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Peruvian Family Visa

Peruvian Family Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 6

Some family members of Peruvian nationals and foreigners with resident status in Peru have the right to family reunification and can apply for a family visa, the so-called Visa familiar residente. Depending on your relationship to the Peruvian citizen or foreign resident, several family visa sub-types exist.

And before we continue ...

Applying for a residence visa in Peru can feel confusing and overwhelming at first. Requirements, procedures, and the different authorities involved are not always easy to understand, especially for foreigners navigating the process for the first time.

The family visa application involves several steps and requires careful preparation of documents both from abroad and in Peru.

This guide explains the entire process step by step - from the legal background and document preparation to submitting your visa application, receiving your residence approval, and obtaining your Carné de extranjería. With the detailed explanations and practical instructions provided here, you should be able to prepare and submit your application on your own. We also explain important rules and practical aspects of living in Peru on a family visa.

 

Table of contents

 

Family visa types in Peru

In Peru, a family visa can be based either on a relationship with a Peruvian citizen or with a foreigner who already has resident status in Peru. In both cases the visa type is called Visa familiar residente. However, the required documents and specific sub-type may differ depending on the sponsor’s immigration status.

Important:
Currently, same-sex marriages and civil unions are not legally recognized in Peru. Therefore, even if such a marriage or civil union was legally performed abroad, it is generally not recognized by Peruvian authorities, including Migraciones, and cannot be used as a basis for a family visa application. Foreign partners in such situations usually have to apply for another visa type, for example a work visa, retirement visa, or other residence visa, depending on their personal circumstances.

Depending on your relationship to the Peruvian citizen or foreigner with resident status in Peru, several family visa sub-types exist.

  • Spouses of Peruvian nationals (para el caso de casado/a peruana/o)
  • Spouses of foreigners with resident status (para el caso de casado/a con extranjera/o residente en el país)
  • Minor children of Peruvians or foreigners with resident status (para el caso de hijos menores de edad de peruano/a o extranjero/a residente)
  • Unmarried adult children (18 to 28 years old) who are financially dependent on their parents (para el caso de hijo/a mayor de edad)
  • Adult children with disabilities (para el caso de hijos mayores de 18 años con discapacidad)
  • Parents of Peruvians or foreigners with resident status in Peru who do not have Peruvian nationality (para el caso de padres de peruano/a o extranjero/a residente) (*)

(*) Children born on Peruvian territory to Peruvian or foreign parents are automatically considered Peruvian citizens. They have the right to obtain a Peruvian birth certificate, a Peruvian DNI, and a Peruvian passport.

For many years, foreign parents could not obtain a resident family visa through their minor child born in Peru. However, this changed with the introduction of the 2017 Foreigner Law and a new interpretation of the relevant regulation a few years later.

Before the parents can apply for a resident family visa, the child’s birth must first be registered with Reniec, and the child must obtain both a Peruvian birth certificate and a Peruvian DNI.

 

Legal background for a family visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a family visa

Officially, you can apply for a family visa either from outside Peru or while already in the country, for example while staying as a tourist.

However, the practical situation has changed in recent years. For decades, Peruvian consulates abroad handled residence visa applications entirely, from providing information and issuing application forms to receiving the application and, if approved, granting the residence visa.

Since August 2021, however, Peruvian diplomatic missions abroad generally only handle tourist and business visa applications. Foreigners who wish to apply for a residence visa are now usually referred to Migraciones in Peru.

This means that foreigners who can enter Peru visa-free (in other words, those who do not need to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate) typically travel to Peru as tourists and then apply for a change of immigration status, known as Cambio de calidad migratoria, at Migraciones. This is different from a “Solicitud de calidad migratoria,” which is the procedure used when applying for residency from outside Peru.

Foreign nationals who cannot enter Peru visa-free (meaning they must apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate before traveling) are officially required to apply for their residence visa from outside Peru. In practice, this process can be more complicated, lengthy, and sometimes frustrating.

If you fall into this category, we explain the process in detail in our separate guide on the Peruvian residence visa application from abroad.

Foreign nationals who want to apply for a residence visa in Peru, for example because they are married to a Peruvian, have found work in Peru, or p...

 

Important laws and regulations

For foreigners planning to stay in Peru long-term and apply for a resident visa, several laws and regulations form the legal basis of the immigration system.

The most important ones are Decreto Legislativo 1350, Peru’s “old” Foreigner Law, and Decreto Legislativo 1582, which introduced modifications to this law. Both mainly establish the general framework for immigration matters. More detailed regulations can be found in Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN published in 2021, as well as in the TUPA (Texto Único de Procedimientos Administrativos) of Migraciones, which is usually updated every year.

Helpful information can also be found on the official Peruvian government website. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

While in the section Requirements for a family visa application in Peru below we explain the required documents in English, the official list of requirements can be found, for example, in Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN, page 44, in article 89-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria por la de familiar residente”.

Since the TUPA is the most current official document and may contain small updates compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend checking it as well when looking for the latest official information in Spanish. In the current version, the relevant section can be found on page 149 for adult applicants and on page 77 for minor applicants.

 

Requirements and documents to apply for a family visa in Peru

Below you find the general requirements and documents needed to apply for a family visa in Peru - more precisely to complete the procedure called Cambio de calidad migratoria familiar residente (change of immigration status to family resident). As the family visa includes several sub-types, additional documents may be required depending on your relationship to the Peruvian citizen or foreign resident.

Please note that Migraciones reserves the right to request additional documents at any time during the evaluation of your application.

Required documents to apply for a family visa include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (exception minors) (1) + (2)
  • Official document that proves the family tie
    For example:
    • Married to a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
      • marriage certificate (1) + (3) (4)
    • Child or parent of a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
      • birth certificate (1) + (3) + (5)
    • Union de hecho, so a legal Peruvian relationship with a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
      • Sworn statement indicating the SUNARP registration (1)
  • ID of the family member
    • DNI of the Peruvian family member with correct family address, correct marital status and no pending election fees, or
    • Carné de extranjería of the foreigner with resident status
  • Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months (see below)
  • Receipt for the paid application fee
    • Authority: Migraciones
    • Code: 07568 - Cambio de calidad migratoria
    • Concept: Cambio de calidad migratoria a familiar residente
    • Fee: S/ 161.40 (2026)
  • Additional required documents depending on the situation
    • Unmarried adult children (up to 28 years):
      • Official certificate of being single, (1) + (3) or
      • Sworn statement in which the applicant declares before a Peruvian notary that they are unmarried, (1) and
      • Enrollment certificate of a Peruvian educational institution (1)
    • Adult children with disabilities
      • Official certificate of being single (1) (3), or
      • Sworn statement in which the applicant declares before a Peruvian notary that they are unmarried, (1) and
      • Document proving a condition of permanent disability and the need for parent’s care (1) (3)

Explanatory notes

(1) Validity period (“expiration date”) of documents in Peru

Something many foreigners don’t expect: in Peru, official documents are often only accepted for a limited time after issuance. Unless stated otherwise:

  • Documents issued in Peru are usually accepted only if issued within the last 3 months.
  • Documents issued abroad are usually accepted only if issued within the last 6 months.

(2) Criminal record check

As we receive many questions about the criminal record certificates required for visa applications in Peru (“Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales”), we dedicated a separate article to this topic where we explain in detail which document you need, where to obtain it, and what to watch out for when applying for it.

One of the requirements when applying for a resident visa in Peru or when changing your immigration status (for example, from a work visa to a perm...

(3) Foreign document rules in Peru

Any foreign document presented in Peru must meet specific formal requirements.

  • Apostille or legalization
    Foreign documents must either:
    • carry an Apostille (if the issuing country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention), or
    • be legalized (if the country is not part of the Convention) through a Peruvian consulate abroad and then the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Translation into Spanish
    If a foreign document is not entirely in Spanish, it must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Peru (see below).

(4) Marriage certificate

Marriage in Peru at a municipality integrated into the Reniec system:

  • Certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by Reniec (not older than 90 days)

Marriage in Peru at a municipality not integrated into the Reniec system:

Some municipalities are not yet integrated into Reniec and only issue local records. If you got married in such a municipality, the local marriage certificate must first be authenticated by Reniec before Migraciones accepts it.

In this case:

  • Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the (provincial) municipality. Inform them that you need the copy for Migraciones-related purposes, so the right stamp is put on the certificate.
  • Step 2: Pay the fee on pagalo.pe or at any Banco de la Nacion branch
    • Authority: Reniec
    • Code 02143 - Certificaciones
    • Concepto: Certificacion de firma;
    • Fee: S/ 31.
  • Step 3: Apply at a Reniec office for the so-called "Solicitud de authenticacion de firmas". Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate, the payment receipt, ID, and copies. In Lima this can only be done at the Reniec office in Miraflores (Av. Diez Conseco 230) or the Reniec office in Jesus Maria (Jr. Talara 130).
  • Step 4: At Reniec you are handed a form to fill out. Then, just wait your turn in the “Certificaciones” line, hand in your documents and usually within a week or two you can pick up your marriage certificate with another stamp on it. 

Only after this authentication will Migraciones accept the marriage certificate. When you submit your visa application, the document must not be older than 90 days.

Marriage abroad to a Peruvian citizen (registered at consulate)

  • Certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by the Peruvian consulate and legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or their provincial offices (not older than 180 days)

Already in Peru without a recent copy? At the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (RREE) in Lima, you can get certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates registered at a Peruvian consulate abroad.

