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Marrying in Peru

Marrying in Peru

A guide to tying the knot in Peru

You are planning to marry in Peru? First, “Congratulations”! Tying the knot in Peru is a simple and easy process, at least if you have a general understanding about the process and, in case a foreigner is involved, have all the necessary documents on hand.

And as with all bureaucratic processes in Peru, expect a delay here and there, some running around and the one or other frustrating day before you finally can say “I do”. To make the entire process easier and smoother for you, find below a detailed overview of what it involves in getting married in Peru.

 

Overview

 

Civil Wedding in Peru

Only civil ceremonies are legal in Peru. So, if you plan to wed in church, have a romantic celebration on the beach, the blessing of a Shaman, an adventure wedding or whatever, you first have to get legally married.

The civil ceremony can be performed either in the registry office of a municipality or, since December 2022, as well at a public notary.

Be aware that at least one partner has to be Peruvian or a legal resident of Peru.

Additionally, most municipalities and notaries request that at least one partner lives in the municipality, where the wedding takes place, or in the jurisdiction of the notary.

Furthermore, to this day, the Peruvian Constitution defines marriage as a stable union between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages or civil unions are not possible in Peru.

Getting married in the registry office of a municipality

Even though, since December 2022, notarial marriages are an option, the most common place to get married in Peru is still the registry office of the municipality, where at least one partner lives.

As regulations change quickly in Peru and necessary documents and especially processes may vary slightly from municipality to municipality, the first step on your way to marriage is to check the exact requirements with the municipality where you plan to marry. So, when you submit your paperwork, all your documents are in order and, especially important for foreigners, no surprises come up that may delay your special day for weeks or even months.

To give you an overview about the general requirements, here a list of documents usually required.

Requirements for getting married in the registry office of a municipality in Peru

List of requirements:

  1. Application form
  2. Passport / ID
  3. Birth certificate
  4. Certificate of being free to marry (Certificado de soltería)
  5. Domicile certificate
  6. Medical exam (Certificado médico prenupcial)
  7. Wittnesses
  8. If divorced: divorce certificate
  9. If widowed: death certificate of former spouse

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

1. Application form

The application form includes general information about the bridal couple and the witnesses. The bridal couple has to declare their will to marry before the municipality (usually each municipality has a form letter available).

2. Identification

Peruvians need the original and a readable copy of their up-to-date DNI.

Foreigners must present their passport and a copy. Additionally, some municipalities require proof that you are legally in the country. So, if you are a resident, bring your carné de extranjería including copy; if you are in Peru as a tourist, download and print your TAM virtual (how it's done is explained in our article How many days did I get under subpoint How to check your TAM virtual).

3. Birth certificate

Peruvians must present an original certified copy of their birth certificate (depending on the municipality not issued more than 3 months ago).

Foreigners need an original birth certificate from their home country. Don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru! *

4. Certificado de soltería

The “certificate of being single” is an official document stating that you are single, divorced or widowed, so free to marry.

Depending on the municipality, Peruvians can either provide a so-called “Constancia Negativa de Matrimonio” issued by Reniec or a sworn statement declaring their civil status (you find a sample letter on the government website).

For foreigners, it’s more complicated, as in many countries such a certificate doesn’t exist. So, it’s time to get a little creative.

If you are already in Peru, one option is to ask the municipality where you plan to marry if an affidavit signed in front of a notary in Peru is accepted. If yes, great; just go to the nearest notary and sign (you probably will first need a Permit to sign contracts); problem solved quickly and easily.

If not, another option is to get in contact with the embassy or consulate of your home country in Peru and asked them to either issue a so-called "Certificado Consular de Soltería" or to notarize a sworn statement in which you declare that you are single (unmarried, divorced, widowed). As you are not the first with this problem, many embassies and consulates will do so and are prepared (check with the municipality, if they accept it, most do). Be aware that this document issued by the embassy or consulate must be legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, if not in Spanish, be translated by an official translator.

If the municipality where you plan to marry won’t accept above options and you hopefully have someone back home able to help or if you are still in your home country, check if there are any official government-issued documents in your home country stating your civil status or if any government office can issue a document confirming your civil status.

If these two are a no, you have two options left: sign an affidavit in which you declare that you are single (unmarried, divorced, widowed) in front of a notary public in your home country or ask the authority responsible for issuing marriage certificates in your home country for a copy of your one. If you are unmarried, they won’t find anything and you will have an official paper stating this.

In case you use a document issued abroad, don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru! *

5. Domicile certificate

Most municipalities request that at least one partner lives in the municipality where the wedding takes place.

If one partner is Peruvian for some municipalities, the address on the DNI is enough, others request a sworn statement from a notary and still others ask for a utility bill (electricity, water, phone) including copy.

