Foreign visitors, who entered Peru as tourists or temporary visa holders such as temporary students, have to apply for a special permit called “Permiso especial para firmar contratos (PEFC)” at the Peruvian immigration office Migraciones when they need to sign legally binding documents before private and public entities (such as work contract, sworn statements, rental contract, car purchase, marriage license, apartment purchase, ….).
While for years this had to be done in person at any Migraciones office in Peru, in January 2018 the application process was simplified and now can be easily done online. Be aware that the permit can only be applied for when on a valid temporary visa /authorization to enter as a tourist in the country.
To apply for the permit, first pay the fee of S/ 15.80 for the Migraciones administrative procedure "Permiso especial para suscribir documentos" under code 07562 at any Banco de la Nacion branch / ATM or on pagalo.pe.
You can find detailed explanations about how to pay, what you have to do and be aware of, how to register on the online payment platform and how to find the correct fee you have to pay, in our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru".
Then open the Migraciones Agencia Virtual. Choose "Extranjero" and enter the data requested. Enter your personal data exactly as in your passport. On the next page you find under "permisos" the point "para firmar contratos". Then follow the steps as indicated (have the receipt from the bank on hand as you have to enter some data from it - if you don't know where to find the requested numbers on your receipt, click on the question mark) and you are ready. Download the document with the administration procedure number (tramite no.) and date of application and / or print it and keep it safe.
The special permit to sign contracts is valid for a maximum of 30 days.