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 plan to study at a Peruvian university, but cannot enter the country visa-free must apply for their visa from outside Peru. Once approved, they can then enter the country on the correct resident immigration status.

This process is called Solicitud de calidad migratoria (application for an immigration status). It differs from the “Cambio de calidad migratoria” (change of immigration status), which is used by foreigners who are already in Peru.

Applying for a residence visa from abroad is usually straightforward, but it can also be lengthy and sometimes frustrating. While the process was simplified in 2024 and is intended to be faster and more transparent, it can still feel confusing, especially when you are dealing with Peruvian authorities from abroad and waiting weeks or even months for updates.

This guide explains the entire process step by step, from the legal background and document preparation to submitting your application, receiving approval, picking up your visa at a Peruvian consulate, and finally obtaining your Carné de extranjería after arriving in Peru.

Important:
If you are a foreign national who can enter Peru visa-free (meaning you do not need to apply for a tourist visa in advance), it is usually much easier to travel to Peru as a tourist and then apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria while in the country.

You can find detailed guidance on this process in our Visa Guide.

Table of contents

• Legal background for a residence visa application from outside Peru
  
  • Where to apply for a residence visa from outside Peru
  • Important laws and regulations
• Requirements for a residence visa applicatios from outside Peru
  
  • family visa
  • resident work visa
  • resident student visa
  • retirement visa
  • religious visa
• Step-by-step guide to apply for a residence visa from outside Peru
  • Before submitting the visa application
    • Obtain required documents
    • Apostille or legalization
    • Translation of foreign documents
    • Sending documents to Peru
    • Paying the visa application fee
  • Submitting the visa application
    • Step 1: Access the Migraciones Agencia Digital
    • Step 2: Select the visa application procedure
    • Step 3: Choose the Migraciones office
    • Step 4: Enter the applicant's personal details
    • Step 5: Upload required documents
    • Step 6: Application confirmation
  • After submitting the visa application
    • Buzon electronico
    • Approval of the visa
    • Picking up your visa at a Peruvian consulate
  • Entering Peru and getting your carné (Peru's foreigner ID)
    • Interpol - Ficha de Canje
    • Paying the carné application fee
    • Applying for the carné
    • Biometric data appointment
    • Picking up your carné
• Conclusion
• Another option …

Legal background for a residence visa application from outside Peru

Where to apply for a residence visa from outside Peru

For decades, Peruvian consulates abroad handled temporary and residence visa applications entirely - from providing information and application forms to receiving the application and issuing the visa.

Since August 2021, however, Peruvian consulates generally only handle tourist and business visa applications. Foreigners who want to apply for other temporary or resident visas are now usually referred to Migraciones in Peru.

This isn't really helpful and can be confusing, especially if you need a visa to enter Peru and are still abroad. However, there is no way around it: Even if you are outside Peru, your residence visa application must be submitted online to Migraciones in Peru via the Agencia Digital.

But here is where things get a bit tricky:

• If you have never been to Peru before, you usually cannot access the Agencia Digital, as the system requires you to enter the date of your last entry into Peru.
• In this case, you will most likely need a representative in Peru (for example, a family member, future employer, friend, or immigration lawyer) who submits the application on your behalf.
• If you have been to Peru before, you can usually access the Agencia Digital yourself, even if you are currently outside the country (as long as you can provide your last entry date).

Once your visa application is approved:

• Your visa is issued at a Peruvian consulate of your choice
• You must pick up the visa in person
• You can then enter Peru with your resident status

After arriving in Peru, you must apply for your Carné de extranjería, your official Peruvian foreigner ID.

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 fpublished 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 residence visa application from outside Peru” below we explain the required documents in English, you should always check the TUPA  for the most up-to-date official requirements in Spanish.

In the current version, the relevant sections can be found on:

• Family visa: page 162 (adults) / page 166 (children)
• Resident work visa: page 169 (temporary workers: page 120)
• Resident student visa: page 110 (temporary students: page 103)
• Retirement visa: page 159
• Religious visa: page 85

Requirements to apply for a residence visa from outside Peru

Below you find the official requirements by visa type needed to apply for a residence visa if the applicant is still outside Peru - more precisely to complete the procedure called Solicitud de calidad migratoria (application for an immigration status).

