Moving to Bolivia: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Bolivia: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 4 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Bolivia the top income tax rate is 13%, dividends are taxed at up to 12.5% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Bolivia you need at least 183 days a year (More than 183 days in year; personal tax (RC-IVA) largely source-based). The typical route is Temporary residence (self-sufficient) → permanent: Proof of means, police record, medical; temporary 2 yrs then permanent There are 4 open residence programmes in Bolivia — see the list below.
Living there
Santa Cruz has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 25.5 °C and summer highs around 31.5 °C. The economy grew -0.6% in 2025; the IMF forecasts -1% for 2026. Its passport opens about 72 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Mass blockades & protests May–Jun 2026 (24 dead); fuel shortages.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 13% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 12.5% |
| Corporate tax | 25% |
| Tax residence | after 183 days — More than 183 days in year; personal tax (RC-IVA) largely source-based |
| Typical residence route | Temporary residence (self-sufficient) → permanent — Proof of means, police record, medical; temporary 2 yrs then permanent |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 72 countries |
| Economic growth | -0.6% (2025), forecast -1% (2026) |
| Climate type | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 25.5° / 31.5° (Santa Cruz) |
| War & conflict | unrest — Mass blockades & protests May–Jun 2026 (24 dead); fuel shortages |
| All natural hazards | 6.2/10 |
| Banking strength | 2.5/10 · CCC |
| Property protection | 2.5/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 5/10 |
Residence programmes in Bolivia
- Temporary Residence – Rentista / Retiree — independentMeans
- Temporary Residence – Investor / Business — investment
- Temporary Residence – Work — employment
- Temporary Residence – Family Reunification — family
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Bolivia to become tax resident?
after 183 days. More than 183 days in year; personal tax (RC-IVA) largely source-based Residence of limited practical relevance
How much tax will I pay in Bolivia?
In Bolivia the top income tax rate is 13%, dividends are taxed at up to 12.5% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Bolivia offer?
Temporary Residence – Rentista / Retiree; Temporary Residence – Investor / Business; Temporary Residence – Work; Temporary Residence – Family Reunification
What is the usual way to move to Bolivia?
Temporary residence (self-sufficient) → permanent. Proof of means, police record, medical; temporary 2 yrs then permanent
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador · Guatemala
General information only — not tax, legal, immigration, investment or financial advice, and no client relationship. Figures are simplified, indicative and may be out of date. Always verify with the official authority and a licensed professional in the country concerned before acting. Partner links, if any, are marked and may earn us a fee.