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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, have found work in Peru, or p...

 

Important laws and regulations

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

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

Helpful information can also be found on the official Peruvian government website. 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 a biometric appointment in Lima was quite a challenge, as foreign nationals could only register their biometric data at the Migraciones main office in Breña. To improve the situation, Migraciones allowed foreigners to complete this step as well at several MAC centers. As a result, it became much easier to secure an appointment within a reasonable time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to expect during your appointment

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

You will only need your

  • Passport, and
  • printed (!) appointment confirmation

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

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

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

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

Processing times at the Migraciones 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 your Buzon electronico regularly and wait for a notification from Migraciones. You may receive a message informing you that a document you uploaded is not accepted, that additional documents are required, or that your visa has been approved.

 

Buzon Electronico

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

You can access your Buzón

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 RAYNER
    ANTHONY RAYNER · 31/12/2022
    Thank you so much for that very detailed response 22/12/2022 to my first question regarding beginning applying for the Rentista visa in Los Angele, CA. 
  • This commment is unpublished.
    ANTHONY RAYNER
    ANTHONY RAYNER · 31/12/2022
    Hello,

    At the bottom of the Change of Immigration form a single fingerprint is requested.  Do I apply this fingerprint and if so, should it be a thumbprint or a specific finger? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/01/2023
      @ANTHONY RAYNER
      Hello Anthony,

      fill in the form and sign it and put the fingerprint of your right index finger in black (or blue) ink on it.

      Take the form with you when you pick up your carné.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Anthony
    Anthony · 22/12/2022
    Hello,

    I am waiting to hear back from the Peruvian consulate in Los Angeles CA. as to whether or not I can apply for a Rentista Visa at that office.  If that is not possible, I will be returning to Peru with 57 days left on my tourist visa. I will need to find an apartment (to have the info about my living condition as well as utility bill) and apply for the Visa.  In your opinion do I have enough time?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 23/12/2022
      @Anthony Hello Anthony,

      According to the website of the Peruvian consulate in Los Angeles they unfortunately only issue tourist and business visa. So, I think you will have to apply in Peru.

      Anyway, you already stayed in Peru recently, I assume 33 days? Be aware that when you left Peru the remaining days on your “authorization to enter and stay as a tourist” (as you as a US national can travel visa free to Peru you didn’t have and don’t get a real tourist visa) are automatically canceled. When you re-enter you get a new “authorization”. And it’s at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face how many days he/she allows you to stay. You don’t have a right to get the full 90 days in a 180-day period or the full 183 days per year,

      With this being said, if you haven’t stayed in Peru the full 183 days per year, then you might get another 90 days; or only the remaining 57 days you have left in your current 180-day period; or they could give you less.

      Assuming you get at least the 57 days, I think you shouldn’t have a problem to get everything done and ready to apply before your stay as a tourist expires. But things in Peru take time and delays are common. So, while being still back home prepare everything and get organized.

      For the retirement visa you need your FBI record check with Apostille and your letter from your pension fund with Apostille from back home.

      Once in Peru get both documents translated into Spanish (and I think overlegalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

      Tricky can be getting an appointment with Interpol in Peru at least if you are in Lima. So, this can take lots of time. But you could try to make the appointment already when you are still in the US (be aware that the page doesn’t seem to load if you aren’t in Peru; but you can use a VPN set in Peru and then it usually works). If this doesn’t work and once in Peru you can’t get the appointment on time, you either could book an appointment in the provinces where they are usually readily available, or you could apply without the Interpol check (let me know if you need this option and I explain how it’s done).

      Yes, you have to upload a receipt when you fill in the “Data update questionnaire”. But this receipt doesn’t have to be in your name. If you stay, for example, at an AirBnB just ask the owner for a water or electricity bill, or, if you are already connected in Peru, ask a friend or family member. No problem. If you later move to your permanent address, the only thing you have to do is inform Migraciones about your new address. Or you might even be able to find a place within a few days or a couple of weeks. Then you just have to ask the landlord for a current “recibo”. And the rest of the questions regarding your living conditions are for statistical purposes only. So, it doesn't really matter what you fill in there.

      Overall, yes, if you are organized and stay on the ball, you can easily be able to apply within 2 months; you might even make it in 30 days .

      Wishing you nice holidays

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    John
    John · 28/11/2022
    Hello, have you heard of any problems lately with the Agencia Digital website portal?  I tried to submit my papers last night online but it gave me an error message that the site was experiencing technical problems connecting to their servers.  When I re-tried to submit them later that evening, the 'Rentista Residente' category had completely vanished (both on the left side of the menu and when trying to perform a manual search).

