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Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Retirement Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 7

Retirees and pensioners who receive a state or private pension or other benefits (for example a disability pension) of at least US$ 1000 per month or the equivalent in any other currency can apply for a permanent residency in Peru called Rentista Visa.

For each dependent (such as a spouse) who should be included in the visa, the proof of an additional US$ 500 is required.

Please be aware that you are not allowed to work or receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru when living in the country on a retirement visa and that you must have a clean criminal record.

 

Applying for a retirement visa

Officially, you can apply for the retirement visa at a Peruvian consulate abroad or at Migraciones in Peru. However, some diplomatic missions, especially in countries where nationals can enter Peru as a tourist without having to apply for a tourist visa at a consulate first, either don’t or prefer not to issue resident visas or processing times can be long as Migraciones in Peru has to approve the application. And even if you already get your retirement visa abroad once in Peru you still have to deal with Migraciones, even though to a lesser extent, to get your carné.

So, most people planning to live in Peru as a retiree enter the country as a tourist and then change their immigration status - make a so called Cambio de calidad migratoria (as opposed to a Solicitud de calidad migratoria at a consulate) - at Migraciones.

 

Requirements for a Peruvian retirement visa

In mid-July 2021, the new TUPA (Texto Unico de Procedimientos Administrativos; Single Text of Administrative Procedures) went into effect, which is mainly based on the Peruvian Supreme Decree DS N° 002-2021-IN. This new legislation changes a few immigration processes, procedures, and requirements for some Migraciones paperwork.

So below, find the requirements according to the July 2021 TUPA. As the document is quite confusing, we recommend that those who prefer to read the original requirements either check out the official website of Peru or better the corresponding text passage of the Supreme Decree DS N° 002-2021-IN on page 46 in article 92-A “Procedimiento administrative de solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista residente” (when applying at a Peruvian consulate) or in article 92-B “Procedimiento administrative de cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente” (when applying in Peru). However, please be aware that Migraciones has the right to request other and / or additional documents at any time.

Anyway, as soon as you arrive in Peru, you should get organized and start the whole process. Please note that you have to be in the country on a valid visa (for example, a tourist visa or "authorization to enter as a tourist") when applying for the visa in Peru.

Here now are the requirements and a walk-trough of the application process in Peru.

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include, but may not be restricted to:

  • Form F-007 (must be downloaded during the application process, filled in and uploaded again)
  • Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional (see below)
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568 S/.162.50 in 2022)
  • Passport
  • Letter 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. This letter needs an Apostille from the respective public institution in the country of origin or, if the country which issued it didn't sign the Apostille Convention (like Canada) has to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peru). Once in Peru the document has to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. (*)
  • Sworn statement stating that your pension enters Peru through the banking system; see sample letter on page 383 of the Tupa PDF document
  • Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales (Police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check) issued in the country of origin and, if the applicant lived in another country before coming to Peru, in the country of residence covering the last 5 years (**)
  • Sworn statement issued by a notary in Peru stating that you wish to apply for a rentista visa and confirming that you can fulfil the requirements and don't intend to work. (***)

(*) Before (!!!) leaving your home country request the document from your pension fund or social security and get it apostilled if your country signed the Apostille Convention; otherwise, it has to be legalized by different authorities in your home country and the Peruvian consulate. The problem with both processes is that the letter needs an official signature to be apostilled or legalized. As most pension statements are generated automatically, they are usually not signed. So, it might be quite a mission in your home country to get it signed. One of our readers informed us that for US citizens with this problem, the US Embassy in Lima was very helpful and issued a notarized letter officially confirming the authenticity of the document that was accepted by the Peruvian immigration office; however, others weren't so lucky and the embassy wouldn't or couldn't do anything

(**) As we get many question about the “Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales” we dedicated a separate article to the topic where we explain in detail what kind of document you need, where you get it and what to watch out for when applying for it.

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

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

Legal Stuff
One of the requirements to apply for a resident visa in Peru or to change your visa type, for example from a work visa to a permanent resident visa...

(***) Even though not on the requirement list neither of the old law nor now of the new law, Migraciones asked for this sworn statement for years. So, best prepare yourself that you might have to present it. Notaries usually have this form document (Declaracion jurada) on hand. Be aware that before you are able to sign it legally in Peru, you have to apply for a permission to sign contracts (permiso especial para firmar contratos). Since January 2018, this can be easily done online. Our article "Permit to sign contacts in Peru" explains how it works and what you need.

Applying for a retirement visa is a simple and straightforward process, but might be a little confusing here and there if you are not familiar with the process and the steps involved. Please see our walk-through below as general guidance which should offer enough information that you don't need to hire a lawyer or so-called tramitador, but can start and finish this little endeavor on your own. However, be aware that requirements and processes change quickly and at least basic Spanish skills are required to fill in forms and understand instructions.

 

Getting started …

Hopefully, you brought the letter from your pension fund or social security as well as the Police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check already apostilled or legalized - see requirements and (*) and (**) above. Once in Peru, this has to be translated by an official translator (and if you only have a legalization on the document, the translation has to be legalized again by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lima). You can find a list of these state-approved translators either on the website of your embassy in Peru or here.

When this is taken care of, you have to get the sworn statement issued by a notary - see requirements and (***). First apply for the “Permit to sign contacts” and when you have it, visit a notary.

Permit to sign contracts (PEFC- Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru

Permit to sign contracts (PEFC- Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru

Legal Stuff
Foreign visitors, who entered Peru as tourists or temporary visa holders such as temporary students, have to apply for a special permit called “Per...