6. Certificado médico prenupcial

Most municipalities request a medical exam, the so-called certificado médico prenupcial, before they allow you to get married.

Best ask at the municipality which doctor/clinic to use. Both partners have to go together. The medical exam includes a quick general health check, some talk about STIs/STDs and giving a blood sample which is tested for HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs. The results and the certificate are usually ready in a day or two.

7. Witnesses

Most municipalities request the presence of two witnesses when submitting the paperwork and the same two witnesses on the day of the ceremony; a few even request two witnesses for the groom and two for the bride.

The witnesses shouldn’t be family members, should know the couple for a longer period of time and have to present an official ID (DNI, passport, carné de extranjería) including copy. As the wedding won’t take place if a witness present when submitting the paperwork doesn’t show up on the big day, choose reliable and trustworthy people.

8. If divorced

Additionally to above-mentioned requirements, most municipalities request some sort of proof that a former marriage was resolved legally. This could be the final judgement of the divorce, a divorce decree, a municipal divorce resolution, or any other official divorce documentation.

Please ask at the municipality where you plan to remarry which documents are required. If these documents were issued outside Peru, don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru.*

Be aware that some municipalities have a waiting period before divorcees can remarry. Some municipalities as well request a pregnancy test from women who want to get remarried within less than 300 days of their divorce.

9. If widowed

Usually only the death certificate of the former spouse is requested, but some municipalities as well ask for the former marriage certificate.

So, to be on the safe side, please ask at the municipality where you plan to remarry which documents are required. If these documents were issued outside Peru, don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru.*

Be aware that some municipalities request a pregnancy test from women who want to get remarried within less than 300 days of the death of their former spouse.

 * Any foreign document used in Peru

All foreign documents need an Apostille or, if the country in which they were issued didn't sign the Apostille Convention have to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peru.

Additionally, all documents, apostilled or legalized, have to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Peru, a so-called traductor publico juramentado, in case they are not solely in Spanish! You find lists of these government-approved translators on the Peruvian government website. Just click under point 3 on the language of your original document and the list of translators for your language appears. The translation then has to be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

Additionally, documents in Peru have an “expiration date”. So, in general (there are a few exceptions), documents issued in Peru are usually only accepted if they were issued not more than 3 months before they are presented; documents issued outside Peru are only accepted if they are not older than 6 months.

Application process for getting married in the registry office of a municipality in Peru

As soon as you have all the paperwork together, the worst part is over and you can relax a bit.

The next step is to submit all documents to the municipality (don’t forget to bring your witnesses), pay the fee for the ceremony and choose the day for your wedding (after submitting the paperwork there usually is a waiting period of at least a week or two until you can marry; be aware that in case the municipality is busy, the next free date might even be 2 or 3 months away). You can as well choose if the civil ceremony should take place in the municipal building or if the official should come to a special location to perform the ceremony (extra costs involved). Most municipalities then request that the bridal couple publishes a marriage announcement in a local newspaper and submit the entire page with the marriage announcement as soon as it's published.

You are nearly done. The last step to get legally married in Peru is the civil ceremony itself. As in most countries around the globe, it’s usually nothing spectacular or super festive; a private affair mostly celebrated only with the closest family members and best friends. The ceremony might take around 20 to 30 minutes. The official performing the ceremony might talk about marriage as the union of two persons, the legal responsibilities that come with it, the rights and obligations of the spouses or similar. The only things for you to do are listening, saying “Si, quiero” or “Si, acepto” at the right moment, otherwise all your hard work of the last weeks or months would have been in vain, and signing the marriage certificate (if you are in Peru as a tourist when you marry, the municipality may request that you have a Permit to sign contracts allowing you to sign legally binding documents including your marriage certificate).

Congratulations! You made it and are now legally married in Peru.

After the ceremony, there usually is only a small lunch or private reception with close family members and best friends. Only if the couple doesn’t have a religious wedding later, the big celebration follows (see below under Wedding reception).

Don’t forget to register your marriage with Reniec. Once the marriage is registered Peruvians have to change their marital status on their DNI. And, if applicable, foreigners should as well register their marriage with the embassy or consulate of your home country in Peru.

Getting married at a public notary

Next to getting married in the registry office of a municipality, since December 2022, couples as well can tie the knot at a notary public in Peru. This applies to Peruvian-Peruvian couples. Peruvian-foreign resident/foreigner couples and to foreign resident-foreigner couples.

Generally, the requirements are the same, however, they seem clearer and the whole process seems to be much more straightforward, making it a lot quicker. So, while taking the big step at a notary doesn’t seem to be very romantic, if you are pressed for time or have problems with a municipality, considering getting married at a notary could be an option.

Nevertheless, as documents and especially the process vary a bit from notary to notary, best check the exact requirements with the notary where you plan to marry to avoid any surprises when you submit your paperwork and consequently lengthy delays.

