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Peruvian Family Visa

Peruvian Family Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 6

Some family members of Peruvian nationals and foreigners with resident status in Peru have the right to family reunification and can apply for a family visa, the so-called Visa familiar residente. Depending on your relationship to the Peruvian citizen or foreign resident, several family visa sub-types exist.

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 family 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 family visa.

 

Table of contents

 

Family visa types in Peru

In Peru, a family visa can be based either on a relationship with a Peruvian citizen or with a foreigner who already has resident status in Peru. In both cases the visa type is called Visa familiar residente. However, the required documents and specific sub-type may differ depending on the sponsor’s immigration status.

Important:
Currently, same-sex marriages and civil unions are not legally recognized in Peru. Therefore, even if such a marriage or civil union was legally performed abroad, it is generally not recognized by Peruvian authorities, including Migraciones, and cannot be used as a basis for a family visa application. Foreign partners in such situations usually have to apply for another visa type, for example a work visa, retirement visa, or other residence visa, depending on their personal circumstances.

Depending on your relationship to the Peruvian citizen or foreigner with resident status in Peru, several family visa sub-types exist.

  • Spouses of Peruvian nationals (para el caso de casado/a peruana/o)
  • Spouses of foreigners with resident status (para el caso de casado/a con extranjera/o residente en el país)
  • Minor children of Peruvians or foreigners with resident status (para el caso de hijos menores de edad de peruano/a o extranjero/a residente)
  • Unmarried adult children (18 to 28 years old) who are financially dependent on their parents (para el caso de hijo/a mayor de edad)
  • Adult children with disabilities (para el caso de hijos mayores de 18 años con discapacidad)
  • Parents of Peruvians or foreigners with resident status in Peru who do not have Peruvian nationality (para el caso de padres de peruano/a o extranjero/a residente) (*)

(*) Children born on Peruvian territory to Peruvian or foreign parents are automatically considered Peruvian citizens. They have the right to obtain a Peruvian birth certificate, a Peruvian DNI, and a Peruvian passport.

For many years, foreign parents could not obtain a resident family visa through their minor child born in Peru. However, this changed with the introduction of the 2017 Foreigner Law and a new interpretation of the relevant regulation a few years later.

Before the parents can apply for a resident family visa, the child’s birth must first be registered with Reniec, and the child must obtain both a Peruvian birth certificate and a Peruvian DNI.

 

Legal background for a family visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a family visa

Officially, you can apply for a family 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.

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

Important laws and regulations

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

The most important ones are Decreto Legislativo 1350, Peru’s “old” Foreigner Law, and Decreto Legislativo 1582, which introduced modifications to this law. Both mainly establish the general framework for immigration matters. More detailed regulations can be found in Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN published in 2021, as well as in the 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. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

While in the section Requirements for a family 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 44, in article 89-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria por la de familiar 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 149 for adult applicants and on page 77 for minor applicants.

 

Requirements and documents to apply for a family visa in Peru

Below you find the general requirements and documents needed to apply for a family visa in Peru - more precisely to complete the procedure called Cambio de calidad migratoria familiar residente (change of immigration status to family resident). As the family visa includes several sub-types, additional documents may be required depending on your relationship to the Peruvian citizen or foreign resident.

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

Required documents to apply for a family visa include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (exception minors) (1) + (2)
  • Official document that proves the family tie
    For example:
    • Married to a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
      • marriage certificate (1) + (3) (4)
    • Child or parent of a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
      • birth certificate (1) + (3) + (5)
    • Union de hecho, so a legal Peruvian relationship with a Peruvian or foreigner with resident status:
      • Sworn statement indicating the SUNARP registration (1)
  • ID of the family member
    • DNI of the Peruvian family member with correct family address, correct marital status and no pending election fees, or
    • Carné de extranjería of the foreigner with resident status
  • Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months (see below)
  • Receipt for the paid application fee
    • Authority: Migraciones
    • Code: 07568 - Cambio de calidad migratoria
    • Concept: Cambio de calidad migratoria a familiar residente
    • Fee: S/ 161.40 (2026)
  • Additional required documents depending on the situation
    • Unmarried adult children (up to 28 years):
      • Official certificate of being single, (1) + (3) or
      • Sworn statement in which the applicant declares before a Peruvian notary that they are unmarried, (1) and
      • Enrollment certificate of a Peruvian educational institution (1)
    • Adult children with disabilities
      • Official certificate of being single (1) (3), or
      • Sworn statement in which the applicant declares before a Peruvian notary that they are unmarried, (1) and
      • Document proving a condition of permanent disability and the need for parent’s care (1) (3)

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.

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) Marriage certificate

Marriage in Peru at a municipality integrated into the Reniec system:

  • Certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by Reniec (not older than 90 days)

Marriage in Peru at a municipality not integrated into the Reniec system:

Some municipalities are not yet integrated into Reniec and only issue local records. If you got married in such a municipality, the local marriage certificate must first be authenticated by Reniec before Migraciones accepts it.

In this case:

  • Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the (provincial) municipality. Inform them that you need the copy for Migraciones-related purposes, so the right stamp is put on the certificate.
  • Step 2: Pay the fee on pagalo.pe or at any Banco de la Nacion branch
    • Authority: Reniec
    • Code 02143 - Certificaciones
    • Concepto: Certificacion de firma;
    • Fee: S/ 31.
  • Step 3: Apply at a Reniec office for the so-called "Solicitud de authenticacion de firmas". Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate, the payment receipt, ID, and copies. In Lima this can only be done at the Reniec office in Miraflores (Av. Diez Conseco 230) or the Reniec office in Jesus Maria (Jr. Talara 130).
  • Step 4: At Reniec you are handed a form to fill out. Then, just wait your turn in the “Certificaciones” line, hand in your documents and usually within a week or two you can pick up your marriage certificate with another stamp on it. 

Only after this authentication will Migraciones accept the marriage certificate. When you submit your visa application, the document must not be older than 90 days.

Marriage abroad to a Peruvian citizen (registered at consulate)

  • Certified copy of your marriage certificate issued by the Peruvian consulate and legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) in Lima or their provincial offices (not older than 180 days)

Already in Peru without a recent copy? At the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (RREE) in Lima, you can get certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates registered at a Peruvian consulate abroad.

Marriage abroad to a Peruvian citizen (not registered at consulate)

If you were married abroad to a Peruvian citizen and the marriage was not registered at a Peruvian consulate, the Peruvian spouse must first register the marriage with Reniec.

For this, the foreign marriage certificate with Apostille or - if the country where the document was issued is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate is required (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the foreign marriage certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

After the marriage has been registered with Reniec, obtain a certified copy of the marriage certificate issued by Reniec.

Marriage abroad to a foreigner

  • Marriage certificate with Apostille or - if the country in which the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the marriage certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

(5) Birth certificate

Child of a foreigner with resident status in Peru

  • Birth certificate of the child showing that it is the son or daughter of the foreigner with resident status. The document must have an Apostille or - if the country in which the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

Parent of a Peruvian citizen - birth registered at a municipality integrated into the Reniec system

  • Certified copy of the birth certificate issued by Reniec showing you as the parent (not older than 90 days).

Parent of a Peruvian citizen – birth registered at a municipality not integrated into the Reniec system

Some municipalities in Peru are not yet integrated into the Reniec system, meaning that births are registered only at the municipal level. If the Peruvian family member was born in such a municipality, the birth certificate must first be authenticated by Reniec before Migraciones accepts it.

