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How to renew your Peruvian residence visa

Residence visa extension in Peru

How to renew your residence permit

In Peru, a residence visa, so the permit allowing you to live in the country (not the carné, the card), is usually valid for only one (1) year and then must be extended. Since the introduction of the Migraciones online platform applying for the renewal of your residence visa is a straightforward and quick process.

Content Overview

 

General information about the residence visa and the carné

Lots of foreigners living legally in Peru are often not aware that there is a difference between the expiration of their carné, the card, and the expiration of their residence visa, so the permit allowing them to live in the country. When they first get their carné they find on the carné, among other dates, the Caducidad and think that’s the date until they can be in Peru and completely miss the point Vencimiento Residencia.

In this context we highly recommed to read our glossary article "Carné de Extranjería - Peru’s ID Card for foreigners". Be aware that the Caducidad is the date your carné, so the card itself, expires (not your residence visa!). The card is usually valid 4 years (minors 3 years) or 5 years in case of permanent residents and then must be renewed. Our article "Renewal of the carné" explains how it's done.

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Legal Stuff
When your Peruvian residence visa is approved, you get the Carné de Extranjería, your Peruvian foreigner ID. The carné, so the card (not the reside...

The Vencimiento Residencia, however, is the date your residence visa expires. Unfortunately, it’s not printed on the card anymore and you have to check online. You can do this either by scanning the QR code on the back of your carné, by using this direct link or on the Agencia Digital in the left menu on the main page under Consultas en Linea, subpoint Carné de Extranjería.

Usually, the residence visa is valid for only one (1) year; in case of a family visa based on marriage with a Peruvian two (2) years. So, even though your carné (the card) is still valid, you must renew your residence visa every year (or two). Without a valid residence permit your carné, even though still valid, isn’t worth anything.

You can apply for the extension of your residence visa up to 30 days before it expires. We highly recommend applying for the extension of your residence visa on time as otherwise you are charged a hefty fine of 1% of an UIT (equals S/ 53.50 in 2025) per day (!) you extended after the expiration date and jeopardize your residency. Be aware that you can only extend your residence when you are in Peru.

Since the introduction of the Agencia Digital applying for the extension of your residence visa is a simple, straightforward, and quick process, which is the same for all visa types, just the requirements differ.

 

Requirements for the renewal of your residence visa

You can find the official requirements for extending your residence visa on the Peruvian government website under Prorroga de residencia segun calidad migratoria (just choose the residence visa you have). As the website isn't always up-to-date you can as well check in the current TUPA.You find the requirements:

  • for resident workers on page 53, which is page 56 of the PDF
  • for adult family visa holders on page 48, which is page 51 of the PDF; for underage family visa holders on page 68, which is page 71 of the PDF
  • for resident students on page 65, which is page 68 of the PDF
  • for resident religious visa holders on page 62, which is page 65 of the PDF.

Both options are, of course, in Spanish. So, below we list all requirements translated into English.

Being here in Peru for at least a year now, you know that things change quickly and Migraciones seems to enjoy modifying the Agencia Digital and requirements for all sorts of applications without prior notice. Therefore, to avoid not having a document still or again required or before moving heaven and earth to get a document that’s not needed anymore we highly recommend checking first on the Agencia which requirements really have to be uploaded (just follow our step-by-step application guide until 2nd page) and there verify the requirements by clicking through the tabs. Once you finished just leave the page.

Requirements for a resident work visa renewal

  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07566 Prorroga de residencia; concept trabajador residente, S/ 20.20)
  • Passport
  • Carné
  • Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad
  • For dependent workers additionally
    • Work contract with a validity of at least 1 year approved by the Labor Ministry (approval exception for “exonerated workers”)
    • Payslips from the last three months 
    • Reporte de rentas y retenciones y Consulta de contribuciones y retenciones de trabajadores (Report of incomes and withholdings for the and Consultation of contributions and withholdings of the worker for the past 3 months); both can be downloaded on the SUNAT digital platform. Even though the Agencia Digital suggests uploading the work contract is enough, one of our readers informed us that Migraciones requested the SUNAT documents additionally.
  • For independent workers additionally
    • Service contract with a validity of at least 1 year
    • Recibos honorarios from the last three months

Requirements for a family visa renewal (married to a Peruvian or foreigner with residence status)

  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07566 Prorroga de residencia; concept familiar residente para personas extranjeras mayores de edad, S/ 20.20)
  • Passport
  • Carné
  • Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad
  • Marriage certificate; must fulfil the same requirements as when you first applied for the family visa; see our family visa article under explanatory notes (**)

If you want to apply for the extension of the family visa for a minor, the application process is the same as described below (enter the Agencia with the carné number of the child!), just the requirements differ (for example, payment must be made under familiar residente para menores, the birth certificate is needed and the parent applying on behalf of the minor must enter a few personal information).

