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Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Retirement Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 7

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).

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.

Be aware that 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. To meet the requirement, you must demonstrate that you receive at least US$ 1,000 per month indefinitely, meaning for the rest of your life.

Additionally, you should know that foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa are not allowed to work or receive remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru.

And before we continue ...

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

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

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

 

Table of contents

 

Legal background for a retirement visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a retirement visa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

Peruvian Visa Types
Foreign nationals, who want to apply for a residence visa in Peru (for example because they are married to a Peruvian, found work in Peru, want to ...

 

Important laws and regulations

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

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

Helpful information can also be found on the official Peruvian government website. However, keep in mind that all these documents are published in Spanish.

While in the section Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru below we explain the required documents in English, the official list of requirements can be found, for example, in Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN, page 46, article 92-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente”.

Since the TUPA is the most current official document and may contain small updates compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend checking it as well when looking for the latest official information in Spanish. In the current version, the relevant section can be found on page 146.

 

Requirements and documents to apply for a retirement visa in Peru

Below you find the official requirements and documents needed to apply for a retirement (rentista) visa in Peru - more precisely to complete the procedure called Cambio de calidad migratoria (change of immigration status).

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

Required documents 

  • 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) + (4)
  • (Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months) (5)
  • Receipt for the paid application fee
    • Authority: Migraciones
    • Code: 07568 - Cambio de calidad migratoria
    • Concept: Cambio de calidad migratoria a rentista residente
    • Fee: S/ 161.40 (2026)

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

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 (see below).

(4) Proof of pension or permanent income

Before leaving your home country, request the required document from your pension fund or social security authority and have it apostilled if your country is a member of the Apostille Convention. If your country is not part of the convention, the document must instead be legalized by the relevant authorities in your home country and the Peruvian consulate.

The challenge with both processes is that the document must carry an official signature in order to be apostilled or legalized. However, many pension statements are generated automatically and therefore are often not signed. As a result, it can sometimes be quite a challenge to obtain a properly signed document in your home country.

For example, U.S. nationals receiving Social Security benefits can request a “signed benefit verification letter for Apostille or authentication purposes” from the U.S. Social Security Administration, which can then be apostilled.

(5) Ficha de canje

In 2023, the requirement to present the Ficha de Canje (Interpol) was declared an illegal bureaucratic barrier for retirement visa applicants. About a year later, the corresponding field on the Migraciones Agencia Digital, where applicants previously had to upload the document, was removed. As a result, retirement visa applicants - at least currently - cannot submit the Ficha de Canje through the system.

However, be aware that the Ficha de Canje is still listed among the official requirements, as it continues to have a legal basis in the Foreigner Law and the current TUPA. Therefore, the upload field could be added again at any time, or Migraciones may request the document separately during the application process. 

 

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

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

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

 

Before submitting your visa application

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

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

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

 

Translation of foreign documents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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 retirement visa application, you need:

  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07568 - Cambio de calidad migratoria
  • Concepto: Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente
  • Fee: S/ 161.40 (2026)

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

 

Last preparations

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

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

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

Travel Permit (Permiso Especial de Viaje / Autorización de Estadía fuera del País )

Travel Permit (Permiso Especial de Viaje / Autorización de Estadía fuera del País )

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

 

Submitting your visa application on the Agencia Digital

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

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

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

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

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

 

Step 1: Access the Migraciones Agencia Digital

Go to the Migraciones Agencia Digital and click Entrar.

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

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

Click Verificar.

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

 

Step 2: Select the visa application procedure

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

  • Either use the search bar, or
  • In the left-hand menu, go to Cambio de calidad migratoria and select rentista residente

Click on it to continue.

 

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

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

Fill in the required fields:

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

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

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

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

Accept the sworn statement and click Continuar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once you have completed this section, click Guardar.

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

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

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

Once you have completed all questions, click Continuar.

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

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

 

Step 4: Upload required documents

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

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

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

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

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.

Ficha de Canje Interpol

Since 2024, you must only upload your criminal record check under Ficha de Canje Interpol.

Exceso de permanencia (overstay)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documentos Especificos

Under Documentos Especificos you must upload the letter from your pension fund. 

Final step

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

 

Step 5: Review and confirm your personal information

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

The only fields you can edit here are:

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

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

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

 

Step 6: Application confirmation

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

Do not continue yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

After submitting your visa application

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

 

Biometric data appointment

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

Make an appointment

For a long time, getting an appointment in Lima was quite a challenge. Fortunately, biometric data can now also be registered at several MAC centers, not only at the Migraciones office. As a result, it is usually much easier to secure an appointment within a reasonable time. At the offices in the provinces appointments are usually readily availbale.

Nevertheless, we recommend using the provided link at the end of your application and scheduling the appointment immediately.

If you prefer to make the appointment later, you can return to the Agencia Digital and book it under Citas en Línea, subcategory Para registro de datos biométricos.

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

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

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

What to expect during your appointment

On the day of your appointment, arrive 15-30 minutes early at the Migraciones office / MAC center 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. At some MAC centers, however, you may first have to queue with other visitors at the check-in counter before being allowed to enter.

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 office and MAC centers in Lima vary. Some applicants have a smooth and quick experience finishing within 30 minutes, while others report waiting one to three hours. So, plan accordingly.

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

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

 

Buzon Electronico

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

You can access your Buzón

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

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

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

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

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

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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

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

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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

 

Approval of your visa

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

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

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

You can also check the status of your application:

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

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

asking about the status of your application.

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

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

Congratulations!

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

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

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

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

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

  • Citas en Línea, subpoint recojo de documentos.

Download and print the appointment confirmation.

Note: Some MAC centers and Migraciones offices outside Lima may not require appointments for pickup.

If you urgently need your carné:

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

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

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

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

To collect your carné, be on time and bring:

  • passport
  • printed appointment confirmation (if applicable)

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

Congrats! You made it!

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

 

Rentista visa Peru - FAQs for residents

How long is a retirement resident (rentista) visa valid?