Marriage abroad to a Peruvian citizen (not registered at consulate)

If you were married abroad to a Peruvian citizen and the marriage was not registered at a Peruvian consulate, the Peruvian spouse must first register the marriage with Reniec.

For this, the foreign marriage certificate with Apostille or - if the country where the document was issued is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate is required (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the foreign marriage certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

After the marriage has been registered with Reniec, obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by Reniec.

Marriage abroad to a foreigner

  • Marriage certificate with Apostille or - if the country in which the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the marriage certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

(5) Birth certificate

Child of a foreigner with resident status in Peru

  • Birth certificate of the child showing that it is the son or daughter of the foreigner with resident status. The document must have an Apostille or - if the country in which the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

Parent of a Peruvian citizen - birth registered at a municipality integrated into the Reniec system

  • Certified copy of the birth certificate issued by Reniec showing you as the parent (not older than 90 days).

Parent of a Peruvian citizen – birth registered at a municipality not integrated into the Reniec system

Some municipalities in Peru are not yet integrated into the Reniec system, meaning that births are registered only at the municipal level. If the Peruvian family member was born in such a municipality, the birth certificate must first be authenticated by Reniec before Migraciones accepts it.

In this case:

  • Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the (provincial) municipality. Inform them that you need the copy for Migraciones-related purposes, so the right stamp is put on the certificate.
  • Step 2: Pay the fee on pagalo.pe or at any Banco de la Nacion branch
    • Authority: Reniec
    • Code 02143 - Certificaciones
    • Concepto: Certificacion de firma;
    • Fee: S/ 31.
  • Step 3: Apply at a Reniec office for the so-called "Solicitud de authenticacion de firmas". Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate, the payment receipt, ID, and copies. In Lima this can only be done at the Reniec office in Miraflores (Av. Diez Conseco 230) or the Reniec office in Jesus Maria (Jr. Talara 130).
  • Step 4: At Reniec you are handed a form to fill out. Then, just wait your turn in the “Certificaciones” line, hand in your documents and usually within a week or two you can pick up the birth certificate with an additional Reniec authentication stamp.
  • Only after this authentication will Migraciones accept the birth certificate. When you submit your visa application, the document must not be older than 90 days.

Parent of a foreigner with resident status in Peru

  • Birth certificate of the foreigner with resident status in Peru showing you as the parent. The document must have an Apostille or - if the country in which the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

 

Step-by-step guide to apply for a family visa in Peru

Applying for a family visa in Peru is generally a straightforward process. However, if you are unfamiliar with the procedures and the different steps involved, the whole process can feel confusing and overwhelming at first.

The following step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process and is intended to help you prepare and complete the application on your own. Please keep in mind that it serves as general guidance only, as procedures and requirements may change at any time. Also note that at least basic Spanish skills are necessary to fill out forms and understand instructions during the application process.

 

Before submitting your visa application

Before you can submit your family visa application through the Migraciones Agencia Digital, there are a few important preparations to complete. Some required documents must be obtained in your home country, others have to be issued or processed in Peru.

In addition, foreign documents need to be apostilled or legalized (often only possible in the country where they were issued) and translated into Spanish in Peru, and you must complete the Interpol clearance procedure (Ficha de Canje). You will also have to pay the visa application fee and prepare digital copies of all required documents for upload.

The following sections explain these preparatory steps so you can complete everything in advance and submit your visa application without unnecessary delays.

 

Translation of foreign documents

Once in Peru, all documents issued abroad that are written in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish.

Officially, since the introduction of Decreto Legislativo 1272, which simplified administrative procedures in Peru, a simple translation should be sufficient. In theory, this means you can use any registered translator in Peru.

However, in practice it is still recommended to use a certified translator in Peru, preferably a traductor público juramentado (sworn public translator), as their translations are generally accepted by Peruvian authorities without any issues.

Lists of these government-approved translators - unfortunately most of them are located in Lima only - can be found on the Peruvian government website. Under point 3, simply select the language of your original document and the corresponding list of certified translators will appear.

Another option is checking with the Colegio de Traductores del Perú or simply doing a Google search for registered translators in Peru.

For less common languages, the Peruvian government also lists traductores especiales, translators authorized to translate so-called “special languages” into Spanish. In the text just click Directorio de traductores especiales and select the language of your original document.

If your documents carry an Apostille and are translated by a certified translators, Migraciones should accept them without problems under the rules of the simplified administrative procedures. Nevertheless, many translators still recommend an additional legalization of the translation by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE). The reason is that Migraciones does not always apply the simplified procedures consistently. In some cases, documents without the additional legalization have been rejected, and applicants were asked to upload the apostilled and translated documents again - this time with an additional legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or at one of its regional offices.

If you decide to skip this additional RREE legalization step, we strongly recommend keeping a close eye on your Migraciones electronic mailbox for any notifications requesting additional authentication (see below).

If your documents are not apostilled but legalized, they must always be authenticated again after translation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or at one of its regional offices.

 

Interpol

Before you can even begin the family visa application process, you must also obtain the Ficha de Canje Internacional issued by Interpol in Peru. This clearance confirms that you are not internationally wanted and is a mandatory requirement for nearly all temporary and residence visa applications in Peru. 

As the procedure involves several steps and a visit to an Interpol office in Peru, we explain the process in detail in our separate guide: “Interpol – Ficha de Canje Internacional.”

Before applying for any temporary or residence visa in Peru, all foreigners must first obtain the Ficha de Canje Internacional issued by Interpol. ...

Paying the application fee

As with all administrative procedures in Peru, before you can submit your application, you must first pay the corresponding fee.

Payment can be made either:

  • in person at any Banco de la Nación branch, or
  • online via pagalo.pe (from a computer or via the pagalo.pe app on a smartphone or tablet)

Detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to register on pagalo.pe, how to make the payment, and what to watch out for can be found in our article “Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru.”

All administrative charges, processing fees, and fines issued by Peruvian government agencies and public authorities must be paid through the Banco...

For the family resident visa application, you need:

  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07568 - Cambio de calidad migratoria
  • Concepto: Cambio de calidad migratoria por la de familiar residente mayor de edad (adults) or menor de edad (minors)
  • Fee: S/ 161.40 (2026)

Once the payment is completed, keep the receipt safe. You will need it when submitting your application.

 

Last preparations

Prepare digital copies of your documents. Create clear PDF files of your passport (the page with your personal data) as well as of all other required documents. Migraciones currently allows a maximum file size of 3 MB per document, so make sure your scans are readable but not too large.

Once everything is prepared, you are ready to start your family visa application.

One more important point:
If you need to leave Peru while your visa application is being processed, you must first apply for a special travel permit, the Permiso Especial de Viaje (also called Autorización de estadía fuera del país). Leaving the country without this authorization automatically cancels your pending visa application.

Foreign nationals in Peru who have applied for a visa - more precisely, for a change of immigration status (cambio de calidad migratoria) - or a ch...

  

Submitting your visa application on the Agencia Digital

Now it’s finally time to submit your family visa application.

Before getting started, however, there are a few important things you should know about the Migraciones Agencia Digital, the online platform where the application must be submitted.

  • First of all, the platform generally only works when accessed from within Peru.
  • The Agencia Digital is available in Spanish only. While it may be tempting to use automatic translation tools in your browser, we recommend not using them, as they can sometimes cause display or system errors.
  • To reduce technical problems when using the platform, it is also advisable to:
    • disable ad blockers
    • avoid incognito or private browsing modes
    • use a standard browser window

And even though we do our best to keep this guide as up to date as possible, the Agencia Digital is frequently updated and small changes to the process may occur. Therefore, please treat the following walk-through primarily as general guidance.

If you notice that something works differently than described here, you are very welcome to share your experience in the comments section below (visible after approval) or use the email button at the bottom of the page to send us a private message. Your feedback helps us keep this guide accurate and useful for others.

Step 1: Access the Migraciones Agencia Digital

Go to the Migraciones Agencia Digital and click on Entrar.

On the next page, select Extranjero and fill in the following fields:

  • Documento
    Select the document you used to enter Peru or that is registered with Migraciones (usually pasaporte).
  • Número de documento
    Enter your passport number.
  • Fecha de nacimiento
    Enter your date of birth.
  • Nacionalidad
    Select your nationality. Country names are listed in Spanish (for example, EE. UU. for the United States, Alemania for Germany).
  • Último movimiento migratorio de entrada
    Enter the date you last entered Peru.
  • Código captcha
    Complete the captcha.

Click Verificar.

Important:
No matter which forms you fill out in Peru, always enter your personal data exactly as it appears in your passport. Even small differences can cause problems.

 

Step 2: Select the visa application procedure

You are now on the main page of the Agencia Digital.

  • Either use the search bar, or
  • In the left-hand menu, go to Cambio de calidad migratoria and select familiar residente
    • Casado con peruano o extranjero residente if you are married to a Peruvian or foreign resident 
    • Padres de peruano o extranjero residente if you are the parent of Peruvian or foreign resident
    • Hijo menor de edad for underage children.
    • Hijos adultos con dispacidad for adult children with disabilities

Click on the one that applies to continue.

 

Step 3: Choose the Migraciones office and generate your update code

You are now on the Cambio de calidad migratoria - Dependencia page.

