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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 social security pension, government pension, employment related pension, union pension, disability pension, etc., so lifetime annuities, other lifelong benefits or a permanent income for the rest of their life from royalties or dividends of at least US$ 1000 per month or the equivalent in any other currency can apply for a permanent residency in Peru called Rentista visa.

Be aware that rental income, income generated from remote / freelance work, capital gains, interests, etc. are not considered permanent income. To fulfill the requirement you must prove that you receive at least US$ 1000 per month "indefinitely", so for the rest of your life.

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

Content overview

 

Legal background for a retirement visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a retirement visa

Officially, you can apply for a retirement visa if you are still outside Peru or if you are already in the country, for example, as a tourist.

However, while for decades Peruvian consulates abroad handled residence visa applications from giving information and handing out the right forms to fill in, to accepting the application and, if approved, issuing the residence visa, since August 2021, the Peruvian diplomatic missions abroad only handle tourist and business visa applications and refer foreigners, who want to apply for a residence visa, to Migraciones in Peru.

So, foreigners, who can enter the country visa-free (so, who don’t have to apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), should come to Peru as a tourist and then change their immigration status - make a so called Cambio de calidad migratoria (as opposed to a Solicitud de calidad migratoria if you apply from outside Peru) - at Migraciones.

Those foreigners, who cannot enter Peru visa-free (so, who must apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), officially must apply for residency from outside Peru; a complicated, lengthy, and sometimes frustrating process. We explain in detail how it’s done in our article “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 longer in Peru and to apply for a resident visa, the most important laws and regulations are the Decreto Legislativo 1350, the "old" Foreigner Law, the Decreto Legislativo 1582, the modification of the Foreigner Law, which both only stipulate general rules, as well as the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN from 2021 and the TUPA (last updated October 22, 2023). Helpful as well is to check out the Peruvian government website. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

While below, under "Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru" you find the necessary documents described in English, the official list of requirements (in Spanish) can be found, for example, in the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN on page 46 in article 92-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente”. As the TUPA is always the more current official document, which contains slight changes compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend to use it when looking for the most current official information about the requirements in Spanish. You find the information on page 184, which is page 187 of the PDF.

 

Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru

Below you find the requirements to apply for a retirement visa, accurately to make a so-called "Cambio de calidad migratoria" (change of immigration status) in Peru.

Please be aware that Migraciones has the right to request other and/or additional documents at any time.

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (1) + (2) + (3)
  • Letter / 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. (3) + (4)
  • Sworn statement stating that your pension enters Peru through the banking system (5)
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568; concept Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente, S/ 161.40 since October 22, 2023)
  • (Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months) (6)
  • "Recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name)

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

First of all, be aware that documents have an "expiration" date in Peru. If not stated otherwise:

  • 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.

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

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

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

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

(2) That's the official requirement. However, Migraciones always requests the criminal record check from your home country. And, if they are made aware of the fact that you lived in another country during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru, sometimes additionally a check from this country.

(3) All foreign documents need an Apostille or, if the country in which they were issued, didn't sign the Apostille Convention have to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad. Once in Peru, the document has to be translated into Spanish and in some cases legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

(4) Before (!!!) leaving your home country request the document from your pension fund or social security and get it apostilled if your country signed the Apostille Convention; otherwise, it has to be legalized by different authorities in your home country and the Peruvian consulate. The problem with both processes is that the letter needs an official signature to be apostilled or legalized. As most pension statements are generated automatically, they are usually not signed. So, it might be quite a mission in your home country to get it signed. US nationals, who get social security payments, can request a so-called "signed benefit verification letter for Apostille or authentication purposes" from the US Social Security Administration.

(5) With this sworn statement, you don't affirm that your pension payments are directly deposited into a Peruvian bank account, but that the money you need to live in Peru is "legally brought" into the country using official channels. So, you won't have any problem, for example, withdrawing funds from a foreign account using an ATM or having your pension deposited in an account in your home country and then transferring it to a Peruvian account (which you only get when you have your carné).

Furthermore, even though still on the requirement list, be aware that since the beginning of 2024, the corresponding field on the Agencia Digital, where you had to upload the sworn statement is gone. To avoid any problems or delays, best make one PDF of the letter from your pension fund and the sworn statement and upload it under the Documentos Especificos tab as explained below.

(6) In 2023, it was ruled that presenting the Ficha de canje from Interpol is an illegal and unnecessary bureaucratic barrier for retirment visa applicants. Even though the Ficha de canje is still listed as a requirement for a retirement visa application on the Peruvian government website and in the TUPA, 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. However, be aware that Migraciones always has the right to ask for additional documents and in some rare cases over the past months requested that an applicant uploads the Ficha additionally.

Applying for a retirement visa is a simple and straightforward process, but might be a little confusing here and there if you are not familiar with the process and the steps involved. Please see our step-by-step guide below, which should enable you to start and finish this little endeavor on your own, as general guidance only as requirements and processes change quickly. At least basic Spanish skills are required to fill in forms and understand instructions.

 

 Last steps before your retirement visa application in Peru

Hopefully, you brought the letter from your pension fund or social security as well as the criminal record check already apostilled or legalized - see requirements and (1), (2), (3) and (4) above.

Translation of foreign documents

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

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

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

If your documents aren't apostilled but legalized, they must be legalized again after the translation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or a RREE branch in the provinces.

Paying the application fee

Once you have all your documents documents together, pay the fee of S/ 161.40 for the Migraciones administrative procedure “Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” under code 07568 with concepto "Rentista residente". Our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru" explains in detail where and how you can pay.

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

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

Last preparations

And last but not least, download the sworn statement and fill it in. Please be aware: If you are in Peru as a tourist you can only legally sign a document in Peru after you were issued a Permit to sign contracts. You can apply for the permit on the Agencia Digital quickly and easily. Our article "Permit to sign contracts (Permiso especial para firmar contratos) in Peru" explains in detail how it's done.

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

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

Legal Stuff
If foreign visitors, who are in Peru as a tourist, or temporary visa holders who haven't applied for a CTM, need to sign a legally binding document...

So, first get the permit, then sign the sworn statement.

Then make PDFs from your passport (page with your personal data), and from all other required documents (max size per document 3MB).

Finally, the time has come to apply for your retirement visa. Be aware that in case you need to leave the country during the processing time of your retirement visa application you have to apply for a special travel permit (Permiso especial de viaje, officially as well called Autorización de estadía fuera del país) before you leave the country, otherwise your application is null and void.

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
Foreigners in Peru who applied for a visa - to be precise who applied for a change of their immigration status (cambio de calidad migratoria) or a ...

 

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

One remark before we start: The Agencia Digital, the online platform, where you have to submit your application, is in Spanish only. We highly recommend not to use a translation program which automatically translates the page from Spanish to your preferred language to avoid system errors. And to avoid further system errors, we highly recommend not to use a VPN and to switch off any ad blockers or an incognito mode you might use.