The retirement visa - meaning the residence permit that allows you to legally live in Peru - has indefinite validity and does not need to be extended. Once approved, you keep your resident status permanently as long as you comply with the applicable residency rules.

 

How long is the carné de extranjería valid?

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

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

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

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

 

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

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

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

 

Can I work in Peru on a rentista visa?

No! Foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa are generally not allowed to work or receive remuneration for professional activities in Peru.

 

Do I have to pay taxes in Peru on my retirement income?

No! Pension payments received from abroad are exempt from taxation in Peru for holders of a retirement visa (Rentista visa). This means that the foreign pension income you use to qualify for the visa is not subject to Peruvian income tax.

 

What happens if my personal information changes?

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

This includes, for example:

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

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

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

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Update your information in the Migraciones database

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

 

What documents do I need when leaving Peru temporarily?

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

 

When can I apply for permanent residency in Peru?

If you live in Peru on a retirement visa (rentista visa), this question does not really apply. The retirement visa already grants you permanent resident status, as the residence permit has indefinite validity and does not need to be extended.

For this reason, you cannot change to the separate “Residente Permanente” visa category, which is mainly intended for holders of temporary residence visas who want to obtain permanent resident status after several years in Peru.

 

When can I apply for Peruvian citizenship?

In the past, foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa were able to apply for Peruvian citizenship through naturalization after meeting the required residency period. However, recent changes to the nationality regulations have created some uncertainty regarding whether retirement visa holders are still eligible to apply for citizenship.

Therefore, it is advisable to check the current rules with Migraciones or an immigration lawyer confirming if citizenship is available for rentistas.

 

What should I do if I leave Peru permanently?

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

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

 

Special situations and practical tips

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

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

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

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

2. On the Biometric data appointment page

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

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

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

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

To do this:

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

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

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

3. Other options

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

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

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

Enter the following information:

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

How this workaround works

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

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

For example:

  • Missing criminal record certificate
    Under the Interpol tab, you must upload your criminal record certificate (Antecedentes). The field is mandatory.
    If you don’t yet have your criminal record certificate, you could upload:
    • a signed letter explaining that you are still waiting for the document from your home country.
  • Missing Apostille or translation
    If you already have the document but not yet the Apostille or official translation, you could temporarily upload the document in its current form.

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

Confirmation of your application

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

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

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

What happens next

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

This notification may arrive:

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

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

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

If you already have the document

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

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

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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

If you still don’t have the document

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

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

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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

Should you upload the document before receiving the notification?

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

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

Important

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony Elliott
    Anthony Elliott · 09/03/2026
    I looked through the link for translators you offer and the language I need translated is not there.   Bahasa Indonesian, so if it's not there do I need to try and find someone in Peru who can translate from this language?  And what happens if I cannot?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/03/2026
      @Anthony Elliott
      Hello Anthony,

      Yes, under the link you only find traductores públicos juramentados (sworn public translators). These translators are officially authorized to translate the most common languages into Spanish. Usually, it is recommended to use one of them, as Migraciones generally accepts their translations without any problems.

      If there isn’t a sworn public translator for the language of your document (or none in your area), you can use any other registered translator in Peru. However, in this case it might be necessary to have the translation authenticated by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A good starting point to find a translator is, for example, the Colegio de Traductores del Perú or simply doing a Google search.

      Also be aware that, in addition to sworn public translators, the Peruvian government lists traductores especiales, translators for so-called “special languages.” I just checked the list and found, for example, one Bahasa Indonesia-Spanish translator in San Isidro, Lima (see attachment).

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Anthony Elliott
      Anthony Elliott · 11/03/2026
      @Sunflower Thank you so much.  I  asked the same question again, no need to respond to it again.  I am so glad I have this now.  
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony Elliott
    Anthony Elliott · 09/03/2026
    I am getting closer to coming to Peru.  I have settled things here and in the U.S. finally.  I am just waiting for documents from Asia where I lived for the last 5 years before coming to Colombia.  My question is about proof on Social Security.  Do I need a hard document?  The Social Security System in the U.S allows us to download proof.  Once I get if apostille I was told they only send digital copy not a hard.  Of course for a large extra charge you can get a hard copy.  Is a digital proof of income acceptable.  They $500.00 got a hard copy and $200.00 for digital only.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/03/2026
      @Anthony Elliott
      Hello Anthony,

      Yes, you can download a digital copy of your Social Security statement. However, as far as I know, you can’t get this digital copy apostilled in the U.S. Because it is a federal document, it must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Authentications. And - if nothing has changed in the past few months - they require a signed, original document. Therefore, it’s best to request a signed, original Benefit Verification Letter and then have this original document apostilled.

      If I’m mistaken and it is now possible to apostille a digital copy (perhaps even on state-level), you should still first check with a translator in Peru if they can officially translate the digital document before deciding to use the digital version.

      Once the document is apostilled and translated, you only need to upload a PDF file when applying for your visa in Peru.

      And I'm a little confused about the numbers you are sharing and that you were told that they only send digital copy. Who is they? Anyway, a signed Social Security Benefit Verification Letter is free when ordered directly from the SSA, the Apostille is US$ 20, shipping costs vary, and if you use an Authentication Service you shouldn't pay more than US$ 150 (probably US$ 200 for expedited service) to receive the physical document. 

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony
    Anthony · 10/01/2026
    I want to apply for a retirement visa but I have a minor child who is 4.  How do I add him to the application process in Peru?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/01/2026
      @Anthony
      Hello Anthony,

      if nothing changed, you cannot add your child to your rentista visa application when you apply on the Agencia Digital. Therefore, usually in such cases, you apply first for your rentista visa and once it is approved and you have your carné, you can apply for a family visa for your kid. 

      For the family visa application based on being the minor child of a resident, you will need the birth certificate of your child showing you as the father (exact same name as in your passport and on your rentista visa) with Apostille issued in your home country and translation in Peru. Your child won't need a criminal record check or the Ficha de canje from Interpol. However, you must sign a sworn statement that you are representing your child. 