Requirements for a resident student visa renewal

  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07566 Prorroga de residencia; concept formación, S/ 20.20)
  • Passport
  • Carné
  • Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad
  • Document proving that you study/do an intership/apprenticeship in Peru
    • for students: Enrollment certification issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution including name, type and length of studies
    • for exchange students: Official letter from the recognized Peruvian host university or higher education institution including name and length of studies
    • for interns: Official letter from the Peruvian company including name, type and length of internship/apprenticeship as well as name of the home university
  • Report of already taken courses and grades issued by the recognized Peruvian educational institution (even though no longer on the official requirement list, this may still be required to be uploaded when applying)
  • Sworn statement stating that you (in case of minors, the parents) have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies in Peru (Declaración jurada de solvencia económica)

Requirements for a resident religious visa renewal

  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07566 Prorroga de residencia; concept religioso residente, S/ 20.20)
  • Passport
  • Carné
  • Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad
  • Request issued by the religious entity, which must be recognized by the Peruvian state, where the applicant found his home in Peru. The request must be signed by the legal representative of the religious entity and must include name(s) and surname(s) of the applicant as well as the time he or she stays in Peru.
  • Sworn statement of the legal representative of the religious entity affirming the details of the official registration and his/her power of representation or an official document confirming his / her powers
 

How to renew your residence visa

Pay the fee of S/ 20.20 (2025) for the Migraciones administrative procedure “Prorroga de residencia” under code 07566 on pagalo.pe or at a Banco de la Nacion branch. As you are already in Peru for a while and paid other fees, you know how the systems works; if not check again in our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru".

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Legal Stuff
All administration charges, processing fees and fines government agencies, public authorities and entities levy in Peru have to be paid at the Banc...

Then make PDFs (max size per document 3MB) from required documents (not necessary for the payment receipt).

Once you have done all the preparation work, open the Migraciones Agencia Digital and click on Entrar.

On the next page, select "Extranjero". Then choose in the drop-down menu Carné de extranjería and enter your carné number. Click on Validar and complete the other fields (birth date, date your carné was issued, nationality, last time you entered Peru and the Captcha). You can as well select passport and enter requested info.

Update of personal information

Before starting the actual residence visa extension application, you first should, if not already done, update your personal information.

Choose in the left menu on the main page the point “Actualizacion de datos” which brings you to the Sistema de Actualicación de Datos page. Here select option 2 Actualización de datos - Otras Calidades and fill in required fields. At the end of the process, you get the code for having updated your personal information. Keep it safe as you will need it just now.

Now in the left menu on the main page of the Agencia Digital click on Prorroga de residencia. A submenu opens showing your current visa type. Click on it and you are redirected to the first page of the Prorroga de residencia application.

 1st page of the residence visa extension application

Select the Migraciones office which should handle your application (for example, Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, …). In the second field enter your Actualización de datos code and click on siguiente.

If you skipped updating your personal information, click on the link below the field, which brings you to the Sistema de Actualicación de Datos page and fill in required fields as explained above.

2nd page of the residence visa extension application

Here you must fill in some data and/or upload for the residence visa renewal application necessary documents as PDF.

Those who just want to verify the requirements or double check if the requirements have changed can do so on this page. Then just click through the tabs and once you finished leave the page.

To continue with your residence visa renewal click on the little arrows next to each requirement, and certain fields appear depending on the requirement. Just fill in the fields as requested and upload the corresponding document.

Under “Pago por derecho de tramite” you are asked to enter certain information of the bank receipt

  • numero de recibo (number of the receipt) which is the "secuencia de pago" on the pagalo receipt
  • codigo de verficación (verification code) which is the "codigo control" on the pagalo receipt
  • fecha de recibo (date) which is the "fecha de operación" on the pagalo receipt.

After entering the requested info click on Validar.

Under Documento de Identificación, choose the document with which you entered the country, in most cases this will be pasaporte. Enter the passport number, date and country of issue and upload a PDF of your passport.

Depending on your visa type you must upload other required documents under the additional tabs.

Once all documents are uploaded, accept the terms & conditions and click on siguiente.

3rd page of the residence visa extension application

You then get to a page showing the fields of the Form PA - Prorroga de residencia already filled in with your personal data. The only fields you can change here are your cell phone number and your e-mail address. If everything is correct, click on “Guardar datos y generar tramite” (Save data and generate procedure).

4th page of the residence visa extension application

You now get the "Solicitud de prorroga de residencia" displayed on your screen. That's the confirmation of your successful application for the renewal of your residence visa. Download and/or print the document and keep it safe (if downloading isn't possible, make a screenshot of the complete page, don't miss the second page)!!!

At the top right of the document under the bar code you find your Numero de expediente (file number), which sometimes is also called Numero de tramite. At the bottom of the first page, under the signature / fingerprint field, the Fecha de publicacion (application date) and a Codigo de verificacion (verification code) are shown.

If you later want to check the status of your application online, which can be done here, you will need these numbers / codes.

On the second page you find your login data for the Buzon electronico.

 

How long does the renewal of the residence visa take

According to Migraciones the processing time for the approval (or denial) of the residence visa extension should only be 5 business days, however, usually, you get the notification of the extension in your Buzon within two to four weeks. So, check your Buzon regularly to not miss anything.