If you are already in Peru, the requirements and process are different. So, please check out our extensive Visa Guide, where we explain requirements and the application in detail for each visa type.

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

Family visa (adults) - familiar residente para mayores de edad

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. 

As the family visa based on being married to a Peruvian or foreign resident is the most common one, find below the requirements for the Solicitud de calidad migratoria familiar residente casado/a con peruana/o o residente.

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.

• Be outside Peru
• 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 (1) + (2) + (3)
• Official document that proves the family tie
  For example: 
  • Married to a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
    • Marriage in Peru: Certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by Reniec (1)
    • Marriage abroad to a Peruvian citizen: 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 (1)
    • 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 (1) + (3)
• 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
• Receipt for the paid application fee
  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07567 - Solicitud de calidad migratoria
  • Concept: Solicitud de calidad migratoria de familiar residente para mayores de edad
  • Fee: S/ 58.80 (2026)
• If applicable: Power of attorney for the person representing you in Peru, authorizing them to submit the application on your behalf.

You can find the specific requirements for minors and adult children in the TUPA linked above. The application process is the same; you simply need to select the correct visa type and submit the corresponding documents.

If you are already in Peru, you’ll find detailed step-by-step guidance in our Family visa article.

Peruvian Family Visa

Peruvian Visa Types

Some family members of Peruvian nationals and foreigners with resident status in Peru have the right to family reunification and can apply for a fa...

Resident work visa (trabajador residente)

Foreigners who have a valid and legally signed work contract with a Peruvian company that has been approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Labor can apply for a resident work visa in Peru.

• Be outside Peru
• 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 (1) + (2) + (3)
• Legally signed work contract with a Peruvian company approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Labor, with a duration of at least 12 months (the approval must not be older than 30 days).
• Sworn statement of the legal representative of the company declaring that he or she is responsible for hiring staff and explaining the need to employ a foreign worker
• SUNAT registration (RUC - Peruvian tax number) of the Peruvian company employing you
• Receipt for the paid application fee
  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07567 - Solicitud de calidad migratoria
  • Concept: Solicitud de calidad migratoria de trabajador residente
  • Fee: S/ 58.80 (2026)
• If applicable: Power of attorney for the person representing you in Peru, authorizing them to submit the application on your behalf.

Please note that if your work contract with a Peruvian company is valid for less than 12 months or includes a probation period, you must apply for a temporary work visa. You can find the specific requirements in the TUPA linked above. The application process is the same; you simply need to select the correct visa type and submit the corresponding documents.

If you are already in Peru, you’ll find detailed step-by-step guidance in our Work visa article.

Peruvian Work Visa

Peruvian Visa Types

Foreigners who have a valid and legally signed work contract with a Peruvian company that has been approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Labor or wh...

Resident student visa (formación residente)

Foreigners planning to study at a Peruvian educational institution or to complete an internship or apprenticeship (without remuneration) at a Peruvian company for at least 12 months can apply for a student visa to stay legally in Peru during their studies or training.

• Be outside Peru
• 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 (1) + (2) + (3)
• Document proving your studies, internship, or apprenticeship in Peru (not older than 30 days)
  
  • Students: Enrollment certificate issued by a recognized Peruvian educational institution
  • Exchange students: Official letter from the recognized Peruvian host university or higher education institution
  • Interns / apprentices: Official letter from the Peruvian company
• Sworn statement declaring that you have sufficient financial resources to fund your studies or internship in Peru (for minors, this statement must be provided by the parents)
• Receipt for the paid application fee
  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07567 - Solicitud de calidad migratoria
  • Concept: Solicitud de calidad migratoria formación residente
  • Fee: S/ 58.80 (2026)
• If applicable: Power of attorney for the person representing you in Peru, authorizing them to submit the application on your behalf.

Please note that if you study or do an internship for less than 12 months, you must apply for a temporary student visa. You can find the specific requirements in the TUPA linked above. The application process is the same; you simply need to select the correct visa type and submit the corresponding documents.

If you are already in Peru, you’ll find detailed step-by-step guidance in our Student visa article.

Peruvian Student Visa

Peruvian Visa Types

Foreigners planning to study at a Peruvian educational institution or to complete an internship or apprenticeship (without remuneration) at a Peruv...

