Andean Community or MERCOSUR and wish to start a business in Bolivia can apply for a “Temporary Business Visitor Visa” (Visa de Visitante de Negocios en Bolivia). This visa allows them to stay in Bolivia for up to 180 days within a one-year period and is renewable. It is essential to consult with the Bolivian consulate or embassy in your home country to understand the specific requirements for this visa category.

For those who wish to invest in Bolivia and remain in the country for more extended periods, there are residency and citizenship options available. The Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista) is for those planning to invest more than $US 50,000 in a Bolivian business or real estate. This visa allows investors to live in Bolivia for up to five years with the possibility of extending it further. After three years of holding this visa, investors can apply for permanent residency, and after three more years, they can apply for citizenship. The conditions and requirements for these visas may vary, so it is crucial to consult with a legal advisor or the relevant Bolivian authorities.

Common FAQs when Forming a Company in Bolivia

Answers to some of the most common questions we get asked by our clients.

Can a foreigner own a business in Bolivia?

Yes, a business in Bolivia can be 100% foreign-owned by either legal persons (“legal entities”) or natural persons (“individuals.”)

How long does it take to register a company in Bolivia?

It can take 5 to 6 weeks after the required documentation has been provided by the client.

What does an S.A. company name mean in Bolivia?

The S.A. in a company name in Bolivia refers to a “Sociedad Anónima,” which translates to a “Joint Stock Company.” This legal framework sets up the company as an entity distinct from its shareholders, each holding shares that symbolize ownership. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares, creating a layer of protection. The S.A. structure is widely used across Bolivia for its remarkable adaptability and flexibility, making it the preferred choice for various business endeavors.

What does an SRL company name mean in Bolivia?

An SRL company name in Bolivia stands for “Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada,” which translates to Limited Liability Company in English. This legal entity operates independently from its shareholders, offering them limited liability. SRL companies are prevalent due to their simplified requirements, making them a popular choice for business structures. The SRL structure is widely used across Bolivia making it the preferred choice for various types of business endeavors.

What entity types offer Limited Liability in Bolivia? 

The Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.) is the limited liability entity type.

What are the main differences between SA and S.R.L. in Bolivia?

These are the main differences between an SA and an SRL in Bolivia.

S.R.L. (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)S.A. (Sociedad Anónima)
ShareholdersMinimum: 2
Maximum: 25
Minimum: 3
Maximum: Unlimited
Shareholders MeetingCalled “Asamblea de Socios”Called “Junta de Accionistas”
DurationUp to 99 years (renewable)Up to 99 years (renewable)
CapitalSubscribedSubscribed, Paid, Authorized
Legal Representation1 legal representative required (optional to add more)Board of Directors (Minimum: 3, Maximum: 12)
Transfer of SharesShareholders meeting requiredFree transfer of shares

Work with Biz Latin Hub to Incorporate your Company in Bolivia

At Biz Latin Hub, our team of legal and accounting multilingual specialists is equipped to deliver excellence and provide services designed for international executives looking to expand into Latin America. We offer complete bilingual support for entering the market and handling administrative tasks. 

Choose us as your leading contact for starting a company in Bolivia and guarantee the success of your business activities. Contact us now, and we’ll get back to you with a personalized strategy to unlock new commercial opportunities for your company in Bolivia. Learn more about our team and expert authors.

A BLH infogrpahic showing key services offered by the company
Company formation in Bolivia – LLC Formation Bolivia. Market entry and back-office services offered at Biz Latin Hub

The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
Legal Team Bolivia

Legal Team Bolivia

Legal Team Bolivia is the Biz Latin Hub leading experts on doing business in Bolivia The Team writes on the news, doing business, law, and changing regulations. The team are experts in corporate law, Administrative law, Employment law, Immigration law and legal advisory services. Read more about them here. You can contact Legal Team Bolivia via our "contact us page".

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