In this case:

  • Step 1: Obtain a certified copy of the birth certificate from the (provincial) municipality. Inform them that you need the copy for Migraciones-related purposes, so the right stamp is put on the certificate.
  • Step 2: Pay the fee on pagalo.pe or at any Banco de la Nacion branch
    • Authority: Reniec
    • Code 02143 - Certificaciones
    • Concepto: Certificacion de firma;
    • Fee: S/ 31.
  • Step 3: Apply at a Reniec office for the so-called "Solicitud de authenticacion de firmas". Bring the certified copy of your marriage certificate, the payment receipt, ID, and copies. In Lima this can only be done at the Reniec office in Miraflores (Av. Diez Conseco 230) or the Reniec office in Jesus Maria (Jr. Talara 130).
  • Step 4: At Reniec you are handed a form to fill out. Then, just wait your turn in the “Certificaciones” line, hand in your documents and usually within a week or two you can pick up the birth certificate with an additional Reniec authentication stamp.
  • Only after this authentication will Migraciones accept the birth certificate. When you submit your visa application, the document must not be older than 90 days.

Parent of a foreigner with resident status in Peru

  • Birth certificate of the foreigner with resident status in Peru showing you as the parent. The document must have an Apostille or - if the country in which the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Apostille Convention - legalized by a Peruvian consulate (not older than 6 months).

Once in Peru, the birth certificate must be translated into Spanish and, in some cases, legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE).

 

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

Applying for a family 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 family 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, and you must complete the Interpol clearance procedure (Ficha de Canje). 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 RREE 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.

 

Interpol

Before you can even begin the family visa application process, you must also obtain the Ficha de Canje Internacional issued by Interpol in Peru. This clearance confirms that you are not internationally wanted and is a mandatory requirement for nearly all temporary and residence visa applications in Peru. 

As the procedure involves several steps and a visit to an Interpol office in Peru, we explain the process in detail in our separate guide: “Interpol – Ficha de Canje Internacional.”

Before applying for any temporary or residence visa in Peru, all foreigners must first obtain the Ficha de Canje Internacional issued by Interpol. ...

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.”

All administrative charges, processing fees, and fines issued by Peruvian government agencies and public authorities must be paid through the Banco...

For the family resident visa application, you need:

  • Authority: Migraciones
  • Code: 07568 - Cambio de calidad migratoria
  • Concepto: Cambio de calidad migratoria por la de familiar residente mayor de edad (adults) or menor de edad (minors)
  • 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 family 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.

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 family 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 on 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 familiar residente
    • Casado con peruano o extranjero residente if you are married to a Peruvian or foreign resident 
    • Padres de peruano o extranjero residente if you are the parent of Peruvian or foreign resident
    • Hijo menor de edad for underage children.
    • Hijos adultos con dispacidad for adult children with disabilities

Click on the one that applies 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.

Note
The fields described below correspond to a family visa application for adults, for example if you are married to a Peruvian. If you are applying for a minor, additional fields may need to be completed and different or additional documents, such as your passport or carné may have to be uploaded.

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.

Ficha de Canje Interpol (Interpol clearance)

Under Ficha de canje Interpol, you must upload:

  • the Ficha de Canje Internacional issued by Interpol in Peru, and
  • the criminal record certificate with Apostille and Spanish translation.

Please note that both fields are mandatory, and you cannot continue unless both documents are uploaded.

Documento de vinculo

Under Documento de vinculo you must upload the document proving your family tie (for example, your marriage certificate or birth certificate).

Documento de identificacion del conyuge

Under Documento de identificacion del conyuge, you must enter the DNI number of the Peruvian part of the family or the Carné number of the foreign resident you are related to.

Click on Validar.

Documento de Identificación del administrado

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.

Exceso de permanencia (overstay)

There is one final tab called Exceso de permanencia.

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 family visa when my stay as a tourist is expired?.

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).

If 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 below how to recover the login data and the verification code.

 

After submitting your visa application

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

Biometric data appointment

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

Make an appointment

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to expect during your appointment

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

You will only need your

  • Passport, and
  • printed (!) appointment confirmation

The procedure can vary slightly depending on the office. At the Migraciones office in Lima, for example, you usually receive a number and wait until you are called. At some MAC centers, however, you may first have to queue with other visitors at the check-in counter before being allowed to enter.

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

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

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

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

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

After your biometric data appointment, all you can do is regularly check your Buzon electronico 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.

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.

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

 

Approval of your visa

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

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

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

You can also check the status of your application:

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

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

asking about the status of your application.

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

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

Congratulations!

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

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

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

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

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

  • Citas en Línea, subpoint recojo de documentos.

Download and print the appointment confirmation.

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

If you urgently need your carné

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

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

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

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

To collect your carné, be on time and bring:

  • passport
  • printed appointment confirmation (if applicable)

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

Congrats! You made it!

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

 

Family visa Peru - FAQs for residents

If you live in Peru on a family visa, there are a few important rules and obligations you should be aware of. The following questions and answers explain the most important aspects of maintaining your residency, traveling abroad, working, and dealing with Migraciones.

How long is the family visa valid?

The family visa - the permit that allows you to legally live in Peru - is usually valid for one year, in case you are married to a Peruvian two years. After this period, it must be extended to maintain your legal resident status.

Our article “Residence visa extension” explains the extension process in detail.

In Peru, a residence visa - so, the permit that allows you to legally live in the country - is usually valid for only one (1) year and must then be...

 

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 (minors three years). After that, it must be renewed.

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

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 family 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 family visa?

Yes! If you are living in Peru on a family visa, you are allowed to work both as an employee and independently.

Unlike some other residence visas, the family visa does not restrict professional activities, so you may take up employment with a Peruvian company, work as an independent contractor, or run your own business. However, as with any professional activity in Peru, you must comply with the applicable tax and labor regulations.

 

What should I do 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.

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.

In addition, foreigners living in Peru on a family visa may be required to present a tax declaration form before being allowed to leave the country. Although this requirement is rarely enforced, in practice, it is still part of the official regulations.

The document you need depends on whether you generated income in Peru or not.

If you did not generate any income in Peru

You must present the Formulario 1495 - “Declaración jurada de haber realizado actividades que no impliquen la generación de rentas de fuente peruana.”

To do this:

  • Download Formulario 1495,
  • Fill in and sign the form
  • Present it to the immigration officer when leaving Peru (only if requested)

If you worked as an employee in Peru

You must present a Certificado de Rentas y Retenciones before leaving the country. This document is issued by your employer and confirms that the corresponding income tax has been withheld according to Peruvian tax law.

Today, the physical form Formulario 1492 is rarely used. Instead, the employer must:

  • log into Sunat Virtual
  • complete Formulario Virtual 1692
  • print and sign the document and provide it to the employee

The certificate is valid for 30 days after being filed with SUNAT, meaning you must leave Peru within those 30 days.

If you work independently in Peru

If you generate income from Peruvian sources as an independent worker and pay your income tax directly to SUNAT, you must complete Formulario 1494 - Declaración jurada de haber pagado directamente el impuesto (or the equivalent Sunat Virtual form).

Fill in and sign the form, attach the payment receipt proving that you paid your income tax, and present both documents to the immigration officer before leaving Peru.

 

What happens to my family visa if I divorce or separate?

If your family visa in Peru is based on a marriage and the relationship legally ends, the consequences depend on your current immigration status and the basis of your residency.

If you still hold a regular family resident visa based on marriage, the visa is normally tied to the marital relationship that served as the basis for your application. As long as the marriage legally exists (which it does even if you are separated), the basis for the visa remains. However, if the marriage legally ends through divorce, the basis for the visa generally no longer exists. In most cases, Migraciones will therefore not extend the family visa once it expires. Before your residence expires, you usually must either change to another visa type or leave Peru.