To give you an overview about the general requirements, here a list of documents usually required.

Requirements for getting married at a public notary in Peru

List of requirements:

  1. Application form
  2. Passport / ID
  3. Birth certificate
  4. Certificate of being free to marry (Certificado de soltería)
  5. Domicile certificate
  6. Medical exam (Certificado médico prenupcial)
  7. Wittnesses
  8. If divorced: divorce certificate
  9. If widowed: death certificate of former spouse

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

1. Application form

The application form includes general information about the bridal couple and the witnesses. You get the form letter at the notary.

2. Identification

Peruvians need the original and a readable copy of their up-to-date DNI.

Foreigners must present their passport and a copy. Additionally, notaries require a proof that you are legally in the country. So, if you are a resident, bring your carné de extranjería including copy; if you are in Peru as a tourist, download and print your TAM virtual (how it's done is explained in our article How many days did I get under subpoint How to check your TAM virtual).

3. Birth certificate

Peruvians must present an original certified copy of their birth certificate (not older than 3 months).

Foreigners need an original birth certificate from their home country. Don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru! *

4. Certificado de soltería

The “certificate of being single” is an official document stating that you are single, divorced or widowed, so free to marry.

Depending on the notary, Peruvians can either provide a so-called “Constancia Negativa de Matrimonio” issued by Reniec or a so-called "Declaración Jurada de Estado Civil", so a sworn statement declaring their civil status (you find a sample letter on the government website).

For foreigners, getting the certificate of being single from their home country can be a mission as in many countries such a document doesn’t exist. While municipalities randomly accept (or often not) a "subsitute" document as long as it's an offical document stating that the person is free to marry, notaries seem to have clearer rules, which can be an advantage or disadvantage. Most require either an official document from your home country stating that you are single (free to marry) or a Certificado Consular de Soltería.

So, best check first if there are any official government-issued documents in your home country stating your civil status or if any authority in your home country can issue a document confirming that you are single (free to marry). If so, have it issued and don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru! *

If not, get in contact with the embassy or consulate of your home country in Peru and asked them to issue a so-called "Certificado Consular de Soltería".  As you are not the first with this problem, many embassies and consulates will do so and are prepared. Be aware that this document issued by the embassy or consulate must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, if not in Spanish, be translated by an official translator.

In case your embassy or consulate isn't able or willing to issue this certificate, talk to the notary if a "Declaración Jurada de Estado Civil", so a sworn statement is accepted.

5. Domicile certificate

Both partners must present a Declaracion jurada de domicilio, so a sworn statement confirming where they live. Sometimes instead or additionally a "recibo", so a electricity, water or phone bill is required.

6. Certificado médico prenupcial

Both partners must get a medical exam and submit the so-called "Certificado médico prenupcial" and the "Constancia de consejería de enfermedades de transmisión sexual", which usually is just one document. It can't be older than 30 days. You can get this done at any private or public clinic/hospital. If you are not sure which to use, best ask the notary for recommendations.

The medical exam includes a quick general health check and giving a blood sample which is tested for HIV/AIDS and other STIs/STDs. Additionally, expect to listen to a talk about STIs/STDs. The results and the certificate are usually ready in a day or two.

7. Witnesses

Most notaries request two witnesses; a few two witnesses for the groom and two for the bride, however, then the two for the groom can be the same as the two for the bride.

The witnesses shouldn’t be family members and should know the couple for a while. They must present an official ID (DNI, passport, carné de extranjería) including copy. Addtionally, the witnesses must sign a sworn statement in which they declare that they are not aware of any impediment to marriage.

8. If divorced

Additionally to above-mentioned requirements, notaries request the marriage certificate of a previous marriage together with some sort of proof that is was resolved legally. This could be the final judgement of the divorce, a divorce decree, a municipal divorce resolution, or any other official divorce documentation.

Please ask the notary where you plan to remarry which documents are required. If these documents were issued outside Peru, don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru.*

In case women want to get remarried within less than 300 days of their divorce, a negative pregnancy test issued by a doctor must be presented.

9. If widowed

Additionally to above-mentioned requirements, notaries usually request the marriage certificate of the previous marriage and the death certificate of the late spouse.

If these documents were issued outside Peru, don't miss the explanatory note for the usage of foreign documents in Peru.*

In case women want to get remarried within less than 300 days of the death of their former spouse  a negative pregnancy test issued by a doctor must be presented.

* Any foreign document used in Peru

All foreign documents need an Apostille or, if the country in which they were issued didn't sign the Apostille Convention have to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peru.

Additionally, all documents, apostilled or legalized, have to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Peru, a so-called traductor publico juramentado, in case they are not solely in Spanish! You find lists of these government-approved translators on the Peruvian government website. Just click under point 3 on the language of your original document and the list of translators for your language appears. The translation then has to be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

Additionally, documents in Peru have an “expiration date”. So, in general (there are a few exceptions), documents issued in Peru are usually only accepted if they were issued not more than 3 months before they are presented; documents issued outside Peru are only accepted if they are not older than 6 months.