    As of 11am on November 29, 2022 the category is still not appearing whatsoever on the website.  Can't be that Peru all of a sudden eliminated the rentista program altogether, has to be some sort of technical IT glitch, right?  Any suggestions on what to do now?  

    Submitting the papers online through the portal is the only current way Peru allows one to request the change of immigration status correct?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 28/11/2022
      @John Hello John,

      Sometimes the Agencia Digital has some technical issues and won’t load, doesn’t show the complete menu, etc.

      I haven’t heard that there are problems at the moment, but I just entered the Agencia and it won’t show me any option to make the “cambio de calidad migratoria” neither to rentista nor family nor any other resident visa. If I use the search function nothing comes up. So, it seems there is some sort of issue. And no, Peru didn’t eliminate the Rentista visa.

      Anyway, in case you use any translation programs, VPNs or ad blockers switch them off. These often cause system errors. Then clear your cache and browsing history and try again or try using another browser. This sometimes solves the problem. And best use the Agencia only during normal business hours; sometimes in the evening, at night or on weekends Peruvian government websites don’t work properly.

      And yes, the only way to submit your paperwork for the rentista visa application (and all other resident visa applications) is through the Agencia Digital. If by tomorrow the system still doesn’t show you the option Rentista under Cambio de calidad migratoria then you should contact Migraciones either using the Chat (at the bottom right on the Agencia Digital) or call 200-1000.

      All the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Malcolm
    Malcolm · 26/11/2022
    Thank you for your excellent advice. Can I ask about the rule, that you have to stay a minimum of 183 days a year in peru with a retirement visa. Is this a calendar year Jan 1st to Dec 31st? What happens if you have to exit for some family emergency? is there a way to obtain temporary exemption.
    Also when I last entered Peru, I struggled to get the full 90 days, I had to reel of a long list of tourism sites before they said I could have it but it was the last time this year? Not sure what she meant as I was exiting in Nov 22, so not much of the year left anyway.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 26/11/2022
      @Malcolm Hello Malcom,

      Yes, if you live in Peru on a retirement visa, you have to be in Peru for 183 days, so half year, in a year. And no, it’s not per calendar year, it’s counted from the day you receive your retirement visa.

      You can leave the country whenever you want. But if you stay outside Peru for longer than half a year in a year, you lose your residency. However, if you must leave Peru for emergencies or due to force majeure for more than half a year, you can apply for a special permit, the so-called “Permiso de estadía fuera del país por 183 días calendario”. For many years, you had to submit the application for this permit before (!) you left the country. But, according to the new TUPA (page 23), you now must apply before the 183 days you are allowed to stay outside Peru are over. If you are still in Peru, you can apply for the permit on the Agencia Digital. How it works if you are already outside the country is unclear.

      Over the past weeks, I heard from quite a number of frequent Peru travelers that immigrations at the airport is extremely strict counting (and sometimes miscalculating to the detriment of the foreigner) every single day stayed before in the country and only giving the absolute minimum. Anyway, the rules are quite clear. Most foreign nationals, who don’t have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Peru, can stay in the country as a tourist for up to (!) 90 days in a 180-day period (so up to 3 months in Peru and at least 3 months out of Peru) and a maximum of 183 days in a 365-day period (so half a year in a year). However, it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face how many days he/she is giving you.

      And here as well the 180-day period isn't per half year from January to June or July to December and the 365-day period isn’t from January to December, but calculated from your first entry.

      So, if you entered, for example, on March 1 and got 90 days, you must have left by May 30. Your 180-day period ends on August 28. So, you shouldn't re-enter Peru before that day. Then you entered again let's say on September 1, got 90 days and must leave by November 30. You now had the maximum allowed days as a tourist per year and shouldn't re-enter before March 1 the next year.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Malcolm
      Malcolm · 27/11/2022
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva, 
      Just one more related question if I may. While in Peru, our neighbour who holds a Polish passport was saying he is given 180 days rather than the maximum 90. He said there are rules for different countries, but I've never managed to find out where this list exists. The only reason I ask, is that I am from the UK, and have only been given 90 days maximum. However, the UK has just opened up visa free days to Peruvian nationals for up to 6 month stays in the UK, so was wondering if Peru now operate a reciprocate agreement to UK nationals?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 28/11/2022
      @Malcolm Hello Malcom,

      Yes, your neighbor is right, it depends on your nationality on how many days you can stay in Peru as a tourist. But, most nationalities, who can travel to Peru visa-free, are allowed 90 days in a 180-day period and a max of 183 days in a year. Polish nationals aren’t an exemption.