If you have already obtained permanent residence (residente permanente), the situation is different. Permanent residence is generally independent of the original reason for your residency. Therefore, a divorce usually does not affect your permanent resident status, and you can normally continue living in Peru as long as you comply with the general residency rules.

If you have children with your Peruvian spouse, another option may exist. In this case, it may be possible to change your family visa from one based on marriage to one based on being the parent of a Peruvian child, provided the child has Peruvian nationality and the birth is properly registered in Peru. However, if your residency is already based on being the parent of a Peruvian child, a separation or divorce from the other parent normally does not affect your family visa, as the qualifying relationship with the child still exists.

As immigration situations can differ depending on personal circumstances, it is recommended to check with Migraciones or an immigration professional if your marital status changes while you are living in Peru on a family visa.

 

Can I change from a family visa to another visa type in Peru?

Yes. Foreigners living in Peru on a family visa can apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria to another residence visa category if they meet the requirements.

For example, it may be possible to change to:

  • permanent residency after meeting the required residency period.
  • a work visa (trabajador residente)
  • a retirment visa (rentista residente)

The process is done through the Migraciones Agencia Digital and requires submitting all documents corresponding to the new visa category.

Before applying, make sure that you meet the specific requirements of the new visa type, as the documentation and conditions may differ.

 

When can I apply for permanent residency in Peru?

After three years of legal residency in Peru on a family visa, you can apply for permanent residency.

This process is called Cambio de calidad migratoria a permanente residente (familiar residente). Once approved, you receive indefinite residency and no longer need to extend your visa each year.

 

When can I apply for Peruvian citizenship?

Family visa holders can currently apply for Peruvian citizenship by nationalization after two years of legal residency in Peru.

However, a new nationality law approved in August 2025 increases the required residency period to four years. The law is not yet in force, but it may become applicable in the near future.

 

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 family 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 family 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 our 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 the Ficha de Canje from Interpol and your criminal record certificate (Antecedentes). Both fields are mandatory.
    If you don’t yet have your criminal record certificate, you could upload:
    • the Ficha de Canje a second time, or
    • a signed letter explaining that you are still waiting for the document from your home country.
  • Missing Ficha de Canje from Interpol
    If you couldn’t get an Interpol appointment in time, you could upload:
    • a letter explaining the situation, and
    • your appointment confirmation with Interpol.
  • Missing Peruvian marriage certificate 
    If you don't have your Peruvian marriage certificate, because Reniec takes its time to register your foreign marriage, you could upload:
    • your foreign marriage certificate
    • a copy of your Reniec tramite and a short explanation.
  • 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.

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 the 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.

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.

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.
    Jen · 02/07/2025
    I submitted my family visa application a couple of days ago, and today I received a notification that the birth certificate which I submitted must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Relations. However, it came from the ministry of foreign relations and has the stamp from them on the back. I thought that since it came from them with the stamp it would be valid. It did not come from the consulate abroad before entering Peru. What is this legalization and how is it different than the stamp and signature on the back from the ministry of foreign relations?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 02/07/2025
      @Jen
      Hello Jen,

      yes, even though RREE issued a certified copy of the birth certificate, sometimes Migraciones requests that it gets legalized; it's ridiculous because the issuing authority RREE as well is in charge to legalize it and Migraciones could just accept it as it is. But in your case they didn't.

      And if they are only unhappy about the missing legalization, see it as a small victory. They could have found many more not so easy to solve issues.

      Anyway, a legalization is just an authentication of the signature, stamp and seal verifying the legitimacy, genuineness and origin of a document. So, another stamp and signature on it.

      You can get the document legalized at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office in Lima centro, Pasaje Acuña. Not sure, but I think the legalization now as well can be done at a few MAC centers (if you don't go to the RREE office in centro, best call AloMac under 1800 to confirm).

      And be aware that depending on the workload the legalization can take anything from a few hours to a few days. As your notification most probably has a deadline of 3 or 5 days, make sure to apply for an extension of the deadline in case you cannot upload the legalized birth certificate in time. 

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jen · 02/07/2025
      @Sunflower Thank you for your prompt reply and for clarifying what I was missing. I was confused because it already had a stamp and signature from RREE, and I didn't know there was something extra for them to add. What you do on this website is a lifesaver for so many people. I cannot thank you enough for everything you do.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 02/07/2025
      @Jen
      Thank you so much for your lovely words, Jen.  You made my day.

      I know from first-hand experience how difficult it is to get through the bureaucratic maze in Peru, how frustrating it is and how most people who could help, have already the $$$ signs in their eyes when they see a foreigner. So, for the past 20 years and hopefully for a few more I just share my knowledge and try to help wherever I can.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Ben · 03/06/2025
    Hi Eva,
    do you have any updates on this: 
    "Be aware that unfortunately Migraciones seems to be a bit uncooperative since August 2021, and often gives foreign parents trouble when trying to apply for the family visa based on being a parents of an underaged Peruvian."
    I am EU national and my son has Peruvian nationality (and Spanish one). My underage son lives in Germany. In theory I should qualify for the family visa, but will migraciones give me trouble?
    Thanks a lot
    Ben

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/06/2025
      @Ben
      Hello Ben,

      over the past half year or so I got mixed feedback. Some foreign parents of a Peruvian informed me that they had no problems at all and could even apply on the Agencia Digital, others said they couldn't apply online as they didn't have the correct point in the displayed menu of the Agencia and/or had trouble with Migraciones accepting their application. So, I'm not sure what's going on there.

      Additionally, you should know that the family visa is a residence visa allowing a foreigner related to a Peruvian to reunite with the Peruvian in Peru and to legally live in the country. So, the Peruvian (in your case your son) must live in Peru; only then the foreigner (you) related to the Peruvian can apply for the visa. 

      As your son lives in Germany you cannot apply for a family visa in Peru based on being the father of a Peruvian. You can only apply for this visa if your son is living in Peru. 

      Sorry, I don't have better news.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Ben · 03/06/2025
      @Sunflower Thanks for your quick reply. Yes, that's what some have already told me, others told me something else. So I am a bit confused. When I looked into the TUPA under the requirements it doesn't say your son has to live in Peru. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/06/2025
      @Ben
      Sorry, not sure who "others" is, but as explained before the family visa is a visa to make a reunion in Peru between a Peruvian and a foreign relative possible. For that the Peruvian part must live in Peru. 

      When you apply for a family visa based on being related to a Peruvian one of the requirements is an up-to-date DNI (Peruvian ID) with correct address in Peru. If during the evaluation of your visa application Migraciones discovers that the DNI doesn't have a Peruvian address / the Peruvian doesn't live in Peru there is no base for the visa and in most cases the visa is denied. 

      But, you could always check with a Peruvian consulate and/or Migraciones in Peru.

      All the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Maria · 02/06/2025
    Hi Eva i’m trying to find the info for renewing my carnet (through marriage visa) since the one year date for renewal is due in August 2025 on your website but i can’t seem to locate it. Would you be able to send me the link on  the requirements for that please? I appreciate your help. Have a nice day
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 02/06/2025
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      Is your residence visa about to expire or your carné?

      In case your residence visa is about to expires - usually, the residence visa is valid for only one (1) year; in case of a family visa based on being married to a Peruvian two (2) years - check out our article Residence visa extension in Peru

      If your carné, so the card, is about to expire, which is usually valid for four (4) years, check out our article Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería.