Fill in the required fields:

  • Seleccione la dependencia donde desee gestionar su trámite
    Select the Migraciones office that should handle your application (for example, Lima, a MAC center, Cusco, Arequipa).
  • Ingrese código de actualización
    If you do not already have a current data update code, click the link “Obtenga aquí su código de actualización de datos” below the field.

A new tab opens, taking you to the Sistema de Actualización de Datos page.

Click the Sistema de actualización de datos button and fill in the requested fields:

  • Tipo de documento
    Select pasaporte.
  • Número de documento
    Enter your passport number.
  • Nacionalidad
    Select your nationality (listed in Spanish).
  • Sexo
    Select your gender.
  • Fecha de nacimiento
    Enter your date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy).
  • Captcha
    Complete the captcha.

Accept the sworn statement and click Continuar.

You will then be taken to a rather extensive questionnaire. Be aware that you only have a limited amount of time (usually 20 to 30 minutes) to complete all required fields. Once you start, you must finish within this time. If the time expires, all your progress is lost and you have to start again from the beginning.

The questions may appear somewhat unorganized or unusual. From time to time Migraciones changes the questionnaire, moving questions around, adding new ones, or removing others. Therefore, the description below should be seen as general guidance to give you an idea of what kind of information you may be asked to provide.

First, you will be asked to enter personal information, including:

  • marital status
  • country of residence
  • country of birth
  • whether you have any criminal, police, or judicial record
  • your address in Peru (including department, province, district, road type, zone type, street name, and house number)
  • your email address
  • mobile phone number and landline number
  • hair color and eye color
  • height (in meters) and weight (in kilograms)

Next, you must provide the details of an emergency contact, including their passport number, name, mobile phone number, and email address.

The following section asks about personal aspects, such as whether you have a disability or illness and whether you require medical treatment.

After that, you will be asked questions about your immediate family situation. You must indicate whether you are single or have a partner. If you have a partner, you must enter their personal details, including:

  • passport information (country issuing the passport, type of passport, passport number)
  • name(s) and surname(s)
  • gender
  • date of birth
  • whether your partner is currently in Peru with you

Once you have completed this section, click Guardar.

The next topic concerns your education and profession, including your highest school and academic degree, your profession and occupation, and whether you currently study or work in Peru.

You will then be asked about your living conditions, including the type of housing, since when you have lived there, how many people live in the household, and how many rooms the home has.

The last block of questions relates to financial information, for example whether you have taken out a loan in Peru or if you maintain a bank account in the country.

Once you have completed all questions, click Continuar.

That should be it. A pop-up window should then appear displaying your codigo de actualización. Copy this code.

Return to the original tab with your Cambio de calidad migratoria application, paste the code into the field, and click Siguiente.

 

Step 4: Upload required documents

In this step you must upload all required documents and, where requested, enter additional information. The Agencia Digital organizes the requirements into several tabs. Some tabs only require you to upload the corresponding document(s), while others also ask for additional information.

When uploading your documents, make sure that the file size does not exceed the maximum allowed size (usually 3 MB per document) and that the dcocuments are clear and easy to read.

Important for those wanting to verify the exact requirements:
If you only want to check or verify the current requirements, you can simply click through the different tabs. Once finished, leave the page without submitting anything.

To proceed with your application, click the small arrow next to each requirement. Depending on the document, additional fields may appear. Fill in the requested information and upload the corresponding PDF file.

Note
The fields described below correspond to a family visa application for adults, for example if you are married to a Peruvian. If you are applying for a minor, additional fields may need to be completed and different or additional documents, such as your passport or carné may have to be uploaded.

Pago por derecho de trámite (application fee)

Under Pago por derecho de trámite, you must enter the information from your payment receipt:

  • Número de recibo
    This corresponds to the secuencia de pago on the págalo receipt.
  • Código de verificación
    This is the código de control on the págalo receipt.
  • Fecha de recibo
    This is the fecha de operación on the págalo receipt.

After entering the information, click Validar.

Ficha de Canje Interpol (Interpol clearance)

Under Ficha de canje Interpol, you must upload:

  • the Ficha de Canje Internacional issued by Interpol in Peru, and
  • the criminal record certificate with Apostille and Spanish translation.

Please note that both fields are mandatory, and you cannot continue unless both documents are uploaded.

Documento de vinculo

Under Documento de vinculo you must upload the document proving your family tie (for example, your marriage certificate or birth certificate).

Documento de identificacion del conyuge

Under Documento de identificacion del conyuge, you must enter the DNI number of the Peruvian part of the family or the Carné number of the foreign resident you are related to.

Click on Validar.

Documento de Identificación del administrado

Under Documento de Identificación, select the document with which you entered Peru (in most cases pasaporte). You are then asked to fill in your passport number, the date of issue and the country of issue and upload a copy of the passport page with your photo and personal data.

Exceso de permanencia (overstay)

There is one final tab called Exceso de permanencia.

If you apply while your stay in Peru is still valid, this tab should already display a green check mark, and you can simply leave it as it is.

If, however, you apply after your stay as a tourist has expired, you should be able to open this tab and upload:

  • a payment receipt for the overstay fine, and
  • a sworn statement explaining the reasons for your overstay.

Once these two documents are uploaded, the check mark in front of the tab should turn green.

However, please be aware that officially you must be in Peru on a valid stay to apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria. If your stay has already expired, your application will in most cases be denied, even if the system allows you to upload the documents and continue with your application.

So before relying on this option, please read our chapter Can I apply for a family visa when my stay as a tourist is expired?.

Final step

Once all required documents are uploaded, each tab should show a green check mark. Finally, accept the terms and conditions and click Siguiente to continue.

 

Step 5: Review and confirm your personal information

You are now shown a summary page with your personal details already filled in.

The only fields you can edit here are:

  • your mobile phone number, and
  • your email address (make sure an e-mail address is registered that you have unrestricted access to)

If everything is correct, click Guardar datos y generar trámite.

Please note
For whatever reasons, sometimes this page isn't displayed.

 

Step 6: Application confirmation

You are now taken to the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria page. At first glance, you will only see a number displayed on the screen and a request to make an appointment to have your biometric data taken.

Do not continue yet.

First, save this number! It's your Numero de expediente (file number), which is sometimes also called Numero de tramite. The number usually consists of 2 letters (often an abbreviation of the Migraciones office where you applied; LM for Lima, for example; or CY for Chiclayo, etc.) and 9 digits.

Next, click on Descargar or Imprimir to download and/or print the complete Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document before proceeding to the appointment page.

This document is the official confirmation that your application was successfully submitted, so make sure to keep it safe.

At the top right of the downloaded document, under the bar code, you will again find your Numero de expediente (file number). At the bottom of the first page, under the signature / fingerprint field, you usually find the Fecha de publicacion (application date) and the Codigo de verificación (verification code).

Additionally, at the bottom of the first page - or sometimes on a second page - you should also find your login data for your Migraciones electronic mailbox, the Buzon electronico (see below).

If you cannot find the verification code and/or the login data for the electronic mailbox on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document, or if you missed downloading it, check below how to recover the login data and the verification code.

 

After submitting your visa application

After submitting your application, there are still a few steps to complete before receiving your residency and Carné de Extranjería. The following sections explain what happens next and what you should watch out for during the processing of your application.

Biometric data appointment

After your visa application, you will be asked to schedule an appointment to have your biometric data taken (photo, fingerprints, and signature). To make the appointment, you must enter a code. This code is your Número de expediente (also called Número de trámite).

Make an appointment

For a long time, getting a biometric appointment in Lima was quite a challenge, as foreign nationals could only register their biometric data at the Migraciones main office in Breña. To improve the situation, Migraciones allowed foreigners to complete this step as well at several MAC centers. As a result, it became much easier to secure an appointment within a reasonable time.

However, at the end of March 2026, Migraciones announced that starting April 1, 2026 (and no, not an April Fool’s joke), biometric data for applicants in Lima will once again only be collected at the main office in Breña. As a result, it can be expected that securing an appointment may become more difficult and require some patience again.

In contrast, at Migraciones offices in the provinces, appointments are usually readily available.

Our recommendation: Use the appointment link provided at the end of your application and try to schedule your appointment immediately.

If you are unable to secure a slot right away or prefer to book it later, you can return to the Agencia Digital and schedule it under Citas en Línea, subcategory Para registro de datos biométricos.

To schedule the appointment, simply enter your Número de expediente, choose a Migraciones office and select an available date. If everything works smoothly, your appointment is scheduled.

Download or print your appointment confirmation under the Constancia cita tab before clicking Finalizar.

As an additional tip: even though it is easy to overlook, next to the Constancia cita tab you will find another tab called Cargo trámite. This tab can be very useful if you missed to download the confirmation of your application or if the login details for the Buzón electrónico or the verification code are missing from your document. Simply click on the Cargo trámite tab to download the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document again. The downloaded version should now include both the verification code and the login details for your Buzón electrónico.

What to expect during your appointment

On the day of your appointment, arrive 15-30 minutes early at the Migraciones office you selected when making the appointment.

You will only need your

  • Passport, and
  • printed (!) appointment confirmation

The procedure can vary slightly depending on the office. At the Migraciones office in Lima, for example, you usually receive a number and wait until you are called. 

When it's your turn proceed to the counter, where staff will:

  • record your signature
  • take fingerprints
  • take your biometric photo

Avoid wearing white, pastel or very light-colored clothing, as Migraciones may reject photos where clothing blends into the background. Dark or strong colors are recommended.