Application process for getting married at a public notary in Peru

The process of tying the knot at a Peruvian notary is similar to getting married in a registry office of a municipality as explained above, however often quicker, clearer and more organzied.

The most important part is that you have all required documents in order. Once this is done, you just must submit all documents to the notary, pay the fee for the ceremony and choose the day for your wedding. Usually, notaries are more flexible than municipalities, so here you can save lots of time.

Most notaries request that a wedding announcement is put up in the notary and that the bridal couple publishes a marriage announcement in a local newspaper and submit the entire page with the marriage announcement as soon as it's published.

You are nearly done. The last step to getting legally married in Peru is the ceremony itself. As in most countries around the globe, it’s usually nothing spectacular or super festive; a private affair mostly celebrated only with the closest family members and best friends. The ceremony might take around 20 to 30 minutes.

The notary performing the ceremony might talk about marriage as the union of two persons, the legal responsibilities that come with it, the rights and obligations of the spouses or similar. The only things for you to do are listening, saying “Si, quiero” or “Si, acepto” at the right moment, otherwise all your hard work of the last weeks or months would have been in vain, and signing the marriage certificate (if you are in Peru as a tourist when you marry, the notary may request that you have a Permit to sign contracts allowing you to sign legally binding documents including your marriage certificate).

Congratulations! You made it and are now legally married in Peru.

After the ceremony, there usually is only a small lunch or private reception with close family members and best friends. Only if the couple doesn’t have a religious wedding later, the big celebration follows (see below under Wedding reception).

Once you are married, you must register your marriage with Reniec. Once the marriage is registered you get the official Peruvian marriage certificate. Additionally, Peruvians have to change their marital status on their DNI. And, if applicable, foreigners should as well register their marriage with the embassy or consulate of your home country in Peru.

 

Religious Wedding in Peru

As already mentioned above, you can only be legally married in a civil wedding. A religious wedding is optional and can only be held after the civil ceremony. Nevertheless, the religious wedding is a huge affair in Peru and most couples decide to give their vows in front of God, the extended family and friends in a church as well.

Each religion has its own requirements to marry in church, but as over 80% of Peruvians are catholic, here a general overview of the requirements for a catholic wedding in Peru. For exact requirements, please get in contact with the corresponding congregation.

  • ID (DNI for Peruvians, passport or carné de extranjería for foreigners)
  • Birth certificate
  • Baptismal certificate (legalized by the ecclesiastical notary of the Archdiocese)
  • Certificate of Confirmation (legalized by the ecclesiastical notary of the Archdiocese)
  • Religious pre-marriage counselling
  • 4 witnesses (2 for the groom, 2 for the bride), can’t be family
  • Official marriage certificate or proof that the civil ceremony is arranged and held before the religious
  • “La proclamación” (public announcement of the upcoming religious wedding either during the Sunday mass or in the church magazine or on the notice board of the parish)
  • Fee or donation

While for the civil ceremony you are in most cases bound to the registry office of the municipality or a notary where at least one partner of the bridal couple lives, the religious ceremony can usually take place in whatever church you choose. However, entering marriage in the presence of God in popular churches or even impressive cathedrals might come with a waiting period of several months and an elevated price tag. You should as well consider that you have to transport your wedding party to the church, then to the reception venue and back home.

 

Wedding Reception in Peru

The religious ceremony is followed by a huge reception at the most beautiful or prestigious venues the couple or their parents can afford. It often includes lots of delicious food and an open bar, wedding cake, photographer, music and dancing, an entertainment program with professional dancers or animators, for example, and party games; so generally, a large night-long celebration.

Most couples hire a wedding planner to organize everything or book a special wedding package, which often includes a catering and event planning service at one of the countless hotels or clubs. But honestly, it’s not rocket science to organize it (partly) on your own and if you shop around, save some bucks along the way. This brings us to the costs of a wedding in Peru.

 

Wedding costs in Peru

As everywhere around the globe, you can celebrate a beautiful and memorable wedding on a budget, but as well spend tens of thousands of dollars for a luxury event.

Depending on the type of wedding (only civil ceremony with a small or large reception, religious ceremony in Lima’s cathedral with huge reception, destination wedding, adventure wedding,…), chosen venue (garden of your in-laws or 5 star luxury hotel), number of guests (0 or 250), self-planning or wedding planner, home-cooked food or exclusive caterer and other choices such as dress/suit, rings, decoration and flowers, photographer, music and entertainment, necessary transport and accommodation costs and all the other little expenses, you can spend a few thousand or tens of thousands. The sky or better the budget you are willing to spend, your or your parents’ financial resources, savings or limit of the credit card is the limit.