      In both articles you find the requirements and an explanation about the application process.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Maria · 06/06/2025
      @Sunflower Hi Eva my residence is what’s about to expire. Date of issue was august 2023 and it’s set to expire August 2025
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/06/2025
      @Maria
      Ok, then you must extend your visa. How it's done is explained here https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/legal-stuff/residence-visa-extension-in-peru

      Requirements:
      - Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07566 Prorroga de residencia; concept familiar residente para personas extranjeras mayores de edad, S/ 20.20)
      - Passport
      - Carné
      - Sworn statement that you don't have a criminal record in Peru and abroad
      - Marriage certificate; must fulfill the same requirements as when you first applied for the family visa

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Richard Pittam · 01/06/2025
    Hi, my girlfriend is Peruvian. We're getting legally married in Peru this month (after documents process). Let's say it take 2 months to finally get married after documents and waiting, if my documentation is ready for the family visa, can I immediately apply for the family visa after receiving the certificate of our marriage? 

    Can i also stay in peru during the application process too? or only till my 90 days allow on the tourist visa.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 01/06/2025
      @Richard Pittam
      Hello Richard,

      as soon as you are married and your marriage is registered with Reniec (best have your Peruvian wife apply for the registration at Reniec and don't wait for the municipality/notary to forward the documents to Reniec) your wife can get the Peruvian marriage certificate. With this and all other required documents you can apply for the family visa. 

      The most important thing when applying for the family visa is that on the day of the application your stay as a tourist must be still valid. Once you applied and you have your numero de tramite, your time as a tourist stops. And even if your stay as a tourist expires a day or a week or a month after the application, no problem. You can stay in Peru during the processing time of your visa application.

      Please be aware that the 90 days you hopefully get when you enter the country are not a lot of time to get everything sorted out with the municipality/notary, get married, get the marriage certificate and all other necessary documents and apply for your visa. So, get organized and prepared. Check out as well our Marrying in Peru article for more details.

      If your future wife is in Peru at the moment she should prepare as much as possible with the municipality/notary before you come to Peru. You on the other hand should bring all necessary documents from your home country with Apostille (birth certificate and certificate of being free to marry (certificado de soltería) for getting married and your criminal record check for the visa application). Additionally, while waiting for the Peruvian marriage certificate, try to get an appointment with Interpol to get the Ficha de canje (they require the Peruvian marriage certificate, but usually accept the document you get from the municipality/notary). 

      And in case there is a delay, and you must apply at day x because your stay as a tourist is about to expire, you could always apply without having, for example, the Peruvian marriage certificate. You could upload the document you got from the municipality instead of the Peruvian marriage certificate and then follow the steps explain above under point Can I apply for a family visa if I don't have all the required documents?

      I hope everything works out. 

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Lorena · 27/05/2025
    Hi! First of all, thank you for this page and all the instructions. You are saving lives here! My question is related to my husband's entry to Peru. We just got married in Holland and now we are going to Peru with a tourist visa for him, to later apply for the Family visa. I'm a
    little worried because he does not have a return ticket. I was thinking of buying a bus ticket from Tumbes to Ecuador just to show it in case they ask, but what has been your experience with that? Should we also say we are coming to make the application or is it better to buy a flexible return ticket and not to say anything? I'm curious, Thank you.

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 27/05/2025
      @Lorena
      Hello Lorena,

      thank you so much for your nice words. You made my day! And congrats on your wedding.

      Peruvian law requires that foreign visitors - and your husband is just a visitors when he comes to Peru -  need a return or onward passage out of the country if they aren't residents, proving that they leave the country when the visa or their time as a tourist expires. But the law doesn't state that this return or onward passage must be an airline ticket; it could be anything proving that the foreigner leaves Peru when the time comes.

      When entering the country, Peruvian immigration officials hardly ever ask to see this proof. The ones executing above regulations are usually the airlines. As they could be held responsible and have to fly the foreigner back, if denied entry to Peru, most airlines require a return or onward flight ticket to even let a foreigner without residency in Peru check-in to the flight to Peru.

      So, if your husband plans to come to Peru on a one-way ticket, it’s best to check the requirements of your carrier. Some insist on a return or onward flight ticket (assuming you fly KLM, they usually want to see a flight ticket), others accept a reservation for a return flight, a few are happy with a bus ticket and there are as well airlines that let you fly with just a one-way ticket.

      If your airline requests a return or onward ticket, you could always make a reservation for one, print the confirmation, and then depending on the agency, you either don't pay it and let it expire or cancel it within a certain time. Other options include buying a fully refundable ticket or, more affordable, "renting" a ticket (you could check out bestonwardticket.com, which usually works like a charm).

      And before coming to Peru make sure you have all required documents needed from abroad for the family visa application; if you already registered your marriage at a Peruvian consulate in the Netherlands: a fresh copy of your Peruvian marriage certificate; if you want to register your marriage in Peru: your Dutch marriage certificate with Apostille (be aware that the Peruvian part only has 30 days after re-entering Peru to register the foreign marriage at Reniec, best do it as soon as you are back in Peru as the registration can take a month or two and your husband's time as a tourist is limited); and of course your husband's criminal record check with Apostille.

      And one general recommendation: don't share more info than necessary with any Peruvian official. Only go into detail if you are specifically asked or if needed. At the immigration counter make sure your husband gets the full 90 days. He will need it to complete the preparation of all documents before his time as a tourist runs out. But most times immigration officers don't share how many days they give, so you might have to ask. If your husband gets the full 90 days at immigration, no need to share that you are recently married and your plans. If he, however, only gets 30 days, explain that you just married, must register your marriage at Reniec, which takes ages, before he can apply for a family visa and he needs the full 90 days to be able to manage the preparation work.

      All the best

      Greetings
      Eva

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Mike · 13/05/2025
    Hi,
    As I'm already married to a Peruvian since 2007, I did never apply fpr a Carnet or Visa, since I work abroad for 4 month and return to Peru for 2 month vacations and repeat. I always enter Peru on a Turist Visa, for 60 days. Now I consider to apply for Visa Familiar, after reading your post here, seems I cannot apply, because the conditions to aplly is for me to have to stay in Peru for at least 180 days a year in able to reply for this Visa....Correct !?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 13/05/2025
      @Mike
      Hello Mike,

      you can apply for a family visa based on being married to a Peruvian, but you may lose your resident status if you are outside the country for more than half a year in a 365-day period.

      According to the Peruvian Foreigner Law, article 33.1 (I attached a screenshot), foreigners with any resident immigration status, except permanent residency, lose the residency if their absence from the national territory exceeds 183 consecutive (!) days within a period of 365 days.

      While the article clearly states consecutive days, in practice immigration officers often interpret it as cumulative days. Usually all days a resident foreigner is outside Peru are added and if these exceed 183 days in a 365-day period (sometimes counted from the day you received your resident visa, sometimes from the day you leave Peru for the first time as a resident) the foreigner may not be allowed to enter as resident anymore and the resident visa is canceled.

      So the first year of your residency won't be a problem and you may be lucky to somehow manage a second one but you need three years of legal residency to become a permanent resident and with this the 183-day rule doesn't apply anymore.

      The next problem I see in case you want to apply for a family is that the approval process can take anything from 1 to 4 months at the moment. During this time you can only leave the country with a special travel permit, which allows you to leave Peru for only 30 days. If you don't return after the allowed 30 days your application is canceled.

      Sorry, I don't have better news for you.

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Patrick Kiernan · 25/03/2025
    What are the steps to cancel your residence visa?

    Thanks,
    Patrick
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 25/03/2025
      @Patrick Kiernan
      Hello Patrick,

      1. Pay the fee of S/ 6.80 on pagalo.pe or any Banco de la Nacion branch; code 07561; concepto Cancelación de calidad migratoria

      2. Enter the Agencia Digital, in the left menu choose Cancelación de calidad migratoria

      3. Fill in the required fields (when I remember correctly only an e-mail address, the Migraciones office that should handle the application, the details of the bank receipt and details of your travel document). Then click an Guardar datos y generar tramite.

