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Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Retirement Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 7

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

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

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

Content overview

 

Legal background for a retirement visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a retirement visa

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

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

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

Those foreigners, who cannot enter Peru visa-free (so, who must apply for a “real” tourist visa at a Peruvian consulate), officially must apply for residency from outside Peru; a complicated, lengthy, and sometimes frustrating process. We explain in detail how it’s done in our article “Peruvian residence visa application from abroad”.

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

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

Important laws and regulations

For foreigners planning to stay longer in Peru and to apply for a resident visa, the most important laws and regulations are the Decreto Legislativo 1350, the "old" Foreigner Law, the Decreto Legislativo 1582, the modification of the Foreigner Law, which both only stipulate general rules, as well as the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN from 2021 and the TUPA (last updated August 2024). Helpful as well is to check out the Peruvian government website. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

While below, under "Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru" you find the necessary documents described in English, the official list of requirements (in Spanish) can be found, for example, in the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN on page 46 in article 92-B “Procedimiento administrativo de cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente”. As the TUPA is always the more current official document, which contains slight changes compared to the Decreto Supremo, we recommend to use it when looking for the most current official information about the requirements in Spanish. You find the information on page 146.

 

Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru

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

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

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (1) + (2) + (3)
  • Letter / confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 or the equivalent in any other currency. (3) + (4)
  • Sworn statement stating that your pension enters Peru through the banking system (5)
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568; concept Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente, S/ 161.40)
  • (Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months) (6)
  • "Recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name)

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Stuff
One of the requirements when applying for a resident visa in Peru or when changing your immigration status (for example, from a work visa to a perm...

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

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

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

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

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

(6) In 2023, it was ruled that presenting the Ficha de canje from Interpol is an illegal and unnecessary bureaucratic barrier for retirment visa applicants. Even though the Ficha de canje is still listed as a requirement for a retirement visa application on the Peruvian government website and in the TUPA, since the beginning of 2024, the corresponding field on the Agencia Digital, where you had to upload the document before, is gone. So, you can’t submit the Ficha de canje anymore. However, be aware that Migraciones always has the right to ask for additional documents and in some rare cases over the past months requested that an applicant uploads the Ficha additionally.

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

 

 Last steps before your retirement visa application in Peru

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

Translation of foreign documents

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

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

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

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

Paying the application fee

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

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

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All administrative charges, processing fees, and fines levied by Peruvian government agencies, public authorities, and public entities must be paid...

Last preparations

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

Permit to sign contracts in Peru

Permit to sign contracts in Peru

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Foreign nationals who are in Peru as tourists or hold another temporary immigration status are not allowed to sign legally binding documents unless...

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Stuff
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...

 

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

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

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

Migraciones Agencia Digital

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

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

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

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

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

Register your personal data in the Migraciones database

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

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

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

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

Be aware that you only have 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire and once you started you must finish it within this time otherwise all your progress is gone and you have to start from scratch. The questions are quite unorganized and partly a bit strange, so to give you an idea what questions you have to answer and might need to prepare for here an overview:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st page of the retirement visa application

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

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

Click on Siguente.

2nd page of the retirement visa application

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

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

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

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

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

After entering the data, click on Validar.

Under the "Documento de identificación del administrado" tab, select the document with which you entered Peru (in most cases passport). You are then asked to fill in your passport number, the date of issue and the country of issue and upload a copy of the passport page with your photo and personal data.

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

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

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

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

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

3rd page of the retirement visa application

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

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

4th page of the retirement visa application

You now get to the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" page, where at first glance you only see a number displayed on your screen and a request to make an appointment to have your biometrical data taken.

Do not continue! First of all save this number! It's your Numero de expediente (file number), which sometimes is also called Numero de tramite. It consists of 2 letters (usually some abbreviation of the Migraciones office where you applied; LM for Lima, for example; or CY for Chiclayo, etc.) and 9 numbers. 

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

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

If you later, for example, want to apply for a travel permit to leave the country while the approval of your application is still in process, you will need your file number, the application date and the 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, called Buzon electronico (see below).

If you can’t 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.

 

Biometric data appointment

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

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

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

Download and/or print your appointment confirmation under the “Constancia cita” tab.

And just as an info: Even though difficult to see, next to the “Constancia cita” tab you find the “Cargo tramite” tab, which is crucial if you missed downloading the confirmation of your application or if the login data for the Buzon electronico or the verification code aren't on the document. Just click on the "Cargo tramite" tab and you can download a document containing both.

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

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

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

There were times when the process at the Migraciones office in Lima was quick and astonishingly well organized and you were done in less than half an hour. However, sometimes the appointment time isn't respected and you might have to wait an hour or two until you make it to the counter, where the process is quick and smooth. So, plan accordingly. At the Migraciones offices in the provinces, the whole process is usually quick and painless.