      You can find the list showing if you need a tourist visa to enter Peru or not and, if you can travel to Peru visa-free, how long you can stay on the Peruvian government website. The list was last updated in June 2022. I don’t have any information about an agreement between the UK and Peru and how this might affect the allowed days you can stay as a UK national in Peru. Probably check with Migraciones or the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

      Anyway, on page 4 of the list under “Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte” (or on the screenshot I attached) you see that UK nationals do not need a visa, but as the list was first introduced when the UK was about to leave the EU and back then no agreement between Peru and UK was in place, no number of days are written there. But, over the past year, travelers reported that UK nationals get as nearly everyone else 90 days in a 180-day period.

      And the same applies to Polish nationals and all other EU nationals. There you even explicitly find 90/180, meaning 90 days in a 180-day period. So, while from 2019 (when the list was first introduced) to mid-2021 you could easily still get the full 180 days, since August 2021 immigration officers most times strictly enforce the 90 days in a 180 day-period and a max of 183 days in a year rule. So, I would really love to see the entry stamp of your Polish neighbor showing that he got 180 days when he entered Peru this (!) year.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Tania
    Tania · 22/11/2022
    Hi Eva,

    Thanks again for the great job you do on informing everyone with accurate up to date information. 

    As far as my situation you helped me out in 2020 when I asked questions on getting the Rentista Visa as a couple. I mentioned my father was Peruvian and you said because of that I could easily get citizenship in my home country. So I did and it was super easy and inexpensive. My Peruvian citizenship, DNI and passport all at the Peruvian consulate in San Francisco, California.

    Now on the new requirements for my husband’s Rentista Visa. I wrote you the previous comment while we were already in Peru. After doing some research on your site I found a readers experience who also landed in Peru not knowing about the new background check from your home country. He gave all the details on how to accomplish it from Peru which was great ! The biggest issue being the amount of time for the whole process which unfortunately we didn't have because of a mistake made at the airport by the immigration officer.

    The immigration officer told my husband he only had 4 days left to be in Peru which was a shock to us. We had previously entered Peru on April 11, 2022 and they gave him 90 days but we only stayed 86 days, we left Peru on July 7th 2022. Now we entered Peru on October 28th 2022 hoping for another 90 days so we dont know why she said he only had 4 days left. My husband explained he was going to get his Rentista Visa done again and needed more time. She said she would as a courtesy give him 30 days but that was it.

    We went to our hotel and got online to figure out what she was talking about. We saw the 183 day rule and figured the only explanation was she miscalculated. After several emails to migraciones and 2 video chats we were told in fact she was wrong and that my husband still had over 90 days available but there was nothing that could be done. Since Tourist Visa extensions are no longer given and that he needs more than 30 days to complete his paperwork he cant apply for his Rentista Visa on an expired Tourist Visa. His only option is to leave the country and come back in hoping the next immigration officer at the airport calculates correctly.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/11/2022
      @Tania Hello Tania,

      Sorry, I didn’t connect the dots when you wrote last month. But it’s great to hear that you got your Peruvian nationality, including passport and DNI so easily and you are now officially Peruvian. Congrats!

      So, if I understand correctly, you and your husband are both now in Peru; you hopefully as a Peruvian and your husband wants to apply for the retirement visa, but can’t because he doesn’t have his criminal record check and his stay as a tourist expires soon as the immigration officer only gave you 30 days, which by the way is ridiculous, but nothing can be done about it anymore. Correct?

      First of all, if you are in Peru as a Peruvian, your husband as well could apply for a family visa. The criminal record requirement for both resident visas is the same, but instead of the letter confirming his pension, he only would need a Peruvian marriage certificate; so it would be necessary that you register your marriage either at a Peruvian consulate or at Reniec. Even though the family visa offers a few perks compared to the retirement visa, assuming you haven’t registered your marriage with a Peruvian authority, I think that would complicate matters even more. For now, the retirement visa might be the better option if only the criminal record check is missing. If at a later date you decide the family visa is the better option, he could later change to a family visa.