      4. Print and/or download the document.

      5. Usually within 3 days you get an e-mail with the confirmation that your resident visa and carné was canceled and with the orden de salida. You have 15 days to leave the country.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Patrick Kiernan · 25/03/2025
      @Sunflower Thanks Eva.

      I already left the country for more than 183 days and came back in. 

      When I came back in and showed my carne at migraciones they said it was invalid and I would have to enter as a tourist and reapply for the residency visa if I wanted it. 

      Since I have entered as a tourist I have already exceeded 90 days since March 21st. I am planning on leaving in August and I don't want to go through the process of applying for the residency visa again so I'm planning just to pay the fine which I estimate will be around 740soles.

      If I check the date my residency visa expires (via https://sel.migraciones.gob.pe/servmig-valreg/VerificarCE) it says mid Aug 2025 ... I understand from what migraciones said when I arrived and from reading your site that it is meant to auto cancel after 183 days so I guess that info can only be seen by migraciones?

      In my case do you think it is worth trying to cancel my residency visa?

      Thanks,
      Patrick

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/03/2025
      @Patrick Kiernan
      Hello Patrick,

      now that you are in Peru as a tourist, not a lot you can do. If you overstay then you will have to pay S/ 5.35 per overstayed day. If it's wise to overstay such a long time, especially if you are planning to return to Peru in the near future and/or regularly, is up for you to decide.

      And as your time as a tourist is already expired, you most probably cannot apply for another family visa anyway.

      To check the status of your resident visa and your carné, enter the Agencia Digital either with your carné number or with the passport number linked to your carné. In the left menu select Consultas en linea and then carné. If you see that your visa and carné are still marked as valid, you most probably must cancel your carné as soon as possible.

      If the immigration officer saw in the system that your carné was already canceled or if he just saw that you have been outside Peru for more than the allowed half year and therefore didn't let you enter as a resident I don't know.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jen · 21/03/2025
    If I get a family visa as the parent of a Peruvian child (my husband was also Peruvian, but he passed away several years ago), do you know if Peru would tax my Social Security income? I am currently getting survivor benefits for myself and my child. I think I read that for retirement visas, Social Security is not taxed, but I don't know about the family visa. I might be able to qualify for the rentista visa because I get more than $1000 per month from Social Security. Technically the survivor's benefits for caretakers of children will end when my son turns 16, but then at the same time I would be old enough to start collecting widow's benefits for the rest of my life. If I could qualify for the rentista visa, are there any advantages (possibly tax related) to getting that visa instead of the family visa? I don't plan on working while in Peru unless the social security system in the USA goes bankrupt. Also, which visa is easier to get citizenship with?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 21/03/2025
      @Jen
      Hello Jen,

      If you live in Peru as a resident you are / can be taxed on your worldwide income. The only exception is if you have a retirement visa. Here your Social Security income won't be taxed.

      I can't tell you if a family visa or a retirement visa is the better option for you. The family visa allows you to work in Peru, which might be useful in the future. First you get a 2-year resident visa, which you then can extend. While living in Peru on a family visa you can't be outside the country for more than half a year. 

      After two years of legal residency as family you could apply for the Peruvian nationality. Once approved you have the same rights and obligations as any other Peruvian. Or, if you don't want to become a Peruvian, after three years you could apply for a permanent resident visa. As soon as you have a permanent resident visa you can leave Peru for a year without losing your status.

      With a retirement you have an indefinite resident visa from the start, as long as you don't leave the country for more than half a year. You cannot work, but your social security income or a pension isn't taxed. As far as I know you cannot apply for a permanent resident visa after three years having lived in Peru. And I'm not sure if you can get the Peruvian nationality. A few years back that wasn't a problem, but when I remember correctly things changed, but I'm not 100% sure.

      Anyway, in your case it might be a good investment to speak to a good immigration lawyer and tax specialist just to be well informed about the pros and cons for each visa and to avoid a rude awakening later.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jen · 22/03/2025
      @Sunflower
      Thank you for your response. I will try to speak to a good immigration and tax specialist when I get there. I have one more question, though. For either the retirement visa or the family visa--as the parent of a Peruvian, will I need MY birth certificate apostilled and translated? My son has a Peruvian birth certificate which proves my relationship to my child and I have a Peruvian marriage certificate which shows my name before I married (which is on my child's birth certificate). They don't need MY birth certificate, right?

      Just to clarify to my last (unpublished) comment, my last name now is my married name, but Peru uses my maiden name on my children's documents. Also, my husband passed away, so technically I am not married any more, so I can't apply as being married to a Peruvian. I can only apply as a parent of a Peruvian child who would be coming with me. My child has a DNI and Peruvian passport (although when applying for those documents, they were always confused about why my passport doesn't show my maiden name). Anyway, I don't think I will need MY birth certificate for immigrating to Peru, but I just want to make sure.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 22/03/2025
      @Jen
      Hello Jen,

      to apply for a retirement visa you don't need your birth certificate.

      To apply for a family visa based on being the mother of a Peruvian, you need the Peruvian birth certificate of your child, which must show you as his mother. Usually, no birth certificate of the applicant, so you, is needed.

      However, be prepared that your (married) last name might become a problem - I speak from personal experience. Usually, when you marry in Peru both keep their last names, which consists of the name of the father (apellido paterno)and the name of the mother (apellido materno). The wife only - if at all - adds "de" and the husband's first last name. 

      So, if Juan Perez (father's first last name) Chan (mother's first last name) marries Juanita Gonzalez Lopez, Juanita would become Juanita Gonzalez Lopez de Perez. A child would be named Diego Perez (first last name of the father) Gonzalez (first last name of the mother). 

      Like you I took the last name of my husband, so to follow above example Juanita Gonzalez Lopez is now Juanita Perez or Juanita Perez Chan. In Peru, a sister not a wife is named like this. Therefore Peruvian authorities are confused and might get suspicious that something strange is going on. My Peruvian husband, for example, had trouble getting our foreign marriage registered in Peru, because he was told that he cannot marry his sister. So, we ended up in front of a judge. Luckily, on our foreign marriage certificate it said that I took my husband's last name according to law whatever in my home country and we had a letter from the consulate of my home country explaining that I with maiden name am the same person than I with married name and our marriage was registered.

      Anyway, in your case it might be wise to find any document proving that you took your husband's last name when you married or showing your maiden name and your married name. And, of course, this document will need an Apostille. Or just to be on the safe side, get your birth certificate with Apostille and best a sworn statement issued by a notary in your home country, which in short explains the situation with the naming law in your home country. Another option could be to get in contact with the consulate of your home country in Peru, which could write a letter. Anything proving your maiden name and linking you to you with your married name might be necessary.

      Depending on the person, who evaluates your visa application, you might not need the additional documents or you will be asked for whatever additional document to prove your relationship to your child. According to Peruvian authorities you with maiden name are another person than you with married name. I know it's crazy, but I been there, done that. So, best come prepared and personally I would attach any additional document showing you with maiden name, which is on the birth certificate of your child, and you with married name, which is in your passport, are the same person.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jen · 22/03/2025
      @Sunflower
      Thanks for all the suggestions. How would a notary sign something that says I am the same person? To my knowledge, they only confirm the signature of someone. Would I write a letter and explain that I (maiden name) took my husband's last name when I got married, and that even after his death I still have his name according to the marriage laws in the USA? Then I would sign it with my married name? I would of course bring my birth certificate and marriage certificate for the notary to see (which can be decades old documents because they never expire in the USA). Could I type this letter and then sign it in front of the notary? However, getting a recent birth certificate from another state, waiting for it to arrive, then sending it to be apostilled in that state, then getting the notary statement and getting that apostilled--I'm afraid I will run out of time before I leave for Peru.