Processing times at the Migraciones offices vary. Some applicants have a smooth and quick experience finishing within 30 minutes, while others report waiting one to three hours. So, plan accordingly..

At the Migraciones offices outside Lima, the whole process is usually quick and painless.

After your biometric data appointment, all you can do is regularly check your Buzon electronico and wait for a notification from Migraciones. You may receive a message informing you that a document you uploaded is not accepted, that additional documents are required, or that your visa has been approved.

 

Buzon Electronico

The Buzón electrónico is your personal Migraciones electronic mailbox, which you should check regularly for notifications from Migraciones. These notifications may include, for example, requests to upload missing or additional documents, or messages informing you about the approval or denial of your visa application.

You can access your Buzón

  • by clicking the Buzón button at the top of the main page of the Agencia Digital, or
  • by using this direct link.

Your username (usuario) and password (contraseña) can be found on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria, the confirmation document of your successfully submitted application (see Step 6 above). If the login information is not on the document or if you missed to download it, see the section below explaining how to recover the login data.

Please note that notifications sent through the Buzón electrónico are considered officially delivered. If you do not respond within the deadline stated in the message - which is often only five days - your application may be dismissed.

Therefore, if you receive a notification from Migraciones informing you that a document is missing, unreadable, incomplete, or not submitted in the required form (for example missing an Apostille or translation), you should react immediately.

If you already have the requested document, create a PDF file (maximum size 3 MB) and upload it through the Agencia Digital. This process, known as Subsanación, is explained in detail in our article Subsanacion - Submitting documents.

During the internal review of any application submitted via the Migraciones Agencia Digital, Migraciones may determine that a required document is ...

If you don't yet have the requested document and cannot submit it within the deadline, you must still respond to the notification. In this case, you can request an extension of the deadline to submit the document later. This procedure is called Solicitud de ampliación de plazos and is explained in our article Extension of a Migraciones deadline.

If Migraciones asks you to submit an additional document during the internal evaluation of an immigration-related application, you are usually give...

 

Approval of your visa

After submitting your application and completing the biometric data appointment, all you can do is wait for Migraciones to process your application.

The official processing time for resident visa applications is 30 business days. In practice, however, most applicants receive the approval notification in their Buzón electrónico within two to three months.

Nevertheless, it is important to check your Buzón electrónico regularly to make sure you do not miss any notifications, including the approval of your visa - if you are among the lucky ones within three or four weeks.

You can also check the status of your application:

If you haven’t received any notification after about four months, you may want to follow up with Migraciones. You can do this

  • by calling the MAC hotline 1800, or
  • by visiting the Migraciones office or MAC center you selected during your application (you may need an appointment), or
  • by sending an email to infomac [@] pcm.gob.pe

asking about the status of your application.

Another option is to submit a so-called Solicitud de celeridad de trámite, which is a request for expedited processing.

Usually, however, after two to three months you will find a notification in your Buzón electrónico (the subject line is often something like Notificación trámite cambio de calidad) informing you that your visa has been approved.

Congratulations!

However, the process is not finished yet, as you still need to obtain your Carné de extranjería, your official Peruvian ID.

The first notification normally instructs you to wait for further instructions on how to pick up your carné. So once again, keep checking your Buzón electrónico and wait for a second notification from Migraciones (usually titled Notificación expedición del carné) informing you that your carné has been issued.

Officially, issuing the carné can take up to 30 business days, but according to reports from applicants the waiting time can range from a few days to about two months.

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

Once notified that your carné is ready, log in to the Agencia Digital and book a pickup appointment under:

  • Citas en Línea, subpoint recojo de documentos.

Download and print the appointment confirmation.

Note
Some Migraciones offices outside Lima may not require appointments for pickup.

If you urgently need your carné

Especially in Lima, getting an appointment to pick up your carné can sometimes turn into a real test of patience. Slots are often fully booked, and availability can appear and disappear quickly. Unfortunately, there is no shortcut here - your only option is to keep checking the system again and again: later the same day, the next day, or a few days later. Persistence usually pays off.

If, for whatever reason, you urgently need proof of your carné but can’t secure an appointment to collect the physical card, there is a practical workaround. You can download a document from the Agencia Digital confirming that you have a valid residency and carné, even if you don’t yet have the card in hand.

To do this, log in to the Agencia Digital and, on the main page, go to the left-hand menu. Under “Constancias” select Carné de Extranjería. A page will open showing the data printed on your carné. At the bottom of the page, confirm the statement “Estos son los datos con los cuales se emitirá su constancia…” by ticking the small box and then click Siguiente.

You will then see the "Constancia de Emisión de Carné de Extranjería” on your screen. Download it and, if necessary, print it. While it doesn’t replace the physical card, it serves as official proof that you have a valid residency and carné.

To collect your carné, be on time and bring:

  • passport
  • printed appointment confirmation (if applicable)

Staff will direct you to the collection counter where your new card is handed over.

Congrats! You made it!

To familiarize yourself with your Carné de extranjería, we highly recommend reading our glossary article Carné de Extranjería - Peru’s ID Card for foreigners.

 

Family visa Peru - FAQs for residents

If you live in Peru on a family visa, there are a few important rules and obligations you should be aware of. The following questions and answers explain the most important aspects of maintaining your residency, traveling abroad, working, and dealing with Migraciones.

How long is the family visa valid?

The family visa - the permit that allows you to legally live in Peru - is usually valid for one year, in case you are married to a Peruvian two years. After this period, it must be extended to maintain your legal resident status.

Our article “Residence visa extension” explains the extension process in detail.

In Peru, a residence visa - so, the permit that allows you to legally live in the country - is usually valid for only one (1) year and must then be...

 

How long is the carné de extranjería valid?

The Carné de Extranjería, the physical Peruvian ID card issued to foreign residents, is usually valid for four years (minors three years). After that, it must be renewed.

For more information, see our article “Renewal of the Carné.”

When your Peruvian residence visa is approved, you receive a Carné de Extranjería, Peru’s foreigner ID card. While many residents assume the card a...

 

How long can I stay outside Peru without losing my residency?

Foreigners living in Peru on a family visa cannot stay outside the country for more than 183 days within a 365-day period, otherwise their resident status may be canceled.

If you need to stay abroad for longer, you must apply for the Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 183 días before leaving Peru. With this authorization, you will not lose your residency status.

 

Can I work in Peru on a family visa?

Yes! If you are living in Peru on a family visa, you are allowed to work both as an employee and independently.

Unlike some other residence visas, the family visa does not restrict professional activities, so you may take up employment with a Peruvian company, work as an independent contractor, or run your own business. However, as with any professional activity in Peru, you must comply with the applicable tax and labor regulations.

 

What should I do if my personal information changes?

If any information provided during your visa application changes, Migraciones must be informed within 30 days.

This includes, for example:

  • receiving a new passport
  • changing your address
  • other relevant personal information

To report such changes, you must apply for an Actualización de datos (update of registered information). In some cases, a new Carné de extranjería may be issued after the update is approved.

Our article “Update your information in the Migraciones database” explains the process in detail.

If any personal information printed on your carné or registered in the Migraciones database changes, you must request an Actualización de datos (up...

  

What documents do I need when leaving Peru temporarily?

When leaving Peru temporarily, you must present your passport and valid Carné.

In addition, foreigners living in Peru on a family visa may be required to present a tax declaration form before being allowed to leave the country. Although this requirement is rarely enforced, in practice, it is still part of the official regulations.

The document you need depends on whether you generated income in Peru or not.

If you did not generate any income in Peru

You must present the Formulario 1495 - “Declaración jurada de haber realizado actividades que no impliquen la generación de rentas de fuente peruana.”

To do this:

  • Download Formulario 1495,
  • Fill in and sign the form
  • Present it to the immigration officer when leaving Peru (only if requested)

If you worked as an employee in Peru

You must present a Certificado de Rentas y Retenciones before leaving the country. This document is issued by your employer and confirms that the corresponding income tax has been withheld according to Peruvian tax law.

Today, the physical form Formulario 1492 is rarely used. Instead, the employer must:

  • log into Sunat Virtual
  • complete Formulario Virtual 1692
  • print and sign the document and provide it to the employee

The certificate is valid for 30 days after being filed with SUNAT, meaning you must leave Peru within those 30 days.

If you work independently in Peru

If you generate income from Peruvian sources as an independent worker and pay your income tax directly to SUNAT, you must complete Formulario 1494 - Declaración jurada de haber pagado directamente el impuesto (or the equivalent Sunat Virtual form).

Fill in and sign the form, attach the payment receipt proving that you paid your income tax, and present both documents to the immigration officer before leaving Peru.

 

What happens to my family visa if I divorce or separate?

If your family visa in Peru is based on a marriage and the relationship legally ends, the consequences depend on your current immigration status and the basis of your residency.

If you still hold a regular family resident visa based on marriage, the visa is normally tied to the marital relationship that served as the basis for your application. As long as the marriage legally exists (which it does even if you are separated), the basis for the visa remains. However, if the marriage legally ends through divorce, the basis for the visa generally no longer exists. In most cases, Migraciones will therefore not extend the family visa once it expires. Before your residence expires, you usually must either change to another visa type or leave Peru.

If you have already obtained permanent residence (residente permanente), the situation is different. Permanent residence is generally independent of the original reason for your residency. Therefore, a divorce usually does not affect your permanent resident status, and you can normally continue living in Peru as long as you comply with the general residency rules.