And even though we try to keep this guide as up-to-date as possible, due to constant changes to the Agencia Digital not everything might be exactly as described below. So, please see this guide as general guidance only. If you find mistakes or some changes to the process described below, you are more than welcome to share your experience below as a comment (visible to everyone after approval) or to use the e-mail button on the bottom of the page to send a private e-mail.

Migraciones Agencia Digital

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

On the next page, select "Extranjero". Then fill in the following fields:

  • Tipo de documento: choose in the drop-down menu the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport)
  • Numero de documento: enter your passport number
  • Fecha de nacimiento: enter your birthdate (click on the little calendar; to choose the year: click on the down arrow next to the date, then, if necessary, click on the less-than-sign and choose the year; afterwards select the month and the day).
  • Nacionalidad: select your nationality in the drop-down menu (be aware that the nationalities are in Spanish; so, you won't find United Stated or US and must select EE.UU; or you won't find UK and must choose Gran Bretaña (or Inglaterra or Escocia); or no Netherlands but Paises Bajos, no Germany but Alemania, etc.)
  • Ultimo movimiento migratorio de entrada: click on the calendar and choose the date you entered Peru
  • Codigo Captcha: just enter the captcha.

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

No matter which forms you fill out in Peru, always enter your personal data exactly (!!!) as in your passport!

Register your personal data in the Migraciones database

Before you start your visa application, you first should register your personal data in the Migraciones database.

In the menu on the left find the point “Actualizacion de Datos”. It’s usually quite at the bottom. Click on it and you should be re-directed to the Sistema de Actualizacion de Datos page.

Please note: Some of our readers commented that if they click on the “Actualizacion de Datos” menu point an error message pops up and they can’t get to the correct page to fill in their data. It seems that Migraciones once again is in the process of changing some procedures and forms. So, if you get the error message, just continue with your visa application as explained below.

If you are re-directed you should automatically be on the "Actualicación de Datos Extranjero" page.  Here fill in your nationality, select the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport), enter your passport number, and your birth date, select your sex and enter the captcha. Then you get to a quite extensive questionnaire.

Be aware that you only have 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire and once you started you must finish it within this time otherwise all your progress is gone and you have to start from scratch. The questions are quite unorganized and partly a bit strange, so to give you an idea what questions you have to answer and might need to prepare for here an overview:

In the first two categories, you have to fill in your personal data including full name (as in your passport!), document with which you entered Peru, document number, sex, marital status, country of birth, if you have a criminal, police or judicial record, if you are pregnant.

The third category asks for your address in Peru, your e-mail address, cell phone number and landline phone number. Here you as well should have to upload the "recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name).

Then you are asked for the information of an emergency contact, including ID, name and e-mail of your emergency contact. This is followed by questions about your employment situation and where you were born (continent, country, town).

In the next category, you have to enter your hair and eye color, height in meters, weight in kilograms, religion, marital status, date of marriage, vaccinations and if you have a disability or disease. You are then asked if you arrived in Peru alone or if someone was accompanying you. If so, enter the personal data (passport number, name, last name, birthdate) of that person. Now you are asked if you have lived in other countries previously and in which country before coming to Peru, when you last entered Peru, how you came to Peru (plane, bus, car).

The last questions check your living conditions (are you living in a house, number of rooms, accommodation connected to water, sewage, electricity, and internet), ask for some financial info (if you have a bank account in Peru; if you have taken out a loan in Peru; if you have a bank account in another country; if you hold shares in a company in Peru) and want to know if you have a car and a driver’s license in Peru or another country.

As soon as you have completed the last page of the questionnaire, the system accepts all your answers, and you are registered. Now, return to the main page of the Agencia Digital.

1st page of the retirement visa application

On the main page of the Agencia Digital you can either use the search field or find in the menu on the left under “Cambio de calidad migratoria” the point "Rentista Residente". Click on it and you get to the first page of the actual visa application.

Here, select the Migraciones branch or MAC center closest to you which should handle your application (for example, Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, …).

Click on Siguente.

2nd page of the retirement visa application

On this page you must fill in some data and/or upload all for the retirement visa application necessary documents as PDF (max size per document 3MB).

Those who just want to verify the requirements or double check if the requirements have changed can do so on this page. Then just click through the tabs but do not upload any documents and do not click on Siguente; once you finished just leave the page.

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

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

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

After entering the data, click on Validar.

Under the "Documento de identificación del administrado" tab, select the document with which you entered Peru (in most cases passport). 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.

Since the beginning of 2024, under the "Ficha de Canje Interpol" tab you only must upload your criminal record check you brought from home.

The “Exceso de permanencia” (excess stay) tab already has a green check in front of it, at least if you apply when your stay in Peru is still valid. Nothing to do here, just skip this point.

If you, however, apply when your stay as a tourist is expired, open the tab and you should be able to upload the payment receipt for your overstayed days and a sworn statement explaining the reasons for your overstay. Once these two documents are uploaded the check in front of the tab should turn green. Before counting on this option please read our chapter Can I apply for a retirement visa when my stay as a tourist is expired? below.

Under the last tab, the "Documentos Especificos" you must upload the letter from your pension fund. As the sworn statement is still on the official requirement list and had to be uploaded under this tab as well under a different point, which is gone since the beginning of 2024, I recommend to merge both documents and upload this as one PDF.

Once you filled in all required fields and uploaded all your documents, there should be a green check in front of each tab. Accept the terms and conditions and click on Siguiente.

3rd page of the retirement visa application

You then get to a page showing the fields of a document called Form PA - Cambio de Calidad Migratoria. If you are already registered the form is already filled in with your personal data. The only fields you can change are your cell phone number and your e-mail address. If you, however, haven't entered your personal data before, just fill in the required fields. Make sure you enter an e-mail address you have unrestricetd access to. If everything is correct, click on “Guardar datos y generar tramite” (Save data and generate procedure).

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

4th page of the retirement visa application

You now get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" and a number displayed on your screen.

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

Then click on the "Descargar" and/or "Imprimir" button to download and/or print the complete document. This "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" document is the confirmation of your successful application. Keep it safe!!!

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

If you later want to check the status of your application online, which can be done here or if you, for example, want to apply for a travel permit to leave the country while the approval of your application is still in process, you will need these numbers / codes.

Additionally, at the bottom of the first page you as well find your login data for the Migraciones electronic mailbox, called Buzon electronico (see below).

Please note:

A few of our readers commented that they couldn’t find the verification code and/or the login data for the electronic mailbox on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria page. So, before continuing check the Registro page carefully and look for the verification code and the login data. If they aren't there, once you make the appointment for the biometric data, you find a tab on your screen labeled "Cargo tramite". If you click on it, your verification code and your login data should be displayed. If you missed that as well, then once you made the appointment you can download the Formulario PA - Cambio de calidad migratoria under the Historial tramite menu point, which hopefully has the verification code and the login data printed on it.

If you still weren't successful or just misplaced/forgot your login details for the Buzon electronico, there is another easy option to recover at least the access to the Buzon electronico: Just enter the Agencia Digital and on the main page at the top click on the Buzon Electronico button or use this direct link. Then click on "¿Olvidaste la contraseña?" and you get to the "Verificacion de Datos" page. Here enter your nationality, passport, passport number, last name(s), first name(s) and your birthdate. After submitting your information by clicking on Siguiente, you get an e-mail with the "usario" and a link to reset or create a password.