      Be aware that time might become an issue. If you enter Peru you and your child most probably only get 90 days. So, try to apply for your visa as quickly as possible as you will need your carné to apply for a family visa for your child before his/her stay as a tourist expires. You might want to check with Migraciones if there is any way to either apply for your child while your visa application is still evaluated / without your carné or to speed up the process.

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Anthony
      Anthony · 11/01/2026
      @Sunflower Thank you for the quick response Eva.  I am not in Peru now.  I would like to apply before I come there.  I am in Colombia and will apply from here.  I just applied for my visa renewal here and hopefully I can use those same documents for Peru.  I believe they are still valid.  So I will apply for my son after I receive my visa.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/01/2026
      @Anthony
      Hello Anthony,

      usually, foreigners, who can travel to Peru visa-free, enter Peru and then apply for their visa when they are in Peru, make a so-called Cambio de calidad migratoria. The process is explained above in our retirement visa article.

      Foreigners, who cannot come to Peru visa-free, must apply for their visa from outside Peru. Foreigners, who can come to Peru visa-free and want to apply from outside Peru, can apply from abroad. The procedure then is a Solicitud de calidad migratoria. Be aware that the requirements are a bit different from a Cambio de calidad migratoria. Additionally, the process a bit more complicated (especially if you haven't been to Peru before) and time consuming. It is explained in our article Peruvian residence visa application from abroad. The article is intended for those you cannot come to Peru visa-free, so not all information applies to you, but the process is the same.

      Be aware that once your visa is approved and the visa is issued at a Peruvian consulate, you must enter Peru within 6 months and apply for your carné. Only then you can apply for the family visa for your child. As you are in Peru then, make a Cambio de Calidad Migratoria por la de Familiar Residente para hijo o hija menor de edad".

      Regarding your documents: Documents issued in Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued a maximum of 3 months prior to being submitted. Documents issued outside Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued not more than 6 months prior to being submitted.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Anthony
      Anthony · 11/01/2026
      @Sunflower In that case I better plan my first trip to Peru.  I am in Colombia now so I am not that far away.  I will come there and apply because my documents expire in March I think so I have some time. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 11/01/2026
      @Anthony
      If you come to Peru and apply when you are there, note that you can only leave the country during the evaluation and approval process with a special travel permit. This permit allows you to be outside Peru for only 30 days. During your absence the process is halted and only continues when you return to Peru. 

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Rod
    Rod · 01/11/2025
    Hello Eva. You have been a wonderful resource for my Rentista which I now have. Thank you!
    Given that Rentista needs residence in Peru for at least 183 days out of 365, is there a way of finding out (with accuracy) the total number of days that I have actually been resident?
    Many thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/11/2025
      @Rod
      Hello Rod, 

      that's great news. Congrats! 

      The day your rentista visa was approved and the notification of the approval was sent to you, is the day your residency starts. So, just calculate the difference from "today" and the day of the approval and you have the number of days you are a resident.

      But be aware that Migraciones sometimes is a bit creative. First of all, while the law states that you are allowed to be outside the country for 183 consecutive days without losing your residency, in practice immigration adds all days in a 365-day period, so it's cumulative days in a 365-day period. 

      Then it seems that some immigration officers use as starting point for you 365-day period the day you received your residency, others the day you received your carné and others the day you first left Peru. I heard all three ways, even checked with Migraciones and was told two different ways from 2 different people. It's really confusing. 

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Chad
    Chad · 08/10/2025
    Thanks for the excellent information!  A question about the latest TUPA (31/08/24 version) on the pension documentatation (page 146 item 7.1). It now says "copia simple", the same as for the copy of the passport.  Does anyone have experience with this being true?  The web pages say it's just a simple copy for an income source within Peru, but continue to ask for the various authentication methods for foreign source income, which seems to conflict with what's actually in the TUPA document.

    I'm also a bit perplexed because I'm a retiring US federal employee and in addition to the signature issue, that process is now exceedingly slow an unresponsive to questions. I'm going to get a letter from my supervisor on letterhead which seems to meet the TUPA requirement. But if it needs further authentication, I'm not sure if the state will handle a notarized letter from a federal official, or if they'll kick it to the very slow US State Department which may have a question about its validity as a federal document.  But I can work that out if needed.

    I suppose the usual answer is "try it all", but if they'll accept the simple copy (translated) that would be great!

    Thanks for any insight!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 08/10/2025
      @Chad
      Hello Chad, 

      "copia simple" is misleading because actually you don't need a copy at all. You must upload all required documents in PDF format during the application process.

      Documents issued in Peru can be uploaded as PDF as they are. Foreign documents, such as the confirmation of your retirement income, must have an Apostille - no way around it -  and then must be translated in Peru.

      An Apostille verifies the legitimacy, genuineness and origin of a document for the use of this document abroad. How else should someone in Peru know that you are presenting a genuine document? And one of the requirements to get a document apostilled in the US or elsewhere is that the document must be signed.  

      If you cannot get your pension statement signed, you could try to get it notarized (then it has a signature) and then apostilled. Usually that works in the US.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Stephanie Moore
    Stephanie Moore · 27/09/2025
    Also, Eva, another thought….If I go down to the MAC-Cusco office on Monday where I had my interview and ask if a Ficha de Canje is necessary, would that be advisable?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/09/2025
      @Stephanie Moore
      Personally, I think it's a waste of time. You have a notification from Migraciones that they want you to submit the Ficha -and they have the right to ask for additional documents (even if they are not listed on the requirement list). Yes, you could ask if this is really necessary, discuss with them that according to law / ruling ??? it's not required anymore, but in this case I wouldn't do it. 

      The Ficha is easy to get (are you an US American - in Cusco they usually don't ask for the money order anymore if you present your criminal record check), so choose your battles wisely.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Stephanie Moore
    Stephanie Moore · 27/09/2025
    Hi, Eva…it’s me again.  Well, on the 31st day of my application (today), I received a notice from immigration that I did not comply with #4 of the requirements that says I must have a Ficha de Canje from Interpol and they gave me 2 days to get it!!!