Make PDFs from your passport (page with your personal data) and all other documents.

And the last step before you can finally apply for your retirement visa is getting the so-called “Ficha de Canje Internacional” from Interpol in Peru. Find a detailed description on how it’s done in our article “Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional”.

Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional

Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional

Legal Stuff
All foreigners must present the "Ficha de Canje Internacional" to Migraciones when changing their immigration status - either from a temporary visa...

 

Applying for a retirement visa in Peru

Once you have the Ficha and all documents together, pay the fee of S/ 162.50 (2022) for the Migraciones administrative procedure “Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” under code 07568 with concepto "rentista residente" at any Banco de la Nacion branch / ATM or on pagalo.pe. As you already paid the Interpol fee, you know how the systems works, otherwise check again in our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru".

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

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

Then it's time to apply for your retirement visa - if you need to leave the country during the application process, you have to apply for a special travel permit before you leave the country, otherwise your application is null and void.

Open the Migraciones Agencia Digital. Choose "Extranjero" and enter the data requested. Enter your personal data exactly as in your passport.

On the next page you find on the left under “Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” the point “Rentista Residente”. Click on it.

Then just follow the steps as indicated; nothing you can do wrong. Always check that all personal data you entered (or was automatically filled in) is 100% correct and as in your passport.

During the process - under “Pago por derecho de tramite” - you are asked to enter certain information of the bank receipt (click on the little arrow and the fields appear). If you don't know where to find the requested bank information on your receipt, click on the question mark.

Under “Documento de identificacion adminstrado” (click on the little arrow and the fields appear - here you can as well just check which documents are necessary and then leave the page without finishing the process), you have to upload requested documents as PDF.

Be aware that at one point during the application process you have to download the F-007 form, fill it in and then upload it again with all your other documents.

At the end of the process - if everything works smoothly - you get the confirmation of your application. Download this document and / or print it and keep it safe!

At the bottom of this document, you find the login data for the “Buzon Electronico” which you should check regularly for notifications from Migraciones (for example, request to upload missing / other documents, approval of your visa or appointment for taking your biometrical data / photo, fingerprints, signature).

 

Getting your Carné (foreigner ID)

Once you get the confirmation that your retirement visa was approved, pay the fee of S/ 49.90 on pagalo.pe under code 07561-Formulario F-SPE-001 for the registration in the foreigner database and issuance of the carné; concepto Expedicion de carné de extranjeria

Then once again enter the Agencia Digtal to do the online registration under “Inscr. Reg. central extranjeria”. As before, just follow the steps as indicated. Check that all information is correct. At the end, you get a confirmation which you should download and / or print and keep safe!

Usually, around the same time (sometimes even before you get the confirmation of the visa approval), you receive an appointment for getting your biometrical data (photos, signature and fingerprints) taken. As the appointment is usually within 3 to 5 days after the message was sent to you, we highly recommend checking your buzón electronico regularly to not miss anything. Be aware that in Lima, the biometrical data is taken at the Migraciones office on Jr. Carabaya and not at the main office in Breña.

Be at the office 15 - 30 minutes before your appointment with all your documents (passport, appointment, application, approval). The process is quick and astonishingly well organized; you should be done in less than half an hour. The staff usually tells you when you should make an appointment to pick up your carné, but often a message is sent as well via the buzón electronico, so keep an eye on that. Expect to wait 10 - 14 days while your carné is in the process of being issued.

Then make an appointment on the Agencia Digital under “Citas en linea” to pick it up. Once again, download and / or print the confirmation and keep it safe!

On the day of your appointment, arrive at Migraciones 15 - 30 minutes early. Take your passport and confirmation(s) with you. Migraciones personal will point you in the right direction where you are handed you carné.

Congratulations! You made it!

As long as you don't leave Peru for more than 183 consecutive days in a 365-day period, you have an indefinite residence permit. You are exonerated from extending your visa every year.

Please note: We from LimaEasy are not the Peruvian immigration authority Migraciones or a Peruvian consulate. All information is published to our best knowledge and should be seen as general guidance introducing you to Peruvian procedures. All information is subject to change, as regulations, requirements and processes can change quickly without prior notice! Therefore we recommend checking the current regulations with the nearest Peruvian consulate or, if you are already in Peru, with Migraciones!

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mato
    Mato · 15/09/2022
    Hello. Thank you for the article.

    I am wondering if it is possible to apply for Peruvian citizenship after two years of residing in Peru on the rentista visa. From my research I am not sure if I don’t have to reside in Peru for two years as a permanent resident in order to be able to apply for citizenship, or if I can do so immediately after the two years on rentista visa. 

    Thank you for your help.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/09/2022
      @Mato Hello Mato,

      I can’t answer your question 100% accurately. While the laws and regulations are quite clear, their interpretation and how they are executed seems to change now and then. However, I can explain the corresponding laws, share my interpretation of them and the experience of others trying to become a naturalized Peruvian on a rentista visa recently.

      According to the Ley de Nacionalidad (Decreto Supremo 004-97-IN) foreigners who want to be naturalized not only must have lived in Peru for two consecutive years (see article 3a), but also must have practiced a profession, art, trade, or business activity (see article 3b); in short must have paid taxes in Peru. As a foreigner who is legally in Peru as a rentista, you are strictly prohibited from doing that. You aren’t allowed to work in Peru and can’t receive any kind of renumeration in Peru as rentista; and you don’t have to pay taxes in Peru on your pension income. So, as a rentista you can’t meet this fundamental condition as stipulated in the Nationality Law.