And just as a reminder, if you didn't get a notification, you can always check, if your residence visa was already extended either using this direct link or on the Agencia Digital in the left menu on the main page under Consultas en Linea, subpoint Carné de Extranjería.

 

Please note: We from LimaEasy are not a Peruvian government agency, a public authority or (immigration) lawyers. All information is published to our best knowledge and should be seen as general guidance introducing you to Peruvian regulations and procedures. All information is subject to change, as regulations, requirements, and processes can change quickly without prior notice!

And if you find something wrong on this page, please help us to keep this guide as up to date as possible and contact us either below with a comment or use our contact form. Thank you!

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    George
    George · 15/05/2025
    Hi there,

    When renewing an independent worker contract, does the sworn statement of no criminal convictions have to be an ACRO again (I’m from the UK)? Or is that short, one page document on the gob.pe site that you have linked to here what they need?

    Just wondering as the ACRO process can take quite a while to get it done, apostilled and translated etc.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/05/2025
      @George
      Hello George,

      When renewing your contract you neither need the Acro check nor the sworn statement.

      When you want to renew your independent work visa, however, you don't need the ACRO check. You just have to fill in above linked sworn statement of no criminal record, sign it and upload it during the application for the visa renewal (prorroga de residencia).

      The Acro check (so your UK background check) is only needed when you first apply for a resident visa or when you change your visa type - so when you apply for a cambio de calidad migratoria.

      I hope, this makes it clearer.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      George
      George · 16/05/2025
      @Sunflower Brilliant thanks for that Eva - and yes my bad I meant the extension for the renewal of the independent work visa - not the contract. 

      As I understand, once you've completed three years on a work visa you can apply for a permanent residency visa in Peru. However I've also seen that you can apply for a Peru passport after just 2 years on a work visa? Are there additional requirements for this, and what would the pros be of having a passport vs the permanent residency visa?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 16/05/2025
      @George
      Hello George,

      after two years of legal residency you can apply for the Peruvian nationality. The process is called "naturalización". You find the exact requirements on the website of the Peruvian government under Solicitar la nacionalidad peruana por naturalización.

      As of today if you are in the country on an independent work visa the requirements to apply for the Peruvian nationality in short include:
      - legal residency of at least 2 years
      - up-to-date carné (and must remain valid throughout the evaluation and approval process)
      - sworn statement regarding your health and no criminal record
      - your birth certificate (not older than 6 months when you apply) with Apostille and translation in Peru
      - the Ficha de canje from Interpol in Peru (not older than 3 months when you apply)
      - proof of income of at least 10 UITs (in 2025, 1 UIT equals S/ 5350; so, if you applied in 2025 you would have to prove S/ 53,500, in two or three years it will be a bit more)
      - service contract with a validity of at least 1 year
      - Recibos honorarios from the last three months
      - sworn statement and SUNAT confirmation that you paid your taxes
      - pass an exam in Spanish about Peruvian history, culture and values

      Once your application for the Peruvian nationality is approved (which can take anything from half a year to a year or sometimes even longer), you are in Peru as a Peruvian with the same rights and obligations. You get a DNI (Peruvian ID) and a Peruvian passport. As the UK allows dual nationality you shouldn't have any further problems, can stay in Peru as long as you want, can leave the country as long as you want. You are a Peruvian as any other Peruvian.

      However, if you don't want to assume the Peruvian nationality, after three years of legal residency you can apply for a permanent residence visa, so, for a "cambio a calidad migratoria permanente residente". You find the requirements on the website of the Peruvian government under Solicitar cambio a calidad migratoria permenante residente.

      As you apply for another visa type as of today you will need among other documents a new ACRO check (not older than 6 months when you apply). And you must prove an income of at least 10 UITs (in 2025, 1 UIT equals S/ 5350; so, if you applied in 2025 you would have to prove S/ 53,500, in two or three years it will be a bit more).

      The change from an independent work visa to a permanent resident visa usually only takes a few weeks to 3 or 4 months and if you have all documents is pain free and easy. But once approved you are still a foreigner in Peru, but don't have to extend your visa anymore. It's valid indefinitely. However, one disadvantage, for example, is that you  can only be outside Peru for a max of 365 days. If you leave for longer your visa is canceled.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      George
      George · 18/05/2025
      @Sunflower @Sunflower Hi Eva,

      Thanks a lot for summarizing that list. I have a few questions about the passport requirements (after 2 years of legal residency) if you could help?

      You mentioned that I would need to prove that I earnt roughly S/ 53,500 (or whatever it will be in that time) over the last 12 months when applying for the passport. However does that only include domestic income that arrives into my Peru bank account, or could it also include foreign income sources?

      Also with the requirement of a "service contract with a validity of at least 1 year", I guess I would need an additional year contract after the first two years have been completed to then apply for the passport? So technically a third year working with a company?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 18/05/2025
      @George
      Hello George,

      You must prove a yearly gross income of 10 UITs. That income can be from Peruvian or foreign sources. However, be aware that Migraciones uses the income you declared with SUNAT, the reason you must submit your Peruvian tax declaration or a SUNAT confirmation. So, if you declared your local and foreign income, which you should do as a resident (as a domiciled foreign resident you are taxed on your worldwide income), then you shouldn't have a problem.

