Discusses opportunities for U.S. franchisers and legal requirements in the market.
Last Published: 7/12/2019

Bolivia has no specific legislation governing franchising.  A foreign firm wishing to grant a franchise must first register the brand name with Bolivia’s National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI), after which it may grant a franchise to a local company.  The lack of specific legislation governing franchising in Bolivia gives those entering the franchise agreement the opportunity to determine their own conditions for the contract as long as the contract respects the Bolivian Commercial and Civil Codes.

Franchise operations have become more popular in the last few years, mostly in fast food, delivery services, clothing, and hotels. 
International franchises are still relatively expensive given the size of the Bolivian market, but fast growing cities with higher acquisition power – like the city of Santa Cruz – have motivated Bolivian businesspeople to acquire new franchises.

There are a number of franchises in Santa Cruz such as Hard Rock Cafe, TGI Fridays (also in Cochabamba), KFC, Carl’s Jr., Cinnabon, Papa John’s and Sbarro (also in La Paz).  More established franchises, such as Burger King and Subway, are present in Cochabamba and La Paz, as well as in Santa Cruz.  These franchises are popular with Bolivian consumers who enjoy an American experience.  The concept of having a foreign experience through interaction with a franchise is a relatively new one in Bolivia, but one that the Bolivian public continues to embrace.

Bolivian businesspeople continue to be interested in bringing new franchises to Bolivia..

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