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

 

Buzon Electronico

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

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

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

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

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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

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

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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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 retirement visa

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations! You made it!

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

 

Things you should know living in Peru on a retirement visa

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

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

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

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

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

Your pension payments are exempted from taxation in Peru.

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

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Update your information in the Migraciones database

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

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

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

 

Other FAQs

Where to find / how to recover your verification code and the login data for your Buzon electronico?

The verification code and the login data for the Buzon electronico are usually printed on the “Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” document, which you hopefully downloaded after your application and before making an appointment to have your biometrical data taken (see above under 4th page).

If you missed downloading the document or if the login data or the verification code isn’t printed on the document, which for unknown reasons sometimes happens, you can recover both when making an appointment to have the biometrical data taken. After having selected a free date and time for your appointment you get to a page where at the top you find two tabs: the “Constancia cita” tab (click on it to download and/or print the confirmation of your biometrical data appointment) and the “Cargo tramite” tab (click on it and you get the confirmation of your visa application including the verification code and your login data for the Buzon electronico).

And in case you already made your biometrical data appointment and cannot get back to the “Cargo tramite” tap, you can trick the system and make a new “fake” biometric data appointment. So, on the main page in the left menu click on “Citas en linea” and choose “Datos biometricos”. After generating a new “fake” biometric data appointment but before clicking on “Finalizar” you can download under “Cargo tramite” the original document with your login data for the Buzon electronico and your original verification code. Then just leave the page.

In case these options don’t work and you need your verification code, no way around getting in contact with Migraciones. If you however only need your login data for the Buzon electronico, there is one last easy option to recover it: Just enter the Agencia Digital and on the main page at the top click on the Buzon electronico button or use this direct link. Then click on "¿Olvidaste la contraseña?" and you get to the "Verificacion de Datos" page. Here enter your nationality, passport, passport number, last name(s), first name(s) and your birthdate. After submitting your information by clicking on Siguiente, you get an e-mail with the "usario" and a link to reset/create a password.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, at the moment (March 2025) officially you still have to be in the country on a valid stay to apply and therefore we can't guarantee that it's possible to change your immigration status from tourist to rentista if you are in Peru on an expired stay as a tourist.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Legal Stuff
During the internal 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 at the end of the deadline Migraciones gave you, then you can apply for an extension of the deadline (max. 30 days). The process is called Ampliacion de plazos and explained in our article “Extensions of a Migraciones deadline”.

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Milton
    Milton · 14/08/2024
    I would like to add some information regarding the "Giro sobre el Exterior". I was able to get it on the BCP next to the La Rambla Mall in San Borja, it is known as "Giro Miami". Also, on my Interpol appointment they did not take the Giro, because I had a copy of my FBI Criminal History check and translation. They took the copy and told me they didn't need the Giro. I used your guide yo apply for the rentista residencia and did not match entirely the steps, but I will update you guys on my process soon.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/08/2024
      @Milton
      Hello Milton,

      thank you so much for sharing your experience.

      Yes, the Giro sobre el Exterior - at least at BCP banks - is mostly known there as Giro Miami. You find this information in our Ficha de Canje article.

      But the super interesting part is that you didn't need the money order because you had your FBI check with you. You are the second person I know where they didn't want the money order. It's still on the official requirement list, but I really, really hope that Interpol finally stops this age-old requirement for US, Canadian and Australian citizens, which was necessary for years when the criminal record check wasn't a requirement to apply for a visa. 

      Anyway, thank you so much for this information!!! I will check with Interpol again, if they really abolished the money order requirement and update our Ficha de Canje article accordingly.

      And you are right, the above article isn't 100% correct anymore (and unfortunately never can be). Migraciones regularly changes the requirements, processes and steps on the Agencia Digital, so it's nearly impossible to have everything always up-to-date, especially as due to my immigration status I don't have access to this part of the Agencia Digital.

      Therefore, I'm always happy and more than grateful if anyone points out mistakes on here and shares their experience, so the articles are as current as possible.

      So, I'm really looking forward to your update and want to thank you in advance for any information you can share.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Milton
      Milton · 18/08/2024
      @Sunflower Eva, this was my process in agencia digital. I followed your guide to the T. Now, that said, when I started my rentista application, the guide mention the code I was going to be ask and subsequently go to the questionnaire. The application did not ask me the code and therefore, didn't give me an option or took me to the questionnaire. Subsequently, the part that request for. me to upload the documents, on the Interpol section, especificaly requested the FBI background and didn't have the option to upload the Interpol sheet. The same thing on the income document, it requested the letter that shows my source of income but no option for the sworn statement. I did however, merge the documents, the FBI background with the interpol sheet and the income letter with the sworn statement. Also, both with the apostille and translation. With the way the application went, I didn't have any option to upload a copy of the power bill of my residence. I'm just checking my mailbox daily. Also, I did go over the beginning of the application a few times because I didn't have the option for the code input.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 20/08/2024
      @Milton
      Hello Milton,

      thanks you so much for getting back to me.

