How to Register a Sole Proprietorship (Empresa Unipersonal) in Bolivia

Registering as an independent contractor in Bolivia—known as an empresa unipersonal—is one of the most accessible paths for solo entrepreneurs. You can begin quickly without notaries or lawyers, enjoy full management control, and operate with minimal complexity. That said, the trade-offs include unlimited personal liability and the need to stay up to date with tax and social security duties.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes and does not replace legal advice. Always refer to official sources or seek professional guidance before proceeding.

What is a sole proprietorship in Bolivia?

In Bolivia, a sole proprietorship—formally called an empresa unipersonal or comerciante individual—is simply a natural person conducting commercial activity independently and regularly. This structure ties business liability directly to personal assets, and it’s regulated under Article 5 of the Commercial Code, with registration handled by SEPREC (formerly Fundempresa).

How does an empresa unipersonal work in Bolivia?

Empresa unipersonal vs Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) in Bolivia

In Bolivia, the second most popular option after a sole proprietorship (empresa unipersonal) is typically a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL), which is a limited liability company used by small and medium-sized businesses.

Step-by-step guide: how to register as an empresa unipersonal in Bolivia

Step 1: Choose and reserve your business name

Start in the SEPREC “Oficina Virtual” and run the homonymy check; you can submit several name options and reserve the available one. The reservation window is short (typically a few working days), so prepare backups and move quickly to the next step. If you don’t yet have Ciudadanía Digital, create it via the government portal so you can authenticate and sign online.

Step 2: Register with SEPREC and obtain your Matrícula de Comercio

Complete the online form in the online portal with your details (owner ID, activity, address, declared capital) and upload the required PDFs; pay online in the same flow. SEPREC may ask you to present originals at a service desk to finalize issuance of the Matrícula de Comercio. With the modernized system, many registrations are turned around very quickly once documents are correct.

Step 3: Get your NIT with the tax authority (SIN)

After you have your Matrícula, register for a NIT with the Servicio de Impuestos Nacionales (SIN) through SIAT en Línea. Empresas unipersonales are treated as “personas jurídicas” in SIAT, so follow the PJ flow and have your commercial registration and ID ready. The NIT identifies you for VAT and income tax and is required before you can issue fiscal invoices.

Step 4: Obtain your municipal operating license (licencia de funcionamiento)

Apply with your municipality for the operating license that authorizes your economic activity at your address (requirements and fees vary by city). Many cities accept online pre-applications and then verify zoning or safety conditions before issuing the license. If you later change address or activity, update the license to avoid fines.

Step 5: Set up bookkeeping and meet ongoing tax duties

Keep your books (purchases/sales, invoices, receipts) in order and file returns on time through SIN; VAT in Bolivia is generally 13% on applicable sales, with periodic filings. SIAT will guide you through the electronic processes tied to your NIT profile. Good record-keeping will also speed up any municipal renewals or inspections.

Step 6: (Recommended) Open a dedicated business bank account

Most banks will ask for your Matrícula de Comercio and NIT; having a separate account makes reconciliations and tax filings far easier. It also strengthens your professional image with clients and helps you track cash flow against tax liabilities. While not legally mandatory for a sole proprietor, it’s a practical best practice.

Financial and tax obligations for sole proprietors in Bolivia

• Income tax & VAT: You pay income tax per your personal tax bracket and 13% VAT on applicable sales through SIN.

• No capital requirement: There is no mandatory minimum capital for a sole proprietorship. Only regulated sectors—like banking—have their own requirements.

• Record-keeping: You must retain invoices, receipts, and financial records to support tax filings and possible audits.

• Optional social contributions: While not mandated for solo freelancers, registering with CNS can provide health security.

Launch your contracting career and stay compliant with Deel

Registering as a sole proprietor gives you independence, but it also means handling taxes, invoices, and records on your own. Deel’s all-in-one platform helps you manage obligations without the stress. With Deel, you can:

• Automate invoicing and expense tracking with essential Bookkeeping tools
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• Keep accurate records for tax season
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• Spend your earnings in USD with the Deel Card
• Access funds early with Deel Advance
• Enjoy contractor perks from 150+ partners

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum capital required?
None. There’s no required capital for registering as an empresa unipersonal in Bolivia

Do sole proprietors need to register for VAT?
Yes. You must register with SIN and charge 13% VAT on goods and services.

How much does registration cost?
Costs are minimal—mainly administrative fees when filing with SEPREC. No notarization required

Can I hire employees?
Yes. If you do, you'll need to register with social security systems and comply with labor laws.

How long does registration take?
Typically, just a few days—the homonymy check takes about 3 working days, and the rest is processed quickly online.

Can foreigners register?
Yes. Foreign nationals can register through the same SEPREC process, using their ID or passport via Ciudadanía Digital.

Do I need a business bank account?
Not required, but highly recommended for clarity and tax reporting.

What if I want to stop operating?
You can cancel your matrícula de comercio via SEPREC and deregister with SIN, followed by filing final tax returns.

Are there incentives available?
Microentrepreneurs may benefit from simplified tax regimes or financing programs under Bolivia’s Investment Promotion Law.

Can I use Deel as an empresa unipersonal?
Deel enables you to receive payments in multiple currencies, generate compliant invoices, and access legal contract templates.

Does Deel help with taxes?
Yes—Deel provides downloadable payment records to help with your SIN filings, though it is not a replacement for a professional accountant.

Does Deel offer contracts?
Yes. Deel provides Bolivia-compliant contract templates for independent contractors.

Can I get benefits through Deel?
Yes. Deel offers optional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans to provide added security.