By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how investor visas work worldwide and discover every detail of Bolivia’s investor residency options—from minimum investments and required paperwork to costs, timelines, and the path to citizenship.

What Is an Investor Visa?

An investor visa grants foreign nationals the right to live—and often work—in a country by making a qualifying financial contribution. According to Investopedia’s definition of an investor visa, these programs typically require:

• A minimum investment threshold
• Proof that funds come from a legal source
• Ongoing obligations, such as job creation or business operation
• Pathways to renewals, permanent residency, and in some cases, citizenship

Many nations—like the U.S. (EB-5), Portugal (Golden Visa), and Australia (Subclass 188)—have well-established investor schemes. Benefits often include access to local markets, education for dependents, and eventual permanent residency.

Bolivia’s New Investor Residency Category

In 2022, Bolivia introduced an official investor-residency visa to attract foreign capital and spur local economic activity, as detailed in Fragomen’s analysis of Bolivia’s new visa categories. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-Bolivian nationality
• Proof of investment in real estate, a registered company, or partnership
• Clean criminal record (apostilled)
• Bank statement demonstrating economic solvency

Required Documents

1. Passport copy
2. Visa application form (from Bolivian Immigration Office)
3. Title deeds or company incorporation papers
4. Criminal background check, legalized at origin
5. Proof of funds (bank statements, audited financials)

The initial investor visa is valid for two years, after which you may apply for permanent residency and, under the right conditions, pursue citizenship.

Paths to Bolivian Residency Through Investment

Bolivia offers three main routes to residency by investment:

• Real estate purchase
• Establishing a local company
• Forming a partnership with a Bolivian citizen

Real Estate Option

You can qualify by buying property valued at roughly USD 30,000, one of the lowest thresholds in South America, according to VisaGuide.World’s guide on residency via real estate purchase. There’s no requirement to develop or rent the property—ownership alone suffices.

Company Formation Route

Starting a business in Bolivia also works. Be aware that corporate income tax runs about 25% on net profits, as outlined in PwC’s corporate tax summary for Bolivia, which can affect your bottom line and cash flow requirements.

Local Partnership Strategy

By taking a minority stake (e.g., 10 %) in a business owned by a Bolivian national, you can:

• Reduce your initial capital outlay
• Benefit from local management expertise
• Potentially lower your tax exposure, since profits can be distributed to the local partner

This arrangement demonstrates genuine economic integration, a key consideration for immigration authorities, as noted in Expatica’s overview of Bolivia residency by investment.

From Temporary Permit to Citizenship

Bolivia’s investor route isn’t just a quick entry pass—it’s a step-by-step plan to become Bolivian:

1. Temporary residency (2 years)
2. Permanent residency (after 2 years’ continuous stay; absences ≤ 180 days/year)
3. Citizenship application (after 3 years total residency; basic Spanish proficiency required)

Foreign nationals may apply for naturalization after three years of legal and continuous residency, according to the Migration Law of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

Investing Wisely: Costs, Timelines, and Caveats

• Cédula de Extranjero: Your foreigner ID card—issued in major cities like La Paz in about eight days, per the La Paz Municipal Guide.
• Permanent residency fee: Approximately USD 560. If you leave Bolivia for more than two consecutive years, the visa will be revoked, as specified on the Bolivia Immigration Office site.
• Corporate tax: 25 % on profits, plus mandatory social contributions—plan accordingly.
• Absence rule: You must not spend over 180 days outside Bolivia during your temporary residency period to maintain eligibility.

Bolivia ranks among the most accessible and affordable options for residency by investment in Latin America, offering a modest-cost lifestyle with a clear path to citizenship.

Under the Andean Sky: Your Next Move

You’ve seen how Bolivia’s investor-residency program aligns with global standards while offering some of the lowest entry costs in the region. Whether you choose real estate, launch a company, or join forces with a local partner, you’ll find clear rules, manageable fees, and an explicit route to citizenship. Now it’s up to you—pack your bags, gather your documents, and start your journey under the Andean sky.