      And no matter if you apply for the Peruvian nationality or a permanent residency, after 2 years (nationality) or 3 years (permanent residency) you first must extend your residence visa, for which you will need a new service contract with a validity of at least 1 year. Only then can you apply for the nationality or change your immigration status to permanent resident. 

      And in case the approval process for obtaining the Peruvian nationality takes more than a year (which can happen) you will need to extend another time as your resident status must be valid throughout the process.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Aryn
    Aryn · 19/04/2025
    Hello!  I am working on extending my husband's and my religious resident visas (thank you for your super helpful website which was a key resource in getting them in the first place) and have a question on the letter from the religious organization: 

    Can I use the original letter that we got last year to get our visas (the original letter said we would be in the country for up to 5 years) or do I need a whole new/different type of letter in addition to the declaracion jurada from the legal representative? 
    The TUPA lists the requirement as: "4.- Presentar la solicitud de la entidad religiosa reconocida por el Estado peruano a la que real y efectivamente viene a integrarse, suscrita por su representante legal; precisando nombres y apellidos del beneficiario y el tiempo que permanecerá en el país." but I am unclear on whether the original letter fulfills this purpose or if I need a different one.  We had to go to a third party to get the original letter and they are wanting to charge us a hefty fee for issuing new letters now, which they say are necessary but I want to be sure because I thought I could re-upload the original letter and just get a new declaracion jurada....  
    Any insight you have on this would be much appreciated!

    -Aryn 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Aryn
      Aryn · 30/04/2025
      @Sunflower Eva,
      Just wondering if there is any way to see what has been submitted on the Agencia Digital once the tramite is already "in progress"?  The third party that we were getting the letters from kind of tricked us, never gave us the letters or declaracion jurada from the legal representative after we paid them, and went ahead and submitted everything somehow in Lima, which we explicitly told them NOT to do several times.  Now we are of course nervous as we have no way of knowing what they submitted to migraciones because they didn't show us anything and I'm not sure how they even did the parts that were supposed to be personal to us (our declaraciones juradas about no crimes, personal data, etc.) as we did not give them any of that.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 19/04/2025
      @Aryn
      Hello Aryn,

      great to hear that LimaEasy helped getting your residence visa in the first place. Compared to that applying for the extension is a walk in the park.

      However, I'm really sorry, but no, you can't use the letter from last year.

      Documents have an "expiration" date in Peru. If not stated otherwise, documents issued in Peru (such as your letter from the religious organization or the sworn statements) are only accepted by Migraciones when they were issued a maximum of 3 months prior to your application/to being submitted on the Agencia Digital.

      So, you will need  a new letter, which should be on an official letterhead and must be signed by the legal representative of the religious entity and must include your name(s) and surname(s) as well as the time of your stay in Peru.

      Sorry, I don't have better news for you.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Aryn
      Aryn · 19/04/2025
      @Sunflower Eva,
      Ok, thanks for confirming and for the super quick response!  I just wanted to make sure what they were telling me was correct before I paid anything.  Will proceed then!

      -Aryn 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 19/04/2025
      @Aryn
      Have a nice Easter weekend.
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/05/2025
      @Aryn
      Hello Aryn,

      as far as I know there is no way to somehow check online which documents were submitted. Sorry.

      The most important question is if the person, who presumably applied for your extension, really did so. Do you have the numero de tramite, the application date and the verification code, access to your Buzon electronico? If not, ask for it. If you don't get it, the person might not have applied. And in case your residence visa  is expired by now or on the day you finally apply, expect to pay a hefty fine (when I remember correctly it's 1% of an UIT, which would be S/ 53.50 per day (!) you extend too late).

      Anyway, if you don't get the numero de tramite and the application date from the person who (might have) applied for you, first check if there is an application under your name pending. Enter the Agencia Digital and after the log-in page click on Historial tramite (on the main page in the left menu). There you should find all your applications and hopefully as well the application for the extension. You as well see there the numero de tramite and can download the confirmation of the application.

      If you got the numero de tramite from the person, who applied for you, or if you saw it on the Agencia you know that there is an application pending. Good news. In this case you could just wait and regularly check your Buzon electronico (if you have the log-in data; if not you can recover it, see our Buzon electronico article) . If Migraciones isn't happy with the application or if documents are missing they send a notification and you could then upload rejected or missing documents. No big deal. But check the Buzon regularly to not miss any notification including the approval of your extension.

      Did you give the person, who presumably applied for you, a power of attorney? Otherwise he wouldn't be able to apply for you. So, personally I probably still would contact Migraciones - best in person - to withdraw the power of attorney of that person. For that you shouldn't have to do it in Lima, a Migraciones office wherever you are should be able to help when you explain your situation. But probably don't mention that you got the letter from a third party. Sounds a bit fishy and Migraciones could get suspicious.

      Furthermore, that the extension was hopefully done, but in Lima, shouldn't be a problem as you don't have to be present at the Migraciones office at any time.