      I do have a Peruvian issued marriage certificate, registered with RENIEC from a Peruvian consulate in the USA. It does show my maiden name (with only one last name) under "datos de la contrayente," but where it has the "firma de la contrayente," I signed it with my new married name, so it in essence shows both names. However, they still had problems with it when I tried to get my son's DNI and passport. After numerous consultations with other staff people at the offices for DNI and passport, they finally gave me my son's DNI and later passport. However, each new agency was the same nightmare. They apparently don't share the information with each other. If a notarized letter would help, I will try to get one.

      When you apply for immigration, is there an option to upload extra documents that you think they might need or could explain things, or do you simply have to wait for them to ask for it and hope that they don't deny your application first?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 22/03/2025
      @Jen
      First of all, great that you have a Peruvian marriage certificate, which shows both names. Could be more helpful than your birth certificate. Best get a recent "copia certificada" from the consulate (once in Peru it must be legalized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Just in case that you might need it or want to add it to your application.

      If you tell a notary in the US the situation, he should be able to draw up a letter explaining the US naming law, which you can sign and he/she puts his signature and stamp on it. Might be helpful as well. I had a letter issued by the consulate of my home country in Peru, in which the consulate explained the naming law and emphasized that I with maiden name am the same person as I with married name. This helped in my case immensely with the judge and later when we had to register our kids. If you need it or if it helps in any way, I can't tell you. It's always up to the person at Migraciones evaluating your case.

      And no, when you apply for your visa on the Agencia Digital you cannot upload additional documents. However, you could, for example, make one PDF out of two or three documents. So, for example, add your marriage certificate (and additionally add a letter from the notary or consulate) to the birth certificate of your son and and upload this under the tab for the birth certificate.

      Again, I cannot tell you if these additional documents are even necessary and if I'm overly concerned because of the nightmare I went through. So, it's up to you to decide what to do. 

      You could just let sleeping dogs lie and apply with the usual documents required. Then just wait and see if Migraciones is happy with your uploaded documents. If they aren't happy they will usually send you a notification asking for additional documents or they could reject your application (which you could appeal). Or you could upload additional documents to prove you are you no matter your name right from the start hoping that this will make things easier. 

      Whatever way you choose, be prepared for the next "nightmare". Sorry.

      I really hope that everything works out for you and your son.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Matt S. · 06/03/2025
    Do I need the family visa if I am in Peru, but working for a USA based company? Can I begin working for a USA based company if my family visa is pending, but not yet approved? Or if it has been approved, but I don’t have the physical carne in hand?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/03/2025
      @Matt S.
      Hello Matt,

      you need a residence visa to legally live in Peru. So, assuming you are married to a Peruvian and want to stay longer in Peru than allowed as a tourist (live with your wife in Peru), you can apply for a family visa. This visa mainly allows you to legally be in Peru for one year (which can be extended); as addition it also allows you to work in Peru for a Peruvian company.

      You don't need a Peruvian family visa or the "included" work permit to work for a US company while being in Peru; the permission to work applies to work in Peru at a Peruvian company. But, if you want to stay in Peru more than the 180 allowed days per year as a tourist, you need a residence visa, which could be a family visa.

      And there is one thing you must consider as well: taxes. If you are in Peru as a tourist, you could just continue to work for your US company, get your wages deposited into a US account and pay your taxes in the US. While you could do the same as a resident (and most probably no-one will find out), officially, once you are a resident you could  depending on your circumstances be taxed on your worldwide income.  To pay taxes in Peru you need a RUC, a Peruvian tax number and to apply for this you need your carné. Anyway, if you plan to apply for a residence visa in Peru, live here and work for a US company I highly recommend talking to a tax specialist to find the best solution for you.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Maria · 12/02/2025
    Hi Eva i’m currently on a family visa with a carnet extranjeria (through marriage to a peruvian citizen) and wanted to know my options were if i have to leave the country back to the US for at least a year or more? I know that i’m required to stay in peru six months out of the year in order to keep my carnet and i’m not eligible for a peruvian passport because i would have had to stay in peru for two consecutive years without leaving correct? So if i were to go back to the US for a year or more and later down the line want to come back to peru to live what are my options? Can i reapply for a carnet since i’m married to a peruvian citizen? How would it work? Thank you
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 12/02/2025
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      if you are outside Peru for more than 183-days you will lose your family visa. To avoid this you could apply for a "Autorización de estadía fuera del país por más de 183 días calendario consecutivos" before (!!!) you leave the country. This can get you an additional half a year, so you could be outside Peru for a year without losing your residence visa.

      If you don't want to apply for the Autorización", or if it's denied, or if you already now know that you will be away for even longer, make sure to cancel your residence visa before you leave.

      Then, when you return to Peru, you enter as a tourist and can apply for a new family visa and carné without any problems.

      And if you have been in Peru for 3 years on a family visa, you could change your immigration status from "residente familiar", which you now have, to "permanente residente, The permanente visa allows you to be outside the country for a year.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Maria · 12/02/2025
      @Sunflower Thank you Eva. Would i have had to be living in peru for 3 consecutive years and not have left the country at all in order to qualify for the permanente residente? Also, are you familiar with anyone who’s had to cancel their carnet and then reapply and faced any challenges or was denied ? Thanks again
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 13/02/2025
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      you must have lived in Peru as a resident for 3 consecutive years. But this doesn't mean that you must have been in Peru 24/7 for 365 days in a year. You can leave for holidays or work or whatever, however, not longer than the allowed 183 days in a 365-day period.

      And no, I don't know anyone who had problems to apply for or was denied a family visa because of having canceled a previous family visa.

      The challenges begin if you leave the country for more than half a year (more than a year with authorization) and have not canceled your residence visa. When you return and want to apply for a new one, you might be asked to pay a hefty fine and/or first have to cancel your old family visa before you can apply for the new one.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Maria · 13/02/2025
      @Sunflower Thank you Eva.  i just had one more question— if i have any additional inquiries about visa procedures the latest updates are all on Migraciones website right? Or is there an additional government website that you use as well? Thank you
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 14/02/2025
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      it depends what you are looking for.

      Helpful might be the Peruvian government website. Or the foreigner law, Decreto Legislativo 1582. Or the current TUPA.

      If there are major changes I will update this page as well.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Valeee · 08/02/2025
    Hi Eva!
    I hope you’re doing amazing.
    My husband came to Peru last year on July 25th, they gave him 3months and he overstayed 11days (we paid the fine and everything good). We left to Colombia for a week and came back on November 10th and they gave him a month, we got married and he had to go back to USA on December 7th to get the FBI background to apply for a residency and he finally got the background check with the apostille yesterday!!
    From 183 days that you’re allowed to be in Peru as a tourist (I don’t know if 183 days goes for USA too or the rule is different) he used 132 days. 
    He’s ready to come back home but he’s afraid of migration not letting him in the country since he’s only been gone for 2 months. 

    Any idea on what to do to make things smoother with migrations? I was thinking about him telling them that he will be on vacations for a month, and get him a return flight ticket just in case?

    Or should he say he’s visiting his wife? Some people told me is better to say he’s just on vacations but is kind of weird he’s coming on vacations that frequently.

    Looking forward to hear from you and your advice.