Retirement visa (rentista residente)

Foreigners who receive a state or private pension - including a social security pension, government pension, employment-related pension, union pension, disability pension, or similar lifelong benefits - or who receive a permanent income from royalties or dividends can apply for permanent residency in Peru through the so-called Rentista visa (retirement visa).

• Be outside Peru
• 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 (1) + (2) + (3)
• Letter or confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 or the equivalent in any other currency. (1) + (3)
• Receipt for the paid application fee
  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07567 - Solicitud de calidad migratoria
  • Concept: Solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista residente
  • Fee: S/ 58.80 (2026)
• If applicable: Power of attorney for the person representing you in Peru, authorizing them to submit the application on your behalf.

Please note: To qualify, applicants must prove that they receive a permanent monthly income of at least US$ 1,000 (or the equivalent in another currency). This income must be guaranteed for life, for example through a pension, lifetime annuity, or other lifelong benefit. A permanent income from royalties or dividends is usually accepted as well, provided that it is paid indefinitely. Income from remote or freelance work, or passive income, such as rental income, capital gains, interest, or similar are not considered permanent income for the purpose of this visa.

If you are already in Peru, you’ll find detailed step-by-step guidance in our Retirement visa article.

Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Visa Types

Foreigners who receive a state or private pension - including a social security pension, government pension, employment-related pension, union pens...

Religious visa (religioso residente)

Priests and pastors, members of religious orders, missionaries and other individuals who wish to stay in Peru to perform religious or pastoral work can apply for a religious resident visa, officially called religioso residente.

• Be outside Peru
• 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 (1) + (2) + (3)
• Request issued by the religious organization or congregation recognized by the Peruvian Ministry of Justice and Human Rights where the applicant will carry out his or her activities in Peru. The request must be signed by the legal representative of the religious entity and must include the applicant’s name(s) and surname(s) as well as the period he or she intends to stay in Peru.
• Sworn statement from the legal representative of the religious organization or congregation confirming the details of the official registration of the entity and his or her power of representation, or an official document confirming these powers.
• Receipt for the paid application fee
  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07567 - Solicitud de calidad migratoria
  • Concept: Solicitud de calidad migratoria religioso residente
  • Fee: S/ 58.80 (2026)
• If applicable: Power of attorney for the person representing you in Peru, authorizing them to submit the application on your behalf.

If you are in Peru, you find detailed information on how to apply in our Religious Visa article

Peruvian Religious Visa

Peruvian Visa Types

Priests and pastors, members of religious orders, missionaries and other individuals who wish to stay in Peru to perform religious or pastoral...

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.

International document corresponding to the Antecedentes policiales, penales and judiciales in Peru

Legal Stuff

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; in some cases the Peruvian consulate may offer this service.

Step-by-step guide to apply for a residence visa from outside Peru

As explained above, since August 2021, Peruvian consulates generally only handle tourist and business visa applications. Foreigners who want to apply for other temporary or resident visas are now usually referred to Migraciones in Peru.

This can feel confusing and not very helpful, especially if you need a visa to enter Peru and are still abroad. However, there is no way around it: even if you are outside Peru, your residence visa application must be submitted online to Migraciones via the Agencia Digital.

The tricky part: access to the Agencia Digital.

If you have never been to Peru before, you usually cannot access the Agencia Digital, as the system requires you to enter the date of your last entry into Peru.

In this case, you will most likely need a representative in Peru - for example, a family member, future employer, friend, or immigration lawyer - who submits the application on your behalf.

If you have been to Peru before, you can usually access the Agencia Digital yourself, even if you are currently outside the country (as long as you can provide your last entry date). This makes the process much simpler, as you can handle the application on your own.

The following step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process and helps you understand, prepare, and complete your application. Please keep in mind that it serves as general guidance only, as procedures and requirements may change at any time.

Before submitting your visa application

Before your visa application can be submitted through the Migraciones Agencia Digital, there are a few important preparations to complete.

Obtain required documents

First, gather all documents required for your specific visa type. These usually include, for example, your criminal record check, and , depending on your visa type civil documents (such as your marriage certificate), or documents issued by your future employer, university, pension fund, religious entity.