The largest investment of a wedding in Peru is usually the venue of the reception, catering, and decoration. But other important though most often smaller expenses such as invitations, dress, ring, make-up, hairstyle, flowers, music, entertainment, cake, photographer, car and transport add up quickly and shouldn’t be forgotten.

So generally, the overall costs for a nice, average wedding in Peru with 50 to 100 guests is around US$ 8,000 to US$ 10,000. You can do it for less, but as well more if you add the one or other “luxury”. Average larger weddings (100-200 guests) with more luxury might set you back US$ 15,000 up to US$ 30,000 and huge weddings (over 200 guests) and / or super exclusive events can easily reach up to US$ 50,000.

No matter if you plan a wedding on a budget or an exclusive event, it’s always worth to shop around; the most expensive isn’t always the best.

 

Destination wedding in Peru

Because of its diverse landscapes, countless attractions and rich historic and cultural past Peru offers a wide range of wedding or vow renewal options for everyone: from a religious ceremony in one of the many impressive churches, to a romantic ceremony on the beach, to a rustic ceremony at a private hacienda or bodega, to a traditional Andean ceremony with a Shaman in the Sacred Valley, to an exclusive ceremony in one of the numerous luxury hotels, to an exotic ceremony in the jungle, to an adventure event around Machu Picchu or on the Amazon River…

All the above options are only symbolic ceremonies. So, couples usually first marry officially in their home country (or, if at least one partner is a legal resident of Peru, at the registry office of a municipality or a notary in Peru) and then “elope” to one of the most stunning places in Peru for a once in a lifetime experience.

 

Same-sex marriage and civil union in Peru

To this day, the Peruvian Constitution defines marriage as a stable union between a man and a woman. Same-sex marriages or civil unions are not possible in Peru and same-sex marriages performed abroad aren’t recognized.

And even though prominent gay representatives are already pushing for years for a new legislation that would allow same-sex couples to wed and even the one or other judge ruled in favor of gay couples fighting for their right to marry or to have their foreign marriage recognized, the conservative voices in Peru’s Congress, the powerful Roman Catholic Church and other government institutions until now successfully prevented such a thing.

When in January 2018 the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Costa Rica ruled that countries in the region that signed the American Convention on Human Rights (which Peru has) should legalize same-sex marriages or unions, supporting marriage equality in Latin American countries, the hopes were high that Peru finally had to act. A law change was expected in a reasonable timeframe, but unfortunately until today nothing of the kind happened.

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jenna · 16/05/2023
    Hello!! I have a quick question. For those who have gotten married to a Peruvian, how long approx. did it take you to have the forms legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE)? I have my forms all ready to go here in Canada (they are legalized and signed by the Peruvian Embassy) and I will be sending them to my fiancé in Peru to translate them. We just were curious how long the legalization process at RREE might take. Thank you!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 16/05/2023
      @Jenna
      Hello Jenna,

      it depends on the workload of the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. If you bring the documents in the morning, sometimes you can pick them up in the afternoon, while other times they tell you to come back a day or two later.

      Some translators as well offer to handle the legalization at RREE, which might be a good option at least in Lima so you don't have to get into the city center twice.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Daniel · 03/05/2023
    I am natural born Peruvian residing in the US with dual Peruvian and US citizenship, my partner is currently in Russia and will be traveling to Peru. Could we get marry in Peru with such conditions, or what process would we have to follow in such circumstances?
    Thanks.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 05/05/2023
      @Daniel
      Hello Daniel,

      sorry for getting back to you so late.

      Do you want to have your civil or your church wedding in Peru?

      If you plan to have the civil ceremony in Peru, at least one partner must be a legal resident of Peru (you are Peruvian, so this shouldn't be a problem). Furthermore most municipalities request that at least one partner is living in this municipality. As you say that your are living in the US and your partner in Russia this could be a problem. Depending on the municipality they might allow you to get married, might accept a sworn statement that you live in the municipality or want to have an address in their municipality on your DNI.

      So, best get in contact with the municipality where you plan to get married and see what their exact requirements are.

      Additionally, you should be aware that getting married in Peru isn't something you can get done during a week or two vacation. So, at least one partner should be in Peru for a while to get everything prepared.

      If you plan to have your religious wedding in Peru, then it should be much easier. But as requirements differ heavily best check with the church.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Brittany · 28/02/2023
    Hello, 
    I am a naturalized Peruvian, originally born in the USA. My fiance and I want to do our religious wedding in Peru to honor my elders, they are asking us for a marriage certificate, and we want to know if we can use our USA marriage certificate for the Church ceremony. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 01/03/2023
      @Brittany
      Hello Brittany,

      not sure who "they" are (the church?), but if you married in the US you should get a recent copy of your marriage certificate and get an Apostille on it. Then once in Peru the marriage certificate with Apostille must be translated by a certified translator into Spanish and the translation legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then the document should be accepted in Peru without any problems.

