Getting a Bolivian Foreigner ID Card (Cédula de Extranjero)

Getting a Bolivian Foreigner ID Card (Cédula de Extranjero)

Moving to Bolivia or staying for an extended period often requires obtaining a Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero (CIE), or Foreigner Identity Card. This document is essential for various administrative procedures, from opening a bank account to accessing public services and obtaining a driver's license. This guide provides an overview of the process, based on official information. This is general information, not legal advice.

What is the Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero (CIE)?

The Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero (CIE) is an official identification document issued by the Servicio General de Identificación Personal (SEGIP) to foreign nationals residing in Bolivia . The law states that SEGIP is the sole entity empowered to grant the CIE to foreigners residing in Bolivia, provided they present the documentation issued by the competent entity . It serves as a primary form of identification within the country and is often a prerequisite for other important legal and administrative processes.

Requirements for the CIE

The primary requirements for obtaining a CIE are established by SEGIP. To apply, you generally need to present several documents:

• Valid Passport: An original and a simple photocopy of your current passport .
• Migration Status: An original and photocopy of your temporary or permanent residency permit (permanencia temporal o definitiva) issued by the Dirección General de Migración (DIGEMIG) .
• Administrative Resolution: The original administrative resolution issued by DIGEMIG that grants your residency .
• Notification Proof: Proof of notification of your residency status, which could be an original of the notification stamp or an original delivery certificate .
• Pre-Registration Form: A completed and signed pre-registration form .

Regarding Civil Status:

If your marriage was registered abroad, you will need a legalized photocopy of your Marriage Certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or one that has been visaed by DIGEMIG. If the marriage occurred in Bolivia, you need the original and a simple photocopy of the Marriage Certificate issued by the Registro Civil (SERECÍ) .

Application by Third Party:

If you cannot apply in person, a third party can submit the application on your behalf. This requires a specific Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial Específico), along with a photocopy of the attorney's Bolivian ID (Cédula de Identidad) and the foreigner's CIE .

How to Apply

The process for obtaining a CIE involves gathering the required documents and submitting them to SEGIP.

Payment:

All payments related to the CIE application must be made to institutional accounts. You will need to submit the original payment receipt along with your documentation . The specific fees are not detailed in the provided sources, so this will need verification .

Processing Time:

The provided sources do not specify the exact processing time for the CIE. This is a critical detail that should be verified with SEGIP directly .

Steps to Obtain Your CIE

1. Obtain Residency: First, ensure you have obtained your temporary or permanent residency status from the Dirección General de Migración (DIGEMIG) and have the corresponding resolution and documentation.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all the documents listed above, including your passport, residency proof, administrative resolution, and any relevant civil status certificates. Ensure you have both originals and photocopies as required.
3. Complete Pre-Registration Form: Download and fill out the pre-registration form from the SEGIP website or obtain it from an office .
4. Make Payment: Pay the required fees to the designated institutional accounts and obtain the original payment receipt.
5. Submit Application: Present all original documents, photocopies, the completed pre-registration form, and the payment receipt in a folder at the SEGIP office. If applying through a representative, ensure the Power of Attorney is in order.
6. Await Issuance: After submission, you will need to wait for SEGIP to process your application and issue the CIE.

Important Considerations

• Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide all required documents, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, is a common reason for application delays or rejections.
• Outdated Information: Laws and procedures can change. Always check for the latest requirements with SEGIP.
• Correct Residency Status: Applying for a CIE without the proper migratory status (temporary or permanent residency) will result in rejection.

When to Get a Lawyer

While the process for obtaining a CIE is administrative, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial in complex situations. Consider consulting a lawyer if:

• You are facing difficulties with your residency application through DIGEMIG.
• Your application for the CIE has been unusually delayed or rejected without clear explanation.
• You need to appoint a representative and are unsure about the Power of Attorney requirements.
• You have a complicated civil status situation (e.g., multiple marriages, divorces) that needs to be correctly documented.

Navigating Bolivian bureaucracy can be challenging, and legal advice can ensure your documentation is accurate and your application proceeds smoothly.

Next steps

• Verify the current fee for the Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero with SEGIP.
• Confirm the expected processing time for the CIE application at your local SEGIP office.
• Ensure your residency status with DIGEMIG is up-to-date and all related documents are in order.
• Gather all necessary original documents and photocopies before visiting the SEGIP office.
• Consider consulting with a local legal advisor if you anticipate any complications with your application.

FAQs

Who issues the Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero (CIE) in Bolivia?

The Cédula de Identidad de Extranjero (CIE) is issued by the Servicio General de Identificación Personal (SEGIP), which is the sole authorized entity for this purpose in Bolivia.

What is the main purpose of the CIE?

The CIE serves as the primary official identification document for foreign residents in Bolivia. It is often required for various administrative procedures, such as opening bank accounts, obtaining a driver's license, and accessing other public services.

Can someone else apply for the CIE on my behalf?

Yes, a third person can apply on your behalf if they have a specific Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial Específico) and present a copy of their own Bolivian ID and your CIE.

Do I need to have permanent residency to apply for the CIE?

The requirements state you need either temporary or permanent residency granted by the Dirección General de Migración (DIGEMIG), along with the corresponding administrative resolution.

Where can I find the pre-registration form?

The pre-registration form can typically be obtained from the SEGIP website or directly from a SEGIP office.

Sources

• segip_cie - https://www.segip.gob.bo/cedulas-de-identidad-de-extranjeros/
• ley145 - https://www.sedegeslapaz.gob.bo/files/uploads/LEY%20No.%20145%20(LEY%20DEL%20SERVICIO%20GENERAL%20DE%20IDENTIFICACI%C3%93N%20PERSONAL%20Y%20DEL%20SERVICIO%20GENERAL%20DE%20LICENC.pdf

Related guides

• Administrative Procedures and Appeals Against Government Decisions in Bolivia
• Buying and Transferring a Vehicle in Bolivia
• Civil Registry Procedures for Foreigners in Bolivia
• Consumer Rights in Bolivia: A Practical Guide for Expats
• Contracts in Bolivia: What Foreigners Should Check Before Signing
• Converting or Validating a Foreign Driver's License in Bolivia

This article is general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change; confirm current requirements with a licensed Bolivian lawyer or the responsible public agency before acting.