      And if you cannot find any application under Historial tramite the person might not have applied at all. So, you should apply for your extension as soon as possible as the fine for applying to late is adding up quickly.

      I hope everything works out smoothly.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Stefan Herzberg
    Stefan Herzberg · 16/04/2025
    Hi Eva,
    You have been helpful when I applied two years ago for a residence visa. I observed the 183 days rule and my visa was extended for another two years last week.
    Being married to a Peruvian I now would have the option to obtain the Peruvian Nationality which I Not intend to do. But Next year I can apply for a permanent residency.
     Now my question is if the 183 days rule still applies to people who have a permanent carnet de extranjería..
    I highly would appreciate your comment.
    Best regards
    Stefan Herzberg
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 16/04/2025
      @Stefan Herzberg
      Hello Stefan,

      great hearing from you again. I assume with the 183-day rule you mean the maximum time you as a resident visa holder can stay outside Peru. 

      If you change your visa residente familiar to a visa residente permanente, which you can do after three years of legal residency,  you can stay outside the country for up to 365 days without losing your residency.

      You find this in the Foreigner Law, article 33.2 (see attached screenshot).

      I hope this is the answer you were looking for.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Stefan herzberg
      Stefan herzberg · 17/04/2025
      @Sunflower Exactly what I was looking for!
      Thank you very much!
      Best regards
      Stefan
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 17/04/2025
      @Stefan herzberg
      Perfect.

      Enjoy Easter!

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Ellie
    Ellie · 31/03/2025
    Hi there, thank you so much for the helpful information. When you say "You can apply for the extension of your residence visa up to 30 days before it expires." does that mean we can only renew it 0-30 days before the expiry date? Or does it have to be renewed at least 30+ days before the expiry date? E.g. if the expiry is 31st May 2025, do we have to apply before or after 30th April 2025? Just want to make sure we renew on time as previously our lawyer did this for us. Thanks so much!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 31/03/2025
      @Ellie
      Hello Ellie,

      you can apply for the extension of your residence visa up to 30 days before it expires; not earlier.

      So, if your residence visa expires on May 31, you can apply earliest May 1 and latest May 30. You cannot apply before May 1 and if you apply after May 30 you will have to pay a hefty fine for each day you extend late (in 2025 that would be S/ 53.50 per day)

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Ellie
      Ellie · 01/04/2025
      @Sunflower Hi Eva, thank you so much for the clarification. Much appreciated!
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Neil Giardino
    Neil Giardino · 15/11/2024
    Hello Kat, 

    You've been so helpful. I want to ask you hopefully the last of my migration questions. I have a valid carnet de extranjeria. In 2024, I have left Peru three times. During my most recent exit from Peru, I will have been gone for just shy of 6 months (exactly 180 days). 

    As I have not exceeded 183 *consecutive* days this final trip, and will return to Lima in early December, do you think I will be ok to return with my residency status still valid?

    Any insight greatly appreciated. Thanks. Neil.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/11/2024
      @Neil Giardino
      Hello Neil,

      as long as your residence visa is still valid (not your carné; I explained the difference between "caducidad" (expiration date of your carné) and "vencimiento" (expiration date of your residence visa) in my previous replies) and you haven't been outside Peru for more than 183 days in a 365-day period (usually counted from the day your residence visa was approved), then you are fine and will have no problem entering the country as a resident.

      However, if your residence visa is expired or if you have been outside Peru for more than 183 days in a 365-day period, then it's up to the immigration officer, if he/she let's you enter as a resident.

      Be aware, while the law stipulates that residents can't be outside the country for more than 183 consecutive (!) days, in practice Migraciones usually adds all days you have been abroad in the 365-day period, so they count with accumulated (!) days.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Neil Giardino
      Neil Giardino · 16/11/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva, 
      You have been so helpful. Thanks :) Caudacidad and vencimiento both still valid. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 16/11/2024
      @Neil Giardino
      Good, then you shouldn't have a problem returning to Peru as a resident.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Neil Giardino
      Neil Giardino · 16/11/2024
      @Sunflower Hey Eva, quick follow up -- the rest of my message was cut off for some reason. What I wrote was: both are valid. But in all 2024, I have traveled a bit over 183 days on three trips. That said, my carné was issued in April of 2024 and in that time, upon my upcoming return, I will NOT have exceeded 180 days. Still should be good? Of course, depending on the migration officer as well, I'd imagine. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 17/11/2024
      @Neil Giardino
      Neil, Peru doesn't count in calendar years, so how long you have been outside Peru in 2024 is irrelevant. The important thing is how many days you stayed outside Peru since you got your residence visa. If it was less than 183 days you are fine.

      So, let's assume you got your residence visa on April 15, 2024. To remain your residency, you can only stay outside Peru for a max of 183 days until April 14, 2025.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Kiera Collins
    Kiera Collins · 07/11/2024
    Hi there Eva, 

    I am a us citizen who has been working with a work visa here in Lima for now almost a year, in part thanks to your guidance with how to successfully apply for a resident work visa. (thank you again!). 

