
Emigrate to Bolivia
Emigrate to Bolivia: Find out the most important information for your stay here
Emigrating to Bolivia is an attractive option for nature lovers and adventurers. With its impressive landscapes - from the Andes to the Salar de Uyuni - the country offers numerous outdoor activities. Bolivia also impresses with its rich indigenous culture and low cost of living. It is also ideal for learning Spanish.
However, there are a few points to consider before emigrating to Bolivia. These include visa and residence regulations, a possible work permit and international health insurance. A basic knowledge of Spanish makes everyday life easier, and respect for local traditions is important.
Facts about Bolivia
Capital City
Sucre
Population
12,311,974
Surface Area
1,098,581 km2 or 424,164 sq mi
Continent
South America
Official Language
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, Guarani
Currency
Boliviano (BOB)
Emigrating to Bolivia: An overview of the political system
Emigrating to Bolivia means moving to a plurinational state that recognizes its indigenous diversity - in addition to Spanish, 36 languages are official. The 2009 constitution strengthened indigenous rights and promoted decentralization. As a social state, Bolivia supports its citizens with various programs.
Politically, it has a presidential system with a bicameral parliament. The president and parliament are directly elected, and indigenous participation is growing. The constitution also strengthens the autonomy of the departamentos.

Climate in Bolivia: Important information for emigrants
Emigrating to Bolivia means adapting to a variety of climate zones: The cold, dry Altiplano with the Salar de Uyuni, mild Andean valleys with warm days and cool nights and the hot, humid Llanos Orientales in the Amazon region.
The best time to travel to the highlands is from April to October and to the lowlands from May to September. Watch out for altitude sickness and slow acclimatization, especially in the highlands. The rainy season lasts from November to March, with heavy rainfall in the lowlands.
If you want to emigrate to Bolivia, pack appropriate clothing for each region, protect yourself from the sun in the lowlands and drink plenty of water, especially in the highlands.

Healthcare system in Bolivia: Important facts for emigrants
Emigrating to Bolivia means adapting to a public healthcare system that is often overburdened, especially in rural areas. Therefore, private health insurance is recommended to have better access to medical care. Many medicines are available, but the quality varies, so important medicines should be brought from your home country.
Altitude sickness is a risk due to the large differences in altitude, and vaccinations against infectious diseases such as dengue or malaria are necessary in certain regions. Dental treatment is cheaper, but the quality should be checked beforehand.
If you want to emigrate to Bolivia, you should take out international health insurance, find out about vaccinations, build up a network and learn basic Spanish terms. A healthy lifestyle is also important.
For foreigners, language skills, especially Spanish, are important. Protection in front of the dock is necessary, as dengue fever is a risk. It will be necessary to inform you about private car insurance options as well as a travel insurance with return transport to the country of residence.
At the same time, Paraguay also offers an acceptable medical supply in cities, which, however, is not up to European standards. Private medical insurance and comprehensive counseling are recommended for travel to Paraguay.

Emigrating to Bolivia: An overview of the economic situation and quality of life
In 2024, Bolivia's gross domestic product per capita amounted to around 3,919.60 US dollars. The Gini coefficient of wealth describes the distribution of wealth. The indicator is an established, internationally comparable measure of wealth inequality. It is measured on a scale from zero to one. The higher the value, the greater the inequality. The Gini coefficient in Bolivia is expected to be 0.41 in 2025 (source: Statista).
A major advantage of emigrating to Bolivia is the low cost of living, especially when it comes to food, transportation and accommodation.
The country also impresses with its rich culture and nature - from traditional festivals and dances to the Andes, the Amazon region and the Atacama Desert.
Those wishing to emigrate to Bolivia can also benefit from the relaxed, slow-paced way of life, which offers a welcome change for many.

National holiday
Independence Day
Salar de Uyuni - Bolivia's impressive salt flats
The Salar de Uyuni, located in the Bolivian highlands at an altitude of around 3,700 meters, is the largest salt desert in the world, covering an area of over 10,500 km². It was formed thousands of years ago from the prehistoric Lago Minchin and is now one of the most impressive natural backdrops in South America. During the dry season, an endless white landscape with hexagonal salt patterns stretches to the horizon. In the rainy season, the Salar is transformed into a giant mirror that reflects the sky and creates a surreal-looking environment.
In addition to this fascinating natural spectacle, the region also offers geological wonders such as the Yardangs, rock formations shaped by the wind, as well as the famous cactus islands, including Isla Incahuasi with cacti up to 12 meters high. The wildlife is equally impressive: flamingos, Andean condors, nandus and even the rare Andean cat live here.
With its unique landscape, spectacular sunrises and breathtaking photo opportunities, the Salar de Uyuni is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world and attracts numerous adventurers and photographers every year.

Emigrate to Bolivia - Entry Requirements
Entry is possible for German nationals with the following documents:
- Passport: Yes
- Temporary passport: Yes
- Identity card: No
- Temporary identity card: No
- Children's passport: Yes
Notes/minimum validity:
Travel documents must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

FAQs for emigrating to Bolivia
Where can I find relevant information about my country of entry and the entry regulations that apply there?
We have compiled destination country information as well as entry requirements and customs information for many countries in the Relocation Service section of our website and are constantly expanding this section.
Can I use my own container that I already own for the move with DACHSER & KOLB?
For every removal, which we at DACHSER & KOLB always offer as a door-to-door (full service) removal, a container is rented for the duration of the removal. We therefore do not offer the option of using your own container.
Who is responsible for my move abroad and the services I need there?
As a FIDI member, we work abroad with selected, long-standing partners who work in accordance with our service standards.
Are my removal goods insured in the event of damage?
For every overseas move, we naturally cover transportation insurance at current value for the used household goods and personal belongings
What types of transportation do you offer for overseas relocation?
It is generally possible to carry out overseas removals via air freight or sea freight. In the case of sea freight, it is possible to ship the removal goods as additional cargo (“LCL shipment” with Liftvan) or with a container (FCL shipment in 20 feet, 40 feet or 40 feet high cube). We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you in a personal consultation.
When and how must the move be paid for and what is the payment deadline?
You will receive an invoice a few weeks after placing the order and pay the full amount directly in advance.
Do I have to pay taxes and customs duties on my removal goods?
Removal goods can be imported tax and duty-free into most countries if you have a valid residence permit. We will be happy to check the options for importing the removal goods for your desired destination country in a personal consultation.
Are you interested in moving to Bolivia or another destination country?
Then do not hesitate and contact us today.
Alexander Brugger
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - AIR&SEA