Keep in mind that official documents are only valid for a limited period of time in Peru:

• 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.

So, it’s important to time the process carefully and avoid obtaining documents too early.

Also note that depending on the document, you may need to request it from national, regional, or local authorities in your home country, which can take time.

Apostille or legalization

Any foreign document presented to Peruvian authorities must 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.

This step confirms the authenticity, origin, and legal validity of the document.

So, all foreign documents - such as your criminal record check - must be apostilled or legalized in the country where they were issued before they can be used in Peru.

Translation

All documents issued abroad that are written in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish by a registered translator in Peru.

While officially a simple translation may be sufficient, it is strongly recommended to use a certified translator, preferably a traductor público juramentado (sworn public translator), as their translations are generally accepted by Peruvian authorities without 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.

Alternatively, you can check with the Colegio de Traductores del Perú or search online 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.

Please note that translations done abroad are usually not accepted. In some cases, however, Peruvian consulates may offer official translation services.

Sending your documents to Peru

If you cannot access the Migraciones Agencia Digital yourself while being abroad, your visa application must be submitted by a representative in Peru. In this case, you will need to send your required documents to Peru.

It is strongly recommended to use an international courier service (such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS). Even though these services are more expensive, they are fast, traceable, and much more reliable than regular postal services, which are more likely to cause delays or even lose important documents.

While only scanned copies of your documents are uploaded to the Agencia Digital, the original documents are often still required, for example, for translations or additional legalization steps. Therefore, it is generally best to send the original documents to Peru.

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.”

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Legal Stuff

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

For the residence visa application from abroad, you need:

• Authority: Migraciones
• Code: 07567 - Solicitud de calidad migratoria
• Concepto:
  • Family visa: Solicitud de calidad migratoria de familiar residente para mayores de edad
  • Resident work visa: Solicitud de calidad migratoria de trabajador residente
  • Resident student visa: Solicitud de calidad migratoria formación residente
  • Retirement visa: Solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista residente
  • Religious visa: Solicitud de calidad migratoria religioso residente
• Fee: S/ 58.80 (2026) 

Submitting the visa application on the Agencia Digital

While in many cases the application is handled by a third party - such as your future employer (work visa), a Peruvian university (student visa), or a religious organization (religious visa) - it is still helpful to understand how the process works, especially if you are applying on your own or if a friend or immigration lawyer is assisting you.

As the most common residence visa application from abroad is a family visa submitted by a Peruvian spouse on behalf of their partner, we use this visa type as an example.

However, the same steps apply to all residence visa applications from abroad (and even to temporary visa applications). So, if a friend, employer, or any other trusted person in Peru handles your application, they can simply follow these steps, select the correct visa type, and upload the documents required for that specific visa.

And now it’s finally time to submit your 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 properly when accessed from within Peru. If you are outside Peru, a VPN set to Peru should do the trick.
• 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 Peruano if the person applying on your behalf is Peruvian, or Extranjero if the person is a foreigner with resident status. If you are applying yourself, choose Extranjero.

Then, simply enter the requested personal information to log in to the Agencia Digital.

Peruvians:

• Numero de DNI
  DNI number of the Peruvian applying on your behalf.
• Fecha de nacimiento
  Birthdate of the Peruvian applying on your behalf.
• Fecha de emision
  Issue date of the DNI of the Peruvian applying on your behalf .
• Departmento, provincia, distrito
  Department, province and district where the Peruvian applying on your behalf was born.
• Código captcha
  Complete the captcha.

Foreigners:

• 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 Solicitud de calidad migratoria and select 
  • Familiar residente - casado(a) con peruana(o) o extranjero(a) residente (for this walk-through), or
  • another visa type

Click on it to continue.

Step 3: Choose the Migraciones office 

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

• 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).

Click Siguiente.

Step 4: Enter applicant’s personal details

You are now on the Datos del benefiario page. Here the personal data of the visa applicant must be filled in.

Important:
All personal information must be filled in exactly as it appears in your passport (the document you will use to enter Peru). Even small differences can cause delays or problems later.