    OK.  I thought that the Ficha de Canje was no longer required as long as I had the correct Antecedentes/FBI Criminal Background Check from my home country, which I submitted with my solicitud for a Cambio de Calidad change from my tourist visa to a Retirement Residence visa on August 26, 2025.  That document was accepted along with everything else in my application, so I am not sure why they are asking for the Ficha de Canje.

    I noticed this morning that you had an article, dated July 1, 2025, that stated that the Ficha is required now—is that a recent change?  Do I really have to go to the Interpol office in Cusco to get that done?  If I do, I guess I have to apply for an extension to my solicitud because I certainly can’t get it done in 2 days, can I?  

    I realize this is a Saturday morning and it’s after 7 am —not normal working hours, right?
    Anyway, if you have a chance to respond, please do.  In the meantime, I will go back and re-read the Ficha article and the article about the extension of my application so that I am “at the ready.”

    Thank you so much, and I hope you are having fun!!!

    Stephanie
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/09/2025
      @Stephanie Moore
      Good morning Stephanie,

      generally, all residence visa applicants in Peru must submit the Ficha de canje. But in 2023, it was ruled that presenting the Ficha de canje is an illegal and unnecessary bureaucratic barrier for retirement visa applicants. When I remember correctly after a while an appeal was lodged against this judgment, but it was dismissed.

      Nevertheless, the Ficha de canje is still listed as a requirement for a retirement visa application on the Peruvian government website and in the TUPA. However, since the beginning of 2024, the corresponding field on the Agencia Digital, where you had to upload the document before, is gone. So, you can’t submit the Ficha de canje anymore under its correct tab (or you must make a PDF of your criminal record check and the Ficha and upload it under the criminal record check tab). 

      Why Migraciones is asking for your Ficha, I don't know and you shouldn't worry about it, because Migraciones always has the right to ask for additional documents and in some rare cases over the past year requested that an applicant uploads the Ficha additionally.

      And they only gave you two days??? Sorry, that's ridiculous. As I doubt that you get an appointment at Interpol on Monday, you should apply for an extension of the deadline. How it's done is explained in our Extension of a Migraciones deadline article. This will give you an additional 30 days to submit the Ficha.

      So, best make an appointment at Interpol and extend your deadline. 

      Have a nice weekend
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/09/2025
      @Stephanie Moore And what I forgot to mention: once you have the Ficha you must upload the document on the Agencia Digital, the procedure is called Subsanación. How it's done is explained in our Subsanacion - Submitting documents article. 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Steve
    Steve · 12/09/2025
    Greeting Eva, many very sincere thanks, again, for the invaluable information that you so generously provide through LimaEasy, and for your response to my query in July!

    If I may please consult you again: can a person who has a retirement visa apply for and subsequently have any of the “Planes del Seguro Integral de Salud” in Perú?

    If so, would you have any additional information, such as which one would apply to those with a retirement visa?

    From what I gathered from the gob.pe website, it would seem that the “SIS Independiente” coverage would apply, but, since you are so well informed and I trust your research and content, I hope that you don’t mind my asking you.

    Many very sincere thanks!

    Best wishes,
    Steve

    PS  I will be applying for this visa later this month.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 12/09/2025
      @Steve
      Hello Steve,

      thank you so much for your nice words. But unfortunately, insurances (and taxes) aren't my strong suit.

      Anyway, here is some general info. The Peruvian Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS) is a public health insurance program that provides free or subsidized medical coverage to Peruvians and foreigners with legal residency who do not have access to other health insurance, especially those in vulnerable or low-income groups. It covers preventive care, emergencies, tests, treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and essential (!!!) medicines in public health facilities. 

      There are no copayments or deductibles. If you are enrolled, all covered services are free of charge at public health facilities. The only potential costs are for services, medicines, or procedures not included in SIS coverage.

      So, you should be able to enroll. And assuming you are over 60 years the SIS Independiente plan is the only SIS plan you can join.

      But the question is, whether this is really the right health insurance for you. In an effort to provide public care to Peru's poor and extremely poor, the Ministry of Health introduced SIS in 2002. And while this program improved a lot over the years, you should be aware that it mainly provides basic and emergency care and has its limitations and challenges. Facilities might not be up to par with what you are used to, only medication from the official Essential Medicines List is available and covered, long waiting times for non-urgent consultations and specialist appointments are common. 

      Depending on your budget and age a private health insurance or an insurance plan offered by private clinics in Peru might be a better fit. 

      I hope everything works smoothly with you visa application.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Steve
      Steve · 12/09/2025
      @Sunflower Many very sincere thanks for your prompt response, which also reflects sensitivity towards vulnerable members of the population!

      Perhaps I should stick to the private insurance I have, so as to not occupy any resources in a program meant to assist people who truly need it. 

      If I may say so, your empathy truly enhances what you so generously offer.

      Best wishes, 
      Steve 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 12/09/2025
      @Steve
      If you can afford it, probably for now stick to your private health insurance. Once you are settled in Peru and have your carné, visit some private hospitals/clinics (many offer great health care plans for much less than a full private insurance, however, you are bound to the hospital/clinic, age could be a factor and per-existing conditions) and as well the one or other public hospital. Once you got a good overview about the health care situation in Peru decide what works best for you.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Steve
      Steve · 13/09/2025
      @Sunflower Many very sincere thanks for your wise advice!  I will proceed exactly as you suggest!  

      Grateful greetings,
      Steve
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Stephanie Moore
    Stephanie Moore · 26/08/2025
    I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU, EVA, FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE.  I UPLOADED THE ENTIRE SOLICITUD THIS MORNING AND IT ALL WORKED AND I HAVE AN APPT. FOR NEXT WEEK.  IT’S GREAT TO HAVE A “GO TO” PERSON/PERSONS AND LIMAEASY HERE IN PERU.  MANY BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL!!!!!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 26/08/2025
      @Stephanie Moore
      It's so great to hear that now everything went smoothly.