If you have children with your Peruvian spouse, another option may exist. In this case, it may be possible to change your family visa from one based on marriage to one based on being the parent of a Peruvian child, provided the child has Peruvian nationality and the birth is properly registered in Peru. However, if your residency is already based on being the parent of a Peruvian child, a separation or divorce from the other parent normally does not affect your family visa, as the qualifying relationship with the child still exists.

As immigration situations can differ depending on personal circumstances, it is recommended to check with Migraciones or an immigration professional if your marital status changes while you are living in Peru on a family visa.

 

Can I change from a family visa to another visa type in Peru?

Yes. Foreigners living in Peru on a family visa can apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria to another residence visa category if they meet the requirements.

In general, it is possible to change, for example, to:

  • permanent residency after meeting the required residency period.
  • another family visa type (for example, from a family visa based on being married to a Peruvian to a family visa based on being the parent of a Peruvian)
  • a retirement visa (rentista residente)

Before applying, make sure that you meet the specific requirements of the new visa type, as the documentation and conditions may differ.

You can apply for this change of immigration status while you are still in Peru, without having to leave the country. The process is done through the Migraciones Agencia Digital and requires submitting all documents corresponding to the new visa category.

However, timing is important. You should apply while you are still legal in Peru, so before your family visa expires.

 

When can I apply for permanent residency in Peru?

After three years of legal residency in Peru on a family visa, you can apply for permanent residency.

This process is called Cambio de calidad migratoria a permanente residente (familiar residente). Once approved, you receive indefinite residency and no longer need to extend your visa each year.

 

When can I apply for Peruvian citizenship?

Family visa holders can currently apply for Peruvian citizenship by nationalization after two years of legal residency in Peru.

However, a new nationality law approved in August 2025 increases the required residency period to four years. The law is not yet in force, but it may become applicable in the near future.

 

What should I do if I leave Peru permanently?

If you plan to leave Peru permanently, you must cancel your residence visa with Migraciones.

After the cancellation is approved, you will receive an Orden de salida, which gives you 15 days to leave the country.

 

Special situations and practical tips

While the application process usually runs smoothly if you follow the steps above, some applicants encounter special situations or technical issues during the process. The following sections explain common edge cases and practical solutions that may help if something doesn’t go as expected.

How to find or recover your verification code and Buzón electrónico login data

1. On the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document

The verification code and the login details for your Buzón electrónico are usually printed on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document. This is the confirmation document of your successfully submitted application, which you should have downloaded after submitting your application and before making the appointment for your biometric data registration (see Step 6 above)

2. On the Biometric data appointment page

If you missed to download this document or if the verification code or the login details are not printed on it - which for unknown reasons sometimes happens - you can usually recover both when making your biometric data appointment.

After selecting a date and time for your appointment, you will be taken to a page that shows two tabs at the top:

  • Constancia cita
    Click here to download or print the confirmation of your biometric data appointment.
  • Cargo trámite
    Click this tab to download the confirmation of your visa application, which should include your verification code and the login data for your Buzón electrónico.

If you already scheduled your biometric appointment and cannot return to the Cargo trámite tab, there is another workaround. You can create a new “dummy” biometric data appointment to access the document again.

To do this:

  • Go to the Agencia Digital.
  • In the left menu click Citas en línea and select Datos biométricos.
  • Create a new appointment by selecting a date and time

You will be taken to a page that shows the Constancia cita and the Cargo tramite tab at the top.

  • Click Cargo trámite
  • Download the original Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document containing your verification code and Buzón electrónico login data.
  • Leave the page without confirming the appointment; so do not click Finalizar, just leave the page.

3. Other options

If none of these options work and you need the verification code, you will have to contact Migraciones.

However, if you only need the login details for your Buzón electrónico, there is one last easy way to recover them.

Go to the Agencia Digital and click the Buzón electrónico button at the top of the page (or use the direct link). Then click “¿Olvidaste la contraseña?” to access the Verificación de datos page.

Enter the following information:

  • your nationality
  • passport 
  • passport number
  • last name(s)
  • first name(s)
  • date of birth

After submitting the form by clicking Siguiente, you will receive an email containing your username (usuario) and a link allowing you to create or reset your password.

 

Can I apply for a family visa if my stay as a tourist is expired?

Officially, no. To apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria (change of immigration status) in Peru, you must be in the country on a valid stay, for example as a tourist.

However, during the application process on the Migraciones Agencia Digital, there is a tab labeled Exceso de permanencia (overstay). This tab suggests that foreigners who have overstayed their authorized stay may still be able to apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria by uploading:

  • the payment receipt for the overstay fine, and
  • a sworn statement explaining the reason for the overstay.

In 2022, Migraciones informed us that this tab does not apply to the Cambio de calidad migratoria process from tourist to a residence visa and that applicants must be in Peru on a valid stay when applying for a residence visa.

However, in 2023, there were reports of cases where Migraciones staff explicitly suggested this option to foreigners who had already overstayed their tourist stay but still wanted to apply for a residence visa. In some of these cases, the applicants uploaded the required documents - including the payment receipt for the overstay and an explanation - and their visa applications were later approved.

Over the past few years, we have contacted Migraciones several times regarding this issue and received contradictory answers, ranging from “No, you must be in the country on a valid stay” to “Yes, it may be possible.”

That being said, according to the official rules, you must be in Peru on a valid stay when applying for a Cambio de calidad migratoria from tourist to a residence visa. Even if the system allows you to upload all required documents and submit the application, in most cases the application will likely be denied. Therefore, you should not rely on this option.

We always recommend avoiding overstaying your authorized stay in Peru. If you plan to apply for a residence visa but are still missing some of the required documents, it is usually better to submit your application before your tourist stay expires using a small workaround. We explain this option in the next section below.

If, for any reason, you cannot submit your application while your tourist stay is still valid, it may be worth personally checking with Migraciones to see if there is any possibility of applying later despite the overstay before leaving the country and attempting to return to Peru to renew your tourist stay.

If you have recent information about this topic or would like to share your experience, please let us know using the comment section at the end of this article or through our contact form.

 

Can I apply for a family visa if I don't have all the required documents?

Officially, no. On the Agencia Digital, the Migraciones online platform where you must submit your application, the fields for uploading the required documents are mandatory. You normally cannot continue with or complete your application unless all required documents are uploaded.

However, even though we cannot and do not recommend it, there may be situations where your tourist stay is about to expire and you must submit your visa application before a certain date. In such cases, and depending on which document is missing, it may be possible to temporarily upload another document in its place to complete the application.

If you choose this option, you should already have a solid plan to obtain the missing document quickly, because the time you will later get to submit it is usually very limited.

How this workaround works

Follow the instructions in our step-by-step-application guide above until you reach Step 4, where you must enter information and upload all required documents as PDF files.

If you are missing a document, you cannot leave the upload field empty. Instead, you must upload something that explains the situation.

For example:

  • Missing criminal record certificate
    Under the Interpol tab, you must upload the Ficha de Canje from Interpol and your criminal record certificate (Antecedentes). Both fields are mandatory.
    If you don’t yet have your criminal record certificate, you could upload:
    • the Ficha de Canje a second time, or
    • a signed letter explaining that you are still waiting for the document from your home country.
  • Missing Ficha de Canje from Interpol
    If you couldn’t get an Interpol appointment in time, you could upload:
    • a letter explaining the situation, and
    • your appointment confirmation with Interpol.
  • Missing Peruvian marriage certificate 
    If you don't have your Peruvian marriage certificate, because Reniec takes its time to register your foreign marriage, you could upload:
    • your foreign marriage certificate
    • a copy of your Reniec tramite and a short explanation.
  • Missing Apostille or translation
    If you already have the document but not yet the Apostille or official translation, you could temporarily upload the document in its current form.

After uploading the placeholder document, continue the process and complete your application as described in the guide above.

After uploading the placeholder document, continue the process and complete your application as described in the guide above.

Confirmation of your application

In Step 6 of the application process, you can download the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria document. It contains:

  • your Número de expediente (file number)
  • the Fecha de publicación (application date)
  • the Código de verificación

This document confirms that your application was successfully submitted. Once you receive this confirmation, your tourist stay is effectively paused, meaning that even if your tourist stay expires while your visa application is being processed, you won’t have any problems related to overstaying.

What happens next

Because the required document was not submitted correctly or was missing, Migraciones will eventually send you a notification requesting the document.

This notification may arrive:

  • within a few days, or
  • several weeks or even months later, depending on when your application is reviewed.

The notification will be sent to your Buzón electrónico and is considered officially delivered. In most cases, Migraciones gives you only five days to upload the requested document.

You must respond to the notification within the deadline, even if it is on the last day. If you fail to respond, your application may be dismissed.

If you already have the document

If you have obtained the requested document in the correct form, simply upload it through the Agencia Digital.

This process, known as Subsanación, is explained in our article Subsanación - Submitting documents.

During the internal review of any application submitted via the Migraciones Agencia Digital, Migraciones may determine that a required document is ...

If you still don’t have the document

If you are unable to obtain the document within the given deadline, you can apply for an extension of the deadline (up to 30 additional days). This procedure is called Ampliación de plazos.

You can learn more about this process in our article Extension of a Migraciones deadline.

If Migraciones asks you to submit an additional document during the internal evaluation of an immigration-related application, you are usually give...