      For now back to the retirement visa. If your husband got 30 days when he entered, then his stay as a tourist is valid until November 27. So, November 27 is the last day he could apply. Do you have all other documents necessary for the retirement visa application? Is only the criminal record check missing? Nothing else?

      If so, then there might be an option for him to apply without having to leave the country and return with another immigration officer probably giving him trouble, even though he doesn’t have his criminal record check.

      On the last day his stay as a tourist is still valid (better the day before that, so November 26), he could apply on the Agencia Digital as described above under “Finally, applying for a retirement visa in Peru”.

      On the second page of the retirement visa application, most fields are mandatory. There he must, for example, upload the letter of the pension fund or the PDF of the Ficha from Interpol and the criminal record check. As he won’t have his criminal record check, but must upload something to continue, he could, however, upload the Ficha a second time (which another user just recently did and shared with us) or a letter saying “Sorry, still waiting for the criminal record check from my home country, but had to apply before my stay as a tourist runs out”. If he fills in all other necessary fields / upload all other required documents, he can continue with the application process and submit his application with no further problems.

      But, and this is super important, he must check his Buzon every day. Migraciones will send a notification (which depending on their workload might take anything between a few days to even a couple of months) requesting that he uploads the criminal record check usually within 10 days.

      When he gets this notification, he must react latest on the last day of this deadline. If by then he has his criminal record check, he can just upload it. If he still doesn’t have it, he can apply for an extension of the deadline (usually for an additional 30 days).

      The process might sound a little bit intimidating, but while this option is a little loophole, it's legit and allows your husband to apply for his retirement shortly before his stay as a tourist expires without having to leave and trying to re-enter.

      If you need further information about the process or have any doubts, let me know.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 22/11/2022
      @Tania I just re-read your comment. Not sure anymore if you have the criminal record check but something else, such as the Ficha, is still missing. The process works with other documents not ready to upload as well.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Sean
    Sean · 16/11/2022
    Hi Eva,

    Are there businesses that guide and get you through the visa process or do we have to do it alone? If yes, do you have any recommendations for an agency to work with?

    Thanks,
    Sean
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 16/11/2022
      @Sean Hello Sean,

      The aim of this article about the retirement visa and many others here on LimaEasy is that you can easily do the complete application on your own. If you follow this guide, you won’t need anyone.

      But, yes, there are immigration lawyers and so-called tramitadores who help with the application process in Peru. You should, however, be aware that they can’t support you getting necessary documents from your home country (in case of the retirement visa, you must get your criminal record check and the pension statement incl. Apostille on your own in your home country).

      They then can make the payment for the Interpol clearance and set up the Interpol appointment for you, but you have to go there on your own (as far as I know, since Covid only the applicant is allowed inside). They further can make the payments for your application and later your carné and fill in the online forms, check if you get notifications, make an appointment for getting the biometrical data taken and make an appointment for picking up your carné (but as above, as far as I know, since Covid only the applicant is allowed inside the Migraciones building).

      Anyway, no, we do not recommend any immigration lawyer or tramitador anymore. We had to learn the hard way that skills, knowledge, work ethic, reliability, punctuality, and the fees for offered service often aren’t consistent. Therefore, we refrain from any recommendations.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    James
    James · 15/11/2022
    Can we apply for citizenship after living in Peru for two years with a Pension/Retirement Visa?  I ask because it seems that laws or rules have recently changes since October of 2022.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/11/2022
      @James Hello James,

      Laws and rules constantly change in Peru, but most of these changes or modifications are irrelevant for foreigners. When I hear October 2022, the only important change that comes to mind is the Decreto Supremo 130-2022-PCM, which ended all Corona regulations and restrictions. So, I’m not sure which laws and rules you are referring to, as the DS 130 has nothing to do with a retirement visa or the naturalization process.

      As far as I know, the two laws/regulations (the Peruvian Nationality Law and the Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN) that are in place to determine the requirements to get the Peruvian citizenship through naturalization didn’t change. But I might have missed something. In July 2022, the TUPA, the administrative procedure stipulating the handling of applications, so the instruction manual for Migraciones, was updated with slight changes.

      Anyway, as already described below I can’t answer your question, if you can apply for the Peruvian nationality through naturalization as a rentista, 100% accurately. While the laws and regulations are quite clear, their interpretation and how they are executed seems to change now and then. However, I do my best to explain the relevant laws, share my interpretation of them and the experience of others trying to become a naturalized Peruvian on a rentista visa recently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Anyway, things change in Peru, sometimes without being made public or with no one really catching it. So, I might have missed something or my interpretation is outdated / wrong. From time to time, it also depends on how a certain law is interpreted in general or how the person handling your application interprets it. So, even though the replies you usually get from Migraciones can be quite “creative” maybe just get in contact with them, ask if you can apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization as rentista and hope for the best. Maybe the interpretation or execution of the law changed again and you are lucky.