      And whenever there is another hurdle feel free to send me a message and I try my best to help.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Stephanie Moore
    Stephanie Moore · 24/08/2025
    Hi—Thank you so much for the exceptional guidance you are providing on your website.  I thought I was doing pretty good since I got a green check on each of the Dependencia Items except the first one:   “Recibo de Pago por Derecho de Tramite.”   I paid with págalo.pe and entered the Número de Recibo, Código de Verificación and the Fecha de Recibo per your instructions for the Constancia de Pago de Tasas, but after validating the info, I keep getting this message on the bottom of this section that says, “EL RECIBO NO PERTENECE AL TRIBUTO ACTUAL.”  What does that mean??  I used the codes indicated on págalo.pe:  07567 - Formulario PA - Solicitud de calidad migratoria which generated the Concepto:  Solicitud de Calidad Migratoria Rentista Residente.  That is what I am applying for.  Can you PLEASE tell me what the problem is because my 90 day tourist visa expires on September 1, 2025 and I have uploaded the most important docs but I can’t get to the next section because I don’t have a green check mark for the Pago por Derecho de Trámite.  WHAT TO DO?????
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 24/08/2025
      @Stephanie Moore
      Hello Stephanie,

      unfortunately the e-mail address you used isn't correct. So, I hope you get my reply. 

      Anyway, if you are outside Peru and want to apply for a residence visa, you apply for an immigration status, make a so-called Solicitud de calidad migratoria. On pagaglo.pe you use the code 07567 for the payment of this procedure. 

      But you are already in Peru and therefore already have an immigration status (tourist). So, you don't have to apply for an immigration status anymore, but for a change of it. In your case, you therefore must pay on pagalo.pe under code 07568 for a Cambio de calidad migratoria. 

      So, you paid for the wrong procedure (the message you get says - freely translated - that the receipt doesn't belong to the procedure you apply for) and therefore the system won't accept the data from your receipt.

      The only thing you can do now is to pay the correct procedure (Migraciones, code 07568 Cambio de calidad migratoria, concepto: Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente). 

      As soon as you made the payment for the correct procedure and enter the information from the new receipt, you should be able to finish your application with no further problems.

      And when I remember correctly somewhere on the Agencia Digital you can request a refund of the wrong payment (it should be under "devolución de pagos").

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Stephanie Moore
      Stephanie Moore · 25/08/2025
      @Sunflower Thank you, Eva….I just caught the error in using the wrong code, but you are way ahead of me.   Thank you for such a quick reply and have a great day!!!!!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/08/2025
      @Stephanie Moore
      All good, Stephanie. Sometimes it's a bit complicated in Peru.

      So, I hope now everything works smoothly and you can finish your application.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Steve
    Steve · 20/07/2025
    Greetings, Eva!

    Many very sincere thanks for the wealth of useful information that you so generously provide for all to benefit from!

    Here is a data point that I hope that you feel can be useful, accompanied by some friendly tips.

    I plan to apply for a Peruvian Retirement Visa. With a USA passport, I arrived in Lima in March 2025, was granted 90 days, and left Peru after around 75 days later (approximately 15 remaining.). I returned to Lima about five weeks later and was again granted 90 days. Here are some factors that may have helped me have another 90 days.

    Before going further, it is imperative to note the following:
    1) I was 100% respectful and 100% honest.
    2) The entire conversation was held in Spanish, at a native-speaker level.
    3) Nothing that I said or did questioned the officer’s authority, agency, or personal worth in any way. The exchange was based on a mutual treatment with respect and dignity. At all times my attention was 100% there, and I always made respectful eye contact.
    4) Everything I said was super concise, to not occupy even a single additional second. The officer has a job, there are other people waiting, and everyone’s time has worth.
    5) This was my experience, on this occasion, with a specific immigration officer, among many other factors and variables, and it worked out this way for me.

    As you state on your website, an immigration officer can give you up to 90 days upon entering, fewer, or none. By paying attention to what you share on your website, I was well informed on various aspects, including that I could not be in Peru more than 183 days of 365.
     
    When asked if I had been in Peru previously, I said, yes, and that I arrived in March and left in June. When the officer repeated March with a touch of concern, I nicely stated that since the maximum is 183 days per 365, that even if I was generously granted another 90 days, that the total would still be under this limit.
     
    As my passport was returned to me, the officer told me that I was given the 90 days, I gave my sincere thanks, and moved on. The whole thing, including photo and prints took barely more than two minutes.

    Since the application for a Peruvian Retirement Visa runs on a new clock, I plan to wait at least 45 days, perhaps even 60 before applying. If I may ask you, what do you think of this?
     
    Many many thanks, and best wishes!
    Steve
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 20/07/2025
      @Steve
      Hello Steve,

      thank you so much for your nice words. It's great to hear that the information we provide here on LimaEasy is useful. 

      Thank you as well for sharing your experience and some tips that surely will help others. 

      Speaking Spanish is certainly an advantage, but even just trying to communicate in Spanish can be helpful. However, in my opinion, the most important thing is to be respectful and friendly acknowledging the authority of the immigration officer, while also making it clear that you know the rules. Anyway, you seem to be a pro already in doing so and got your 90 days. Congrats.

      I'm not sure what you mean with "the application for a Peruvian Retirement Visa runs on a new clock". After you applied for your retirement visa and got your file number, your time as a tourist stops. So, even if your stay as a tourist expires during the evaluation and approval process, you remain legal in the country until Migraciones approves (or denies) your residence visa. If they approve your visa you become a resident, if they deny your visa (usually before they do this they will give you the chance to "correct" your application by uploading, for example, a rejected document in the correct form) you must leave the country within 15 days.

      Not knowing your circumstances, I don't know why you want to wait with your application another month or two. If you have all required documents together, I don't see any reason for that. 

      But, if you want you could apply on day 89 of your stay as a tourist - you never know what happens in Peru, so I highly recommend not waiting until the last day - the Agencia Digital might not work or you don't have power or your phone/laptop/PC breaks .... And be aware that the documents you must submit have an "expiration date".  Documents issued in Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued a maximum of 3 months prior to being submitted. Documents issued outside Peru are usually only accepted when they were issued not more than 6 months prior to being submitted. So, make sure that the document proving your pension and your criminal record check not only have an Apostille and are translated in Peru by a certified translator but aren't older than 6 months when you submit your application. 