      However, you best should ask at the church where you plan to marry for the exact requirements for those who married outside Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Connor · 10/11/2022
    Hi

    The local municipality has the following as a requirement and I wondered if you could help clear it up for me:

    Certificado de soltería por el Cónsul peruano del país de origen y apostillado por RREE en el Perú.

    Would this be the US consulate in Lima or the Peruvian consulate in the US?

    Thanks
    Connor
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 10/11/2022
      @Connor Hello Connor,

      This requirement is strange and partly wrong on so many levels.

      First of all, I assume (!) it should mean “Certificado de soltería legalizado por el Cónsul peruano del país de origen …”.

      So, you need the certificate proving that you are single (free to marry) authenticated /legalized by the Peruvian consul in the country where it was issued (consular legalization).

      In some countries, it’s impossible to get an official public document corresponding to the Peruvian Certificate of being single that can go through the official process. And even if, it’s a lengthy process to get the consular legalization as for that the certificate needs a signature and seal of the issuing authority, then usually has to get authenticated by at least two or more higher authorities and only then can get the consular legalization by the Peruvian consul in the country where it was issued. The whole process is to prove the authenticity of the document and to ensure that only authorized persons signed it.

      After that the municipality says “… y apostillado por RREE en el Perú”. That’s more than strange as RREE (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) can only put an Apostille on a document that is issued in Peru. So, I assume they mean “legalizado”. So, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs checks that the seal and the signature of the Peruvian consul on your certificate is correct and, if so, puts another signature and seal on it confirming the document is ok. And what the municipality forgot, if the certificate isn’t in Spanish, it must be translated by a certified translator in Peru.

      Anyway, now the thing is, the above explanation is the traditional method for authenticating documents to be used abroad, so the process of a traditional legalization. However, if the country where your certificate was issued signed the Hague Apostille Convention, this traditional method, which needs the signature and seals of the issuing authority, other higher authorities, and the Peruvian consulate of the country where it was issued is not needed anymore to prove the legitimacy, genuineness, and origin of a document. Then only an Apostille is needed.

      So, the certificate is issued by the responsible authority of a country, then usually only has to be authenticated by one higher authority (may vary depending on country) and then by the authority in charge of apostilling in the country where it was issued. That’s it, usually just two steps in the country where the document was issued and no Peruvian consulate involved. Once in Peru, it only has to be translated by a certified translator and is officially accepted.

      You find more detailed info about the Apostille in our glossary entry “Apostille”.

      In case your home country doesn't officially issue a Certificate of being single or something similar which makes the legalization/Apostille process impossible or if you want to avoid the process of legalization/Apostille in your home country, I would go back to the municipality and ask if there is any other option to prove that you are single. You could offer a sworn statement issued by a notary in Peru or a sworn statement that your embassy in Peru officially signs and seals (then this document has to be legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, if not in Spanish, be translated by an official translator).

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Owen · 05/11/2022
    When submitting the documentation at the local authority will I need to have signed  Permit to sign contracts (PEFC- Permiso especial para firmar contratos)? This isn't mentioned in the article? Will I also need one for the civil wedding on the wedding day itself to sign the marriage certificate? And finally sorry about this but do you know if a certificate of no impediment will be accepted as confirmation of your single status?
    Thank you 
    Owen
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 05/11/2022
      @Owen Hello Owen,

      it depends on the municipality where you plan to marry.

      Some request from foreigners who are in the country as a tourist that they have the permit to sign contracts when submitting the application and when getting married (signing the marriage certificate), others only on the day of your marriage and yet other don’t ask for it.

      With the certificado de soltería it’s actually the same. It depends on the municipality. Some are very relaxed and are happy with a simple sworn statement from a Peruvian notary, others want to have an official document from your home country stating that you are single (of course with Apostille und translation).

      So, as necessary documents and processes vary from municipality to municipality, we recommend getting in contact with the municipality where you plan to marry and confirm the exact requirements, especially if a non-resident foreigner is involved.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mhey · 05/11/2022
    Hello, I'm Indonesia and my my fiancé us. Can we get married in Peru? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 05/11/2022
      @Mhey Hello Mhey,

      it depends. If you are both just visiting Peru, so are in the country as tourists, it's not possible. At least one of you has to be a legal resident of Peru and most municipalities additionally request that at least one partner lives in this municipality.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    bishoy · 04/11/2022
    i am egyptian citizen traveling to peru with an invitation letter from my girl friend  can i reserve one way ticket.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 04/11/2022
      @bishoy Hello Bishoy,

      for you as Egyptian national, an invitation letter isn't enough to enter Peru. You must apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate before coming to Peru. See the publication of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs page 2 (I attached a picture which shows that Egyptians need a tourist visa and cannot travel visa-free to Peru).