Should you upload the document before receiving the notification?

If you receive the missing document before hearing from Migraciones, you technically can upload it immediately through the Subsanación option in the Agencia Digital.

However, several applicants reported that they still received a notification later requesting the same document again. For this reason, it is usually better to wait until you receive the official request.

Important

If you decide to use this workaround, check your Buzón electrónico regularly and respond immediately to any notification from Migraciones.

While this method has worked for many applicants in the past, procedures may change, and Migraciones could still reject the application (which could then be appealed). In addition, submitting documents later will almost certainly delay the approval of your visa, sometimes by several weeks or even months.

  

Please note: LimaEasy is not a Peruvian government agency, public authority, or law firm. The information provided is based on our best knowledge and is intended as general guidance to help you understand Peruvian immigration regulations and procedures. Regulations, requirements, and administrative practices may change at any time and without prior notice, so we recommend verifying current details with the relevant authorities before acting on this information.

And last but not least: If you notice any inaccuracies or outdated information on this page, please help us keep this guide up to date by leaving a comment below or contacting us via our contact form. Thank you for your support!

 

 

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Matt · 29/11/2024
    Hi Sunflower! Quick question:

    For the Marriage Certificate requirement: I am an American citizen and my wife is a Peruvian Citizen. We were married in the United States. If I'm reading the above correctly, I need to request a copy of my marriage certificate from the Peruvian consulate here in the United States. Do I then need to have the marriage certificate sent to be apostilled? Or am I confused and I need to send a copy of my marriage certifcate to the Peruvian consulate and they are the ones who will apostil it?

    Thank you for your help!

    Matt
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 29/11/2024
      @Matt
      Hello Matt,

      both your suggestions are wrong. Sorry.

      And a document can only be apostilled in the country where it was issued. So, a US document can only be apostilled in the US/by the competent US authority and a Peruvian document can only be apostilled in Peru/by the competent Peruvian authority. So, your US marriage certificate cannot be apostilled by a Peruvian consulate, and your Peruvian marriage certificate cannot be apostilled in the US.

      With this being said, did you already register your US marriage with the Peruvian authorities?

      If you married in the US and registered your marriage at a Peruvian consulate, you must request a "copia certificada" of your Peruvian marriage certificate from the Peruvian consulate. Once in Peru this certified copy must be legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then it's good to be submitted during your family visa application.

      If you registered your US marriage at Reniec in Peru, then your wife just has to get a new copy of the Peruvian marriage certificate from Reniec and you can upload this during the application.

      If you haven't registered your US marriage with the Peruvian authorities yet, then you first must do so. You can either do it in the US at any Peruvian consulate or at any Reniec office in Peru. However, if you want to register your marriage in Peru, your wife must do this, when I remember correctly, within 30 days of returning to Peru. In this case your US marriage certificate must be apostilled in the US and then translated into Spanish in Peru before it is accepted by Reniec. Be aware that the registration might take a few weeks up to 2 or 3 months depending on the Reniec office.

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Matt · 03/12/2024
      @Sunflower Thanks so much for the quick reply!! I will try and have our marriage registered with the Peruvian consulate in the US before I leave for Peru.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/12/2024
      @Matt
      Hope, everything works out smoothly.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Isa · 25/10/2024
    Dear Sunflower,

    Thank you for helping us answer questions. 
    Here is my situation:
    Father is Peruvian/ USA and I am Dutch/USA (because of my mother). I want to live in Peru but can’t apply for the Peruvian paspoort because Dutch government doesn’t allow.
    So I want to apply for a family Visa. I was born in Netherlands (so Dutch Birthcertificate) but I traveled to Peru with USA paspoort (hence I need the FBI criminal record Check).
    I am in Cusco and have been here for 1 month so I still have 2 more Months to gather all the documents for application before my tourist visa expires. 

    - Im afraid I wont receive everything in time before my visa expires. do you recommend to start the family visa application even without the FBI Criminal Record Check? And then submit that document later? Or should I announce to immigration in advance that I might have to overstay my tourist visa? 
    - Online it says I can only apply for family visa if under 28 but I am 34. At the immigration office they didn’t mention anything about my age and they said I could go ahead and apply online. Do you think its still OK? Or maybe they did not check my age on my Pasport very well..?
    - Can I submit the finger print for FBI criminal record anywhere in Cusco? Do you know if there is a place in Cusco where I can have the finger prints taken, is this at a police station?

    Thank you so much in advance.
    Warm Regards,
    Isa 

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/10/2024
      @Isa Hello Isa,

      If your father is Peruvian, you have the right to the Peruvian nationality. But you don’t have to actively assume the Peruvian nationality, which will result in losing your Dutch one as the Netherlands follow a quite strict one-nationality-policy like my home country Germany. But there are a few exceptions. You have the right to dual (or in your case even triple) nationality by birth (Dutch from your mother, Peruvian from your father; I don’t know who’s the US American in your family) – at least that’s what I read on the government page of the Netherlands.

      With this being said, there might be other reasons, why you don’t want to assume the Peruvian nationality. However, when you want to apply for a family visa I see a few problems:

      Where is your Peruvian father living right now? If you want to apply for a family visa based on being the daughter of a Peruvian your father must be living in Peru.

      Then as far as I know you as a foreigner can only apply for a family visa based on being the daughter of a Peruvian until the age of 28 years (and you must be financially dependent on your father and prove that you study in Peru) or you must be disabled and not able to provide for yourself. So, not sure which subtype the person from Migraciones was thinking of when he/she recommended to just go for it and apply.

      Furthermore, if you are in Peru on your US passport, Migraciones most probably want to see a US birth certificate with Apostille. You could try with your Dutch one, but then it must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. If you were in Peru on your Dutch passport, then your Dutch birth certificate with Apostille and a Dutch criminal record check with Apostille would be needed.

      Additionally, if you apply only now for your FBI criminal record check with Apostille, I’m quite sure that you won’t receive it within the time you have left on your stay as a tourist. Migraciones isn’t interested in your stay as a tourist visa running out while you are waiting for documents to apply for a residence visa. So, no need to inform them. If your stay as a tourist is expired, when you want to apply, you most probably won’t be able to.
      Personally first I would check with Migraciones again for which subtype of the family visa you as a 34-year-old daughter of a Peruvian can apply. If they find one that fits, I didn’t, apply for your FBI check. Then, as described above under subpoint “Can I apply for a family visa if I don't have all the required documents?”, apply for the visa on the Agencia Digital, best a day or two before your stay as a tourist expires.

      And yes, you can get fingerprinted for the FBI check in Cusco at the Policia Nacional del Peru, DIVINCRI PNP, Oficina de Criminalistica Cusco (a building behind the big police headquarters in Plaza Tupaq Amaru). But you cannot submit your application for the FBI check anywhere in Peru.


      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Isa · 25/10/2024
      @Sunflower Dear Eva,

      Thank you so much for your quick reply.
      You’ve written, about having the right to triple birth nationality and this sounds really interesting to me. Is it true that I understand it correctly that if I get my Peruvian birth certificate, I can stay here in Peru? Or do you mean that I then can get a DNI? Or do you mean that I could even get a 3rd pasport without interfering with the Dutch laws? I’d be very interested in that. But I’m not sure if I understand you correctly. Would love to hear more on this..

      My Dutch mother will send me my (international (so Spanish and English) Dutch birth certificate this week with the Apostille. Should I then take this to get my Peruvian birth certificate here? And do you know what are the next steps? Would I even still need my FBI check from USA?

      Thank you in advance for your help. 

      Warm regards,
      Isabel
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/10/2024
      @Isa Hello Isa,

      As said before the Netherlands follow a quite strict one-nationality-policy, but there are a few exceptions to this; one is having a second (or third or even fourth …) nationality by birth. So, if your parents have different nationalities, you have the right to the nationality of both of your parents. For detailed information about it, you should either contact a Dutch consulate or the competent authority in the Netherlands, who should be able to explain the Dutch laws to your (or just google it).

      If you have confirmed that in your specific case having (not actively adopting or assuming) the Peruvian nationality doesn’t jeopardize your Dutch and US nationality and you are considering getting the Peruvian nationality based on being the daughter of a Peruvian, then first your birth must be registered with Peruvian authorities. If you do this at a Peruvian consulate outside Peru the process usually is called “Registro de Nacimiento de mayores de edad”, if you want to do it in Peru it’s done at Reniec and called “Inscripción extemporánea de nacimiento de mayor de edad”. But, the whole process isn’t done in a few weeks.

      Depending on where you apply for the registration of your birth you might need the following documents: a sworn statement from your parents that your birth wasn’t registered in any Peruvian consulate abroad, the DNI (and/or the Peruvian birth certificate) of your Peruvian father, an ID of both parents as well as your Dutch birth certificate with Apostille. Be aware: even if you have a foreign “international” document, which includes Spanish, you still must get a translation by an official translator in Peru otherwise it won't be accepted.

      Once your birth is registered, you will get a Peruvian birth certificate and are officially Peruvian. You now can apply for your DNI and after that for a Peruvian passport. With this you would be in Peru as a Peruvian with the same rights and obligations as any other Peruvian. So, you can stay as long as you like, you are Peruvian, no need for a visa and therefore no criminal record check.