      Thanks again and all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva 


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Steve
      Steve · 21/07/2025
      @Sunflower Hello Eva,

      Many sincere thanks for your prompt response, for the encouragement, and for the additional insightful information!

      I apologize for not being clear about the “new clock” comment. What I meant is exactly what you stated: that once the application is in, that my time as a tourist stops, yet I am still in the country legally.

      The delay in the application would be on account of the apostilles still being in the works, so waiting to apply gives more time for them to be received, to subsequently present a proper application.

      The “expiration date” on my documents should be well within the limits you kindly reminded me of. Thank you for being so thorough!

      Many thanks again, and all the best to you as well!

      Best,
      Steve
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/07/2025
      @Steve
      Hello Steve,

      now I understand. Yes, in your case it makes sense to wait with the application until you get the document(s) back with Apostille and have them translated by a certified translator in Peru. 

      As said before you can apply on any day as long as your stay as a tourist is still valid on the day you finally apply. So, if you wait a month or two or even until day 89 you are fine. 

      However, just to make sure and avoid any unpleasant surprises later, I highly recommend to confirm that you really got 90 days on the Migraciones website under Consultas en Linea TAM Virtual. In the drop-down list choose your travel document, I assume you entered Peru with your passport, and enter the passport number. Afterwards, choose in the drop-down list your nationality; be aware that the names are in Spanish, so you won’t find, for example, United States or US, but have to look for EE.UU (Estados Unidos). Then just enter the day you entered Peru and the captcha. Click on “Verificar”.

      You now get your TAM virtual displayed on the screen showing: your personal details registered, the point of entry, the day you entered and the number of days you are allowed to stay (Tiempo de permanencia).

      And if for whatever reasons the Apostille and translation takes longer than expected or the immigration officer didn't register the full 90 days and your time as a tourist is less than expected, you could apply without the Apostille. As explained above in the article under Can I apply for a retirement visa if I don't have all the required documents? you could upload the document without Apostille; Migraciones will send you a notification requesting to upload the document with Apostille and translation. If the time Migraciones gives you to upload the document isn't enough you could then apply for an extension of the deadline, which gives you another 30 days. By then you surely should have the document. The details are explained above. Only do this if your stay as a tourist is about to expire.

      If you really got the 90 days wait and hope that you get your document(s) back before your stay as a tourist expires. 

      Greetings
      Eva

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Steve
      Steve · 22/07/2025
      @Sunflower Hello Eva,

      Many very sincere thanks for your prompt response, for the additional insightful information, and for being so patient and thorough.

      While waiting for my checked bag at the airport, I verified that I indeed had been given 90 days. Thank you for including the link to the TAM Virtual, complete with instructions, just in case.

      I am precisely following your advice, to give the apostilles plenty of time, and am prepared to proceed in the manner you kindly suggest, if need be.

      Many sincere thanks for your very generous and well-informed guidance!

      Greetings,
      Steve
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/07/2025
      @Steve
      I hope everything works out smoothly and you soon become a resident of Peru.

      All the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Billie
    Billie · 04/07/2025
    Hello,

    Thank you all for the wonderful website. I was able to get my carnet with minimal confusion myself due to your help. There were plenty of people more than willing to take my money just to provide simple information that you have made easily accessible. 

    I just applied for my son's carnet as well (today actually!). Hopefully his process goes as smoothly as mine did. He is 14. I was wondering if you could tell me, if I get citizenship before he is 18, will he be able to get citizenship based on that as well? We would really love to stay here so I want to start planning as soon in advance as possible.

    Thanks again, you guys are great!



    P.S. A few notes on my experience in the hopes it can help someone:

    They did not require me provide any information on a bank account or proof that I had an account, which I have seen listed in some places as a requirement. I just provided the sworn statement that the income would be entering the country legally. 

    I did get my Ficha de canje, and uploaded it together with my FBI clearance. I did not make any payment for the appointment with Interpol and they did not request any receipt. 

    My income is through the VA and I had some confusion about the actual requirements for proof of income because it is now difficult to get an actual signed letter. I made my appointment with the regional office for a proof of income letter. When I spoke to the guy that wrote it for me, I made sure that he put "income for life" in plain language in the letter. It wasn't signed manually but they notarized it on the spot. I was hesitant because the letter didn't have an official signature, but there was no issue for me. I am assuming that something similar could be done for the folks on Social Security. This was all done at the end of December, 2024 and it took two weeks for the whole process once I submitted my paperwork.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 04/07/2025
      @Billie
      Hello Billie,

      thank you so much for your nice words. It's always great to hear that the information I provide here on LimaEasy is helpful. Applying for a residence visa in Peru is in most cases a simple and straightforward process, at least if you know the requirements, how the system works and what MIgraciones puts emphasis on. Usually, there is no need for an immigration lawyer or tramitador. Anyway, I'm happy I could guide you a bit through the process so you could do everything on your own. Congrats!

      Regarding citizenship: as of today (things might change in a year or two or not) there are three ways to apply for the Peruvian nationality after having lived in Peru as a legal resident for at least two years: 1) by being married to a Peruvian, 2) by having the Spanish nationality or 3) by "naturalización". 1) and 2) don't apply to neither you nor your son. So, after two years of legal residency in Peru you can apply for la nacionalidad peruana por naturalización. 

      One of the requirements is that you must be of legal age (18+). So, before your son isn't 18 years he cannot apply for the Peruvian nationality. Another one is that you must prove an income of 10 UITs, which in 2025 equal S/ 53.500. There might be an exception for proving the income for foreign family members dependent on a Peruvian; so, when you have your Peruvian nationality you should check with Migraciones directly. 

      Assuming that you applied for a family visa based on being the child of a resident for your son, after three years of legal residency your son could apply for a visa residente permanente. No more extensions of the residence visa and while not the Peruvian nationality at least an indefinite resident permit. 

      And thank you so much for sharing your experience. Especially how you successfully handled the notarization of your proof of pension income surely is helpful to others as well. So, I will add this in the article above.