      The requirements to apply for a tourist visa include a round-trip ticket. You find more information in our article Tourist Visa and there especially under the point "How and where to apply".

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    B · 29/10/2022
    I'm A US citizen and I married a Peruvian woman, for reason I won't get into it didn't work out, she never got her citizenship or greencard (the marriage was over within months) Is this marriage even recognized in the us? I can't seem to get a straight answer
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 29/10/2022
      @B Hello B,

      You don’t have to register a foreign marriage in the US to be accepted. So, if your marriage was legally performed in Peru and is valid, it is “automatically” recognized and legally valid in the US.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    David · 10/08/2022
    I live in the US and want to marry in Ica, Peru. They are pretty much asking for all of the above, though I'm having a tough time understanding what they mean by providing a Domicile certificate. How do I obtain such a document from my state?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 10/08/2022
      @David Hello David,

      Usually, for marriages between a Peruvian partner and a non-domiciled foreigner only one Certificado Domiciliario per couple is requested, and this is provided by the Peruvian partner.

      I don’t know if the municipality of Ica specified if both have to present a domicile certificate and if a utility bill is ok or if they want a sworn statement which has to be signed in front of a notary.

      Anyway, if Ica is fine with only one “certificate”, your fiancée, depending on what is requested, either just needs an electricity, water, or phone bill or has to pay a notary a visit who usually has the corresponding form letter on hand. If they want the “certificate” from you as well, depending on what is requested, use the same electricity, water, or phone bill (add a second copy) and say that you live under this address together with your fiancée when you are in Peru or, once you are in Peru, go to a notary and get the document.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Andy · 04/08/2022
    My girlfriend is a Chinese citizen and working in Lima for a Chinese Company. I am a Canadian Citizen. Can we get marry in Lima ? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 04/08/2022
      @Andy Hello Andy,

      Many municipalities in Peru require that at least one partner must be Peruvian or a legal resident of Peru.

      So, assuming that your girlfriend is a legal resident because of working for a company in Lima, yes, you can marry in Peru.

      For exact details on requirements, get in contact with the municipality where you are planning to marry

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Matthew · 17/07/2022
    I have been with my same-sex Peruvian partner for 21 years now.  It's such a shame that even now after all this time, our union is still not recognised in Peru.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 17/07/2022
      @Matthew Hello Matthew,

      I feel with you. For me, it's incomprehensible that same-sex marriage or even civil unions between same-sex partners are still not allowed, performed or recognized.

      I wish you all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Evelyn F · 28/06/2022
    I am an american woman in a relationship with a peruvian man. We are living in the united states but he is ready to go back to peru to retire. He wants me to go with him. If I marry him when we are in peru before my tourist visa is up, will that be enough that I can stay? Of course if we provide the documentation and stuff... or... do I need to apply later for actual naturalization later on? Can I just exist there after proving we are married and get the marriage visa and thats enough? If not, do I need to speak fluent spanish in order to take another step? -- Thanks!! I am so lost and very afraid he and I could become separated in this world...  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 28/06/2022
      @Evelyn F Hello Evelyn,

      All good, first of all take a deep breath and relax. I can assure you no need to worry, just the option to marry the man you love (congrats) and a chance of a new adventure in your life. And nobody will forcibly separate you from your partner.

      But I highly recommend to carefully prepare this step and thoroughly inform yourself before (!) heading to Peru. Hopefully, LimaEasy can help with the one or other article; otherwise, you are always welcome to get in contact with me. If you don’t want to do this here in the comments publicly, just scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on “contact us” and send me a private message.

      Anyway, regarding your questions:

      Yes, if you marry your partner in Peru (or elsewhere), have your marriage registered at Reniec (or a Peruvian consulate) and have all other necessary documents you can apply for a family visa in Peru which allows you to stay in the country for a year as a resident (after that you can easily extend the visa). If you read through the family visa article, the requirements, preparation, and application steps might be overwhelming at first. But if you work off each step as described, you shouldn’t encounter any huge obstacles.

      After three years of legal residency in Peru, you can switch to a permanent resident visa (no extensions anymore and indefinite residency in Peru if you aren’t outside the country for more than a year).

      Or after two years of living legally in Peru, you could (but aren’t required to - I didn’t) get the Peruvian nationality. But you would get it by marriage with a Peruvian national, not by naturalization (it’s another administrative procedure). But honestly, right now, this isn’t important. First steps first.

      If you decide moving to Peru, yes, you should learn Spanish. But nobody expects that you are fluent from day one. When filling out necessary forms, for example, at least basic knowledge is helpful, but you still have your partner who hopefully speaks his native language and who can not only introduce you to his home country, its customs and traditions and its sometimes crazy bureaucracy but as well help with the language barrier.