 

Biometric data appointment

Following the confirmation of your visa application you are asked to make an appointment for having your biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) taken with a provided code. This code is your numero de expediente (numero de tramite).

As waiting times sometimes can be long, especially in Lima, we suggest following provided link and make the appointment immediately. If you want to make it at a later time, you can enter the Agencia Digital and make an appointment under "Citas en Linea", subpoint "para registro de datos biometricos".

So, just enter your numero de expediente (numero de tramite) and select a free date. If everything works smoothly, you have an appointment. Download and print your appointment confirmation (Constancia de cita electronica).

On the day of your biometric data appointment, be at the Migraciones office you selected when making the appointment 15 - 30 minutes before your appointment. You will only need your printed (!) appointment confirmation and your passport.

The process varies a bit depending on the office. At the Lima Migraciones office, for example, you get a ticket with a number on it. Then just join the line and wait until your number is shown on the screen. When it's your turn proceed to the counter where you have to sign on a signature pad, you are digitally fingerprinted and a biometric photo is taken.

Do not wear a white shirt or a top in light or pastel color! Migraciones might refuse to take your photo. Best wear a simple black shirt or something in a dark or strong color.

There were times when the process at the Migraciones office in Lima was quick and astonishingly well organized and you were done in less than half an hour. However, over the past few months some foreigners reported that their appointment time wasn't respected and they had to wait for anything between one and three hours until they made it to the counter where the process was quick and smooth. So, plan accordingly.

At the Migraciones offices in the provinces, the whole process is usually quick and painless.

After your biometric data appointment, all you can do is check your Buzon electronico regularly and wait until you get a notification from Migraciones either telling you that they aren't happy with a document you uploaded or that a document is missing or that your visa is approved.

 

Buzon Electronico

The Buzon Electronico is your personal Migraciones electronic mailbox, which you should check regularly for notifications from Migraciones (for example, request to upload missing or additional documents, approval or denial of your visa application, etc.).

You can access your Buzon by clicking on the "Buzon" button on the top of the main page of the Agencia Digital or by using this direct link. The username (usario) and password (contraseña) should be on the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria", the confirmation of your successful application (see above under 4th page, especially if you can't find your login data).

Be aware that notifications sent via the Buzon are considered "officially delivered". If you don't react to a deadline Migraciones usually gives in these notifications (in most cases only 5 days), your application can be dismissed. So, if you get a notification from Migraciones informing you that you haven’t uploaded a required document, that an uploaded document isn’t to their liking or they want an additional document, don’t waste any time.

If you have the document, make a PDF of it (max size 3MB) and upload it on the Agencia Digital. How this so-called Subsanación is done, is explained in our article “Subsanacion - Submitting documents”.

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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During the internal evaluation and approval process of any application on the Agencia Digital, Migraciones may discover that you haven’t uploaded a...

If you don’t have the document yet and won’t be able to submit it within the deadline, you still have to react and can apply for an extension of time to hand in the document later. The process is called “Solicitud de ampliación de plazos” and explained in our article "Extension of a Migraciones deadline".

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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During the internal evaluation and approval process of your visa application (Cambio de calidad migratoria) or of the application for the extension...

 

Approval of your retirement visa

Officially the processing time of residence visa applications is 30 business days. However, according to feedback we got from our readers, it usually takes around two to three months until you get a notification from Migraciones in your Buzon with the official resolution that your visa was approved.

Nevertheless, check your Buzon regularly as you might belong to the lucky ones that get their approval within three or four weeks after application. On the other hand, in case you haven't heard anything from Migraciones 4 months after your application, you should check with them what's going on.

Anyway, usually, after 2 or 3 months you find a notification in your Buzon electronico (the subjection line should be something like "Notificación tramite cambio de calidad") informing you about the approval of your visa.

Congrats, but we are not finished yet. You still need your carné, your official Peruvian ID.

This first notification states to wait for further instructions on how to pick up your carné. So, once again check your Buzon regularly and wait for a second notification from Migraciones (Notificación expedición del carné) informing you that your carné was issued.

Officially Migraciones has another 30 business days counted from the approval of the visa to send the expedición del carné notification. However, some of our readers shared that they had to wait only a couple of days, others three or four weeks, and a few even 2 months.

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

As soon as you got the official notification that your carné is ready, get going. 

Be aware that in some Migraciones offices you need an appointment to pick up your carné while at others, especially in the provinces, no appointment is needed and you can just show up any time, any day or at a specific day and/or time. Please check with the Migraciones office where you applied. 

If you need an appointment, then just enter the Agencia Digital. On the main page in the left menu under "Citas en linea", subpoint "para recojo de documentos" make an appointment to pick up your carné. Once again, download and print the confirmation and keep it safe.

Please note: Especially in Lima it can be a mission to get an appointment to pick up your carné. Your only option is to try again and again and again, tomorrow, the day after, a week later, ... You could also try to change the Migraciones office, where you want to pick up your carné, and see if there appointments are available.

If, for whatever reasons, you urgently need your carné number or something to prove that you have a carné, but can't get an appointment to pick it up, you can download a document on the Agencia Digital confirming that you have a valid carné despite not having the actual card in your hands yet. On the main page of the Agencia Digital in the left menu, click under "Constancias" on the point "Carné de extranjería". You get a page with the data that is printed on your carné. Below just confirm "Estos son los datos con los cuales se emitirá su constancia ...." by clicking on the little square and click Siguiente. Now, the "Constancia de Emisión de carné de Extranjería" is displayed on your screen.Just download it and, if necessary, print it and you have proof that you have a carné and are legally in the country.

Anyway, to pick up your carné you need your passport. If you have an appointment you as well must bring your printed (!!!) appointment confirmation. Best be at the Migraciones office 15-30 minutes before. Migraciones personal will point you in the right direction where you are handed your carné.

Congratulations! You made it!

To familiarize yourself with your carné we highly recommend to read our glossary article Carné de Extranjería - Peru’s ID Card for foreigners.

 

Things you should know living in Peru on a retirement visa

The retirement visa (so the residence permit) has an indefinite validity and does not have to be extended. However, be aware that the carné (so, the foreigner ID card) is usually only valid for four years and then has to be renewed. Our article "Renewal of the carné" explains how it's done.

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

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

Foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa have to be in the country at least 183 days per year, otherwise they lose their resident status. If you have to be outside the country for longer, before leaving apply for the Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 183 días, and won't lose your residence permit.

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

Your pension payments are exempted from taxation in Peru.

If any information provided when applying for your retirement visa changes, Migraciones must be informed about it within 30 days. So, if you get a new passport, change your name, move to a new address, etc. you have to apply for a so-called "Actualización de datos". Be aware that, in some cases, a new carné has to be issued after the application is approved. The process is explained in our article “Update your information in the Migraciones database”.

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Legal Stuff
If any of your information, which is printed on your carné or which is registered in the Migraciones database, changes, you must apply for a so-cal...