      I wish you all the best

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jonathan Kiehle
    Jonathan Kiehle · 05/11/2022
    For the $18 payment to the FBI. Can’t I just get an international money order in the US and bring it with me?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 05/11/2022
      @Jonathan Kiehle Hello Jonathan,

      Honestly, I don’t know, but I don’t think so. The international money order you need is to send money from Peru to the FBI in the US.

      On our Interpol article, we just recently had someone who asked if it might be possible to pay the US$18 directly online via the FBI secure payment portal. Here as well, I don’t know if Interpol in Peru accepts the payment and suggest checking with Interpol Peru to avoid wasting time and money.

      Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Matt
      Matt · 03/03/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle I think that would be preferable as the FBI returned my $18 USD Peruvian money order because it was "not payable through a US bank". Interpol in Peru only verifies that you have the required documents and gives you an envelope to mail the forms and payment to the US.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Tania
    Tania · 26/10/2022
    Hello,

    Your article and very helpful advice was a great asset in acquiring the Rentista Visa for my husband in 2020. Unfortunately we got caught in the first phase of the pandemic in Peru and decided to return to the U.S. to be with family and ride it out there. Because we stayed outside of Peru for more than 6 months we have to start the process over. I was reviewing your article to see if any requirements have changed since 2020. One that seems new is the police type clearance that you mention. In 2020 my husband did the interpol clearance in Peru and we remember having to send some kind of document back to the FBI or something thru Serpost. The only documents we had to bring with us to Peru was the apostilled pension paper. So then is this a new step, bringing in proof of a clean record from country of origin ? If so it seems that this too must be officially translated in Spanish in Peru like the apostilled pension paper ? Am I understanding this correctly and is there any other changes ?


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 26/10/2022
      @Tania Hello Tania,

      Thank you for your kind words. It’s always good to hear that our articles are helpful.

      And yes, in August 2021, some Migraciones procedures and requirements for resident visa applications changed.

      For retirees like you this means that next to the letter/confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 which must be apostilled in your case in the US and then, once you are in Peru, be translated into Spanish by an official translator, you as US national additionally must bring an FBI Criminal Record Check proving you have a clean criminal record, as well apostilled and once in Peru translated by an official translator.

      Then, before you can apply for your retirement visa (accurately before you can change your immigration status from tourist to retiree) you must pay Interpol in Peru a visit to get the ficha de canje which is a document certifying that you aren’t an internationally wanted fugitive. Furthermore, the US government/the FBI requests from Interpol Peru that an additional check is done for which you need the money order and must be send back and forth (the one you remember).

      According to Interpol Peru, this additional check has nothing to do with issuing the ficha de canje, but as well is not the same as the FBI Criminal Record Check you must present at Migraciones when applying for your retirement visa.

      So, bring from the US your passport, the apostilled pension letter, and the apostilled FBI check. All the other requirements (interpol ficha, payment receipt, sworn statement and application form) can be done in Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva

      P.S. Just one little remark. You said in 2020 your husband went to Interpol. You not? How are you planning to stay in Peru? Depending on the resident visa you apply for you most probably need an FBI record check as well and might need a recent copy of your marriage certificate (of course as well apostilled and translated).
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mato
    Mato · 15/09/2022
    Hello. Thank you for the article.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      I wish you all the best

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

      Thank you so much for your comprehensive and informative response.

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

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

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

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

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

      Anyway, you now have two options:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      I hope everything works out for you.

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

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

    Thanks, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Greetings
      Eva

      P.S. Please note: all mentioned above is based on the current visa regulations; as far as I’m aware, an update should be published somewhere around the beginning of July. So, there might be some minor or major changes.

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    Europe’s first knowledge of Peruvian textiles was acquired following the Spanish invasion of Peru in 1532, when the…
  • Peruvian Legends, Myths & Tales

    The Jeweled Frog and the Condor

    By a quiet pond, at the side of a cloud-topped mountain in Peru, lived a small green frog and his large green family.…
  • Peru Info

    Peruvian Economy

    The Peruvian economy is an emerging, social market economy highly dependent on foreign trade and classified as an upper…

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