      Additionally, when applying for Peruvian citizenship through naturalization (other rules apply, if you are married to a Peruvian, for example), you must prove an annual income of at least 10 UITs (in 2022 that’s S/ 46,000), which allows you to live independently in Peru (see Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN, page 53, article 9e).

      In the same article 9 from a-g you find all general requirements everyone who qualifies must fulfill. Starting with h (or on the Peruvian government website) the specific requirements depending on the visa type on which you live in Peru are listed. There only calidad migratoria de religioso, calidad migratoria de trabajador dependiente, calidad migratoria de inversionista and calidad migratoria de trabajador independiente are mentioned; not the calidad migratoria de rentista. Different rules apply to foreigners who are married to a Peruvian or who have made special contributions to the country.

      With this being said, in my opinion as a rentista you can’t apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as a rentista.

      But, in the years before Corona, some immigration lawyers somehow managed that Migraciones a) didn’t ask for proof that the applying rentista pursued a profession in Peru and b) accepted the pension payment as income. I know a few foreigners who applied for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization after having lived in Peru 2 years on a rentista visa, who were approved and received their Peruvian nationality.

      However, at the end of last year I was in contact with a foreigner who is living in Peru since 2018 as a rentista. After the Covid lockdowns and with life slowly returning more or less to normal, he finally wanted to apply for his Peruvian nationality, which back in 2018 his lawyer and Migraciones confirmed wasn’t a problem after living in Peru for 2 years. But when he got in contact again with Migraciones to ask about current requirements, he was told that as a rentista he can’t apply for the Peruvian nationality.

      Anyway, things change in Peru, sometimes without being made public or without anyone really catching it. From time to time, it also depends on how a certain law is interpreted in general or how the person handling your application interprets it. So, even though the replies you usually get from Migraciones can be quite “creative” maybe just get in contact with them, ask if you can apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as rentista and hope for the best. Maybe the interpretation or execution of the law changed again and you are lucky.

      And, one last little note: you can’t change your immigration status from rentista to permanent resident as with the rentista visa you already get a residency with indefinite validity.

      I wish you all the best

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Matej
      Matej · 24/09/2022
      @Sunflower Hello Eva,

      Thank you so much for your comprehensive and informative response.

      I wish you the best,
      Matej.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Victor
    Victor · 02/09/2022
    Hello. Thanks for all the great info. My question deals with Peruvian born but Naturalized American….returning to Peru. I have a U.S. passport and a U.S. pension. I’m wondering if I could enter Peru as a tourist then apply for citizenship based on my birth certificate. I’m also concerned about paying taxes on pension funds being deposited in a Peruvian bank. Countries like Colombia tax 40% of pension funds from abroad. 
    Thanks again for the info!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/09/2022
      @Victor Hello Victor,

      You were born in Peru and have a Peruvian birth certificate, so as long as you never renounced your Peruvian nationality, you are still Peruvian, even though you might additionally have a US passport and a US pension.

      So, my question is, did you ever officially renounce your Peruvian nationality?

      If you have renounced your Peruvian nationality, you can enter Peru as a tourist and then start the process of recuperating your Peruvian nationality (“Solicitar la recuperación de la nacionalidad peruana”).

      If you haven’t renounced your Peruvian nationality, then you are still Peruvian and don’t have to apply for citizenship in Peru. But you have to get your Peruvian documents in order. Peruvians who next to the Peruvian nationality have another one (in your case from the US) are advised to enter and leave Peru only with their Peruvian passport.

      Anyway, you now have two options:

      - Get in contact with the nearest Peruvian consulate. They can explain the process in detail. In short: first you have to apply for your DNI at the consulate. Once you have your DNI, then you can apply for your Peruvian passport at the consulate.

      - Or enter Peru as a tourist, which, according to the Peruvian Nationality Law, shouldn’t be doneby Peruvians. Once in Peru, pay Reniec a visit and apply for your DNI. When you have your DNI, apply for your Peruvian passport at Migraciones.

      Regarding your tax question. Honestly, I’m anything but a money / tax expert and highly recommend asking someone with more knowledge. But my first question would be why you want to deposit your US pension (fund?) into a Peruvian bank account? It might be wiser to leave it in the US and then either transfer what you need to a Peruvian account or withdraw from an ATM. If you officially have your pension transferred to a Peruvian bank account, I don’t know how Sunat will categorize it, especially as it doesn’t fit into the “foreign income” category (there depending on the amount taxes of either 8%, 14%, 17%, 20% or 30% have to be paid on it) and not in the “Peruvian pension” category. Additionally, when I understood you correctly, we are not talking about a monthly pension payment, but a one-time pension fund payment. So, sorry, I really don’t know.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Victor Chavez
      Victor Chavez · 02/09/2022
      @Sunflower That’s very helpful, thank you. I don’t recall ever renouncing a citizenship, however my mother may have dove it for me. I don’t know. I think probably they will tell me when I go to the Peruvian Embassy to apply for my DNI. I am presently living in Colombia so I’ll need to go to Bogota. 
      I do receive a monthly pension check from the US and, at least in Colombia, it’s so much easier to live with a local bank account then have to live with removing cash from ATMs for everything from rent to car payments. It’s why I asked. If I have to I’ll I live from ATM withdrawals. :)
      Thank you
      Best help I received yet!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/09/2022
      @Victor Chavez Hello Victor,

      Yes, I think it’s best to talk to someone at the consulate, first to find out if they somehow can find out if your mother ever renounced your Peruvian nationality and then if they think it’s better to apply for your DNI (and after that your passport) at the consulate or in Peru.