      If you are considering registering your birth and applying for your DNI (and passport) in Peru, best get in contact with the nearest Reniec office and confirm all (!!!) the requirements they want to have to accept your application. They as well can tell you how long the process takes in their office.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Isa · 29/10/2024
      @Sunflower Dear Eva,

      I’ve just received reply from IND (immigration of the Netherlands) and unfortunately it is not possible for me :( I’ll share their reply because it might be usefull for somebody:
      If you still acquire Peruvian nationality by registering your birth details, this will lead to the automatic loss of your Dutch nationality under Article 15.1.a RWN, according to Dutch law and case law.

      There are three exceptions to this main rule, namely:

      If you were born in Peru and you also have your main residence there at the time of acquiring Peruvian nationality;
      If you have had your main residence in Peru for at least five years before reaching the age of majority (18 years);
      If you are currently married to a person who has Peruvian nationality.

      If you do not meet one (or more) of these legal exceptions, I advise you not to take any steps to register your birth details in Peru or to obtain Peruvian nationality.

      This would lead to automatic loss of your Dutch nationality.
      ———-

      When we were at the immigration in Cusco , there was a man who said something about, getting the birth certificate but not actively taking the Peruvian nationality and being able to stay in Peru….and that there was a kind of loop hole. But I didn’t find anything about this online. Was wondering if there is anything that you would know about this by any chance?

      Thank you very much for your help Eva,

      Kind regards,
      Isabel 


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 29/10/2024
      @Isa Hello Isa,

      That’s super interesting. I just had a look at the Netherlands Nationality Act. (I used an English translation as my Dutch is nearly non-existent).
      Article 15.1 says “A person who is of full age shall lose his or her Netherlands nationality:
      a. by acquiring another nationality of his or her own free will”.

      The point is you are not acquiring another nationality. You have the Peruvian nationality by birth as your father is Peruvian, even though right now you don’t have the official documents. But reading Article 15.2, which lists the exceptions, I assume the issue is that you are an adult now and the Dutch laws would consider making your Peruvian nationality official as an adult as acquiring. If you had gotten your birth registered and your Peruvian DNI and passport as a minor, you wouldn’t have the problem. Otherwise, the same would apply to your US nationality.

      Anyway, good that you got the confirmation from the Dutch authorities that it’s not possible in your case to get the Peruvian nationality without losing your Dutch one.

      Reading the RWN and the reply you got from the IND, the advice from the immigration officer in Cusco (and mine as well) to register your birth already might jeopardize your Dutch nationality.

      If you now, as an adult, get your birth registered in Peru, you are not only automatically by birth a Peruvian, but then officially as well and officially have the Peruvian nationality (which seems to be considered acquiring the nationality as you are an adult), even if you don’t apply for a DNI and passport. And exactly for this reason in the reply from the IND you can clearly read: “I advise you not to take any steps to register your birth details in Peru”. This should have been done when you were a minor. Now, it seems to late as you would risk losing your Dutch nationality.

      And I don’t know what kind of loophole the immigration officer in Cusco was talking about. Registering your birth in Peru is no option for you. Don’t go there. I know quite a few Germans, who used strange loopholes to get their Peruvian nationality and lost their German one because of it. So, you could try and apply for a family visa with your Dutch or, as you are in Peru as an US American, with your US birth certificate. But here we are at the same point where we’ve already been last week; you are too old to meet the requirements. You could ask at Migraciones again, if there is any subtype of the family visa that you might apply for (be aware you cannot present a Peruvian birth certificate and you are older than 28 years).

      Another option is to check out other visa types. What are you doing in Peru? If you work, a work visa might be an option; or if you study, the student visa; or we are all waiting for the introduction of the digital nomad visa, hopefully it will become available soon and might fit for you.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Camila · 15/10/2024
    Hi Eva, I got my CE and now want to start working as a consultant. How does it work to register for a tax number and how to declare and pay taxes, do you have any insight into this?
    Thanks in advance
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 15/10/2024
      @Camila
      Hello Camila,

      if nothing changed, since 2023 resident foreigners can only get their RUC (Peruvian tax number) in person at a SUNAT office. 

      So, just visit the nearest SUNAT office and apply for your RUC. You will need your passport and carné, a recibo and an application form (should be Formulario 2119). Not sure if they still ask for it but best make copies of all documents.

      Once you have your RUC you must apply for the Código de Usuario and Clave Sol (best do it at the SUNAT office in person as well) allowing you, for example, to get the authorization to have Recibos Honorarios printed, which you might need if you want to work as a consultant, to declare and pay your taxes, download tax declarations etc. online or using the SUNAT app.

      Usually, the staff at SUNAT is super nice and helpful, will help you through the whole application process and explain at least in general how the system works so you can do your taxes on your own online or using the app. However, depending on your type of work, your income and especially your knowledge of the Peruvian tax legislation it might be wise to hire an accountant to do your tax declarations for you.

      All the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jen · 07/08/2024
    I have a question about the vaccinations. Do they want proof of vaccines or just general questions (on the data update questionnaire)? I got my immunizations needed for school back in the 1970s. My mom kept the record of them, but she passed away more than 30 years ago. I doubt that my school has kept the records for 40 or 50 years, nor do I think that my doctor's office would still have them (if they are even still in business). I hope this will not be a problem for me.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/08/2024
      @Jen
      Hello Jen,

      no proof of vaccinations is needed. And as Covid is in the past (Covid shots were compulsory for a while - now not anymore) you shouldn't have a problem.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Matt · 03/08/2024
    If I am a United States citizen and I get a Peru Family visa through my wife in Arequipa, can my US employer continue to pay me as normal or will they have to jump through additional hoops? From a tax perspective, I believe I’ll have to pay 30% of my earnings to Peru on the family visa if I read the above correctly. 

    Thanks for all your work, I revisit this site all the time! 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/08/2024
      @Matt
      Hello Matt,

      sorry for replying so late, but I moved and am just back online now.

      Anyway, officially - once you have your family visa - you are taxed in Peru on your worldwide income. 

      However, if you work for a US company, pay taxes in the US, have your wages transferred to a US account nothing will change for your US employer and most probably for you neither. There are treaties in place to avoid double taxation, but honestly this topic isn't my strong suit and to avoid any problems I highly recommend to consult a lawyer or accountant, who is specialized in cases like yours.

      Sorry, I couldn't help more.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Max · 13/07/2024
    I don't want to give false expectations, but for the record, it took only 7 business days for me, including time to submit a missing document!
    Day 1: Submitted my application
    Day 3: Notification of missing legalizacion of acta de matrimonio (although it was emitted by peruvian consulate in Canada). They gave me only 3 days to resubmit it.
    Day 4: Went early to the RREE office in Arequipa. They could make the legalizacion on the same day. Submitted it.
    Day 7: Visa approved!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 14/07/2024
      @Max
      Hello Max,

      first of all "Congratulations". And thank you for sharing your experience.

      Yes, for a few the approval process is super, super quick, for others quick to normal and others have to wait for ages. No idea why.

      Anyway, over the past decade you surely belong to the top 10 people who got their visa the quickest . The quickest I heard was 4 business days; the longest nearly 6 months.

      And yes, if your marriage certificate was issued at a Peruvian consulate abroad it must be legalized by RREE. Great that you could sort this little hurdle out so quickly.

      I hope getting your carné is easy and straightforward as well.

      Enjoy your stay as a legal resident

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Dennis · 29/12/2024
      @Sunflower I will have to go through this process soon, I got married earlier this month.  Where did the other people who receive a quick visa go?  I would assume Lima would take the longest time, while Arequipa and other offices may be quicker due to the volume they receive versus the volume Lima receives.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 30/12/2024
      @Dennis
      Hello Dennis,

      I know foreigners who got their visa approval within a couple of weeks in Lima and in the provinces and I know people who waited months in Lima and in the provinces.  So, assuming in Lima it takes the longest until your visa is approved isn't necessarily correct.

      However, getting an appointment for your Interpol clearance, for your biometric data appointment and for picking up your carné sometimes is a mission in Lima. Additionally, if there is any kind of problem being able to speak to someone at the Lima offices can be difficult. Here the Migraciones offices in the provinces are usually better and quicker. Usually appointments are readily available within days. On the other hand I often hear quite creative interpretations of the laws and regulations from people who applied in the provinces.

      Overall, if you live in Lima, it is best to apply in Lima (you still could get the Ficha de canje from Interpol at an office in the provinces), if you live in Trujillo or Arequipa or wherever apply at the nearest office.

      Greetings
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Camila · 12/06/2024
    Hello, I submitted my application for family visa 3 months ago, and went through all the steps pretty quickly but have not received any reply/approval yet. Do you know what the current waiting times are? Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 12/06/2024
      @Camila
      Hello Camila,

      as far as I know at the moment it takes anything between 2 to 4 months.

      Have you checked your Buzon electronico? Nothing? You did the biometric data appointment? If so, I would wait another week or two and then get in contact with Migraciones.

      Good luck.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    SM · 02/05/2024
    Hello! So during the time after my Visa is approved but before have my physical carné do I still need to apply for permission to travel? Or once I am approved  I can enter and exit  freely? Thanks! 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 02/05/2024
      @SM
      Hello SM,

      The application process is only finished when you have your carné.

