Peru Visa: A Comprehensive Guide For Foreigners

Types of Visas for Peru

1. Tourist Visa

Many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Peru visa-free for up to 90 or 183 days, depending on their country of origin. Some nationalities require a tourist visa, which must be obtained before traveling.

Tourist visas are issued for up to 183 days and cannot be extended while in Peru. Travelers wishing to stay longer must leave the country and re-enter to obtain a new entry period or apply for a different type of visa.

Requirements for a tourist visa

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay
• A completed visa application form
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the trip
• Round-trip flight ticket or proof of onward travel
• Hotel booking or invitation letter from a Peruvian resident
• Visa fees, which vary depending on nationality

2. Temporary Residence Visa

A temporary residence visa is available for foreigners who need to stay in Peru for an extended period but do not qualify for a work, investment, or student visa. It is generally valid for one year and may be renewed.

Requirements for a temporary residence visa

• A valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support the stay
• Background check from the applicant’s home country
• Medical certificate
• Payment of visa fees

3. Work Visa

Foreigners who have a job offer from a Peruvian company must apply for a work visa, which allows legal employment in Peru. This visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed. After three years of holding a work visa, an individual may apply for permanent residency.

Employers must provide evidence that hiring a foreign worker is necessary and that no Peruvian citizen is available to fill the position.

Requirements for a work visa

• Signed employment contract with a Peruvian company, notarized and approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Labor
• Employer’s business registration documents
• Background check from the applicant’s home country
• Proof of professional qualifications, if required
• Payment of visa fees

4. Investment Visa

Foreigners looking to invest in Peru can apply for an investment visa, which provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Applicants must invest at least 500,000 Peruvian soles (approximately $130,000 USD) in a Peruvian business. They must also create local jobs and contribute to the national economy.

Requirements for an investment visa

• Proof of investment in a Peruvian company or business
• Business registration with the Peruvian tax authorities (SUNAT)
• Bank statements showing the transfer of investment funds
• Background check from the home country
• Business plan outlining economic benefits

5. Retirement Visa

Peru offers a retirement visa for foreigners who can prove stable pension income. This visa grants residency and allows retirees to live in Peru long-term. It does not permit employment.

Applicants must demonstrate a monthly pension income of at least $1,000 USD, plus an additional $500 USD per dependent.

Requirements for a retirement visa

• Proof of pension payments or retirement income
• Health insurance coverage in Peru
• Background check and medical certificate
• Valid passport

6. Student Visa

Foreigners enrolled in Peruvian universities or educational institutions need a student visa to stay in the country legally. This visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed for the duration of the study program.

Requirements for a student visa

• Official acceptance letter from a recognized Peruvian educational institution
• Proof of financial means to cover tuition and living expenses
• Health insurance coverage valid in Peru
• Background check from the applicant’s home country

7. Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)

Peru does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, but foreign remote workers often enter on a tourist visa or apply for temporary residency based on financial self-sufficiency. The Peruvian government has been discussing the possibility of a digital nomad visa, but no formal program has been introduced yet.

8. Family Reunification Visa

Foreigners with family ties in Peru, such as spouses, children, or parents of Peruvian citizens or permanent residents, may apply for a family reunification visa. This visa grants residency for one year and is renewable.

Requirements for a family visa

• Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or legal proof of relationship to a Peruvian citizen or resident
• Proof of financial means to support oneself in Peru
• Background check from the home country

9. Permanent Residency

After holding a temporary or migrant visa for three years, foreigners can apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility for permanent residency

• Three years of continuous legal residence in Peru on an eligible visa
• No significant criminal record
• Proof of financial stability
• Commitment to residing in Peru long-term

10. Peruvian Citizenship

Foreigners can apply for Peruvian citizenship after two years of permanent residency. Requirements include demonstrating ties to the country, passing a Spanish language test, and having a clean legal record.

Visa Application Process for Peru

1. Determine the correct visa type based on the purpose of stay
2. Submit the application online through the Peruvian Immigration website or at a Peruvian consulate
3. Provide all required documents and pay the visa fees
4. Wait for processing, which can take two to six weeks depending on the visa type
5. If approved, register with Peruvian immigration authorities and obtain a foreign resident identification card (Carné de Extranjería)

Visa Extensions and Overstaying Penalties

Tourist visas cannot be extended. However, foreigners who overstay must pay a fine of approximately $1 USD per day of overstay before leaving the country. Those who repeatedly overstay may face additional penalties or be denied entry on future visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Peru on a tourist visa?
No, employment is not allowed on a tourist visa. A work visa or investment visa is required to work legally in Peru.

How long does it take to process a Peruvian visa?
Tourist visas typically take 5 to 15 days, while work, investment, and retirement visas can take 2 to 6 weeks.

Can I obtain permanent residency in Peru?
Yes, after three years of holding a temporary or migrant visa, foreigners can apply for permanent residency.

Does Peru offer a digital nomad visa?
No, Peru does not currently have a digital nomad visa, but remote workers can apply for a temporary residence visa if they meet financial self-sufficiency requirements.

Can I get Peruvian citizenship?
Yes, after two years of permanent residency, a foreigner can apply for Peruvian citizenship. Basic Spanish proficiency and knowledge of Peruvian culture are required.

Conclusion

Peru offers a variety of visa options for tourists, students, workers, retirees, investors, and those with family connections. The country’s immigration policies are relatively flexible, and long-term residents can transition to permanent residency or citizenship. Those considering relocation should carefully review the requirements and consult the Peruvian immigration authorities for the most up-to-date regulations.

Meet An Expert

Meet with an expert today during our open office hours video calls. You will be able to ask any question you might have regarding visas, renting and buying property or just practical advice on moving, while in a group setting. It is 100% free and you can attend on your own schedule.