Moving to Bolivia

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Bolivia largely depends on your nationality. Citizens from some countries, particularly within the European Union, may enjoy visa-free entry for tourism for a certain period, but this does not grant the right to work or reside long-term. Non-EU citizens often require a visa in advance for any purpose, even tourism. For those planning to live in Bolivia, common routes to obtain a residence permit include:

• Work Visa: Typically sponsored by an employer in Bolivia.
• Family Visa: For individuals with immediate family members who are Bolivian citizens or legal residents.
• Study Visa: For those enrolled in educational institutions in Bolivia.
• Temporary or Permanent Residence Permit: Various categories exist, often requiring proof of financial solvency or other specific criteria.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements directly with the Bolivian embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the Bolivian immigration authorities (Dirección General de Migración) once you arrive. Regulations can change, so always consult official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Bolivia can be done through several channels. Online portals and social media groups are increasingly popular, especially in larger cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Local real estate agents (inmobiliarias) are also a common and often recommended option, providing expertise and access to a wider range of properties. Word-of-mouth is surprisingly effective; networking within expat communities or local circles can uncover hidden gems.

The typical rental process usually involves viewing properties, negotiating terms, and signing a rental contract (contrato de alquiler). Contracts are often in Spanish, so if your Spanish isn't fluent, consider having a trusted local or legal professional review it. Deposits are standard, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, plus the first month's rent upfront. Ensure the contract clearly outlines the deposit return conditions. For temporary housing upon arrival, consider short-term apartment rentals, hostels, or hotels while you search for a long-term solution. Many landlords prefer longer-term commitments, typically six months to a year, though shorter terms can sometimes be negotiated, particularly for furnished properties.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Bolivia is influenced by several key factors. The volume and weight of your belongings are primary determinants; the more you ship, the higher the cost. The distance of your move, meaning your origin country to Bolivia, significantly impacts freight charges. The season of your move can also play a role, with peak shipping times potentially leading to higher prices. Accessibility at both origin and destination (e.g., narrow streets, lack of elevators, or remote locations) can add to labor and transportation costs. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will contribute to the overall expense. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, always request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for 4-8 weeks out:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Start decluttering: Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping costs.
  • Research visa and residence requirements thoroughly.
  • Obtain multiple quotes from relocation service providers.
  • Begin gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, academic transcripts, etc.).
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your relocation service provider and book your move date.
  • Start making travel arrangements to Bolivia.
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or begin preparing your home for sale.
  • Arrange for pet transportation if applicable, researching Bolivian import regulations.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Arrange for utility disconnections (electricity, water, internet) at your current residence.
  • Notify banks, credit card companies, and subscription services of your move.
  • Forward mail to a new address or arrange for a mail hold.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack an essentials bag for your arrival in Bolivia (documents, medications, toiletries, a few changes of clothes).
  • Confirm all arrangements with your relocation service, including final pick-up times.
  • Back up all important digital files.
• Packing Tips:
  • Use sturdy boxes and quality packing materials.
  • Distribute weight evenly in boxes.
  • Wrap fragile items individually with plenty of cushioning.
  • Create an inventory list of all packed boxes.
  • Keep all vital documents, medications, and valuables with you during travel.

To get started on your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Bolivia: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, but navigating customs regulations can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the import process for your household goods and personal effects when moving to Bolivia, ensuring a smoother transition.

If you're a returning Bolivian citizen

Bolivian citizens returning home can import their used personal effects duty-free, provided they meet specific residency criteria. You must have lived abroad for more than two years and not have spent more than 90 days in Bolivia (continuous or discontinuous) within the last two years. This exemption applies to one importation per family (air, sea, or overland) and has a value limit.

What you'll need

• Original passport with your most recent entry stamp to Bolivia.
• Detailed inventory list in Spanish or English, typed (no handwritten documents).
• Affidavit ("Declaración Jurada") validated by a Bolivian Consulate in your origin country. This form must be registered online on the Bolivian Customs website first.
• Consular Certificate of Residence issued by the Bolivian Consulate at origin.
• Migratory certificate ("Flujo Migratorio") issued by the Migratory Office in Bolivia.

Good to know

• The duty-free franchise for returning citizens is capped at $35,000 USD (FOB value) for used personal effects. Any value exceeding this will be subject to taxes.
• Your shipment must arrive between one month before and up to six months after your definitive arrival in Bolivia.
• Vehicles are not considered personal effects under this exemption.
• Your detailed packing list must specify the number of pieces, all electric appliances (model, serial number), weight, and value for each box.

If you're a foreign citizen relocating to Bolivia

Foreign citizens moving to Bolivia can also import their used personal effects duty-free, subject to similar residency and value conditions as returning citizens. You must have resided abroad for more than two consecutive years, with visits to Bolivia not exceeding 90 days in total during that period.

What you'll need

• Original passport.
• "Visa de Objeto Determinado" (VOD) stamped in your passport, or a Mercosur Visa if you are from a member country (Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela - suspended, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam).
• Detailed inventory list in Spanish or English, typed (no handwritten documents).
• Affidavit ("Declaración Jurada") validated by a Bolivian Embassy/Consulate in your origin country.
• Work contract, validated by the Labour Ministry of Bolivia, for at least one year.
• Migratory certificate ("Flujo Migratorio") issued by the Migratory Office in Bolivia.