    In December I have to renew my work visa as I plan to stay another year living and working here in Peru. My current contract was 1 year and full time. However, I want to change the terms of my contract to only work 4 days a week. Is there any reason why the ministerio de trabajo wouldn't approve a foreigner contract that is for 1 year and stipulates that I work only 4 days a week. In other words, does the contract have to be full time to be approved? 

    I haven't found any information to suggest it cant be done but I was hoping you might have more information. 

    Many thanks,
    Kiera
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 07/11/2024
      @Kiera Collins
      Hello Kiera,

      so good hearing that LimaEasy helped you through the process of applying for your work visa.

      Anyway, as far as I know there is no requirement that a work contract must be full time (in Peru that would be Monday to Saturday and 48 hours per week) to be approved by the Ministerio. The important thing is that the work contract has a duration of at least 12 months.

      However, as your initial work contract was already approved, instead of getting a completely new work contract with lesser hours, it might be wiser to just extend the existing one for another year and modify some terms.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Neil Giardino
    Neil Giardino · 13/10/2024
    Hi, thanks for this excellent info! I had a quick question about my carnet de extranjeria especial: I left Peru on 7th June 2024. I understand that I have 183 days to return before my residency expires. But I was told by a migrations specialist in Lima that I actually have 5 and a half months, not six to be exact. Not sure why this would be, or if this is accurate. I cannot find anything online stating this.

    Wondering if you have any insight. Its my understanding if I return to Lima before December 7th 2024, I should be OK. Any insight greatly appreciated! Thank you SO much.

    -N
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/10/2024
      @Neil Giardino
      Hello Neil,

      as a holder of a visa especial residente (as well as all other resident visas) you can be outside Peru for a maximum (!!!) of 183 consecutive days within a 365-day period. This is written in the law. However, be aware that you can't be outside 183 days, return to Peru for a few days and be outside again for 183 days. As a resident you must be in Peru for at least half a year in a 365-day period.

      And your residency does not expire when you stay outside longer. If you are outside Peru for more than the allowed half a year in a year, upon your return you are most probably refused to enter as a resident (so must enter as a tourist) and the resident visa is canceled. 

      Your residency expires a year after it was approved and must be extended 30 days before it expires. So, as I never heard of the 5 and a half months the Migraciones specialist told you, I can only assume that your visa is about to expire around mid-December or so and therefore he told you to be back on time to apply for the extension.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Neil Giardino
      Neil Giardino · 23/10/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva, 
      I really appreciate your help. Truly, you're doing great work, so thanks :) Quickly, if I may follow up -- My carnet de extranjeria was issued April 2024 and expires April 2028. Do I need to update anything with Migrations in April 2025, or am i good until it expires in 2028? 

      Thanks again, Eva. 
      -Neil  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 24/10/2024
      @Neil Giardino
      Hello Neil,

      no, you are not good until 2028. Sorry.

      As explained above there are two important dates: the "Caducidad" and the "Vencimiento".

      Your carné, so the card itself, is usually valid for 4 years (caducidad, which is printed on the carné) - in your case until April 2028.

      But your residence visa is usually only valid for 1 year (vencimiento). So, depending on when your residence visa was approved (I assume around March or April 2024) you must apply for an extension of it 30 days before it expires, so next year most probably February or March.

      The vencimiento, so the expiration of your residence visa, isn't printed on the carné. You can and should check when your visa expires either by scanning the QR code on the back of your carné, by using this direct link or on the Agencia Digital in the left menu on the main page under Consultas en Linea, subpoint Carné de Extranjería.

      Let's assume your residence visa expires on March 15, 2025, you should apply for an extension around mid-February 2025.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Ethan
    Ethan · 10/10/2024
    Hi Eva,

    Question regarding my marriage based CE. I currently have one and I am wondering what is required to keep it valid. If I leave the country, do I need to inform Migraciones? What about when I return to Peru, do I show my CE at customs? Is there a certain number of days required to be in Peru to keep the CE over the 2 year period?

    Thanks.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/10/2024
      @Ethan Hello Ethan,

      I highly recommend that you check out our Family Visa article and have a look at point "Things you should know when living in Peru on a family visa". https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/peruvian-visa-types/peruvian-family-visa#important-things-family-visa-peru There all your questions are answered in detail.

      In short: If you leave Peru, you must show your passport and CE. Nothing more. You can only stay outside the country for a max of 183 days in a 365-day period, otherwise you lose your residence visa. When you return to Peru, make sure to enter as a resident. So proceed to the immigration counters, show your passport and CE and you are good.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Ethan
      Ethan · 10/10/2024
      @Sunflower Wonderful! Thank you very much for this.

      Best,
      Ethan
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dessy
    Dessy · 22/07/2024
    Hi Eva,

    I just checked the website and there is no menu Prorroga de residencia.
    Is it a normal temporary glitch on the website?
    Thank you.

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 23/07/2024
      @Dessy
      Hello Dessy,

      sorry for getting back to you so late.

      If you have a residence visa then you should find the "Prorroga de residencia" option on the main page of the Agencia Digital in the menu on the left.