      But be aware that you only get up to 90 days in case you enter Peru as a tourist. As it might take a while to get an appointment at Reniec and as there might be delays or the one or other hurdle to conquer, time could be an issue. But it’s doable. Although many, many years ago, my husband in a similar situation as yours entered as a tourist, got a new copy of his birth certificate at the municipality he was registered, went to Reniec with all other necessary documents and within days had his DNI.

      And yes, in Peru as well it’s much easier to have a local bank account and if you are Peruvian, you get one with no problems; but this doesn’t mean that your retirement payment has to be directly (!) deposited it in. Anyway, as said before, I’m not an expert when it comes to money, banks and taxes. Sorry. And probably it’s not even necessary to look for other options. The point is how Sunat will categorize your retirement income. Do they put it in the “foreign income” category, where it doesn’t really fit, then you have to pay taxes as mentioned in my comment above. But in case they accept it as official retirement income, which, when I remember correctly, is not taxed in Peru, all is good.

      I hope everything works out for you.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Carlos
    Carlos · 06/08/2022
    For a Rentista Visa, Will Peru Immigrations will deny a visa for ANY FBI Criminal Record?  I only have a one-time, one night arrest without conviction for just being too loud, an oral argument with my brother, one of my indiscretions as a youth, more than 30 years ago.  There were not charges whatsoever, but it will still show up in my FBI Criminal Record.  I'd think that I wouldn't deny a visa just for that, will I?  Or do you need to be a perfect saint to live in Peru? 

    Also, if I get a Rentista Visa, can I still work in the Internet if I am paid in the US directly to my US bank?  Will this be allowed?  If allowed, would they ask me to pay Peruvian income taxes on it?

    Thanks, 

    CMC
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 06/08/2022
      @Carlos Hello Carlos,

      The Peruvian law requires a “clean” criminal record. So, I honestly don’t know, if a resident visa application is denied because of an arrest 30 years ago that didn’t lead to a conviction. I highly doubt it.

      Additionally, are you sure this arrest will show up on your FBI check? I’m not a US citizen, don’t know the exact laws and never have seen an FBI criminal background check. As far as I read, it doesn’t provide a full background history from the start of your adult life and only checks your criminal history of the last seven years (somewhere else I found 11 years). Furthermore, arrests that didn’t lead to conviction seems to be not always included. Even though most arrests are public record and could show up on your background check, some states restrict access to arrest information, while other destroy or omit information in case the claim was dismissed, or the arrested person found not guilty. So, probably these little “indiscretions as a youth” is long gone.

      To get the rentista visa you must present a letter from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly pension / benefits of at least US$ 1000. Income from work is not accepted.

      Once you have your retirement visa, you are officially not allowed to work in Peru for a Peruvian company earning a Peruvian income which is deposited in a Peruvian bank account. So, you can’t pay income tax in Peru because you are not allowed to make any money in Peru.

      However, even though a bit of a grey zone, you could work online for a, for example, US company earning US$ which are deposited in a US account and are taxed in the US.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Naima
    Naima · 21/07/2022
    Hello,
    First, thank you for the quality of information shared here. It is thorough and answers many questions I was awfully confused about on the gob.pe site. I had in fact emailed them with an inquiry on starting the Solicitar calidad migratoria para rentista residente. Their response included advice that the procedure must be carried out through the virtual migration platform. Perhaps based on the new Migration TUPA, or the fact that Peru does not have a consulate in Nigeria. 
    There are conditions that apply and of course, the requirements here: https://www.gob.pe/12875-solicitar-calidad-migratoria-para-rentista-residente

    I've got all documentation, but I'm back at the start of Migraciones Agencia Digital, where I still hit the brick wall - I am not in the system. The instruction is to download the Enrolmiento Moviles Migraciones app and scan the platform's QR code to upload a photo and signature. I have searched through the National Superintendency of Migrations site for a QR code without success.

    I wonder if I am missing something. Otherwise, are there any experiences of applicants applying through the virtual migration platform, outside of Peru (territory) and without going through a consulate?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/07/2022
      @Naima Hello Naima,

      You cannot apply through the Agencia Digital, if you are not in Peru. You must have entered the country, so you are in the system even if it’s as a tourist.

      The Enrolmiento Moviles Migraciones app was intended during Covid restrictions to get the biometrical data of applicants, but for a few months now it isn’t used anymore and Migraciones takes the fingerprints, photo and signature in person during the resident visa approval process.

      As Nigerian you cannot enter Peru visa-free, so you need a visa before being allowed to come to Peru, which leaves you with two options, and both involve a Peruvian consulate:

      - Apply for your retirement visa at a Peruvian consulate. The nearest one is in Accra, Ghana. But I heard they don’t issue resident visas anymore, only temporary visas such as tourist or business visas. But as your circumstances might be different, nothing wrong with asking there.

      - Apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate, then travel to Peru and once there get your Interpol clearance and apply through the Agencia Digital as described above.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nick
    Nick · 22/06/2022
    Hi,
    I am travelling to Lima in Sept2022 to volunteer for three months and longer if I can extend my stay.I presume I travel visa free being British with UK passport for 90 days,could I extend this to 183days on my arrival and if so where can I do this?
    cheers
    nick
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/06/2022
      @Nick Hello Nick,

      Not sure how you ended up here on the retirement visa article.

