LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO ESTABLISH AN NGO IN BOLIVIA

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS TO ESTABLISH AN NGO IN BOLIVIA

The process for establishing a national NGO begins with a name reservation request, which must be submitted to the Vice Ministry of Autonomies. This request must include the applicants’ identification cards and the corresponding proof of payment. The estimated processing time is 15 business days, with an additional 10 business days available for follow-up if necessary.

Next, an application for registration as a legal entity must be submitted along with several key documents: a written statement indicating the departments where the organization will operate, the name reservation certificate, the notarized founding act, the public deed aligned with the organization’s statutes, and documentation of the Board of Directors’ election, including the bylaws and internal regulations. Additionally, a list of members, a certificate of tax compliance, and a CD containing digital versions of the statutes and regulations must be submitted. This procedure has an associated cost and an estimated processing time of 60 business days.

The following step is the registration of legal personality, which requires a letter addressed to the Vice Minister of Autonomies, the legal representative’s power of attorney, and, if applicable, the amended deed of statutes. A new proof of payment is required, and the estimated time for this stage is around 10 business days. Once legal personality is granted, the NGO can proceed to the final step of formalization.

The last step is registration in the National Single Registry of NGOs (RUN ONG’s). This step requires the submission of RUN Forms 01 and 02, a valid Tax Identification Number (NIT), the approved statute, and a notarized power of attorney for the legal representative. This registration is free of charge and should be completed within 20 calendar days. However, due to procedural volume and potential administrative delays, the total time for completing the entire process may range from 8 to 18 months.

For foreign NGOs, a key requirement is to have a framework agreement signed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the completed registration form. The information provided in these documents is considered a sworn declaration.

It is important to note that when dealing with a Basic Cooperation Framework Agreement (AMCB) signed by an international NGO, the process differs. In such cases, the Plurinational State of Bolivia—represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—and the foreign organization or foundation jointly define the general cooperation guidelines for implementing programs and projects in Bolivia. Since this type of agreement follows a distinct regulatory procedure, it will be addressed in a separate article.

HOW THE BOLIVIAN STATE REGULATES NGOS

When project implementation agreements are signed between NGOs and state entities, the corresponding government institution is responsible for reporting the agreement to the Ministry of Planning. This Ministry, in coordination with other relevant ministries, may evaluate the achievement of objectives and the impact of the NGO’s activities.

Such evaluations are carried out under terms agreed upon by the Ministry and the organization and may lead to legal action if irregularities are found. In the case of foreign NGOs, the agreement may even be annulled.

LEGAL DISSOLUTION OF AN NGO IN BOLIVIA

The dissolution of an NGO must be formally communicated to the National Single Registry in order to cancel the registration. Additionally, any prior regulation that contradicts the current legal framework has been repealed, thereby consolidating a unified registration and oversight system.

In summary, founding and operating an NGO in Bolivia involves meeting a series of formal requirements, registering in a specific registry, and undergoing periodic evaluations. This ensures legality, transparency, and alignment with national public policies, fostering effective collaboration between civil society and the State.