1. What is the main objective of Supreme Decree 5503?
The primary purpose is to implement exceptional measures aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, recovering domestic liquidity, strengthening international reserves, reactivating production and investment, and enhancing transparency in public management. To this end, the decree declares a National Economic, Financial, Energy, and Social Emergency throughout the country, enabling specific mechanisms to achieve these goals.
2. How do fuel and energy prices change?
A new tariff scheme is implemented to stabilize the market and reduce subsidies. The decree sets final prices for fuels and energy and also allows private imports. Key prices include:
- Special Gasoline: Bs 6.96 per liter
- Diesel Oil: Bs 9.80 per liter
- Premium Gasoline: Bs 11.00 per liter
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Bs 2.25 per kilogram
- Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV): Bs 2.73 per cubic meter
Additionally, diesel is removed from the list of controlled substances to facilitate its import and transportation for productive sectors.
3. What measures are adopted regarding wages and employment?

4. What social bonuses and assistance programs are created or modified?
Several transfers are established to support families:
- Juancito Pinto Bonus (2026): Bs 300 per student
- Renta Dignidad: Increase of Bs 150 for all beneficiaries
- Extraordinary Protection and Equity Program (PEPE): Monthly bonus of Bs 150 for 12 months (Bs 1,800 annually), aimed at vulnerable sectors such as beneficiaries of the Juana Azurduy Program, persons with severe disabilities, and non-retired senior citizens
5. What incentives exist for investment and repatriation of capital?
The decree allows voluntary declaration of assets held abroad with tax benefits:
- 0% tax if resources are invested in productive sectors or remain in the national financial system for at least 24 months
- 5% tax if resources are withdrawn or transferred abroad before that period
A 15-year legal and tax stability regime is also created for investments in mining, energy, agribusiness, and manufacturing. To streamline project processing, a Single Window for Foreign Investments (VUIE) and a Fast Track procedure are established, with maximum approval deadlines of 30 days.
6. What new tax measures apply to entrepreneurs and companies?
Key provisions include:
- SIETE-RG (New Simplified Regime): For entrepreneurs with annual sales under Bs 250,000, applying a bimonthly single tax of 5% on gross sales that consolidates VAT, Transaction Tax (IT), and Corporate Income Tax (IUE)
- VAT Incentives: Full deduction of VAT input tax credits for independent professionals without strict conditions
- Tax Amnesty: Automatic statute of limitations for perfected tax debts incurred up to October 31, 2025
7. What facilities are granted to borrowers with bank loans?
An automatic 6-month payment deferral is established for social housing loans and productive loans granted to micro and small enterprises. During this grace period, payment of principal and interest is suspended, additional interest or late fees are prohibited, and accrued interest is prorated once the deferral period ends.
8. How is foreign trade (exports and imports) liberalized?
The decree modifies requirements to stimulate trade operations:
- Exports: The obligation to obtain the “Domestic Supply and Fair Price Certificate” is eliminated for products such as soybeans, meat, and sugar, restoring freedom to export
- Imports: Prior Authorizations from SENAVEX are abolished for goods such as clothing, furniture, and footwear. Additionally, customs duties are reduced to 0% for machinery, spare parts, and industrial functional units until the end of 2026
9. What changes are introduced in exchange rate policy and the Central Bank?
The decree orders a transition toward a new exchange rate regime to preserve reserves and maintain external balance. The Central Bank is authorized to manage credit lines, currency swaps, and operations involving gold or collateral to stabilize the balance of payments, and is prohibited from granting domestic credit to the central public sector.
10. How will corruption from the previous administration be addressed?
The decree creates “Expedited Compliance Audits,” with shortened timeframes of 6 to 12 months to identify indications of civil or criminal liability and recover public resources, focusing on operations that did not generate collective benefit.
Summary
Supreme Decree 5503 articulates a comprehensive package of economic, social, and administrative reforms aimed at stabilizing key variables and reactivating the economy. Its scope ranges from fiscal and exchange rate policies to investment incentives, social protection, and transparency mechanisms, creating a regulatory framework with broad effects across multiple sectors.
Our law firm provides comprehensive legal advisory services, focused on the accurate interpretation and proper application of the current legal framework. If you require professional legal support in legal matters, you may contact us to arrange a specialized consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the minimum wage increase take effect?
The new minimum wage applies as of January 2, 2026.
Is the tax benefit for capital repatriation automatic?
Benefits are obtained upon declaration and compliance with the established investment or permanence conditions.
Can I export any product without additional requirements?
For the specified products, the domestic supply certificate requirement is eliminated; other goods may be subject to specific regulations.
What is the timeframe for the Single Window for Investments to process projects?
The Fast Track procedure is designed to be completed within a maximum of 30 days.
Can expedited audits result in criminal sanctions?
Yes, these audits aim to identify indications of civil or criminal liability for the recovery of public resources.
The content of this article does not reflect the technical opinion of Rigoberto Paredes & Associates and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. The information presented herein corresponds to the date of publication and may be outdated at the time of reading. Rigoberto Paredes & Associates assumes no responsibility for keeping the information in this article up to date, as legal regulations may change over time.
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