This is a good article about the difficulties involved in starting a business in Bolivia, which is not easy for Bolivians, and even harder for foreigners. The World Bank ranks Bolivia as one of the world's most difficult countries in which to start a business. It is not for the faint of heart.
How difficult or easy you find the process to be also depends on the type of business you plan to establish, but in general, you must be prepared to endure long lines; many hours, days or even weeks of waiting for documentation; and numerous requirements (many of which then have their own prerequisites).
If you don't speak the language, it can be even more daunting. Furthermore, if you are not already a resident of Bolivia, you may find that you'll have to complete the residency process first, or work on acquiring residency simultaneously.
I've started 5 businesses in Bolivia, all of them sole-proprietorships. It wasn't easy, and it was time-consuming, but my knowledge of the language made it much more tolerable. In Santa Cruz, you can contact the attorney who works with
Expat Services for help to start your business. But first, read this first-hand account so you'll be mentally prepared for the journey on which you are about to embark. Cheers! Bella. :)
When Australian Randall Howlett decided to set up a business in Bolivia, one of the poorest countries in South America, he had little idea of the patience required...
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