      No, you can’t extend your “tourist visa” - it isn’t a “real” tourist visa but an “authorization to enter as a tourist” which you get upon arrival in Peru - beyond the 90 days anymore. According to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most nationalities can only stay 90 days in a 183-day period as a tourist in Peru. For detailed info, have a look at our article “Tourist visa extension in Peru”.

      If you want to stay longer than the 90 days, you could overstay your welcome and pay a fine of S/ 4.60 per overstayed day when leaving. As you are illegally in the country as soon as your tourist visa expires, we can’t recommend this option. However, usually you don’t have to fear any reprisal when overstaying.

      Another option is to leave Peru and return a couple of days later. According to reports from other travelers, most only got 3 to 30 days when returning via Jorge Chavez International airport and between 15 and 30 days at the Chile and Bolivia land border. So, not really an option.

      The third option could be to apply for a temporary resident visa (such as temporary student visa, temporary work visa, temporary art visa, temporary journalist visa, etc.) which is good for one year, however requirements are steep and you have to go through the normal resident visa application process which at the moment, at least in Lima, takes many months.

      Greetings
      Eva

      P.S. Please note: all mentioned above is based on the current visa regulations; as far as I’m aware, an update should be published somewhere around the beginning of July. So, there might be some minor or major changes.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Carmen
    Carmen · 10/06/2022
    Can I apply for the rentist visa while I live in Dallas? This way I can ship my household items after getting one, how long it takes?
    I have dual citizenship Bolivian and with Mercosur agreements a Bolivian can live in Peru as resident, what are the benefits if any?
    Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/06/2022
      @Carmen Hello Carmen,

      Officially, you can apply for a resident visa either at a Peruvian consulate abroad or in Peru at Migraciones. But, especially in countries, whose nationals can enter Peru visa-free, such as the US, consulates often won’t accept resident visa application or aren’t very accommodating and tell applicants to enter Peru as a tourist and then change their immigration status in Peru. So, best check with the Peruvian consulate general in Dallas if they process resident visa applications, in your case the application for a rentista visa. If you apply in Peru, the processing time at the moment is anything between 4 to 6 months.

      When you apply for a "residencia temporal por acuerdo Mercosur" you get a temporary residency valid for 2 years. During these two years, you have to be in Peru at least 183 days in a year. After that you can change to a permanent residency, which is permanent if you aren’t outside Peru for more than 365 days. Additionally, you are allowed to work.

      On a rentista visa you are not allowed to work in Peru. You have an indefinite permit of residence as long as you are in Peru at least 183 days per year. You can’t change to a permanent residency.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nico
    Nico · 13/05/2022
    Possible to be naturalized in Peru - via a Rentista visa/CE? I've heard multiple answers... from 'no'... to 'you have to make a salary in Peru first (pay taxes)'. Unsure what is the truth?

    -Even possible from a Rentista?
    -2 yr wait ????
    -If so... easy to file myself or best to hire an attorney?

    Anything else to be aware of?

    Thanks so much!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/05/2022
      @Nico Hello Nico,

      I don’t know if foreigners living on a rentista visa in Peru can apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization. I think, no.

      Have a look into the Ley de Nacionalidad 26574 article 3b. There you find that foreigners who want to apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization have to “exercise a profession, art, trade or business (“Ejercer regularmente profesión, arte, oficio o actividad impresarial.”); there are a couple of exceptions from this rule, for example, for foreign spouses of Peruvians and professional athletes, but as far as I could find not for rentistas. As you are not allowed to work, pursue a career, and earn any money in Peru on a rentista visa, you can’t fulfil this requirement.

      The Nationality Law is from 1996, but still valid even though it was updated many times. The latest update was last year with the Supreme Decree 022-2021-INM but, as far as I know, article 3 was never changed.

      Additionally, check out above mentioned Supreme Decree article 9 (page 35 of the pdf which is page 53 of the document). There you find the current requirements to apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization: among them 2 years of legal residency in the country and proof of at least 10 UITs monthly income (in 2022 that’s S/ 46,000). Starting with “h” requirements are listed according to the migratory status. Unfortunately, there as well rentista isn’t mentioned.

      So, I don’t think you can apply for Peruvian nationality if you live in Peru on a rentista visa. However, I might be wrong, might have misinterpreted the law or missed an exception somewhere. So, as the rentista visa is a special case in many ways, if you want a 100% correct answer, your best bet is to either contact an immigration lawyer or even better Migraciones.

      Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Sean R
    Sean R · 02/05/2022
    I do not see anything about health insurance or what the options are for healthcare in Peru. Can you point me in the correct direction? :) Thank you
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/05/2022
      @Sean R Hello Sean,

      Depending on your age, finding health insurance might be an issue.

      While you can get public health insurance (EsSalud) as a foreign resident which might not be the best choice, in my opinion the way to go is a private health insurance, however if you are over 65 or 70 it’s difficult to find a provider willing to take you on, over 75 it’s nearly impossible. Often pre-existing conditions are excluded.

      A good point to look for your options is QuePlan.pe, a website that, after you entered your personal data, compares suitable health plans from different insurance companies. You get a quick overview of the different plans and approximate costs.

      Among the best private health insurances are Pacifico, Rimac and Mapfre.

      Another good option is to check out private hospitals. They all offer their own health plans.