      If not, leave the Agencia, clear your cache and enter the Agencia again using your carné number. That should work.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Ash
    Ash · 09/07/2024
    Hello!  Do you know where to find information on how long we need to be in Peru to keep our residency?  I have my carne de extranjeria (spouse of a Peruvian), that I received in April of this year. I heard somewhere that we need to be in Peru 6 months out of the year to keep our residency (but haven't confirmed it), but is that per calendar year or from the time you got your residency card?  Thanks for any help!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/07/2024
      @Ash
      Hello Ash,

      in article 33 of the Peruvian Foreigner Law (see screenshot of it attached) you find that foreign residents cannot be outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive (!) days in a 365-day period (permanent residents one year) otherwise they lose their residence visa. It doesn't say how many days they have to be in Peru.

      However, be aware that the "consecutive days" don't mean you can leave Peru for 3 months, return for a week, leave again for 3 months, return for a week, leave again for 3 months and return for a week, ....

      For those foreign residents, who regularly leave Peru and return it is common practice that the immigration officers at the point of entry add all days the foreign resident has been outside Peru (so they interpret the law as accumulative (!) days) and if these are more than 183 days decide if he/she can enter on the residence visa or must enter as a tourist, even though this is not explicitly determined in the law.

      So, to avoid any problems I highly recommend to be in Peru at least half a year. 

      And as usual in Peru, the year is not a calendar year, but counted from the date your residence visa was approved.

      And one other thing: In case you have to be outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive days, you can apply for the "Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 183 días", so you won't lose your residency.

      Hope this helps.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Ash
      Ash · 09/07/2024
      @Sunflower Thanks a million, Eva! This is so helpful! Can you share the link where I can find the Peruvian Foreigner Law for future reference? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/07/2024
      @Ash
      Hello Ash,

      you can find the Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1350 from 2017 and the "update" Decreto Legislativo 1582 from 2023 (which only includes changed articles) on the website of the El Peruano, Peru's official gazette, or in our Media section under Laws & Norms.


      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jordan
    Jordan · 03/07/2024
    Hi, what's the difference between a dependent and independent worker? How do I know which one I am?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/07/2024
      @Jordan
      Hello Jordon,

      not sure how you ended up on this page. Probably more informative our Work visa article.

      In short:

      The resident work visa (dependent) is intended for foreigners who plan to live in Peru long-term and work as an employee for a Peruvian company. You have a work contract and are on the payroll of the company.

      The resident work visa (independent) is intended for foreigners who plan to live in Peru long-term and work as an independent service provider for a Peruvian company. You have a service contract and in most cases are responsible for paying your taxes, social security, health insurance, etc. on your own.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dina
    Dina · 21/06/2024
    Hello, can you clarify the part about having to be in Peru when applying for the residency extension (in my case a family visa)? Do I have to physically be in Peru when applying online for the extension? And I can only apply during the 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/06/2024
      @Dina Hello Dina, 

      While the application for extending your family visa is done online on the Agencia Digital, one of the requirements is that when you apply you must physically be in Peru. And during the evaluation and approval process of the extension you can only leave Peru with a travel permit.

      Part of your comment seems to be missing. So, the earliest you can apply for the extension is 30 days before your residence visa expires. If you extend too late, then you must pay a hefty fine. 

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Dina
      Dina · 21/06/2024
      @Sunflower Thank you for the quick reply!! Very helpful! The part that got dropped off my question was how many days per year do I have to be in Peru to maintain the family residency visa? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/06/2024
      @Dina
      The law states that foreign residents cannot be outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive (!) days in a 365-day period otherwise they lose their residence visa. It doesn't say how many days they have to be in Peru.

      However, be aware that the "consecutive days" don't mean you can leave Peru for 3 months, return for a week, leave again for 3 months, return for a week, leave again for 3 months and return for a week, ....

      For those foreign residents, who regularly leave Peru and return it is common practice that the immigration officers at the point of entry add all days the foreign resident has been outside Peru (so they interpret the law as accumulative (!) days) and if these are more than 183 days decide if he/she can enter on the residence visa or must enter as a tourist, even though this is not explicitly determined in the law.

      So, to avoid any problems I highly recommend to be in Peru at least half a year. And as usual in Peru, the year is not a calendar year, but counted from the date your residence visa was approved.

      And one other thing: In case you have to be outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive days, you can apply for the "Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 183 días", so you won't lose your residency.

      Complicated? Yes. Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill
    Bill · 14/06/2024
    I have my carnet de extranjeria now. The number for the carnet de extranjeria works the same exact way as the DNI, right? I know that may be a silly question, but I'm trying to fill out something very important and I didn't want to assume. Thanks! 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/06/2024
      @Bill
      Hello Bill,

      congratulations on finally being a resident of Peru.

      The Peruvian DNI has 8 digits. The carné 9 digits, but usually the first two or three numbers are zeros.

      So, depending on what (online) document you have to fill in, you should first select carné de extranjería (CE) and then enter your number.

