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Bolivia

Airbnb Laws in Bolivia

Airbnb Laws in Bolivia

Bolivia

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Introduction

Introduction to Airbnb in Bolivia

Bolivia, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, offers tourists a captivating experience, from the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats to the lush Amazon rainforest and bustling cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. In recent years, short-term rentals have gained popularity across Bolivia as an affordable and accessible option for travelers looking to experience local culture. The rise of short-term rentals, especially in cities like La Paz and Sucre, has bolstered Bolivia’s tourism income, significantly contributing to the economy. Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com list various accommodations in Bolivia, ranging from charming local homes to luxurious mountain.

Overview

Bolivia, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, offers tourists a captivating experience, from the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats to the lush Amazon rainforest and bustling cities like La Paz and Santa Cruz. In recent years, short-term rentals have gained popularity across Bolivia as an affordable and accessible option for travelers looking to experience local culture. The rise of short-term rentals, especially in cities like La Paz and Sucre, has bolstered Bolivia’s tourism income, significantly contributing to the economy. Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com list various accommodations in Bolivia, ranging from charming local homes to luxurious mountain.

Property

Overview

Bolivia does not have a dedicated national association specifically for short-term rental owners and operators. However, hosts can seek support and resources from broader industry organizations:

Bolivian Hotel Association (Asociación Boliviana de Hoteles - ABH): While primarily for hotels, they may offer insights relevant to accommodation providers. This association provides a platform for hosts to network, share resources, and advocate for their interests.
Bolivian Tourism Chamber (Cámara Boliviana de Turismo - CABOTUR): Represents various sectors within tourism, potentially including lodging services.

Membership in such associations is not mandatory, but it offers several advantages. Members gain access to valuable resources, including legal advice, marketing support, and industry updates.

Property

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short term rentals

What is Airbnb in Bolivia?

What are short Term Rentals in the Country?

In Bolivia, short-term rentals are commonly referred to as "alquileres temporales" (temporary rentals) or "alquiler vacacional" (vacation rentals). These terms describe furnished accommodations rented out for brief periods, to tourists or travelers. On international booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, these properties are listed as "vacation rentals," "holiday rentals," or "tourist accommodations." Short-term rentals in Bolivia encompass a range of properties, from individual rooms in shared apartments to entire houses or apartments. They offer an alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, providing guests with a more personalized and home-like experience. The Bolivian understanding of short-term rentals aligns with the general international definition, focusing on leases of furnished properties for periods shorter than conventional long-term rentals.

Is Subletting Legal?

Is Subletting Legal in Bolivia?

Yes

National Association for STR Owners

What is the maximum length of stay in Bolivia?

What is the maximum length of stay?

There is no nationwide maximum length of stay imposed on short-term rentals in Bolivia. The duration of a guest's stay is typically determined by the agreement between the host and the guest. However, it is safe to say that they are stays that ranges from few days to few weeks or months.

Is there any National Registration Requirement or Permit?

Bolivia does not mandate a national registration or licensing system specifically for short-term rental properties. Hosts are not required to register their properties with a central government database or obtain a special permit solely for operating a short-term rental. However, hosts may need to comply with general business regulations, such as:

Tax Registration: Registering for tax purposes with the Bolivian National Tax Service (Servicio de Impuestos Nacionales).
Municipal Requirements: Complying with any local ordinances or regulations that may apply to lodging services in their municipality.

Is there a need for Permission from Landlord/Local Council/Neighbors?

Is Short-term rental Income taxable?

Is there any National Tourism Fund or Tourist Tax?

Is there any Guest Registration and Reporting Requirement?

Is there any National Health and Safety Requirements?

Is there any Platform Accountability Requirement?

Is there any Anti-Discrimination Law?

Is there any Data Sharing Requirements?

Is there any National Insurance Requirement?

Is there any National Zoning law/Cultural Heritage law?

Is there any Environmental Regulations that affects STR?

Is there any National Tenant Protection Law?

Is there any Reporting Requirements for Foreigners?

Is there any Digital Platform Regulation Compliance?

Is there any Consumer Protection Law that affect STR?

Is there any Law that applies to Non-resident Owners?

Is there any classification of STR in the country?

Are there Special National Event Regulations?

Is there any Penalty for Violating National Rules?

Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in Bolivia?

Are there National Rules or Regulations Governing Short-Term Rentals in the Country?

Bolivia doesn't have specific health and safety regulations exclusively for short-term rentals, general safety standards apply:

Structural Safety: Ensure the building is sound and free from hazards.
Fire Safety: Install smoke detectors and provide fire extinguishers.
Cleanliness: Maintain high standards of hygiene to prevent health issues.
Accessibility: Make your property accessible where possible, considering the needs of all guests.

There are no specific national regulations targeting short-term rentals in Bolivia, there are no defined penalties for violating such rules at the national level. However, failure to comply with general laws—such as tax obligations or local municipal regulations—can result in penalties. These may include:

Fines: Monetary penalties imposed by tax authorities or local governments.
Legal Action: Potential lawsuits or legal proceedings for non-compliance.
Operational Disruptions: Orders to cease operations until compliance is achieved.

Hosts should ensure they are in compliance with all relevant laws to avoid potential penalties.

Is there any National Tax that affects short-term rental?

In Bolivia, income derived from short-term rentals is subject to taxation under the Regimen Complementario del Impuesto al Valor Agregado (RC-IVA), which functions as the personal income tax system. The standard tax rate applied to such income is 13%. Regarding reporting thresholds, individuals earning up to 36,000 Bolivianos annually are exempt from income tax obligations. For those earning between 36,001 and 72,000 Bolivianos, the applicable tax rate is 13%. Income between 72,001 and 120,000 Bolivianos is taxed at 15%, and income exceeding 120,000 Bolivianos is taxed at 25%. Therefore, if your annual income from short-term rentals surpasses 36,000 Bolivianos, you are required to report this income to the Bolivian tax authorities and pay the corresponding tax based on the applicable rate.

permits, license

Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Airbnb in Bolivia?

Are there any Permits, Licenses, or Registrations for Short-term Rentals in the Country?

Bolivia does not mandate a national registration or licensing system specifically for short-term rental properties. Hosts are not required to register their properties with a central government database or obtain a special permit solely for operating a short-term rental. However, hosts may need to comply with general business regulations, such as:

Tax Registration: Registering for tax purposes with the Bolivian National Tax Service (Servicio de Impuestos Nacionales).
Municipal Requirements: Complying with any local ordinances or regulations that may apply to lodging services in their municipality.

Is there any National Association for Airbnb owners in Bolivia?

Is there any National Association for STR owners in the Country?

Bolivia does not have a dedicated national association specifically for short-term rental owners and operators. However, hosts can seek support and resources from broader industry organizations:

Bolivian Hotel Association (Asociación Boliviana de Hoteles - ABH): While primarily for hotels, they may offer insights relevant to accommodation providers. This association provides a platform for hosts to network, share resources, and advocate for their interests.
Bolivian Tourism Chamber (Cámara Boliviana de Turismo - CABOTUR): Represents various sectors within tourism, potentially including lodging services.

Membership in such associations is not mandatory, but it offers several advantages. Members gain access to valuable resources, including legal advice, marketing support, and industry updates.

National Association for STR Owners

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Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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