As you already have an unlimited residence permit, you can't change to the Peruvian "Permanente residente" visa.

And finally, if you, as a foreigner living in Peru on a retirement visa, are leaving Peru permanently, you have to cancel your residence visa. Once the application is approved, you have 15 days to exit the country.

 

Other FAQs

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

Officially, no. You have to be in Peru on a valid visa / stay, for example, as a tourist to apply for any temporary or residence visa, precisely to make the Cambio de calidad migratoria.

But during the visa application on the Migraciones online platform there is a tab labeled "Exceso de permanencia" (excess stay), which suggests that foreigners who overstayed their time as a tourist in Peru can still apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria and just have to upload a payment receipt for their overstayed days and a sworn statement explaining the reason for their overstay.

While in November 2022 Migraciones informed us in writing that this tab does not apply when you change your immigration status from tourist (!) to rentista, at the beginning of 2023 one of our readers reported that someone at Migraciones suggested this option. So, he could apply for his residence visa while being in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist. He uploaded the payment receipt for his overstay fine and a brief explanation why he couldn't apply on time (criminal record check took many months), could finish his application and a couple of months later, Migraciones approved his visa.

Hearing this, we tried to find out more. A few other foreigners in the same situation confirmed that someone at Migraciones they spoke to suggested this option, but our search for any official confirmation in writing that you can apply for a residence visa while being in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist was in vain.

As Migraciones doesn't have an e-mail address anymore where they answer such questions in writing, we called and first were told "No, you have to be in the country on a valid stay". Then when we asked the lady we were talking to more detailed questions, she seemingly quickly spoke to someone else, and then suddenly said "Yes, it is possible.", but she couldn't give us any further details. The whole call didn't really inspire confidence.

So, at the moment (September 2024) officially you still have to be in the country on a valid stay to apply and therefore we can't guarantee that it's possible to change your immigration status from tourist to rentista if you are in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist.

We always recommend to not overstay and, in case you plan to apply for a residence visa but don't have all required documents yet, instead of overstaying suggest applying for your visa before your stay as a tourist expires using a little trick. We explain how it's done below.

If for whatever reason you can't apply while your stay as a tourist is valid, it might be worth personally checking with Migraciones if you can apply despite being in the country on an expired stay before you leave the country and try to return to "renew" your stay as a tourist.

If you have any current information about this topic or would like to share your experience, please let us know either using the comment function at the end of this very long article or our contact form. Thank you!

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

Officially, no, you can't as on the Agencia Digital, the Migraciones online platform where you have to apply, the fields to upload the required documents are mandatory and you can't continue with and finish your application without having uploaded all documents.

But, even though we can't and won't recommend it, if your stay as a tourist is about to expire and you must apply until a certain date, depending on the document that you don't have yet, there might be a possibility to "cheat" the system. However, you should have a solid plan to get the document as required, because the time to present it is limited. And here, how it's done.

Follow the instructions of our Step-by-step guide to apply for a retirement visa in Peru until you are on the 2nd page of the retirement visa application. Here you must fill in some data and/or upload all for the retirement visa application necessary documents as PDF.

If you don't have, for example, your criminal record check: Under the Interpol tab, you must upload your "Antecedentes" document, so the criminal record check. The field is mandatory, and you cannot continue with and finish the application without having uploaded the document. As you must upload something there, you could write a short letter explaining that you are waiting for your criminal record check from your home country and uploaded this letter instead of his background check. So, upload a "document" there that makes sense.

Or if you have the document, but not yet the Apostille or translation, you could upload the document as it is.

Then continue to upload all other required documents and finish the application process as described in our Step-by-step guide above.

On the 4th page of your retirement visa application you get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" with the "numero de expediente" (your file number), the "fecha de publicacion" (application date) and a "codigo de verificacion" (verification code) displayed on your screen. That's the confirmation of your successful application. You made it. As soon you have this confirmation, your time as a tourist stops and even if your stay as a tourist expires during the processing time of your visa application you won't have any problem.

Now, depending how quickly Migraciones reviews your application and documents, the following happens:

As you haven't uploaded all required documents or not in the form Migraciones requires, Migraciones will send you a notification (can be as quick as a few days after your application or a month, two or three later) requesting that you upload the document. Be aware that these notifications, which are send through the Buzon electronico, are considered officially delivered. Usually, Migraciones only gives you a short deadline of 5 days to upload the requested document. You must react to the notification, even if it's on the last day of the deadline they gave you (which might be wise to do if you still need more time), otherwise your application could be dismissed.

If you have the document in the correct form when you receive the notification, just upload it. How it's done is explained in our article “Subsanacion - Submitting documents”.

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Legal Stuff
During the internal evaluation and approval process of any application on the Agencia Digital, Migraciones may discover that you haven’t uploaded a...

If you still don't have the document at the end of the deadline Migraciones gave you, then you can apply for an extension of the deadline (max. 30 days). The process is called Ampliacion de plazos and explained in our article “Extensions of a Migraciones deadline”.

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Legal Stuff
During the internal evaluation and approval process of your visa application (Cambio de calidad migratoria) or of the application for the extension...

In case you have the document ready before you hear from Migraciones you can upload it immediately on the Agencia Digital under Subsanacion. But we were told by others, who went through the process that they still got a notification later to upload the document again. So, best just wait until you get the official notification.

If you decide to go that route, check your Buzon regularly and, if necessary, react to any notification! And, while this "cheating" worked for many others, things might change and Migraciones could dismiss your application (which you could appeal). Anyway, be aware that it will definitely delay the approval of your visa by weeks or even months.

 

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

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

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    David Herron
    David Herron · 21/10/2023
    A friend in AQP sent me this link, the contents of which look unbelievably simple compared to your recitation of the protocol and requirements, He tells me it is simple and easy online, I can't believe a multitude of issues wouldn't come up, https://www.gob.pe/12875-solicitar-calidad-migratoria-para-rentista-residente   What do you think? D Martin
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/10/2023
      @David Herron Hello David,

      The link of the government page your friend sent you is for a “Solicitud de calidad migratoria para rentista residente”, so the application of a resident retirement immigration status. This procedure is mostly only done by foreigners you cannot travel to Peru visa-free and therefore must apply while still being outside the country. Even though generally simple, it’s a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process.

      Foreign nationals who can travel to Peru visa-free, usually come to Peru as a tourist and then apply in Peru for a “Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente”. Here the correct link to the corresponding page on the government website, when you want to apply in Peru for your retirement visa.

      And yes, applying for a retirement visa in Peru is an easy and straightforward process. Why it sounds “unbelievably simple” on the government website compared to LimaEasy? That’s easy to answer.

      On the government website you only find the mere requirements, which are the same as on LimaEasy, and two paragraphs on how to apply (pay, apply online and regularly check you Buzon electronico). Nothing more, no further explanation, no hint what to look out for or pay close attention to.

      Actually, it is as simple as this, however, there are lots of other little things foreigners aren't aware of but must know from starting the endeavor to successfully finishing it on their own that the government website won’t mention.