• Nacionalidad
  Nationality of the applicant
• Tipo de documento
  Document the applicant will use to enter Peru (usually the passport)
• Numero de documento
  Passport number
• Apellido paterno
  Applicant's last name
• Apellido materno
  If the applicant has a second last name, enter it here. If not, leave the field blank
• Nombres
  Applicant's first name(s)
• Fecha de nacimiento
  Applicant's birth date
• Sexo
  Applicant's gender (male or female)
• Celular
  Applicant's cell phone number
• Correo electronico
  Applicant's e-mail address
• Lugar de Recojo
  City/country where the visa will be picked up once approved (if necessary, can be changed after the visa approval)
• Oficina Consular
  Peruvian consulate where the visa will be collected  (if necessary, can be changed after the visa approval)

Once you have completed all fields, carefully review the information and click Validar beneficiario.

Then accept the terms and conditions and click Siguiente.

Step 5: 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 based on being married to a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status as we use this visa type as an example. If you are applying for another visa type, different fields according to the required documents for this visa need to be completed.

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.

No contar con antecedente

Under No contar con antecedente you must upload the applicant's criminal record check with Apostille and translation.

Documento especificos

Under Documento especificos you must upload the document proving your family tie, so the marriage certificate.

Documento de identificacion del conyuge

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

Click Validar.

Documento de viaje

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

Documentos de representatividad legal

If applicable, under Documentos de representatividad legal upload the power of attorney for the person representing the applicant in Peru, authorizing them to submit the application on your behalf.

Documento de identidad del representante legal

Under Documento de identidad del representante legal the DNI or Carné number of the person representing the applicant in Peru must be entered.

Click Validar.

Final step

Once all required documents are uploaded, each tab should show a green check mark. Click Agregar beneficiario.

Finally, accept the terms and conditions and click Siguiente to continue.

Step 6: Application confirmation

You are now taken to the Registro de Solicitud de Calidad Migratoria page.

Click on Descargar or Imprimir to download and/or print the complete Registro de Solicitud de Calidad Migratoria document.

This document is the official confirmation that the visa application was successfully submitted.

At the bottom of the page - or sometimes on a second page - you / your representative find the login data for the Migraciones electronic mailbox, the Buzon electronico (see below).

After submitting your visa application

After your visa application was submitted it's a waiting game. 

Buzon Electronico

The Buzón electrónico is your personal Migraciones electronic mailbox, which you / your representative 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.

The Buzón can be accessed:

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

The username (usuario) and password (contraseña) can be found on the Registro de Solicitud de Calidad Migratoria, the confirmation document of your successfully submitted application (see Step 6 above). 

Please note that notifications sent through the Buzón electrónico are considered officially delivered. If you / your representative does not respond within the deadline stated in the message the visa 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, immediate action is required.

Approval of your visa

After your application was submitted, all you can do is wait for Migraciones to process your application.

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

Nevertheless, it is important to check the Buzón electrónico regularly to make sure no notifications from Migraciones is missed, including the approval of your visa.

If you / your representative haven’t received any notification after about four months, it may be wise to follow up with Migraciones asking about the status of your application. .

Usually, however, after three months  a notification arrives in the Buzón electrónico informing you that your visa has been approved.

Congratulations! The biggest hurdle is cleared. But you are not done yet.

Picking up your visa at a Peruvian consulate

Once your visa application has been approved, you must schedule an appointment at the Peruvian consulate you selected during the application process.

As procedures for picking up your visa can vary slightly depending on the consulate, it’s best to contact the consulate directly to:

• schedule your appointment
• confirm which documents you need to bring
• ask about the exact process

On the day of your appointment, arrive at the consulate 15 to 30 minutes early.

In most cases, you will only need your passport, the approval notification from Migraciones and your appointment confirmation.

However, some consulates may request additional documents, so make sure to double-check in advance and come fully prepared.

The visa is usually issued on the same day.

Great - you now have your visa in your passport and are all set to travel to Peru.

Entering Peru and getting your carné (Peru's foreigner ID)

As soon as you have the visa in your passport, it’s time to make your way to Peru.

Officially, you have 6 months (counted from the date the visa was issued) to enter the country. At the airport or border, simply proceed to the immigration control counters and present your passport with the visa.

Important
Make sure you are registered under the correct immigration status when entering Peru and not as a tourist.

You made it to Peru. Congratulations!