Good to know

• The duty-free franchise for foreign citizens is capped at $35,000 USD for used personal effects. Taxes apply to any excess value.
• Your shipment must arrive between one month before and up to six months after your definitive arrival in Bolivia.

For diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments benefit from specific exemptions and a streamlined process, with the franchise value determined by the diplomat's position and activities.

What you'll need

• Original passport with a diplomatic visa.
• Application letter from the Embassy requesting Diplomatic Accreditation to the Bolivian Foreign Ministry.
• Diplomatic Accreditation Letter stating your name and position.
• Diplomatic ID issued by the Bolivian Foreign Ministry.
• Packing list signed and stamped by the Embassy.
• Transport documents (AWB/BL/MIC/CRT original).
• Tax Exemption Form.
• Value Declaration or administrative certificate (issued, sealed, and signed by the Embassy).

Good to know

• Customs clearance for diplomatic shipments typically takes around 10 days if all documents are prepared by the Embassy.
• Vehicles are permitted for import as part of a diplomatic shipment.
• Certain household goods are prohibited even for diplomatic shipments (see "Restricted & prohibited items" below).

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles into Bolivia is subject to specific duties and conditions, and they are not considered part of household goods for duty-free exemptions.

• What you'll need: Original invoice, original Bill of Lading, valid passport, Vehicle Certificate Inspection, technical report (pollution and performance), Card of Property and Certificate of origin, and a previous import permit issued by the Transportation Ministry in Bolivia.
• Good to know: Private and personal shipments are subject to 52% duties over the CIF value. Only vehicles one year old or newer and without damage can be imported. Gasoline vehicles have no restrictions. Diesel vehicles above 4000 cc can be imported. If there's no commercial invoice for a used car, an accredited verification company in Bolivia must intervene, requiring a complete detail of the vehicle's characteristics. Diplomatic missions can import vehicles duty-free.

Pets

Bringing your beloved pets to Bolivia requires specific health documentation and incurs duties for private individuals.

• What you'll need: Health certificate from an official veterinarian at origin, vaccination certificate from origin, zoo sanitary certificate from an authorized organization at origin, zoo sanitary certificate to be issued in Bolivia, and a certificate of value for the pet.
• Good to know: Private and personal shipments are subject to 30% duties over the CIF value, plus charges for the time pets stay at Bolivian customs. Diplomatic missions can import pets duty-free. Dispatch time is approximately 3 days.

Restricted & prohibited items

Bolivia has strict regulations on what can and cannot be imported. It's crucial to be aware of these restrictions to avoid complications.

• Prohibited items: Food (all kinds, including sealed or canned), medicines, live plants, seeds, narcotics, drugs, explosives, full or empty gas cylinders, pornographic material, firearms, weapons & ammunitions, precursors, refrigerators with R-12 gas, perfumes, creams, shampoo, fertilizers, disposable diapers, detergents & soaps, liquids, spices, tea, oil, skin stuffed animals, furs, dissected animals, artworks, industrial tools, machines.
• Wood articles: Any shipment containing wood (furniture, ornaments, packing material) must be fumigated at destination to obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from SENASAG (Bolivian organization for plague control).
• Objects contaminating the atmosphere: Items like refrigerators (R22 gas), motors, oxygen tanks, and vehicles must be inspected at destination to obtain CGO (Governmental Ozone Commission) Certification of gases, as per IBMETRO (Institute of Quality Norms of Bolivia - Pollution control) regulations.
• Used textiles: Totally prohibited for import.

Alcohol & tobacco

There are strict limits on the amount of alcoholic beverages you can import.

• Limited allowance: Diplomats can import up to 6 liters. Non-diplomats can import up to 3 liters.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum value for duty-free household goods?
For returning Bolivian citizens and foreign citizens, the duty-free franchise for used personal effects is $35,000 USD (FOB value). Any value above this is subject to taxes.

Do I need to be in Bolivia when my shipment arrives?
Yes, the consignee (you) must be present in Bolivia during the import process as your presence is required for customs inspection.

How long does the import process take for household goods?
The estimated time for the household goods import process is approximately 6 to 8 weeks from when the cargo arrives at the Bolivian Customs Warehouse until it is released.

Are handwritten documents accepted by Bolivian Customs?
No, handwritten documents are not allowed. All documents, including inventory lists, must be typed.

What should be written on the Bill of Lading for shipments to Bolivia?
For shipments via the port of Arica (Chile), the Bill of Lading must read in Spanish: "Carga en tránsito Arica con destino final Bolivia." Additionally, the cargo on the OBL/AWB must be declared as "Menaje Doméstico Usado" (Used household goods) in Spanish.

Can I import new furniture duty-free?
New furniture and household goods are generally subject to duties of 42% over the CIF value for private and personal shipments. An accredited verification company must intervene if the value exceeds USD 1,000. An import authorization is also required.

For personalized assistance with your move to Bolivia, please contact relocation123.com.

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