      On LimaEasy you find the exact requirements including, where necessary, an explanation on how to get foreign documents prepared (for example, criminal record check and letter from pension fund from your home country with Apostille). You as well find detailed instructions about what you have to do in Peru before you can apply for your retirement visa (for example, translation of foreign documents, how to get the Ficha de Canje from Interpol, how to pay the application fee), which aren't mentioned on the government website.

      Furthermore, the whole application process on the online platform, which is one sentence on the government website, is explained in every little detail in a several pages long step-by-step guide, so nothing can go wrong and you know exactly what to expect and where to fill in or upload what.

      You as well get a detailed explanation about the biometric data appointment, the Buzon electronico and the pick-up of your carné; that isn’t even mentioned on the government website, but a part of getting your retirement visa and carné.

      And additionally, in case something goes wrong, you already find the solution to the most common problems in our article as well.

      Finally, you as well get information what to watch out for when you live in Peru on a retirement visa. To get this information you usually have to specifically ask for it at Migraciones; nothing about this on the government website.

      Overall, yes, the process on the government website sounds “unbelievably simple”, but it leaves out all the smaller and larger hurdles and uncertainties foreigners have to conquer until they have the carné in their hands.

      So, if you follow the simple "instructions" on the government website, prepare for some surprises and a steep learning curve. If you follow above guidelines you will know exactly what to do when, have no or just a few surprises on the way and will definitely reach the goal of becoming a rentista residente in Peru much quicker.

      So, wishing you all the best

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      David Herron
      David Herron · 22/10/2023
      @Sunflower Thanks for taking the time and trouble as it avoids misconceptions and making mistakes.  When I googled 'social security apostille', it returned hits that indicated one has to call SS and ask for an official signature on the benefits letter, i.e., "signed by the acting commissioner" I assume, when then goes to DC again for apostille. Thanks again
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/10/2023
      @David Herron
      Hello David,

      yes, as explained above in the explanatory notes of the requirements (see ****), US Americans, who receive Social Security payments first must get a signed (!) benefit verification letter for Apostille or authentication purposes from the US Social Security Administration.

      I’m not 100% familiar with all the bureaucratic steps involved in the US, but was told by US Americans two different options to get the Apostille on Social Security benefit verification letters:

      1. Being a federal document, it first must be notarized and then sent to the US Department of State, Office of Authentications in DC for the Apostille.

      2. Even though being a federal document, the Social Security letter is an exception, and you must/can get it notarized and then apostilled on state level, so by the Secretary of State in the state where you live.

      I don’t know which of the two options is correct; might depend on the state. I was told by other US Americans who did it that both ways can be successful. The important thing is that you get the Social Security letter apostilled.

      So, personally I would first get in contact with the Secretary of State and ask if they can put an Apostille on your Social Security letter. If yes, great, the process might be easier and quicker. If not, then no way around sending it off to DC. Last I heard waiting times to get the apostilled document back from the Department of State are anything between 2 and 3 months at the moment.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Patrice
    Patrice · 19/10/2023
    Hello, for French people who originally did not plan to apply for a rentista visa, therefore no apostilles. The conformal certification of the documents to be provided by the French embassy in Lima is the equivalent.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 19/10/2023
      @Patrice
      Hello Patrice,

      Consider yourself lucky that Migraciones accepted a "conformal certification" from the French embassy. Congrats.

      Unfortunately, the law clearly states that foreign documents need an Apostille; and no an Apostille is not equivalent to a consular certification. 

      So, to everyone best get the documents as requested by Migraciones to avoid any problems or delays.

      All the best to you Patrice

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Theo
    Theo · 12/07/2023
    Hello. I'm a software engineer working as a full time employee for a company in the U.S. and a U.S. citizen. I travel to Peru a lot and work remotely on the tourist visa but I wanted to know if I too would be elegible for this visa?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 12/07/2023
      @Theo
      Hello Theo,

      you need to receive a state or private pension or a permanent (!!!) income for the rest of your life from royalties or dividends to apply for a retirement visa in Peru. Income generated by work is not considered permanent income.

      So, no, if you can't present proof of either a pension or other permanent income, you aren't eligible for a retirement visa.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Theo
      Theo · 12/07/2023
      @Sunflower Hi Eva. Thanks for the response. I see. Would you happen to know as an American if I can rent an apartment in Lima with just a tourist visa and my passport or do I need also a stamp to sign contracts? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 12/07/2023
      @Theo
      If you want to sign a rental contract in front of a notary, which is recommended for long-term rentals, then you need the permit to sign contracts before you can legally sign your rental contract.

      But as a tourist you only can stay 90 days and finding a normal rental property only for these 3 months is difficult. Your best chance for this short period is renting from AirBnB or from someone private who you can trust.

      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Theo
      Theo · 12/07/2023
      @Sunflower Thank you. I have family here who I was thinking of renting through so not sure if that would facilitate the process at all or I'd have to jump through fewer hoops. 

      I was under the impression I could stay up to 183 days not 90? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/07/2023
      @Theo
      Hello Theo,

      If you rent from a family member, I'm sure no official contract is necessary and therefore you won't need the permit to sign contracts.

      Regarding the number of days you are allowed to stay in Peru as a tourist:

      According to Decreto Legislativo 1350 (Peru’s foreigner law) in general foreigners can stay a max (!!!) of 183 days per year in Peru as a tourist. A publication of the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, "limits" these general 183 days per year or better divides them. There you find that most nationalities who can travel to Peru visa-free are welcome as a tourist for up to (!!!) 90 days in a 180-day period; which in the end is the same as 183 days in a year.

      You find more info about this confusing topic in our Tourist visa article under How long can I stay in Peru as a tourist.

      Additionally, you should be aware that it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer how many days he is willing to give you. While practice has shown that in most cases the immigration officer just gives visitors 90 days, he/she might as well only allow you 30 or 60 days. So, be aware that you are not entitled to get the full 90 days per half year or the full 183 days per year.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Pat
    Pat · 06/07/2023
    Good morning, do you think that after 10 weeks since my application for a rentista visa if a document was not compliant immigration would have reported it to me or we have to wait for the final answer? kind regards
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 06/07/2023
      @Pat
      Hello Pat,

      no, only when you get a notification from Migraciones  that your application for the "cambio de calidad migratoria con expediente no. xxx ha sido aprobado", so your visa was approved, you can be sure that Migraciones is happy with all submitted documents. Before that, no matter how long ago you applied, you can get informed at any time that document x isn't to their liking.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill Staggs
    Bill Staggs · 03/07/2023
    Eva I just wanted to thank you for all your help in working toward my rentista visa. It was approved June 16. I delivered my passport to the consulate in San Francisco on June 30. And I picked it up July 7. Hooray!

    I am guessing that at pickup time I will get info on how to proceed. The carné process seems pretty clear. But I’m clueless about what happens regarding opening a bank account, moving, etc. hoping there’s a packet or a solid link. 

    Thanks again. For all. Bill

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/07/2023
      @Bill Staggs
      Hello Bill,

      that's great news. Congrats!