    Thank you so much!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 08/02/2025
      @Valeee Hello Valeee,

      First of all congrats for finally getting the FBI check with Apostille. One important document (nearly) done. My answer got a bit long, so please hang in there; I try to explain everything as good and accurate as possible.  

      According to the foreigner law (Decreto Legislativo 1582), in general, tourists can stay in Peru for 183 days in a 365-day period. However, this doesn’t mean you get the complete 183 days when you enter the country or that you are entitled to stay in Peru as a tourist for the full 183 days.

      A publication issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), which is based on agreements Peru has with different countries, limits and in some cases divides the general 183 days per year allowing most foreign nationals to stay in Peru as a tourist for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

      You can find the list on the government website under Convenios de visas para ciudadanos extranjeros.

      If you check out the list, you will find for most foreign nationals, who can travel to Peru visa-free, a “90/180”, which means they can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period, for a few 180/365, so up to 180 days in a 365-day period and 90/365 (up to 90 days in a 365-day period).

      Under Estados Unidos de America (and a few other countries) you will only find a “90”, so 90 days. The list doesn't state if it's in a 180- or 365-day period. This leaves lots of room for interpretation and uncertainties.

      And over the past three years, I regularly get e-mails or comments stating that someone or an immigration officer said/showed some document that US Americans can only stay 90 days in a 365-day period.

      I've never seen such a document explicitly stating 90/365 for US Americans nor could I find it on any official site. I even contacted Migraciones and the Peruvian General Consulate in Washington a good year ago and again a few months back, but they confirmed that US Americans can stay visa-free as a tourist for 183 days in a 365-day period and the 90 means 90 days in a 180-day period. Additionally, I know of quite a few US Americans, who had no problem staying in Peru the full 180 days within a year.

      As your husband hasn’t stayed the full 183 days in a 365-day period, which according to available official documents is the number of days a US American can stay in Peru as a tourist, personally I think he shouldn’t have a problem re-entering the country now.

      But honestly, it doesn’t matter what I think. As in many countries around the globe it’s always at the discretion of the immigration officer how he/she evaluates you /your situation/your travel history and how many days he/she is willing to let you stay as a tourist in Peru. You are not entitled to get the full 90 days or to being allowed to stay the full 183 days per year. It's completely up to the immigration officer if he/she lets you enter and how long he/she allows you to stay.

      So, if your husband returns and is lucky to get a nice and relaxed immigration officer, there most probably won’t be any discussions and he will be allowed to re-enter, perhaps he only gets 30 or 60 days, but this should be enough time to get the translation of the FBI check done, get the Ficha de Canje from Interpol, pay and apply on the Agencia Digital. Be aware that his stay as a tourist must be still valid on the day he applies, if it expires a day later, no problem.

      However, if your husband has to face a not so friendly and strict immigration officer, who tells him he already stayed all his allowed days - which always can happen - he should come prepared, but always remain friendly, calm and determined without challenging the authority of the immigration officer. He could answer that he only stayed x days in Peru and according to the foreigner law he could stay up to 183 days in a 365-day period and according to the list of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 90 days, and he isn’t aware that these 90 days is in a 365-day period. This already might work. If not, he should ask how this problem can get solved.

      Then, I’m not sure who recommended that it’s better to tell the immigration officer that your husband is coming on vacation. To lie to an immigration officer is never a good idea. Stay with the truth but don’t overshare. In Peru, you have the right to a family union with your foreign husband. So, if – and only then (!!!) – the immigration officer is giving your husband a hard time, he should say that he is married to a Peruvian (show the Peruvian marriage certificate) and left the country to get the FBI check (show this as well) so he can apply for a family visa based on being married to a Peruvian because he wants to live with his beautiful wife in Peru. If you want (might be a good idea in case your husband only gets 30 days and Interpol appointments are hard to get), you can already book an Interpol appointment for him for a date after his arrival and he could additionally show the appointment confirmation. Usually, latest by then your husband will be allowed to re-enter.

      So, as said before, I think he shouldn’t have a problem returning to Peru. And in case immigrations is giving him a hard time it’s important not to challenge the immigration officer’s authority, to remain calm and friendly, to explain the situation and ask for possible solutions.

      And one last thing: Peruvian law requires that foreign visitors need a return or onward passage out of the country if they aren't residents. When entering the country, Peruvian immigration officials hardly ever ask to see this proof. The ones executing above regulations are usually the airlines. As they could be held responsible and have to fly you back, if denied entry to Peru, most airlines require a return or onward flight ticket to even let you check-in to your flight to Peru. As your husband isn’t a resident, when he returns to Peru he should have a return ticket or any other onward passage just to avoid any problem with the airline.

      Don't worry too much.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Constantin · 06/02/2025
    Dear Eva,

    I hope you're doing well.

    I submitted my family visa application three weeks ago, and my 60-day tourist visa expires in a week. Since it's unlikely that I’ll receive any confirmation within this time, I’m unsure how to proceed.

    From what I understand, I may have to overstay until my visa is approved and I receive the residency card. However, given that the confirmation process alone can take up to three months—plus another month to collect the card, assuming all documents are in order—this creates a challenge for me.

    Unfortunately, this timeline conflicts with my job, and I may need to leave for a month to meet my work obligations. I understand that, under normal circumstances, I could request travel permission to visit my home country for a few weeks and return without affecting the visa process.

    However, would this option still be available if I have already overstayed in Peru at that point? Have you encountered this situation before?

    I’d really appreciate any guidance you can provide.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/02/2025
      @Constantin
      Hello Constantin,

      as the evaluation and approval process of a residence visa application takes some time in Peru, it is quite common that a stay as a tourist "expires" during this processing time . But actually, it doesn't really "expire". As soon as you applied on the Agencia Digital and received the confirmation of your application with your numero de tramite, your time as a tourist stops. Even though you are not a resident yet, you are not a "real" tourist anymore either. So, you don't overstay, as your time as a tourist is frozen on the day of your visa application.

      With this being said, if you need to leave during the processing time of your visa application you must apply for a travel permit, known as "Autorización de estadía fuera del país por 30 dias", before (!) leaving the country. 

      The travel permit is good for one exit and one re-entry. It is valid for 30 days counted from the departure date you indicated when applying for it and can’t be extended. If you stay outside the country longer, the application of your visa is canceled.

      You find all the details and how to apply in our Travel Permit article.

      I hope this info helps.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Constantin · 06/02/2025
      @Sunflower Thank you so much, Eva, for your valuable feedback!

      You are a wealth of information and an invaluable asset to the entire expat community in Peru.

      Best regards,
      Constantin
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/02/2025
      @Constantin
      Thank you so much for your kind words. It's always great to hear that what I'm doing here helps others and makes their lives a little easier.

      I wish you all the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Steve · 15/01/2025
    Hi everyone!
    Has anyone found a way to easily track the official number of days you've been out of Peru? I’m using a spreadsheet, but I’m cutting it close to the 183-day limit for being outside the country. I’m a bit unsure about how to count the days—specifically, if I go through customs at 9 PM, does that count as a day out of Peru, or when I enter at 6 am is that day seen as a day in Peru?  Any insights would be super helpful!

    Thanks in advance!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 16/01/2025
      @Steve
      Hello Steve,

      there is no easy way to keep track your days if you are leaving the country and returning on a regular basis. Anyway, usually (!) no matter at what time of the day you enter or leave the country this day is calculated as a day in Peru.