      And another option would be to check out international expat / global health insurance providers covering Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sean R
      Sean R · 02/05/2022
      @Sunflower Eva, thanks for your reply. it is useful. the reason i ask is that will have to have an operation in 12 years that will allow me to live another 12 to 15 years. Maybe peru isnt the best to retire in at age 62 with heart disease.

      Thanks,
      Sean
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/05/2022
      @Sean R Good morning Sean,

      You could be right, Peru might not be the best choice; or it might be exactly what you need for a beneficial lifestyle and you just have to find the right doctor and clinic to do necessary check-ups, prescriptions, or whatever you need and who probably even can operate on you when the time comes.

      In Peru, and especially in Lima there are some excellent doctors and well equipped private clinics additionally offering a phenomenal service. The Clinica San Pablo, for example, has its own well respected heart institute. Or Cardiomedic, also a well-known cardiac institute. So, there are options for you.

      Some people with pre-existing conditions which aren't or only partly covered by their Peruvian private health insurance, pay necessary medication and examinations out of their pocket (as they are much more affordable than in North America or Europe), but keep their health insurance in their home country and if needed or too expensive, fly back for special treatments or operations.

      Anyway, I wish you all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    George
    George · 13/04/2022
    Hi Eva, Can you please explain again the process for the criminal background check. I am already here in Arequipa and I received my FBI letter. I found a certified translator. Is there more I have to do about this step?
    Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge with all of us.

    George
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/04/2022
      @George Hello George,

      So, you have your FBI background check? And it has an Apostille? And is already with you in Arequipa? Congrats. Seems to me the worst is done.

      The only thing left to do is getting the document incl. the Apostille translated. As far as I know, if you use a “Traductor Público Juramentado (TPJ)” or a “Traductor Colegiado Certificado” and get it officially translated, there is nothing more you have to do. The apostilled and translated document is good for official use in Peru.

      But, a few weeks ago someone told me that Migraciones didn’t accept his apostilled and translated document and wanted the translation over-authenticated by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE). Usually, this is only necessary if the document hasn’t got an Apostille but a legalization or wasn’t translated by one of above mentioned special translators.

      So, honestly, I’m not sure, if there have been any changes and now even an official translation has to be authenticated by RREE. I tried to find any info about it on the government and RREE website, but ended up empty-handed. Probably ask the translator; he/she should know.

      Sorry, sometimes my knowledge is limited.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      George
      George · 13/04/2022
      @Sunflower Sorry, what I meant to say was I received the FBI letter while I was already here, so I do not have the apostille. I found the translator from the link you provided. The translator also asked about the apostille, but she can still translate and certify the document without apostille. If that is not enough, I hope there is an office here in Arequipa for the RREE.

      Once everything is submitted and the account created, about how long would you say it will take to receive a message in the buzon electronico? I was told to submit even if there are possible errors in my documents and I will be notified on how to correct them.

      Thanks again and you are too humble, you are a wealth of knowledge
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/04/2022
      @George Yes, the translator can, of course, translate your document, but it won't be accepted. All foreign documents used in Peru need an Apostille, so a specialized certificate verifying the legitimacy, genuineness and origin of a document, or a legalization.

      So, if the country in which the document was issued signed the Hague Convention (which the US did), a foreign document for official use in Peru needs an Apostille. If the country where the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Convention it has to be legalized by different authorities in the country of origin including the Peruvian consulate, then over-authenticated by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then translated and again authenticated by the RREE.

      So, the first thing you have to do is, get an Apostille on your FBI background check which can only be done in the country where it was issued, so in your case the US. Without the Apostille Migraciones won't accept it.

      The website of the US Department of State explains in detail how the process works for US documents to be used abroad and which requirements have to be fulfilled.

      And yes, you can apply for the visa even if your documents aren't in order (might be wise to do so if your tourist visa is about to expire). But be aware that Migraciones might send you a message within days of your application to request missing documents or tells you that they won't accept a document and only gives you a week or so to submit the correct documents. If you don't have them by then you can request an extension of the deadline to a max of 30 days. If by then you still don't submit the document, your application is null and void.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Craig
    Craig · 05/04/2022
    Hello. I will apply for the retirement visa, and then live here with my younger wife. My US pension is only $1100+ but I have been working p/t for many years online for a US Corp, so my total gross reported income for 2021 was $24,000+-. Can I report this income to cover my unemployed wife living with me in Peru on my retirement visa?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 05/04/2022
      @Craig Hello Craig,

      From my experience, income from work isn’t accepted to meet the financial requirements for the retirement visa. The Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN (update of foreigner law Legislative Decree 1350) states in article 92, page 46 that you must “receive a retirement pension or permanent income from a Peruvian or foreign source” (“Percibir una pensión de jubilación o renta permanente, de fuente peruana o extranjera”). For years Migraciones accepted state or private pensions and additionally, considering them as “permanent income”, as well benefit payments and other permanent income such as fixed capital gains and even rental income; but, over the last few years, they got stricter and mostly only issue retirement visas to those proving an official pension.

      But often there is a way around hurdles in Peru and there might be two other options in your case.

      Get in contact with a Peruvian consulate and see what they have to say to your situation. While the retirement visa for you isn’t a problem as you can prove the required US$ 1000 from a pension, they might or might not accept your other income, which usually isn’t considered as “permanent income”, for your wife. If they accept it, apply there.

