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Peru Visa Options

8 visa types available

Peru's immigration is managed by the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones. The most popular expat visa is the Rentista (independent means) requiring just $1,000/month in passive income - one of the lowest thresholds in Latin America. Investor visas start at $30,000. Work visas require employer sponsorship with a 12+ month contract. A digital nomad visa was legislated in 2023 but remains non-operational as of early 2026. Tourist entry allows 90-183 days visa-free for most Western countries. Citizenship is available after just 2 years of continuous legal residency, making Peru one of the fastest paths to a second passport in the Americas.

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Digital Nomad Visa

Peru's digital nomad visa was legally established in November 2023 through modifications to Decreto Legislativo 1582 (the Foreigner Law). However, as of early 2026, the visa remains NON-OPERATIONAL - the implementing regulations (TUPA) have not been published. When activated, the visa is expected to allow stays of 365 days with renewal option for remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for international clients. No local employment permitted. Income requirements and specific criteria are still undefined. Until operational, remote workers use Peru's generous tourist visa (90-183 days) as an alternative.

Not yet available
Not yet defined

Key Requirements:

  • NOT YET OPERATIONAL as of early 2026
  • Expected: Valid passport
  • Expected: Proof of remote employment with foreign company
  • +3 more requirements
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Family Visa

Residence visa for immediate family members of Peruvian nationals or foreigners with resident status. Covers spouses, children under 18, and parents. Marriage to a Peruvian citizen provides one of the fastest paths to residency and citizenship. Civil marriages performed in Peru or abroad (with apostille) are recognized. The family visa grants full residency rights. After 2 years of continuous residency, eligible for Peruvian citizenship. Spouses can work in Peru under this visa. Common-law partnerships (convivencia) may also qualify with proper documentation.

30-45 days
$30-100 USD processing fee
Path to PR

Key Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate (apostilled) or proof of family relationship
  • Peruvian spouse/family member's DNI or carné de extranjería
  • Valid passport with 6+ months validity
  • +4 more requirements
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Independent Work Visa

Resident work visa for foreigners providing independent services to Peruvian companies. Designed for freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors working with Peruvian clients. Requires a valid service contract of 12+ months with a Peruvian company. Unlike the dependent work visa, you are not an employee but an independent service provider. Valid for 1 year, renewable. Allows you to work for multiple Peruvian clients. Path to permanent residency after 3 years, citizenship after 2 years of continuous residency.

2-4 weeks
$30-100 USD processing fee
Path to PR

Key Requirements:

  • Service contract (12+ months) with Peruvian company
  • Proof of professional qualifications
  • Valid passport with 6+ months validity
  • +3 more requirements
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Investor Visa (Inversionista)

Residence visa for foreigners investing in Peruvian businesses. The basic threshold requires a minimum investment of $30,000 USD in an existing or newly formed Peruvian company. A higher-tier option requires 500,000 PEN (~$130,000 USD) with creation of at least 5 local jobs and a certified business plan. Valid for 1 year, renewable annually while investment is maintained. After 2 years of continuous residency, eligible to apply for citizenship. The investor visa does NOT grant work rights - you can own/manage the business but cannot be formally employed. Must remain in Peru at least 183 days annually.

30-60 days
$30-100 USD processing fee + legal/formation costs
Path to PR

Key Requirements:

  • Minimum investment of $30,000 USD (basic) or 500,000 PEN (higher tier)
  • Company registration documents
  • Certified business plan (for higher tier)
  • +5 more requirements
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Rentista Visa (Independent Means)

Peru's most popular visa for retirees and those with passive income. Requires proof of just $1,000 USD per month in permanent income from foreign sources (pensions, lifetime annuities, royalties, dividends). No minimum age requirement - accessible to early retirees and FIRE community members. Each dependent requires an additional $500/month. Income must be deposited into a recognized Peruvian financial institution. The visa grants indefinite residency - no need for annual renewals. Pension income from personal work is exempt from Peruvian income tax. After 2 years of continuous residency, eligible for citizenship. Must not be absent from Peru for more than 183 consecutive days or risk losing residency status.

30-45 days typical
$30-100 USD processing fee + document costs
Path to PR

Key Requirements:

  • Proof of permanent income of $1,000+ USD/month from foreign source
  • Additional $500/month per dependent
  • Valid passport with 6+ months validity
  • +5 more requirements
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Student Visa

Visa for foreigners enrolled in Peruvian educational institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education or the National Assembly of University Rectors. Initial tourist entry allows 90 days, during which you can convert to student status at Migraciones. The resident student visa is valid for 1 year, renewable while enrolled. Peru has excellent universities including the National University of San Marcos (oldest in the Americas, founded 1551) and Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. Spanish language programs also qualify. No work permitted without special authorization.

7-14 days
$30 USD processing fee

Key Requirements:

  • Acceptance letter from recognized Peruvian institution
  • Valid passport with 6+ months validity
  • Proof of financial support for duration of studies
  • +4 more requirements
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Tourist Entry (Visa Exempt)

Citizens of many countries including the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and most Latin American nations can enter Peru visa-free for tourism. Standard entry grants 90 days, extendable up to 183 days per year at Migraciones offices. NO work permitted - even remote work is technically not authorized without proper visa. Immigration officers determine length of stay at entry, so carry proof of onward travel and accommodation. Popular first step for those exploring Peru before committing to longer-term visa. Overstaying results in fines of approximately $4.50 per day and potential entry bans.

Immediate at border
Free entry (extension fee ~$30 USD)

Key Requirements:

  • Passport valid 6+ months
  • Return or onward ticket (recommended)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • +1 more requirements
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Work Visa (Dependent)

Resident work visa for foreigners employed by Peruvian companies on a long-term basis. Requires a labor contract of 12+ months with a Peruvian-registered employer. The employer must demonstrate why a foreign worker is needed and comply with workforce composition rules (foreigners cannot exceed 20% of total employees in most cases). Valid for 1 year, renewable while employed. After 3 years of continuous employment, eligible for permanent resident work visa valid indefinitely. EsSalud health coverage included through employer contributions. Path to citizenship after 2 years.

2-4 weeks
$30-100 USD processing fee (often employer-paid)
Path to PR

Key Requirements:

  • Job offer and labor contract (12+ months) from Peruvian employer
  • Employer sponsorship and visa petition
  • Professional qualifications or relevant experience
  • +4 more requirements

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