      I really hope, everything works out smoothly for your son as well.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Rod
    Rod · 28/06/2025
    I have my Carnet de Extranjeria but when I went through the process some months ago with Interpol/Peruvian police in Arequipa they indicated that once the FBI has verified my criminal history (or lack thereof) I need to bring that document back to them. Do you think that it needs apostilled and translated? The apostille is an issue because I am in Peru. Translation is however not an issue. 
    Your advice would be appreciated.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 28/06/2025
      @Rod
      Hello Rod,

      I never heard before that you have to bring the additional FBI check to Interpol once you received it. Are you sure you understood correctly? If so, I'm not sure what's going on at the Interpol office in Arequipa but they seem to invent additional requirements on the go. 

      Honestly, this additional FBI check incl. the money order for it is outdated anyway as for years now you have to present a criminal record check when applying for the visa. So, it's just ridiculous. Therefore many other Interpol offices now don't require the money order for the additional FBI check anymore, but ask if you already have the criminal record check with Apostille and translation and if so, no need for the money order and another FBI check.

      Anyway, to answer your question: I don't know as this never was and isn't a thing to do. Often - thanks to the Peruvian postal service - this additional check never reaches the recipient or arrives months later. And getting an Apostille on it is a headache as it must be send back to the US for the Apostille and then back to Peru.  

      Personally, I wouldn't do anything: you got your Ficha de Canje and your visa/carné. So, I don't see any reason to go back to Interpol. The envelope with your FBI check could be lost in the mail. If you are not comfortable with this, you could check with Interpol (if they really ask for this document, you could offer them a copy of the criminal record check that you used for your visa application to avoid additional delays and expenses).

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jen
    Jen · 22/06/2025
    I have a question about the extra $500 per month requirement for dependents. I am confused about who is included on the application. I have one dependent, but he is already a Peruvian citizen and doesn't need a visa to stay in Peru. However, he would show up under my nuclear family and who I came to Peru with on the register data page. I do have the extra income to provide for him, but I didn't have his Social Security letter translated because I didn't think I needed it (and to save money). Should I get it translated before my tourist visa expires? His name on his Social Security letter isn't written exactly like his Peruvian passport or his USA passport, either, (they put his middle initial and no 2nd last name), so I hope it doesn't create problems. However, my name as written in my passport is at the top as his caregiver, and the requirement (if it applies) should only be that I show access to $500, and it shouldn't have to have his name at all, right? So far, I just had translated my own Social Security letter and the FBI letter and am ready to apply for the rentista visa. I don't have a lot of time left before my tourist visa expires.

    Thank you so much for all your help.

    Oops. I just checked, and they left out my middle name on my son's SSA letter. I don't know why they shortened our names. I can't change it, so I hope I am not going to have problems. It does show the same address as the other letter and his date of birth to prove it is me and him.

    If he was not already Peruvian, what is the process to "include" him in the application for residency? That is why I didn't think I needed to worry about the extra $500 because he doesn't need a visa, but now I am worrying after seeing the register data page.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/06/2025
      @Jen Hello Jen,

      Honestly, that’s tricky and I don’t know how Migraciones will evaluate the dependent on your social security letter.

      Your son is Peruvian, he entered Peru as a Peruvian and doesn’t need a visa. So, don’t make things more complicated than they already are by “including” him in a visa process, which he doesn't need.

      But he is on your benefits verification letter as a dependent and therefore Migraciones might (or not) want to see proof from you (!), not from your son, of an additional US$ 500. So, if your letter (not yours + your son’s) shows US$ 1500 or more you are fine. Don’t overthink, upload your letter and you are good.

      If your letter shows less than US$ 1500 there could be a problem waiting for you. You have two options: just upload your social security letter, hope nobody cares and check your buzón electronico regularly. If Migraciones isn’t happy, they will send a notification, and you can react immediately. As they usually only give you 5 days to reply, you then must apply for an extension of the deadline, can get your son’s letter translated and upload it. If Migraciones accept your son’s “income” as yours is a different matter as you (!) must proof the income not your son. And that the names are not spelled correctly on your son’ s letters makes the whole thing even more unpredictable.

      Or go on the offensive, get your son’s letter translated and upload both as one PDF and hope Migraciones accept it as your income and overlooks the name discrepancies.

      Not knowing before that you (!) possibly can’t fulfill the income requirements for the rentista visa, I recommended it as it’s usually so easy to apply for. But if your letter shows less than US$ 1500 you could still forget about the rentista visa and apply for a family visa based on being the mother of a Peruvian. But before considering it and jumping out of the frying pan into the fire first check on the Agencia Digital in the main menu on the left if you can find under “cambio de calidad migratoria” and “residente familiar” the subpoint “para el caso de padres de peruano/a”. If yes, consider if it might be better to apply for the family visa (you will need the DNI of your son and, not sure, but I think as well his Peruvian birth certificate (you could check this on the second page of the visa application, where you have to upload all the documents); if it's needed and if he was registered at Reniec in Peru you can get it online in minutes). 

      If the subpoint  “para el caso de padres de peruano/a” isn't in the menu, don’t try to apply for the family visa and go for the rentista visa.

      I hope everything works out.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jen
      Jen · 22/06/2025
      @Sunflower To clarify, I get slightly more than $1,000 in my own full name from Social Security. I could meet the rentista visa on my own (without dependents). However, my son would be listed under my personal datos. He would be in my nucleo familiar. Also, he would show as arriving with me to Peru. Therefore, I am not sure if this means he is included on my application or not. I am not trying to include him because he doesn't need a visa. Is there a spot somewhere else in the application process where you list people that you want to include to get residency? (I haven't got that far yet.) Otherwise, I am afraid they would use my personal datos section. If they do count him as a dependent, then he has his own SSA letter with me listed as his caregiver which would meet that, except for the names being shortened with the omission of middle names.

