Employer's Guide to Work Visas in Bolivia

Global hiring in Latin America is accelerating, but tapping into Bolivia's workforce requires employers to navigate local visa and work authorization rules. Whether hiring on-the-ground talent or relocating employees, understanding Bolivia's visa system is key to avoiding legal missteps and building compliant operations.

Here's what employers need to know about obtaining a work visa in Bolivia.

Understanding Bolivian work visa requirements

Foreign nationals must obtain proper work authorization to legally engage in paid employment in Bolivia. Work visas are issued based on the type and length of employment, and employers are expected to initiate or support the application process. The Bolivian government prioritizes national employment and strictly monitors foreign labor to ensure compliance with immigration and labor laws.

Why immigration compliance is crucial for employers

Hiring global talent means aligning with local immigration rules and Bolivia is no exception. Foreign workers must possess the correct documentation before beginning any employment. Otherwise, the employer risks:

Legal penalties or fines
Delays in onboarding talent
Reputational damage
Revocation of business or tax licenses

Staying compliant protects both the business and the worker. Bolivia’s General Law of Migration regulates all aspects of foreign nationals entering, residing, or working in the country. Employers must adhere to these statutes or risk serious consequences.

Overview of work authorization process for employers

To hire a foreign worker in Bolivia, employers typically sponsor the visa and help complete each step of the process. This includes:

Issuing a local employment contract
Submitting documentation to Bolivia’s Dirección General de Migración
Coordinating with the Bolivian consulate in the applicant’s home country

Employers must prove the hire fills a role that cannot be easily sourced locally, and demonstrate financial ability to support the employment. In many cases, the foreign employee must first enter on a visa that permits work and later apply for temporary residency.

Types of work visas in Bolivia

Specific Purpose Visa (Visa de Objeto Determinado). This short-term visa is valid for 30 days and allows entry for employment-related reasons. Workers must convert this to temporary residency once in-country if they intend to stay longer. It’s the most common visa used to begin the work authorization process.
Temporary Residence Visa. Granted in six-month or one-year increments, this visa authorizes longer-term employment. It requires submission of a work contract and proof of sufficient income. The temporary residency process must be completed from within Bolivia.
Tourist Visa for Work. Technically, tourist visas do not authorize paid employment. However, some short-term business activities may be permissible, such as attending meetings or conducting site visits. Any attempt to work beyond these limits violates immigration law.

Requirements for work visa in Bolivia

To obtain a work visa, foreign nationals must compile and submit a full set of required documents including:

Valid passport (with minimum six months’ validity)
Copy of work contract with Bolivian employer
Police background check from home country
Medical certificate
Passport-size photographs
Completed visa application form
Proof of professional qualifications (if applicable)

Employers often assist by drafting the employment contract and gathering relevant corporate documentation, such as proof of legal registration.

Application process for Bolivia work permit

Step-by-step breakdown:

Apply for a Specific Purpose Visa from the Bolivian consulate in the home country.
Enter Bolivia and register with local migration authorities.
Submit documentation for temporary residency through the Dirección General de Migración.
Receive temporary residence permit allowing legal work.

The Bolivian consulate or embassy in the applicant’s home country is the first point of contact. They’ll review the initial documents and issue the entry visa.

Processing times vary but typically take two to six weeks, depending on the applicant's origin, embassy workload, and completeness of documents. Delays are common if paperwork is missing or inconsistent.

Employer responsibilities in hiring foreign nationals

Companies hiring international employees in Bolivia have a legal duty to support the visa process and ensure compliance:

Sponsoring visas. Employers must provide employment contracts, help secure local registration, and confirm that the worker will receive appropriate wages and benefits.
Compliance with labor laws. Bolivia has strict employment regulations regarding working conditions, benefits, and severance. All workers—including foreign hires—are entitled to these protections.
Providing certificates and documents. Employers must supply notarized copies of their business license, tax ID (NIT), and incorporation paperwork, along with job descriptions and justification for the foreign hire.

FAQ

Can the visa process be expedited?

Bolivia doesn’t offer a formal expedited process. However, working with experienced legal counsel or an in-country partner can reduce errors and prevent delays.

How much does a work visa cost?

Expect to pay roughly US$100–$300 in government fees for the visa, plus additional costs for medical exams, document translations, and notarizations.

Can a tourist visa be converted to a work permit?

Yes, in many cases. Workers who enter Bolivia on a Specific Purpose or tourist visa can often apply for temporary residency and a work permit while in-country—though they must stop working until authorization is granted.

Tips and resources for a successful application

Here are some helpful tips to stay on top of the process:

Stay organized. Prepare all documents well in advance, and check for accuracy and translations.
Use reliable channels. Submit applications through official government portals and consulates.
Work with local experts. Bolivian immigration law can change, and experienced legal or immigration consultants can offer critical support.

Utilizing Employer of Record providers

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that legally employs a worker on behalf of another company. EORs manage everything from visa sponsorship to compliance with labor and tax laws. This allows companies to hire talent in Bolivia without setting up a legal entity. A trusted EOR partner like Velocity Global simplifies and accelerates international hiring, while reducing the risk of noncompliance.

For companies exploring broader regional expansion, this guide to hiring in South America provides valuable context on building teams across borders.

How Velocity Global can help

Hiring across borders can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Velocity Global’s Employer of Record solution simplifies the process of hiring talent in Bolivia and over 185 countries worldwide. By acting as the legal employer, we ensure full compliance with local labor, tax, and immigration laws so companies can onboard international talent without setting up a local entity.

With support for visa sponsorship, employee benefits, and payroll, Velocity Global handles every detail, allowing companies to scale quickly and compliantly.

This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.

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Immigration + Relocation