      As far as I know and if nothing changed over the past few months the approval of your application isn't enough to leave the country and you need your carné.
      Once you have your carné you can leave and return whenever you wish as long as you aren't outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive days.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony Wolff · 06/04/2024
    Hello
    When applying for a family visa do I need to get an "ACRO" security certificate from my home country in the UK and also have it apostiled? Or is it sufficient jsut to get the Interpol certificate? 
    Thanks
    Anthony
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/04/2024
      @Anthony Wolff
      Hello Anthony,

      as described above you need the "Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales" (Police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check) and the Ficha de Canje from Interpol.

      These are two different documents.

      The Ficha de Canje is issued by Interpol in Peru and certifies that you aren't an internationally wanted fugitive, so haven't an international wanted persons notice (Red Notice). You find more information about the Ficha de Canje in our article Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional.

      The Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales are three different types of police / criminal record checks in Peru. As most countries around the globe do not have this tripartite record check system as we have it in Peru you must present a clean (criminal / background) record check or any type of no criminal record certificate that was issued by the highest federal police, judicial or national-security authority responsible for such matters in your home country.
      For UK passport holders Migraciones accepts an ACRO check.

      And as the Acro check is a document issued abroad, as all foreign documents it needs an Apostille to be accepted in Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Anthony Wolff · 07/05/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva, While applying for out TMR at the Peruvian Consulate in London, we were told that the law pertaining to the TMR will expire or be no longer valid by August this year. What have you heard and does it mean that returning Peruvians will have to pay duty on the importing of personal household goods?
      Thanks for your input on this topic., Anthony Wolff
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Anthony Wolff · 07/05/2024
      @Sunflower I have just received my ACRO dated 2nd May 2024. However I may now travel to Peru in 6 months time. So do you know what time validity applies to the ACRO? Thanks, Anthony
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/05/2024
      @Anthony Wolff
      Hello Anthony,

      do you mean TMR = Tarjeta del Migrante Retornado"?

      If so, the current law, Ley Nº 31827 "Ley de Reinserción Económica y Social para el Migrante Retornado" from July 2023 is a modification of a similar law from a year earlier which is a modification of another similar law, which is a subsequent law, which is a modification .... 

      When my Peruvian husband returned to Peru over 20 years ago there was a similar law in place, which among others allowed him to bring our household goods, a car and machinery tax-free into Peru.

      Unfortunately, I'm not as well connected to the Peruvian government or the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the consulate in London may be and can't tell you what their plans are (if they even already have any). So, while I'm sure that around July there will be some (minor?) changes to the "Ley de Reinserción Económica y Social para el Migrante Retornado", honestly I can't believe that it will be completely abolished. But we are in Peru, who knows?

      Sorry, I couldn't give you the answer you are looking for.

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/05/2024
      @Anthony Wolff
      Hello again,

      in Peru documents have an "expiration date". Unfortunately, Migraciones hasn't published how old the criminal record check can be to be accepted.

      However, the general rule is:
      - not older than 3 months for documents issued in Peru
      - not older than 6 months for documents issued abroad.

      So, depending on when exactly you come to Peru and apply for your visa, it might be wise getting a new ACRO check just to avoid any problems.

      Don't forget that once you are in Peru you have to get your Ficha de Canje from Interpol and have all foreign documents needed for the visa application translated. That will delay your application another couple (few) weeks. 

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Maria · 25/03/2024
    Sorry i forgot to add one more question to my previous comment…can i enter Peru with only my carnet upon arrival or do i need to show my US passport? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/03/2024
      @Maria
      You must leave and return with your US passport and your carné,

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Maria · 25/03/2024
      @Sunflower Thank you so much Eva for your prompt reply! Your website is super helpful especially since Migraciones is so difficult to get a hold of! I just switched my ticket so i’ll be flying April 2 and returning September 27. I appreciate  your help. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/03/2024
      @Maria
      If you return at the end of September you are fine.

      So, have a good stay abroad.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Maria · 25/03/2024
    Hi Eva so i checked the QR code on the back of my carnet. And it says “expiration of residence: August 25,2025”. So just to clarify, as long as i’m back in  Peru within 183 days i don’t have to submit any official request to Migraciones to leave and return to Peru? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/03/2024
      @Maria
      Great, so no problem with your residence visa.

      Then, if you stay outside Peru for less than 183 consecutive days you are fine. No permit is needed. Just make sure that you aren't away for one day longer. Be aware that in case your flight back lands in Lima, for example, at 11.30 pm, you might only pass through immigration control after midnight, so a day later.

      So, if you leave on April 2 you should be back latest by October 1 to avoid any problems.

      Only if you stay outside Peru for more than 183 days (so, in case your return is after October 2), then you would need the permit.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Maria · 25/03/2024
    Hi Eva. I got my Carnet issued on August 28,2023 through marriage (to a peruvian) and will be leaving to the US from april 2 to november 12. The carnet shows that it expires on August 28,2027. And from what i was reading on your page i understand that i have to sign some kind of declaration that i will be out of the country for more than 183 days? Could you please elaborate? I’m worried i’ll get stuck at the airport or worse lose my right to residency. Thanks again 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/03/2024
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      first of all you must be aware that there is a difference between the expiration date of your carné, the card, and the expiration date of your residence visa, so the permit allowing you to live in the country.

      The Caducidad, which is printed on your carné, is the date your carné, so the card itself, expires (not your residence visa!). The card is usually valid for 4 years and then must be renewed. In your case until August 28, 2027.

      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 permit in only valid for 1 year or, in case of foreigners married to a Peruvian, for 2 years.

      So, you should check if your residence permit is really valid for two years as you must renew it within 30 days before the expiration and you must be in Peru to do that. If its valid for only one year, you already at that point have a problem.

      Then, you cannot leave Peru for more than 183 consecutive days otherwise you could lose your residence visa. So being outside Peru for 224 days is a problem. However, you can apply for a Permit to stay out of the country for longer than half a year (officially only in case of an emergency or force majeure). The permit is called Permiso de estadía fuera del país por mas de 183 días calendario.

      To apply for the permit you need this form, a letter explaining your situation/emergency/why you leave Peru for longer than the allowed half year and any document that somehow can support your request.

      You then must pay a fee of S/ 30.20 on pagalo.pe under the Migraciones code 07562 Formulario PA-Autoriz./Permisos y control migratorio, Concepto: Autorización de estadía fuera del país por mas de 183 días calendario.

      The application is done on the Agencia Digital. So, open the Agencia Digital and click on Entrar.

      On the next page, select "Extranjero". Then choose in the drop-down menu Pasaporte and enter your passport number (or carné und carné number). Complete the other fields (birth date, nationality, last time you entered Peru and the Captcha) and click on Verificar.

      Now you are on the main page of the Agencia Digital. At the top of the page, click on Mesa de Partes.

      Click on the little circle in front of Persona natural, enter your e-mail address, confirm your e-mail address and enter your cell phone number. Accept the terms and conditions and click on Siguiente.

      Then you should find different fields (sorry can't remember all of them)

      - Under Tipo de solicitud select Tramites Tupa
      - Under Subtipo select Permiso especial para permanecer fuera del país más de 183 días sin pérdida de residencia
      - Under Seleccione una dependencia choose a Migraciones office
      - The Asunto de solicitud field is a subject line

      And there should be fields where you can upload your documents and the Pago por derecho de tramite field, where 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.

      When you filled in all fields and uploaded all documents, click on registrar.

      You then get a confirmation displayed on your screen that you successfully applied for the permit. Download and/or print the page and keep it safe. That’s it.

      Migraciones then has 30 business days to approve or deny your application. The resolution is usually sent to your e-mail address, which you entered on the first page of the Mesa de partes.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Matt · 23/03/2024
    Hi there, 

    Above you state those with a Family Visa are able to work as an employee or independently. Does this mean I could work remotely for a US company while on a Family Visa? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 24/03/2024
      @Matt
      Hello Matt,

      the point I want to make with this statement is that the family visa includes a permission to work. So, you can legally work in Peru, for example, for a Peruvian company, for a company you established yourself in Peru, etc. The restrictions Peruvian companies have when employing foreigners don't apply.

      If you work for a US company and live in Peru on a family visa, you can do this as well - for this the work permit part of the family visa isn't necessarily needed. 

      However, be aware that officially Peruvian residents are taxed on their worldwide income, which includes Peruvian-source and foreign-source income. So, you should talk to a tax specialist to meet your Peruvian and US tax obligations.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    SM · 17/03/2024
    Hey Eva,  

    Me:  

    Sorry for over posting but I just did the application but it never asked for the "data update code", it's only ask what branch, I selected "Lima" also thought I was looking for the link to do the questionnaire the only other thing on the page was Siguiente so I clicked it, which led me to the page to upload documents. So during the process I never filled out a questionnaire.  Is it no longer required or did the website error, or did I miss it? Should it have let me continue without doing it?  

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 18/03/2024
      @SM
      Hello SM,

      interesting. Either somehow you are already registered or they once again changed the application process a bit.

      If the system didn't ask for the data update code, then I wouldn't worry about. You could upload all your documents and got the confirmation of your application? Then all is fine.

      And in case Migraciones needs anything or anything is wrong, they will send you a notification through the Buzon electronico. So, keep an eye on your Buzon.

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    SM · 17/03/2024
    Hello Eva!
    ok so is the "arrived in Peru alone or if someone was accompanying you" for minors or for everyone? Funny enough I did fly with my Parents this trip. We were on the same flight and entered immigration together. They have already returned to the US now. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 18/03/2024
      @SM
      Sorry, I only get back to you now.

      No, the someone "accompanying you" is for everyone. But you don't have to fill it out.

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