      However, as you surely are aware you are always at the discretion of the immigration officer you have to face when you leave and re-enter. So, he/she might have her own interpretation. Therefore, I highly recommend to always leave a few days for any eventualities.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Maria · 08/12/2024
    Hi Eva i was searching on your visa section to see if there was any information on how to apply for asylum in peru. My husband’s peruvian and i have a carnet and currently have two family members (one of which is elderly) living in lebanon and trying to figure out the possibility of the two of them seeking asylum in peru. Is sponsoring them one option? Is it possible at all? Thank you. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 08/12/2024
      @Maria Hello Maria,

      Unfortunately, sponsoring someone isn’t an option to get a resident visa in Peru.

      And seeking asylum in Peru and being recognized as a refugee is a difficult process in Peru (at least, if the foreigner isn’t Venezuelan). The so-called visa humanitaria isn’t handled by Migraciones, Peru’s immigration authority, but by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), which evaluates each case to determine if the applicant really faces financial destitution, harassment or physical danger in his/her home country. There is no mechanism to request it. It must be a personal application, which is granted or not.

      I attach the corresponding passage of the Decreto Legislativo 1582, the Peruvian foreigner law (page 9, article 29.2m), which sounds easy but it is a mission to get the visa.

      The application must be done using this e-mail address solicitantesrefugio @ rree.gob.pe (I hope it still works). But probably, you can try to write an e-mail and see if you can get more information or just pay the RREE in the city where you live a visit and ask for detailed info.

      Surely easier but still not really super simple would be trying to find a “normal” visa that fits. But as Lebanese passport holders can’t enter Peru visa-free they must apply for a resident visa from outside Peru. I explained the process in our Peruvian residence visa application from abroad article. Or an option could be to apply for a tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate and then once in Peru as a tourist change the immigration status. The question is based on what. And there is no Peruvian consulate in Lebanon, the nearest is in Israel.

      So, you said “family members”. Depending on how you are related they could apply for a family visa based on being related to you as a foreigner with resident status. In Decreto Supremo 002-2021 on page 25 of the PDF and following (Page 43 and following of the document) Article 89-A you find all possible family visa subtypes. Perhaps something fits your situation.

      Or, I know this is a long shot and most probably unrealistic as I assume wages and pensions in Lebanon are even worse than in Peru, but if one gets a pension of US$ 1000 per month this family member could apply for a rentista visa and if the other family member is related to this one then could apply for a family visa.

      Overall, it might be impossible to get your family members to Peru. However, it might be a good investment to talk to a really knowledgeable immigration lawyer in Peru, who might be able to find a solution for you or at least point you in the right direction. I usually don’t recommend anyone, but in this case, I still have hope that there is a way to get your family members to Peru and I just don’t have the knowledge of all the loopholes there might be. So, you could make an appointment, for example, with Sergio Vargas from NVC abogados. I don’t have any affiliation with him. And even though he is expensive, he is well-respected and one of the best in Lima. This case isn't his specialty, but perhaps he knows more or can recommend someone. It could be worth a try. The good thing, you can book appointment with him online and have a Zoom consultation, but as said before, it’s costly.

      Sorry, I can’t help more.

      I really wish you all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Maria · 08/12/2024
      @Sunflower Thank you for getting back to me Eva. I’ll definitely look into your suggestions. It does seem extremely complicated which is unfortunate. But again, i really appreciate your help.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 09/12/2024
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      yes, it might not be easy, but depending on the situation it might be worth to look into options. If getting information from an experienced lawyer is out of the question, you can always check with Migraciones or with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yourself. Usually - at least Migraciones - is quite helpful once you have an appointment, explain the situation and ask for help.

      All the best
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Maria · 10/12/2024
      @Sunflower I’m going to check with the ministry of foreign affairs first and once i get an answer i’ll update it on this link/chat incase there’s anyone that is going through a similar situation and is on your website for them to find . Also, just a side note, i wish i had known about your website back when i had first moved here! it was a bit difficult to navigate the immigration process at Migraciones when you don’t speak spanish. Hoping your website gains more and more traction and just know that your efforts to keep us informed is very much appreciated!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 10/12/2024
      @Maria
      Hello Maria,

      thank you so much for your nice words.

      And, yes, please, let me know if you can find out anything. This would be super interesting for me and I'm sure for some readers as well.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Val B · 08/12/2024
    Hi there!

    Thank you so much for all the info. I’m going to explain my case.

    My husband(Us citizen) and I got married this week but his legal stay expires this Monday. He’s been in Peru as a tourist for 131 days in a year. He’s leaving the country because he already overstayed once before and we are trying to avoid problems.

    Now we don’t know if he should comeback as a tourist with the rap sheet from the FBI since is a mandatory document to apply to his residency and do a change of status when he’s here or if it would be better to apply to a resident visa once he’s back in America.
    The lawyers said is easier to do the change of status once he’s here but I’m afraid they won’t let him in the country again as tourist since we are already married. Do you think it will show in migrations that he’s married to a Peruvian? Should he said that he’s visiting his wife? Or that would put his entry in risk? Or should we pretend he’s a regular tourist and not mention that he has ties in Peru?

    Thank you so much for your help and sorry for my grammar :)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 08/12/2024
      @Val B
      Hello ValB,

      first of all congrats!

      From personal experience and what other foreigners married to a Peruvian told me, it's usually easier to enter Peru when you can prove that you are married to a Peruvian and most immigration officers turn a bit of a blind eye on the number of days. 

      There's no guarantee and it's always at the discretion of the immigration officer, but, if your husband hasn't already stayed the max allowed 183 days in a 365-day period (not in a calendar year) he shouldn't have a problem with being allowed to re-enter; just in case he should have below mentioned documents with him. If he already stayed more than 183-day in a 365-day period, then he should have a copy of your Peruvian marriage certificate (if you don't have it yet, the document you got from the municipality) and the documents he needs for the family visa application (criminal record check with Apostille, perhaps appointment confirmation for the Ficha de Canje from Interpol, payment receipt) with him and be prepared to explain his situation and do a little chitchat, be nice, friendly, etc. In many cases, the immigration officer then allows the foreigner to reenter at least for 30 days giving enough time to start the visa application.

      With this being said, personally I'm more concerned about the criminal record your husband has. To apply and get the visa application approved the foreigner must present a clean (!!!) criminal record. So, having a rap sheet might be a problem. But I assume you had a chat with your immigration lawyer about it and he might be able to find a solution for this.

      Generally, yes, it's much easier and less stressful on your relationship to apply in Peru for the "cambio de calidad migratoria". During the evaluation and approval process your husband can stay in Peru even if his stay as a tourist expires; no matter how long it takes to get the approval or the dismissal of the visa application. If the visa is denied (for example due to the criminal record) your husband must leave the country within 15 days.

      The application for the family visa from abroad (solicitar una calidad migratoria) isn't more difficult, but your husband must be outside Peru and can only enter the country when his visa is approved and issued by a Peruvian consulate. So, if Migraciones takes a few months to approve the visa, your husband must wait abroad.

      All the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Val B · 09/12/2024
      @Sunflower Thank you so much for clarifying that! I was talking about the background check lol but in the web page of the FBI says rap sheet, I got confused with the terminology 🤭 
      He has his background check clean so that won’t be a problem.

      Best regards and thank you so much again for your answer!
      Val
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 09/12/2024
      @Val B
      Hello Val B,

      sorry, I misunderstood. English isn't my first language, so probably I associated the wrong thing with rap sheet. 

      Anyway, as he has a clean criminal record, one problem solved.

      All the best to you and your husband.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Patrick · 23/01/2025
      @Sunflower It's confusing yeah... even with a clean criminal record, they call it your rap sheet sometimes.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 23/01/2025
      @Patrick
      Thank you, Patrick.

      Seems to be true that you learn something new every day.

      Have a good day.

      Greetings
      Eva


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