Guide to Residency in Peru

Obtaining a residency visa in Peru is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Peru gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research Visa Types
  • Visit the official website of the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones (Peruvian Immigration Authority) at Migraciones to understand different types of residency visas.
  • Choose the appropriate visa category that fits your situation (e.g., work, family, retirement).
• Gather Required Documents
  • Passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Birth certificate, apostilled or legalized by the Peruvian consulate and translated into Spanish if necessary.
  • Marriage certificate, if applying for a family visa, with the same requirements as the birth certificate.
  • Police clearance certificate from your home country and any country you've lived in for the past two years, apostilled or legalized and translated.
  • Proof of economic solvency, which could be bank statements or a work contract.
• Apply for a Tax Number (Número de Identificación Tributaria - NIT)
  • Visit the official website of the SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria) at SUNAT for information on obtaining a tax number.
  • Complete the application form for a tax number (Formulario 2119).
  • Submit the form at a SUNAT office and provide your passport as identification.
• Apply for the Visa
  • Complete the visa application form, which can be found on the Migraciones website.
  • Submit the application form along with all the required documents to the Peruvian consulate in your home country or at a Migraciones office in Peru if you are already there.
  • Pay the processing fee, which varies depending on the visa type.
• Wait for Approval
  • Visa processing times can vary, so be prepared to wait several weeks or even months.
  • Check the status of your application online through the Migraciones website or by contacting the consulate or Migraciones office where you applied.
• Collect Your Visa
  • Once approved, you will be notified to collect your visa.
  • Go to the designated consulate or Migraciones office with your passport to have the visa stamped or to collect your resident card (Carné de Extranjería).
• Register Your Address
  • Within 30 days of receiving your residency status, you must register your address with Migraciones.
  • Complete the address registration form (Formulario F-007) available on the Migraciones website.
  • Submit the form and provide proof of your address, such as a utility bill or rental agreement.
• Obtain a Foreigner Identification Number (Carné de Extranjería - CE)
  • Apply for the CE at a Migraciones office.
  • Fill out the application form and submit it along with your visa and passport.
  • Pay the issuance fee for the CE.
  • Provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
• Stay Informed About Renewal Requirements
  • Keep track of the expiration date of your residency status and CE.
  • Visit the Migraciones website regularly for updates on renewal procedures and requirements.
  • Renew your residency status and CE before they expire to maintain your legal status in Peru.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. It is always best to consult with the Peruvian consulate or a legal professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Peru?

"In order to visit Peru, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Peru, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable fee. They must also provide proof of sufficient financial resources, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," commented one member living in Peru.