However, the process isn’t finished yet. You now need to apply for your Carné de extranjería, your official Peruvian ID. Don’t wait too long: you only have 30 days after entering the country to apply for it and there is one last hurdle to clear before.

Interpol - Ficha de Canje

Before you can even apply for your carné, you must first 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.

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.”

Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional

Legal Stuff

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 carné fee

Once you have the Ficha de Canje from Interpol, you must pay the fee for the issuance of your carné before you can submit the application.

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.”

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Legal Stuff

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

For the issuance of the carné application, you need:

• Authority: Migraciones
• Code: 07561 - Formulario F-SPE-001
• Concepto: Expedición del carné de extranjería para calidades migratorias otorgadas mediante Solicitud de calidad migratoria residente
• Fee: S/ 24.00 (2026)

Applying for the carné

Now, finally, it’s time to apply for your Carné de extranjería. As you are now in Peru, you can complete this step on your own.

Before getting started, however, here a reminder of a few important things you should know about the Migraciones Agencia Digital.

• 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 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.

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 Expedición de carné de extranjería 

Click on it to continue.

Step 3: Choose the Migraciones office

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

• 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).

In some cases you are as well asked to enter a current data update code under 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.

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.

Documento de Identificación (ID document)

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.

Documentos specificos

Under Documentos specificos, you must upload the Ficha de Canje from Interpol.

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: Biometric data appointment

Now, you will be asked to schedule an appointment to have your biometric data taken (photo, fingerprints, and signature). 

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.

So, just 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.

Step 6: 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 Expedicion de carné de extranjeria 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.

Click  Descargar or Imprimir to download and/or print the complete document. This document is the official confirmation that your application was successfully submitted, so make sure to keep it safe.

Biometric data appointment - What to expect during your visit

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.

After your biometric data appointment, all you can do is check your Buzon electronico regularly and wait for a 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.

Picking up your carné

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.

Congratulations! You finally made it!

Conclusion

The process described above is the official and correct way for all foreigners who cannot travel to Peru visa-free to apply for a residence visa from abroad, enter the country on the correct immigration status, and obtain their Carné de extranjería.

Even though the application itself is quite straightforward, the process can feel overwhelming and sometimes frustrating. In most cases, you will need a reliable representative in Peru who is willing and able to handle the process for you. In addition, processing times can be long, sometimes taking several months. During this time, you may find yourself waiting in your home country, separated from your partner or unable to start your new job or studies in Peru.

So yes, this process can be challenging. It requires patience, good preparation, and the right support in Peru.

But it is absolutely doable. Many applicants have successfully gone through this process, and if you stay organized, follow the steps carefully, and don’t lose patience, you can do it as well.

Another option ...

Even though it is not the official route - and in many cases seem difficult or near impossible - there is another option that foreigners, who cannot travel to Peru visa-free, could consider:

Trying to obtain a tourist visa for Peru, travel to the country officially as a tourist, and then apply for a residence visa from within Peru through a Cambio de calidad migratoria.

While the organization and preparation to apply for a tourist visa at a consulate can take a few weeks and you must, of course, be able to meet all requirements, this option - in many cases - is a much quicker way to start your new life in Peru whether that means being reunited with your partner, starting a job, or beginning your studies. It also allows you to handle the residence visa application directly in Peru on your own.

If you consider this option, your first step should be to contact the nearest Peruvian consulate and ask in detail about the requirements and process for a tourist visa.

One important point:
During the tourist visa application, you are applying to visit this beautiful country temporarily (best have a typical tourist itinerary prepared). If you openly state that you intend to apply for a residence visa once in Peru, your application will most likely be denied. So, focus on your purpose as a tourist and make sure you can support your application accordingly.

If the consulate in charge of your application is difficult to access (you usually must apply in person and get through an interview) or unhelpful, be aware that a few Peruvian consulates worldwide also accept applications from non-residents, which might be an alternative.

And most importantly:
If you decide to go this route and are successful in obtaining a tourist visa, make sure to prepare all required documents for your residence visa before traveling to Peru. This can save you a lot of time, stress, and unnecessary complications once you are in Peru. Our Visa Guide lists the requirements for the most common visas and gives detailed step-by-step intstruction on the complete residence visa application process in Peru.

All the best!