Foreign nationals, who want to apply for a residence visa in Peru (for example because they are married to a Peruvian, found work in Peru, want to study at a Peruvian university, etc.) but can’t enter the country visa-free to apply when being in Peru, must apply for their visa from outside the country and once approved enter Peru on the correct residence immigration status.
The process is called “Solicitud de calidad migratoria”, a usually simple, but sometimes lengthy and frustrating endeavor, which was, however, simplied in 2024 and is supposed to be quicker and more transparent now. Below we explain how it’s done.
Please be aware: The process explained below as well applies if you need a “real” tourist visa to enter the country and want to apply for a temporary visa (except tourist and business) such as a temporary student visa or a temporary work visa; only the requirements differ a bit and once in Peru you won’t need to apply for a foreigner ID.
And if you are a foreinger, who can enter Peru visa-free (so, you don’t have to apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), you should come to Peru as a tourist and then change your immigration status – make a so called “Cambio de calidad migratoria” – while being in the country. We explain how you can apply for your temporary or residence visa, when you are already in Peru in our Visa Guide.