      If this doesn’t work, there is another loophole that, as far as I know, isn't closed yet. You apply for the retirement visa (no problem there as you can fulfil the financial requirements) and once you have your resident card in your hands, your wife applies for a family visa (Familiar residente para el caso de casada con extranjero residente). Then no additional income has to be proven.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    James
    James · 27/02/2022
    I am very interested in applying for two-three retirement visas, how long can I be out of the country if I do get a retirement visa and do those holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency and or citizenship after some time?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/02/2022
      @James Hello James,

      I'm not sure what you mean with "two-three retirement visas". Applying for one is enough.

      Anyway, if you receive your retirement visa, you can stay outside Peru for a max. of 183 days in a 365-day period; so half a year in a year. However, in case of an emergency, you can apply for a permit to stay outside Peru for an additional 183 days (Permiso especial para permanecer fuera del país más de 183 días sin pérdida de residencia).

      The last question I can't answer as even Migraciones, who I asked more than once, couldn't or wouldn't answer me. So, here only a short explanation of the differences between the Peruvian resident and permanent resident visa status and my interpretation of the update of the foreigner law.

      In Peru, you have resident visas for longer stays (longer than one year) which must be renewed annually; after three years, some resident visa types (such as family visa, work visa, investment visa, missionary visa) can be changed to a permanent residency; you can be outside of Peru for a maximum of 183 days per year.

      And then you have a permanent resident visa. After three years on a resident visa (such as family visa, work visa, investment visa, missionary visa; see Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN, page 29 of the pdf, Artículo 93-A Procedimiento administrativo sobre Cambio de Calidad Migratoria Permanente Residente) you can change to a permanent resident visa. The permanent resident visa does not have to be extended and you can be outside of Peru for a maximum of 365 consecutive days.

      The rentista visa is a hybrid. According to the law, it is a resident visa and you can be outside of Peru for 183 days in a 365-day period, but it does not have to be extended because the residence status is "indefinido", so you have an indefinite resident permit as long as you are in Peru for at least six months. As far as I know and as far as I have understood the above-mentioned article of the updated foreigner law, as a rentista residente you cannot switch to a permanent resident visa after three years of residence in Peru.

      I could be wrong, so you might want to check with Migraciones.

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Juan Santana
    Juan Santana · 15/02/2022
    I registered in pagalo.pe and tried to navigate the application.  However, when the transaction code is required, it asks for a nine digit code, but you only mention 5 digit codes.  What is the correct number of digits?

    Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/02/2022
      @Juan Santana
      Hello Juan,

      I don't know what you mean.

      After you registered on pagalo.pe you just have to log in, select the authority (for example Migraciones), then the procedure (such as Cambio de calidad migratoria; each one has a 5-digit code), on the next page the concepto (for example Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente; not coded) and your passport info, check your "shopping cart" and pay. In our article "Paying" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/legal-stuff/paying-administration-charges-and-processing-fees-in-peru">Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru" all the steps are explained in detail with screenshots, so nothing can go wrong.

      And to make sure nothing changed, I just checked the pagalo.pe website, but couldn't find where a 9-digit transaction code is required. Where on pagalo.pe are you required to enter it?

      Or have you already finished your payment, try to apply for your residency on the Agencia Digital and have problems entering the different codes of the bank receipt? The required numbers can be found at the bottom of the receipt that was sent to you. There you find the secuencia de pago (it's a 6-digit number with a "-" and usually one additional digit which isn't entered), the fecha de operación, the codigo cajero and codigo oficina as well as the hora de operacion. No 9-digit number needed there. If you have trouble finding the correct numbers, just click on the "?" next to "Pago por derecho de tramite". The pictures that pop up show you exactly which number belongs where.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeremy Sylvester
    Jeremy Sylvester · 10/02/2022
    Hello Sunflower:

    Thank you for the wonderful information.  I am following it step by step and so far your information has proven to be the easiest to follow and the most accuarate!  My question is:

    I have a wife and 14 yr old child that I want include as dependants.  At what stage in the process do I begin paperwork for them.  What is the title of thier "Cambio de Calidad Migratoria".  Should I process thier paperwork in parrallel with mine?  I imagine my wife will require an interpol check?

    Thank you in advance for any guidance you can offer!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/02/2022
      @Jeremy Sylvester Hello Jeremy,

      Thank you for your nice words. If there is anything on this page that isn’t as described or you experienced something different, please feel free to correct me any time or share your experience, so others can benefit from “instructions” as updated as possible.

      Regarding your question: I honestly don’t know how and at what point you can include the dependents. Before the introduction of the Agencia Digital a good year ago you had two options:

      Option 1

      Somewhere on the form you had to fill in when applying for the retirement visa, you could add the dependents (not sure if this is still an option when you now fill in the online form) and prove the necessary income (so US$ 1000 for you and US$ 500 for each dependent) when visiting Migraciones and actually talking to someone in person. Then your visa and the ones for the dependents were processed at the same time. As far as I’m aware only few people used this option as they had to prove the additional US$ 500 for the dependents and even were advised to use option 2 as for quite some time the additional US$ 500 for each dependent weren’t required then.

      Option 2

      First you applied for the retirement visa and once you had your carné, your dependents could apply for a family visa (“cambio de calidad migratoria por la de familiar residente”; in case of your wife “para casada con extranjero residente” and in case of your underage daughter “para el caso de hija menor” or I think now it’s called “para el caso de ascendiente en primer grado de extranjero residente”). At that point, you as resident just had to prove with your carné your residency and the wife just that you are married with a marriage certificate or the children with their birth certificate that they are directly related to you, nothing more. Only a year or so before Covid Migraciones started to ask for proof of the additional US$ 500 for each dependent if the foreign resident on which the family was based was a retiree.