      If the system only accepts 8 digits just drop the first zero.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jordan
    Jordan · 11/06/2024
    Good evening. 

    My Cpp expires on July 18th. I collected the documents to try to change it to some form of residency visa as I have a daughter here but when I went to translate the police check the company told me usually they have some kind of certificate to say it's legal. Anyway, I then sent the form to the UK government office to have this done but I won't receive it back until maybe 3 weeks before my cpp expires and it will have to be a scan as the original will be sent to a family member in england. So I just wondered if anyone knows if a scan is acceptable when that's the best I can do and if applying 3-2 weeks before the cpp is an issue.

    Thank you.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 12/06/2024
      @Jordan
      Hello Jordan,

      you need an ACRO police certificate which is issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council's Criminal Records Office in the UK. Once the document is issued it must get an Apostille in the UK.

      For the visa application in Peru you just need a PDF of the Acro check with Apostille and official translation in Peru. But the official translation might be the problem. Many certified translators still want to have the original document for the translation (with a courier service you should get the original to Peru within a week) as they usually attach their seal and some ribbon on it. So, best clear up with the translator you are planning to use if he can officially (!!!) translate the document in digital form for usage at Migraciones.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jordan
      Jordan · 26/06/2024
      @Sunflower Hi, sorry I have just seen this. 

      I am still struggling with this issue. The main problem seems to be that the company that will translate the document will do so but then tell me I have to take it to some ministry to have the translation legalised. The problem being that isles unclear whether that means just the translation oflr they would want to see the original. Nobody I speak to seems to know and immigration won't respond to my emails. 

      Jordan
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 26/06/2024
      @Jordan
      Hello Jordan,

      I assume you want to change your CPP to a family visa based on being the father of a Peruvian. In our Family visa article I explain the translation process in detail. Here what I wrote there:

      "Translation of foreign documents

      Once in Peru, all documents issued abroad that are in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish. Even though officially no longer required and a simple translation should be enough (see Decreto Legislativo 1272 about simplified administration procedures) we highly recommend to use a certified translator in Peru, a so-called traductor publico juramentado.       You find lists of these government-approved translators on the Peruvian government website (http://www.consulado.pe/Paginas/Traductores.aspx). Just click under point 3 on the language of your original document and the list of translators for your language appears. You can as well use any other translator in Peru who can officially translate your document.

      If your documents have an Apostille and were translated by one of the certified translators on the list according to the above mentioned Decreto Legislativo Migraciones should accept them without problems. However, most translators are still recommending an additional legalization of the translation by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), as sometimes Migraciones doesn't apply the simplified administration procedures, rejects documents without the additional RREE legalization and explicitly asks the applicant to upload the apostilled and translated foreign documents this time with another legalization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

      So, if you want to skip the additional legalization by RREE, we highly recommend to keep an eye on your Migraciones electronic mailbox for notifications from Migraciones."

      As I told you before most certified translators still want the physical document to do an official translation. And if you have the official translation then in most cases no additional legalization by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required by Migraciones. I as well suggested that you clear up with the translator you are using that the document gets an official translation for usage at Migraciones.

      And honestly I don't know, if the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepts a digital document with Apostille and a digital translation - usually if you have the original document then the Apostille is attached to it and the translator attaches his translation, his seal and a ribbon to it making one big "package" out of it and RREE, while only legalizing the signature of the translator, gets the complete document not just the translation and attaches a seal or just puts a stamp and signature on it. But anyway, the translator should know if his digital translation can be legalized at RREE and should be able to arrange the additional legalization.

      Otherwise, get the person, who send you the PDF of your Acro check, to immediately ship it to Peru with a courier service. Then you have the original in a few days and won't have any problems anymore.

      If time is running out, apply on the last day before your CPP expires even if you don't have all documents. How it's done is as well explained in above linked Family visa article.

      All the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Sawyer H
    Sawyer H · 11/04/2024
    Hi there - I have a friend who is a Venezuelan national, who obtained a temporary resident visa that expired December 2023. She has been in the US since summer 2023 and could not get an extension (I think because she was not in Peru?). But I am hearing she could have up to six months to still apply for the extension? Is this true? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/04/2024
      @Sawyer H
      Hello Sawyer,

      first of all, yes, you have to be in Peru to extend a residence visa. You can't do it when abroad.

      Then the Peruvian foreigner law is quite clear in cases where the residence visa expires when a foreigner is abroad (freely translated from the regulation of the foreigner law, article 132):

      "If the Peruvian residence visa of a foreigner expires during a stay outside the country, Migraciones [the Peruvian immigration authority] can allow the re-entry of the foreigner on the expired resident status, however only if the foreigner hasn't been abroad for more than 183 days."

      Additionally, if the foreigner with an expired residence visa is allowed to enter as a resident, then the extension has to be applied for immediately and a hefty fine (2024: S/ 51.50 per day (!) of extending too late) has to be paid.

      So, if your Venezuelan friend left Peru in the summer of 2023, then he/she is outside Peru for more than half a year by now. So, it's highly unlikely that he/she is allowed to return as a resident.

      Greetings
      Eva

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