      When I remember correctly, once your visa was issued at the consulate you have half a year to enter Peru (best confirm this with the consulate). Then make sure to enter Peru as a rentista, not as a tourist.

      When you are finally in Peru, you must
      - get your Interpol clearance, which is explained in detailed in our Interpol - Ficha de Canje article
      - have your biometrical data taken, for which you need an appointment (enter the Agencia Digital and choose in the left menu under "Citas en Linea" the subpoint "para registro de datos biometricos"
      - apply for / get your carné de extranjería; honestly I'm not 100% sure, how it works as you haven't applied in Peru and might first have to register your data in the Migraciones database. But I'm sure the consulate or Migraciones in Peru can help with the exact process.

      Have a good move to Peru

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Deano
    Deano · 26/06/2023
    Hello Eva, Like to echo the previous comment that this website is quite amazing...I havent seen anything like it so congrats ! The process for a rentista visa seems rather complex (understandably) and i wonder if you have referals of agencies in Lima who can help with this complex process? thanks  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 26/06/2023
      @Deano Hello Deano,

      Thank you so much for your praise. You made my evening.

      The reason the retirement visa page, all other visa pages and lots of pages in our legal stuff section are so detailed is that foreigners who aren’t familiar with Peruvian processes can apply for their visa or other stuff on their own and don’t need an immigration lawyer, consultant, or a so-called tramitador.

      Since Migraciones simplified and digitalized the whole visa application process a few years back in most cases (there are a few exceptions) you really do not need a lawyer or help from anyone. Just follow the steps as described above one by one (yes, I know, it seems overwhelming and complicated at first) and you can handle everything on your own while at the same time getting to know lots about Peruvians and Peruvian authorities and save lots of money.

      The most important thing when you apply for any visa is to come to Peru prepared and with the required documents already apostilled; in case for the retirement visa, you only need your criminal background check and the letter of your pension fund from your home country; both with Apostille. No immigration lawyer in Peru can help you with this.

      The next step is the translation, which you can easily get done on your own and the Interpol appointment (the lawyer could apply for the appointment online for you) and the Interpol visit (you must go there alone anyway). Next step is the payment; a really easy step which you should learn anyway, if you are staying longer in Peru. And last but not least the visa application as described above in detail. Here, a lawyer could help of course, but the system is not that difficult to navigate.

      Anyway, finding a trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, honest, and affordable immigration lawyer or tramitador that cares in Peru is like hitting the jackpot. And even if you find one, he/she might do a great job today, but the quality, reliability and price structure might change in the future. That’s the reason I cannot recommend anyone to my readers in all conscience and without worry.

      Sorry.

      Be aware that immigration lawyers or legal consultants or tramitadores charge anything between US$500 up to US$1400 or even higher for a simple visa application. If you hire someone, be aware that he/she might make promises that he/she can’t keep as Migraciones has its very own understanding of time and rules and additionally worked very hard over the past years to keep bribery and corruption in check. So, keep track of what he/she is doing and inform yourself independently about the processes.

      And, if you have questions, I’m more than happy to answer them.

      Wishing you all the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Graham B. Tredray
    Graham B. Tredray · 21/06/2023
    Hi Eva,
    Your site is extremely informative, thanks.
    I have had a business in Peru since 1919, it is in good standing. I am 80y.o, and incapacitated, would that affect my application for a retirement visa?
    Thanks and regards,
    Graham
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 21/06/2023
      @Graham B. Tredray
      Hello Graham,

      it' always good to hear that LimaEasy is helpful and informative. Thank you.

      Neither your age nor you being incapacitated will affect your application for a retirement visa in any way.

      But, you having a business in Peru might cause problems. When you live in the country on a retirement visa you are not allowed to work or earn any money in Peru.

      I don't know how your business is run and how you handle your profits as well as your tax and other obligations at the moment and surely aren't the best person to give advice in this area. So, I highly recommend to clear this up or try to find another solution (either by making changes to your business or by considering another visa type) with an immigration lawyer / notary / accountant in Peru.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill Staggs
    Bill Staggs · 06/06/2023
    Hello. I hope this is the right place for a comment / question.

    I am in process for a rentista. Submitted 20 March 2023
    I just got an email from Migraciones with instructions to fill out the formulario again. This time just asking for the country and city of my consulado. It’s San Francisco.

    I filled it out. Trying to send through the agencia virtual. But it’s asking me for an “expediente” and nothing i put in works. Maybe I should have put in Nuevo Tranite instead os sustancion? I only have five day to submit so hope to hear from you. Thanks

    Bill Staggs
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 06/06/2023
      @Bill Staggs Hello Bill,

      I have moved your comment from my personal page here on LimaEasy to the retirement visa article, where it fits better.

      Honestly, your comment left me confused and made me re-read our e-mail exchange from April, which didn’t clarify anything for me. But there are some points in your e-mails that didn’t seem important at the time, however, now raised some questions.

      Are you in Peru? And did you apply for a rentista visa, so did you apply for a “Cambio de calidad migratoria a rentista” on the Agencia Digital while being in Peru? The notification you got from Migraciones was it sent to your Buzon electronico?

      Or did you apply for a “Solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista”? The message you got from Migraciones was it sent to your e-mail address,?

      The answer to these questions might be the key to your problem.

      When we “talked” in April, I assumed you are in Peru and applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria a rentista. I assumed that your statements “I took a trip to Lima in February” and “Moving to Lima later this year” meant that you probably live somewhere outside Lima or in the provinces. But if you are in Peru and if you applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria, you shouldn’t have gotten an e-mail from Migraciones, as you wrote, but you should have gotten a notification in your Buzon electronico. Additionally, if you applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria I wonder why and which formulario Migraciones is asking you to fill in again and submit and especially why you have to fill in a country and consulate.

      Migraciones only needs the country and consulate, if you applied for a Solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista, which is the correct way of applying when you are outside Peru, can’t travel to Peru visa-free and must apply for a visa before being allowed to enter the country and want to / must pick up your visa at a Peruvian consulate. This doesn’t make any sense as you mentioned in one of your e-mails that a “patient young woman at the crazy center” in Lima helped you with your application. So, you were in peru when you applied, should have applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria and then shouldn't have to pick up your visa at a consulate, but get it including your carné at Migraciones in Peru.

      Anyway, if you applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria you find the Numero de expediente at the top right on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria (the confirmation of your application) under the bar code. In case Migraciones asks you to submit additional documents you enter the Agencia Digital and select “Subsanacion” in the left menu on the main page. Then you are asked to enter your Numero de tramite (which is the numero de expediente) and the Fecha de tramite (the date of your application). After clicking on Buscar you get a list of documents Migraciones might have asked to upload or an "Otros" option. Just click on the one that applies (in your case it’s “Otros”) and upload the document. Accept the terms and conditions and click on Subsanar. That’s it.

