Bolivia · Citizenship
Bolivia citizenship for Americans: how many years, and can you keep US citizenship?
Short answer
After more than 3 years of residence, or 2 with Bolivian family; you can keep US citizenship.
The rules
| Residence needed | More than 3 years of unbroken legal residence |
|---|---|
| With Bolivian family | 2 years, with a Bolivian spouse or children |
| Military service | 2 years, if you serve in Bolivia at the required age |
| Who decides | The President for the 3-year route; the migration office for the 2-year routes |
| Dual nationality | Allowed: Bolivia doesn't ask you to give up US citizenship |
| Exam | A 2022 rule may have added a history and culture exam Not yet verified |
Checked against the law Residence periods, who decides and dual nationality, from the Constitution and the migration regulation.
Not yet verified The citizenship exam.
Needs lawyer review What counts as unbroken residence.
Good to know
- Time abroad: your residence must be unbroken; how much time away breaks it isn't confirmed Needs lawyer review
- Services to the country: citizenship can also be granted by a law passed by the Legislative Assembly.
- Getting there: the clock runs on legal residence, so start with one of the residency routes.
Sources (1)
Citizenship in Bolivia, in full → The full Bolivia guide →
Questions people ask
How many years until I can become a citizen of Bolivia?
More than 3 years of unbroken legal residence
Can I keep US citizenship if I become a citizen of Bolivia?
Allowed: Bolivia doesn't ask you to give up US citizenship
Is there a test for Bolivia citizenship?
A 2022 rule may have added a history and culture exam (Not yet verified)