      Going the family visa has its own can of worms. They never like that my name on his birth certificate and DNI never matches my passport because I didn't keep my maiden name when I married. Also my passport number on his birth certificate is not the same number as my current passport (but I have my old passport to prove it is me). It is a huge headache, but I followed your advice and got a notarized, apostilled affidavit that explains I am one and the same person before and after marriage with my name changes, etc. I just haven't had it translated because of the cost. I only translated what I knew I would need. I don't have a current copy of his birth certificate, though. I might run out of time before I could get one, so I would probably go for the rentista visa and if they don't accept it, could I appeal and then ask for a family visa? I thought the family visa would be riskier than the rentista because he is a minor and didn't live in Peru before we came (although his DNI has a Peru address).

      TLTR: My big question is how does migraciones know who is counted on the rentista visa? Is there a section to add dependents on the rentista part and not just personal datos? Because I do not want to include him, but I see no way out of that in my personal datos section--which by the way, I still haven't completed because I haven't been able to do it in 20 minutes. 

      Thank you so much for all your time to read this and respond, as well as all the helpful info on your website. You help so many people, and I am grateful.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/06/2025
      @Jen
      Jen, I think we talk past each other.

      Your son can't be included in your visa application. It's not possible. First he is Peruvian and there is no need for a visa for him, second there is no option. And that he entered the country with you is irrelevant. 

      The problem is that he appears on you benefits verification letter as a dependent and is living with you in Peru. This officially (!) means that you (!!!) must proof US$ 1000 for you and US$ 500 for each dependent - officially no matter if the dependent needs a visa or not. So, if Migraciones only finds there US$ 1000, the person evaluating your application could (or not) deny it as you don't meet the income requirement for you and a dependent. You only meet your income requirements. 

      And as the second benefits verification letter shows your son as the beneficiary  it might not be accepted as your (!!!) income, even though you get the money. Your name must be on the letter as beneficiary. 

      I cannot tell you how the person evaluating your application interprets the regulations and your unusual circumstances. If you are lucky, nobody bothers that there is a dependent on your letter and that you can only proof the US$ 1000. But it is possible that a) your son is evaluated as a dependent, which b) could (!) mean you (!!!) - not you and your son; you alone on the letter issued in your name- must prove US$ 1500.

      As said before, you could just apply and hope for the best. If there are not happy, you could upload your son's letter and again hope for the best. If they are still not happy and there is no other option your application could be denied and you have to leave the country within 15 days.

      If you feel better, probably talk to Migraciones before your application (call 1800 or make an appointment on the Agencia Digital), explain your situation and hope that you have the pleasure of speaking to someone that is knowledgeable and can tell you if it makes sense to apply or not. 

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jen
      Jen · 23/06/2025
      @Sunflower OK, I am going to apply for the family visa as the parent of a Peruvian child. That subpoint is there. Do you think I will need a new Ficha de Canje? I put on the form I filled out at Interpol that I would be applying for the rentista visa, but the document I got from them is rather generic and only said something like I had no record. I really hope it isn't a problem. I have had a lot of problems in this process. I should just barely get my son's birth certificate back from the Ministry of Foreign Relations before my tourist visa expires. I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and not make some of the mistakes I have made in this process.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 24/06/2025
      @Jen
      Hello Jen,

      Great that you have the menu point on the Agencia Digital, so you shouldn't have problems with the application itself.

      The Ficha de Canje shouldn't be a problem. So don't worry about that.

      The old passport number on your son's birth certificate shouldn't be a problem either. If Migraciones make it a problem and send you a notification because of it, you can always prove that you are the same person with a copy of your old passport. So, I wouldn't worry about it.

      The different name can be a problem, but here you already were proactive and got a paper stating that you are the same person. This should be enough. You could make one PDF of the birth certificate and this document and upload it when you apply to avoid a notification from Migraciones. Or just upload the birth certificate and wait what happens. 

      If one day before your stay as a tourist expires you don't have your son's birth certificate, apply without it and upload a copy of the old birth certificate or if you don't have this a letter explaining that you are waiting for a copy from RREE instead. The old birth certificate / letter will be rejected and Migraciones will send you a notification requesting to upload a recent copy of your son's birth certificate. But, uploading the old one / letter allows you to continue and finish your application before your stay as a tourist expires. All explained in detail, for example, in our family visa article under Can I apply for a family visa if I don't have all the required documents?

      Once you submitted your application and have your numero de tramite your time as a tourist stops, and you don't have to worry about that anymore.

      The most important thing is that you check your Buzon electronico regularly to not miss any notification and any deadline. If you can't make a deadline, request an extension. 

      Unfortunately we can't turn back time, but you are doing exactly what is necessary to "survive" in Peru: one way isn't working, so you are taking another.

      From the bottom of my heart I wish you all the best and hope that everything works out. Expect another hurdle been thrown in your way, but don't give up.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeff Chauvet
    Jeff Chauvet · 10/06/2025
    Sunflower, I wish to thank you for all of the excellent information I have found here. For me it has been a long Journey. I have lived in Peru 5 of the past 7 years. Overstaying my Visa for nearly $2500 in overstaying fines. I am married to a Peruvian citizen. The Peruvian government was very gracious in accepting my fines , and allowing me to return in as little as 45 days. For those attempting to obtain a resident visa in Peru. Come with your apostillized documents in hand. It will take as much as a week to get them translated. Get your ficha de canje from your appointment with Interpol. Passport photo. Your statement that all of your money will come through the banking system. You will need a utility bill with your address on it. Pay the 161.40/soles fee. Scan all the documents separately. 3 mb max per page. Get yourself someone who is computer literate and speaks Spanish to help you fill out the application online. Now you are ready to apply. It is not possible to correctly navigate the website if you do not have strong Spanish speaking skills. The process is time consuming, and will cost you some money. If you come prepared it will cost much less. In Lima a lawyer will do it for you for $5000. If you use the tips I have given here from my own experience, you will save yourself time , aggravation, and a lot of money. By all means use the information on applying for residence visas found here on limaeasy. Good luck! 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/06/2025
      @Jeff Chauvet
      Hello Jeff,

      thank you so much for your nice words and tips for our readers.

      I hope everything works out for you.

      All the best

      Eva

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