      If you applied for a Solicitud de calidad migratoria the whole application process is different. When the application is submitted you get a number confirming the application but not a Numero de expediente, which the system accepts, so a number which consists of 2 letters (usually the abbreviation for the Migraciones office in Lima LM and 9 numbers) immediately. Your application first has to be assigned to a Migraciones agent who evaluates your application, sends you the correct Numero de expediente by e-mail and, if applicable, a message if he/she wants additional documents. For a few months now, you should be able to use the Subsanacion button in the main menu of the Agencia Digital as well. The Subsanacion option of the Mesa de Partes is now reserved for special submissions only.

      If you can’t make it work, best get in contact with Migraciones immediately using the video conference option on the Agencia Digital.

      But for me the big questions remain: where are you and did you apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria or a Solicitud calidad migratoria?

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Bill Staggs
      Bill Staggs · 06/06/2023
      @Sunflower Hello Eva, and thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge, and for having the patience to explain this complex universe. 

      Apologies for the confusing message. I was very frustrated by the inability to send in Mesa de Partes the document that migraciones requested in an email to me yesterday Monday 5 June. 

      Let me give you a bullet point recap. 

      I submitted a Soicitud from here in San Francisco.  On 20 March 2023. I received that same day a numero de registro

      Nothing happened for weeks. Last week I did a video visit with my poor Spanish and was told I’d receive an email within a week. That’s what I got yesterday. 

      Attached to the email was a request to fill out agai. The formulario PA - this time with the addition of the request for the city and state of my closest consulado - San Francisco. There was no expediente so I did a video visit today and was given an expediente with two letters and 9 numbers.  Hooray. 

      Tomorrow I will - via Mesa de partes - submit the formulario with the consular info. 

      Whew. 

      After I submit I will do another video visit to confirm receipt of the document. I want to get everything in order for I not get things done within the prescribed 5 days. 

      Apologies too for the confusion about whether or not I was in Peru in February. I had gone there to pay the fee to banco de nacion and to get documents translated. I then went to migraciones thinking I could apply there for the rentista visa. And they told me I had to do it from afuera
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 07/06/2023
      @Bill Staggs
      Hello Bill,

      thank you so much for clearing that up. I was really worried that something went terribly wrong with your application. But it seems it didn´t, my assumptions were just wrong.

      Great that you now have the Numero de expediente with the two letters and 9 numbers. That's the number you need. When you use the Mesa de Partes to upload the required document, you have to select Subsanacion de tramites and Sub tipo Subsanacion de solicitud de calidad migratoria (see screenshot in the attachment).

      I wonder why Migraciones told you that you have to apply for your rentista visa from abroad. Which nationality do you have?

      Anyway, I happy that you have sorted everything out and wish you all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill
    Bill · 30/05/2023
    Hey LimaEasy team - love your site.

    Some hot off the press good news for Canadians - Canada has signed the Apostille Convention, and it will take effect January 11th, 2024.

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jonathan Kiehle
    Jonathan Kiehle · 04/05/2023
    Hi Eva,

    Thank you all of the great information on your site. I often recommend it as a resource.
     
    I was able to get my rentista  visa application submitted and had my Biometrics appointment at migraciones. After I had the biometrics taken I was given the form "CAMBIO DE CALIDAD MIGRATORIA MAYOR DE EDAD". It was filled out with the information I had provided in the application process. On the back it has the address for the Buzon Electronico as well as the username and password. On the bottom of the form it says that if the tramite is approved this form must be presented when picking up the carne de extranjeria. It is FORMULARIO; F004.

    I mention this as it may be useful for someone who lost or didn't acquire the Buzon information during the application process.

    My question is about the Buzon Electronico. The Buzon never seems to be available. I have tried the direct link you provided above, the address on the form I was given and by entering the migraciones website and clicking the envelope however the login page for the Buzon never loads. I have tried multiple browsers on my computer as well as from my phone with different browsers. Also have tried on different days at different times. 

    I this a common issue? Have others encountered this problem that you are aware of?

    Thank you for any insights!


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 05/05/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle
      Hello Jonathan,

      thank you so much for your nice words and for recommending LimaEasy.

      Honestly, it's the first time I hear that you are given the printout of the form F004 when you have your biometrics taken. That's great info for those you haven't downloaded or saved it during their application process. For many, many years you had to take the form together with all other original documents when you picked up your carné, but this changed a year or so ago and only your passport and appointment confirmation was needed. Not sure, if they changed it back. That's the reason, I always recommend to have a folder with all documents that you bring with you to any appointment you might have.

      And I just checked the link to the Buzon which is this URL https://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/sine-ui/login and the button on the Agencia Digital. Both loaded just fine. However, a few days ago a new law went into effect that people who didn't extend their residence visa on time, could apply for an amnesty (the fine for not extending your residence visa on time was S/49, 50 per day). So, thousands used the Agencia and checked on the Buzon for notifications. Probably, the system was overloaded. Best clear your cache and try again. Hope it works now.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jonathan Kiehle
      Jonathan Kiehle · 05/05/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle I think it was just loads of traffic as well. I was able connect to it as well when I tried it around midnight.

      Here is another couple of things perhaps of interest. I am doing all of this in Trujillo so don’t know if it differs from Lima.

      When I went to the Interpol office. They asked for a utilities receipt which I didn’t have and the Jurada regarding income. I explained that I didn’t have a utility bill because I was in an AirBnB and utilities are included. The AirBnB platform has an option which produces a receipt for visa purposes. They asked me to hand write a jurada explaining this situation. That statement was attached to the AirBnB receipt and was accepted as proof of where I am staying.

      There is a BCP bank about 4 blocks away that is familiar with the money order $30 usd total
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 05/05/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle
      Thanks for the additional info. It's really strange, over the past year I heard from some of readers that the Interpol offices in the provinces request many different documents that are not on the official requirement list. As you were about to apply for a retirement visa a simple copy of the letter from your pension fund should have done the trick. Anyway, I will add a little remark in our Interpol article so others are "warned" that other documents might be asked.

      And I'm always thankful to hear about banks that do the money order. Will add this as well.

      Thank you so much for sharing.

      Hope everything with your visa application works out fine.

      Have a nice weekend
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Deen
    Deen · 25/04/2023
    Hello Eva, 
    Great info you provide here and in some expat sites. I would like to get my Buzon Electronico login details including the usuario and contrasena.. was reading your info how to reset it but your details say after filling the 'VERIFICACIÓN DE DATOS' i would receive the 'usuario' and a link to reset the contrasena? my question is where would i receive the 'usuario' if i cannot access the Buzon Electronico presently? TIA
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/04/2023
      @Deen
      Hello Deen,

      thanks for your nice words.

      did you download / save the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria", so the confirmation of your application (see above under 4th page of your visa application)?

      If so, you find your login data for the Buzon at the bottom of the first page.

      If not or in case it doesn't work, just enter the Agencia Digital and click on the Buzon Electronico button. Then click on ¿Olvidaste la contraseña? and you get to the "Verificacion de Datos" page. Here enter your nationality, passport, passport number, last name(s), first name(s) and your birthdate.

      After submitting your information by clicking on Siguiente, you get an email (should be the one you entered when filling in your data update questionnaire) with the "usario" and a link to reset or create a password.