      The only thing that worries me a bit is getting everything done in the timeframe you have on a tourist visa in Peru. Be aware that your tourist visa must be still valid on the day you apply for your family visa. When entering Peru, most nationalities only get 90 days to stay in Peru and that’s not a lot of time for all the bureaucracy awaiting you. In my opinion it is nearly impossible to prepare the necessary paperwork for your marriage, finally get married, then get your marriage certificate and have your then husband’s DNI updated with the correct marriage status, and after that start with the preparation work for your family visa and here especially the Interpol clearance (see the family visa article) and finally apply for your resident visa in the three months.

      So, here either extremely good organization skills are required, and nothing goes wrong (unlikely in Peru) or you fly one time to Peru to get married, then leave the country and return to apply for your residency or you have your civil wedding already in the US and get the Peruvian marriage certificate at a Peruvian consulate there and then enter Peru to directly start with your visa application process.

      To come to an end, I don’t know your circumstances and if you have ever been to Peru before, but I always highly recommend to at least visit the country for a few weeks before packing all your bags and permanently moving there. Peru is a beautiful country but living there is quite different from what you are used from back home. As every country around the globe it has its pros and cons. The question is if for you all the great stuff outweighs the negatives.

      Anyway, I wish you all the best. And feel free to contact me anytime if you have more questions.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    J · 25/06/2022
    Hello! 

    I am an American citizen and my fiancé is Peruvian. We are in the middle of the fiancée visa process, however, we are interested in having an “inka wedding” or spiritual wedding in Ollantaytambo but I want to make sure this would not impact our current fiancée visa process as I am aware that if we were to get married the fiancée visa would be void. 

    Thanks so much! 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/06/2022
      @J Hello J,

      Honestly, I’m not familiar with resident visa applications for the US. So, it might be wise to check with the US embassy in Lima what they have to say.

      However, your “spiritual wedding” isn’t anything official; you are not getting legally married according to Peruvian law and won’t get a marriage certificate. It’s usually only a symbolic ceremony, so I doubt that this could in any way have an impact on the visa application of your fiancée.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    oliver · 22/06/2022
    Hello, 

    If i got married in peru end want to apply for a  family visa, I only need my official married document and an official document of my origin country that i don't have a criminal status? 
    Like this website says:  https://www.gob.pe/12876-solicitar-calidad-migratoria-de-familiar-residente-para-mayores-de-edad

    Or do I need a Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional as well?

    And is it a problem to start the process if my tourist visa is already ore almost expired?
    (while staying in Peru)

    Thanks a lot!

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 22/06/2022
      @oliver Hello Oliver,

      All the information you need, including a list of all requirements and a walk through the process, can be found in our article “Peruvian family visa”.

      And yes, if you were married in Peru, for the application of your family visa you need next to other documents which are listed in the article linked above

      - your Peruvian marriage certificate issued by RENIEC

      - the official document of your home country that you don't have a criminal status (with Apostille or, if your home country hasn’t signed the Hague Convention, legalized. If the document isn’t in Spanish, it has to be translated by an official translator in Peru. )

      - the Ficha de canje issued by Interpol in Peru

      Not sure what you mean by “almost expired”. On the day you fill in the necessary fields on the Agencia Digital, send in your application and then get the confirmation of your application, your tourist visa must be still valid. If it’s only expired for one day, the application won’t be accepted, or the application process won’t even work.

      However, if your tourist visa expires shortly after you send your application and receive the confirmation, you won’t have any problem.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    MJ · 09/03/2022
    Hello,

    I am from the US and just got married in Peru! My now wife is from Peru. We were told that i have to register my marriage in the US or else it is as if i were single and never got married. I cant find any information on where i need to "report/register" my marriage. Do you know what steps or where i have to do this? As far as i know as long as it was a legal wedding there is no need for me to do this but i am getting different answers from everywhere. 

    Thank you for your help!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 09/03/2022
      @MJ
      Hello MJ,

      First of all, congratulations and all the best for your life together.

      I’m not from the US and have to admit that except for some general knowledge, I have no idea about US laws and regulations (already more than busy keeping up to date with the ones from Peru and from my home country).

      When I remember (!!!) correctly, the US has no marriage registry on federal level, and marriages are just registered on state level. In general, foreign marriages, however, are recognized and considered valid in the US without additional registration if the marriage was performed according to the laws and regulations of the country where the wedding took place. The foreign marriage certificate (with Apostille and translated into English) is usually accepted for official purposes.

      As far as I know, the US embassy isn’t really helpful and for further information and questions in regard to marriages abroad /recognition in the United States, US citizens should contact the Office of the Attorney General of their state of residence in the US.

      Sorry, I can’t help any further.

      Greetings
      Eva

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