      I can’t guarantee that it’s still the same way as quite a few procedures changed in the last year and would highly appreciate, if you could share your experience, so I can add this segment to this page.

      Nevertheless, your wife not only needs her own Interpol check but as well her own “Police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check issued in the country of origin” (if you are from the US this is the FBI background check). Your underage daughter is exempted from this requirement.

      And, if you have to go the family visa route for your wife and daughter (so option 2), your wife needs your marriage certificate (apostilled and translated) and your daughter her birth certificate (of course as well with Apostille and translation).

      Personally, I would try to get in contact with Migraciones (either call and hope you have someone at the end of the line who knows what he is talking about or better use the chat function on the Agencia Digital) and ask if and how you best get your family included in your retirement visa or if they have to apply for a family visa once you have your carné.

      Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Michael Griffis
    Michael Griffis · 14/01/2022
    I am a senior 67. I have been going back and forth to Peru for several years and would like to extend to at least 6 months at a time. My Spanish is not good enough to navigate all of this,
    How would I obtain a reputable lawyer in Peru to do this for me?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/01/2022
      @ Michael Griffis
      Hello Michael,

      extending your stay on a tourist visa beyond the 90 days in a 180-day period allowed at the moment, isn't possible.  If you want to stay longer you could

      - overstay your welcome and pay the fine when leaving

      - after your allowed 90 days in Peru leave and immediately return. As you haven't stayed the necessary 90 days outside Peru to end your 180-day period, the immigration officer you have to face might only give you a few days (I heard anything between 7 and 30 days) and has the right to deny entry (never heard of that)

      - apply for a residence visa, however to keep it you have to stay at least 183 days per year in Peru; in your case probably the retirement visa would be a good fit. Find more information on our "Retirement Visa" page.

      As we personally haven't used a lawyer / tramitador in years and the reliability, honesty and quality of many seem to be inconsistent, we unfortunately can't recommend anyone.

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Mike
      Mike · 03/03/2022
      @Sunflower I just finished up the last requirement, Interpol appt. Now I guess I wait 2.5-3 months and should have my retirement visa.
      My 90 days will end about two weeks before receiving my VISA. 
      Can I legally stay in country now, while waiting for my Retirement VISA, even though it will be beyond the 90 days?
      For others trying to obtain the Social Security pension Apostilled, take the copy printed out from My Social Security site to your bank and have it certified as a true copy. I also used my annual statement as a backup. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/03/2022
      @Mike Hello Mike,

      So, you had your Interpol appointment and now should have all necessary documents together. But the most important step is to apply for your retirement visa on the Agencia Digital as described above under “Applying for a retirement visa in Peru”. Or have you already done that?

      When your application process was successful, you get a confirmation of the application. The date of this confirmation is important. As long as your tourist visa is still valid on that date, you are fine; if the application process takes longer and your visa expires, you don’t have to worry and can stay in Peru until your application is approved.

      You should, however, check your buzon electronico every other day in case Migraciones sends you notifications (for example, a request to upload missing documents or the approval of your visa) which usually have extremely short deadlines. If you miss a deadline, your application process is canceled and you have to leave the country.

      Once you have the approval of your retirement visa, you are still not finished. You then have to register in the foreigner database. The process is explained above under “Getting your Carné”.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    chris
    chris · 14/12/2021
    Hello , I am 40 and want to apply for this retirement visa .But have the following questions

    1, Can i use foreign capital gains(PASSIVE INCOME) to apply ?( such as interest generated by fixed deposit/ bonds/funds)
    2, For a three-person family, one of them is a BABY, how much passive income does it need per month to qualify for the application? Basically my passive income such as bond interest, fixed deposit interest is about USD $1700 per month。
    3.Holding Rentista visa isnt permitted to work or earn money in peru how about some profits made through online legal gambling website ?

    Thank you .

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/12/2021
      @chris
      Hello Chris,

      1. The Peruvian Law Supreme Decree No. 002-2021-IN, article 92 A and B states that the applicant must present a document from the country where he or she receives "la renta" (which could be translated with "pension" or "income") proving a permanent net income of at least US$ 1000 ("documento del país de donde proviene la renta que acredite que el solicitante percibe un ingreso neto permanente mínimo de mil dólares mensuales.") For years Migraciones accepted state or private pensions, benefit payments and other permanent income such as fixed capital gains and even rental income; however, over the last few years they got stricter and mostly only issued retirement visas to those proving an official pension. Nevertheless, personally I would try my luck at a Peruvian consulate and see what they say. If they accept your capital gains, I would apply at the consulate.

      2. You as main applicant must prove US$ 1000. For each dependent (such as a spouse or child) who should be included in the visa, the proof of an additional US$ 500 is required. So in your case you must prove a thousand for yourself, five-hundred for your wife and another five-hundred for your baby; so all in all US$ 2000. But, as you don't have this amount, there is a loophole that, as far as I know, isn't closed yet. You could apply for the retirement visa and once you have the residence card your wife and baby could apply for a family visa.

      3. You are right, foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa are not allowed to work and can’t earn any money in Peru. As far as I’m aware, this includes generating capital and stock market gains, earning rental income or any other income or profits of any kind in Peru. I‘m not a tax or financial specialist and therefore highly recommend contacting one who knows all this stuff and the implications by heart, but you could, for example, use gambling websites outside Peru and have any gains deposited into an account outside Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva

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