Bolivia Naturalization and Citizenship in 2026

Bolivian nationality by naturalization is a separate legal process from temporary or definitive residence. Holding a residence card does not automatically convert into citizenship when a number of years passes.

Bolivia's Constitution sets the central residence periods, while DIGEMIG publishes the naturalization procedure and documentary requirements.

General residence rule

The Constitution provides that a foreign national in legal status may acquire Bolivian nationality by naturalization after more than three years of uninterrupted residence in the country, under state supervision, when the person expressly wishes to become Bolivian and satisfies the legal requirements.

Decree Supreme Nº 1923 and DIGEMIG's procedure materials implement that framework.

Two-year constitutional reductions

The Constitution reduces the residence period to two years for specified circumstances, including a foreign national who has:

  • a Bolivian spouse;
  • Bolivian children; or
  • Bolivian substitute parents.

It also lists other constitutional categories, including qualifying military service and nationality granted for service to the country by the Legislative Assembly.

A marriage or Bolivian child therefore affects the residence-period rule, but does not make citizenship automatic.

DIGEMIG procedure

DIGEMIG's naturalization-by-residence procedure requires evidence that includes, among other items:

  • an approved written test on elementary Bolivian history, with stated age exceptions;
  • a written request expressing the desire to naturalize;
  • sworn application form;
  • proof of the required continuous temporary permanence or definitive permanence;
  • identity/passport evidence;
  • legalized birth certificate and translation where applicable;
  • foreigner identity card;
  • Bolivian criminal-record evidence;
  • INTERPOL evidence in applicable travel circumstances;
  • declared Bolivian domicile and evidence of activity/occupation;
  • current photograph; and
  • official procedure payment.

The procedure sheet also distinguishes evidence for employees and for lucrative activity without dependency.

Does permanent residence have to come first?

The DIGEMIG procedure accepts proof of temporary permanence for more than the required period or definitive permanence. That means naturalization should not be described as requiring a separate fixed period after permanent residence in every case.

However, the applicant's underlying temporary category and continuity still matter. For example, student temporary permanence has its own restriction against leading to definitive permanence, and nationality analysis should be based on current DIGEMIG treatment of the actual history.

Continuity and travel

Naturalization uses an uninterrupted residence concept. DIGEMIG's material notes that when DIGEMIG expressly authorizes an absence, the permanence can be treated as uninterrupted for the procedure.

Do not assume any overseas trip automatically preserves or breaks the clock. Keep status/travel records and obtain case-specific confirmation where continuity is important.

Processing statement in the procedure sheet

DIGEMIG's published naturalization sheet states an administrative duration of up to 7 days at DIGEMIG and up to 11 days in departmental administrations. This is best read as the stated agency processing stage for the procedure sheet, not a promise that every nationality case will be fully completed end-to-end within that period.

Naturalization is ultimately granted through the competent state process and should not be planned around a guaranteed passport date.

Dual nationality

Bolivia's Constitution states that Bolivians do not lose Bolivian nationality by acquiring another citizenship and that foreigners who acquire Bolivian nationality are not required by Bolivia to renounce their nationality of origin.

Whether the applicant's other country permits dual nationality is a separate question.

No citizenship by investment

No Bolivian citizenship-by-investment programme was identified in current official sources.

Business investment, a Multiple Visa, company ownership or property ownership does not replace the constitutional naturalization requirements.

Read the permanent residence guide for residence status, or return to the Bolivia hub. Also browse visa types and Latin America.

Official and supporting sources

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