      The info is probably half a year old, so as things change quickly in Peru I hope, it still works this way.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill Staggs
    Bill Staggs · 25/04/2023
    Hello Eva,

    A couple of weeks ago you kindly replied to my email asking how I could register for the site. Simply stated, you said I can't. But you directed me here for my questions and comments. Thanks. Now here is my question in regard to my 20 March application for a rentista visa.

    Do I need an apostilled FBI history report? I sent immigration the apostilled California report form the California Department of Justice. Hmmm. I now have the FBI report -- dated yesterday 24 April 2023 -- and wanted to hear your thoughts before sending the document to be apostilled.

    I was able to speak with someone in immigration last Friday regarding the status of my application. The clerk confirmed that my application had been received but added that "that department" was overwhelmed with applications and that it would be at least before I get word from them on whether they needed more/

    Thanks for being such an incredible resource for those of us working through the bureaucratic maze in order to make our homes in amazing Peru.


    Regards,

    Bill Staggs
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/04/2023
      @Bill Staggs Hello again Bill,

      First of all, I moved your comment from my personal page on LimaEasy to our Retirement visa article, as the answer might be helpful and interesting for others who apply for their retirement visa.

      Additionally, even though you already applied for your visa, the article might be helpful for you as well as you not only find the answer to your question but as well how the process continues.

      With this being said, I doubt that Migraciones will accept your California report. The requirement for US nationals is an FBI Criminal Record Check / Identity History Summary. And yes, all foreign documents must have an Apostille (or if the country in which they were issued, didn't sign the Apostille Convention, which doesn’t apply to you as the US did sign, have to be legalized by a Peruvian consulate abroad) and must be translated in Peru otherwise Migraciones won’t accept them.

      Honestly, your chances that Migraciones accepts your California report are in my opinion extremely small to non-existent. So, you could wait and see if Migraciones is ok with your California report and approves your visa. But it’s a gamble.

      I think once they evaluated your application and checked all submitted documents Migraciones will send you a notification in the Buzon electronico requesting to upload the correct “Antecedentes” (FBI criminal record check), of course with Apostille and translation. Usually, they only give you 5 to 10 days to upload the document, so to meet the deadline and to not having to ask for an extension of it it might be wise to get the Apostille and translation done now, so when Migraciones asks for it you already have the document in correct form and can upload it immediately.

      All the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jonathan
    Jonathan · 22/04/2023
    I believe that I am ready to begin submitting my documentation, however, I have a couple questions.

    #1. I am living in an apartment in Huanchaco with a street mailing address and a postal code. However the utility bill does not have the mailing address on it. The utility bill has the physical description, In this case the street address is Los Robles 521, Apto 2a, Huanchaco, Trujillo 13000, Peru. The utility bill address describes the location physically MZ,05 LT. 07 LOS Robles, Huanchaco Urbaniz 20132023540

    Is this an issue?

    #2. Form PA has a section for REPRESENTANTE LEGAL. I am representing myself so do I leave this blank or fill it with my information?

    Thanks for your insights!

    Jonathan
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/04/2023
      @Jonathan
      Hello Jonathan,

      as described above you do not have to fill in the form PA - Cambio de Calidad Migratoria  manually anymore. It is filled in automatically by the system and displayed on the third page of the application once you uploaded all document.

      However, at the beginning of your application you must fill in a "data update questionnaire" where you are asked to enter your address. There next to the departmento, provincia, district you can (as far as I remember not an obligatory field) enter the Mz (manzana) / Lt (lote) address. As your recibo only has the Mz/Lt address you should fill in the fields as on your utility bill. Additionally, you can or must (I can't remember) as well enter the actual street address. Either only fill in the Mz/Lt address or both and you shouldn't have a problem.

      As you are applying on your own and are an adult (so no lawyer or, for example, parent applies for you), forget about the Representante legal field. It's not obligatory, just leave it blank.

      All the best for your application.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Pat
    Pat · 19/04/2023
    Good morning
    Kind regards 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 20/04/2023
      @Pat
      Hello Pat,

      can I help you?

      Have a great day
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Pat
      Pat · 20/04/2023
      @Sunflower Hello, I wanted to know what can be the reasons for refusal of the resident visa. Considering that the request has been perfectly fulfilled.thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 20/04/2023
      @Pat Hello Pat,

      The most common reasons Migraciones denies an application are that the applicant didn't fulfill the requirements for the residence visa (see above the requirements for the retirement visa) and/or presented a document not in the correct form (for example, foreign documents without an Apostille / legalization /translation) and/or didn't react to a notification within the deadline or has a criminal record.

      So, if your application for a residence visa was denied, something at least for Migraciones wasn't perfect and not to their liking. What it is, I don't know in your case. You should read the resolution of the rejection of your visa application carefully. Somewhere the reason should be mentioned. If not, it's always possible that someone made a mistake. You could call Migraciones to find out what's going on.

      Additionally, you can appeal the decision for which you have 15 business day. You must apply for a "Reconsideración de trámite". The correct form letter can be found on the government website. If you have a criminal record, you most probably won't have a chance, but if, for example, just a stamp was missing on one of your documents or there is no reason mentioned on the resolution of the rejection of your visa application and nobody could tell you the reason when you spoke to Migraciones you should appeal.

      You must submit the appeal on the Agencia Digital under Mesa de Partes. After clicking on Mesa de Partes select persona natural, enter your e-mail address and phone number and accept the terms & conditions.

      On the next page, select under Tipo de Solicitud "Solicitudes en General" and under Subtipo "Solicitud reconsideracion de cambio de calidad migratoria". Then choose the Migraciones office which handled your application and fill under Asunto something in like "Solicitud de recurso de reconsideración de cambio de calidad migratoria a rentista" (as you wrote your comment on the retirement visa page I assume you applied for a rentista visa).

      Then you can download the form letter using the red box. If this doesn't work, use the link above. Fill in the form using the file number from your denied application and explain your case in detail. Sign the document and make a PDF.

      Then back to the Mesa de Partes. Under Tipo de documento select Carta, No. de Folio 1 and upload the form letter. Next to the form letter, you can upload one additional document. So depending on the reason for the rejection of your application, you could add one other document (then No. de Folio must be 2). Click on registrar and that should be it. Migraciones then reviews your application again. Check your e-mail and the Buzon regularly to not miss a message from Migraciones.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Malcolm
    Malcolm · 17/04/2023
    Hello Eva, just wanted to say I have completed to visa process(rentista). I collected the carnet today in Lima. The queues were long today( Monday midday appointment) and first challenge is to get in the right queue, so advise going to head of queue and show your appointment and they will direct you. The other tip I can give during the process, is that the maximum size of scanned documents you need to upload is only 3Mb, which isn't really realistic e g. For a translated document and original...6 pages. So I used a utility called compress pdf (Adobe), and this got the size down under the 3Mb limit. Thanks you for your help over the months!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 17/04/2023
      @Malcolm
      Hello Malcolm,

      Congratulations! You made it.

      And thanks for sharing your experience.

      Enjoy your life in Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva

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