      In the next few days I will update our visa articles and all the information you provided was really helpful.

      I hope you visa application is approved soon.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Milton
      Milton · 10/10/2024
      @Sunflower I just want to let you know that my application got approved three days short of two months, which I  think is good. I don't know if this is normal, but I got approved as indefinite. Also, the only option they gave me to pick up my carnet is at the same place they took my fingerprints. Thank you very much for such nice guide and website. Now, my next adventure will be the driver license.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/10/2024
      @Milton
      Hello Milton,

      sorry for getting back to you so late. I was on vacation and getting back was a bit chaotic.

      Anyway, congratulations. You (nearly) made it. I hope you get an appointment to pick-up your carné soon. Sometimes Migraciones only gives the option to pick it up at one Migraciones office. Nothing unusual.

      And yes, as a rentista you have an indefinite residence permit; at least as long as you are in Peru for 183 days in a 365-day period. So, all good and correct.

      I wish you all the best on your next little adventure in Peru. Check out our Driver's license in Peru article that might be helpful.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dean
    Dean · 29/07/2024
    OMG....finally cracked the Interpol basic data sheet issues....for weight you must only use the first 2 numbers for kilograms and no ' .' so if your 60.4KG only put in 60 KG. Finally able to move onto the secondary data....WOW this is not easy to navigate. Ill complete thhe reservation on saturday. Thanks for your help but feel like ill be writing again letter on ... :)
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 29/07/2024
      @Dean
      Hello Dean,

      great that you finally managed to find the error.

      I learned something new as well. Never would have thought that someone wouldn't enter full kg and that there the problem is. I update the page accordingly to make it clearer.

      Hope from now on everything works smoothly.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Dean
    Dean · 27/07/2024
    OK should have provided more details to you. I have the articles you wrote on the Fiche de Canje ( very thorough btw) I am in Peru , did a purging of my cache, no VPN…. So I enter my country , passport , name! Then I make it to second page on details . Enter everything that has a star . Hit continue and get the message ‘ are you sure your data is right ‘  and hit ´yes’ and it’s at this point where I get the error message in a small box ‘ Non Valido’ 🤷‍♂️. Is it possible that there are no ´cità available ? I started trying at 8:45 AM
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/07/2024
      @Dean
      Yes, it is possible that there are no appointments at the moment, but then you shouldn't get the error at that point, only after you entered the payment and the appointment details.

      What you describe is an error somewhere on the the Datos basicos page. So, one field isn't filled in correctly. The question is which. So, probably check all fields again.

      The Nacionalidad (Nationality), Tipo de documento (Type of Document) and Numero de documento (Document number) are already filled in from the first page; so here there can't be an error.

      Calidad Migratoria (Immigration status): just select the residence visa you are applying for. So, here can't be an error as well. 

      Your last name is already filled in from the first page: no error possible.

      Do you have a second last name? If so, enter it under the Apellido materno field. If not leave it blank or try "-" or "n/a" (no aplica)

      Nombre(s) (First name(s): Enter all your first names as in your passport.

      Sexo (Sex): I assume no problem here

      Fecha de nacimiento (Birth date): Try to use the little calendar and choose your birthdate. Or enter it; when I remember correctly it's day/month/year; for example: 15/07/1950.

      Estado civil (Marital status): soltero (single), casado (married), divorciado (divorced) or viudo (widowed), Estatura (Height): Enter your height in meter, Peso (Weight): Enter your weight in kg. There shouldn't be a problem here.

      Nombre de padre (Father's first name) and Nombre de madre (Mother's first name): often people enter the full name of their parents, which results in an error message. Only enter the first name of your father and mother. And if you want to fill in your wife's name as well, only her first name, nothing more. Leave the company blank. You may try here as well"-" or "n/a".

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    dean
    dean · 27/07/2024
    Morning Eva , have been trying 20-30 times this morning (Saturday) to get an appointment for my interpol...followed all the instructions but keep getting a' No Valido' when I enter all my info ..Any advice? Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/07/2024
      @dean
      Hello Dean,

      to make an appointment on the Interpol website you must fill in several pages of information; general, personal details (datos basicos) and address details (datos de su domicilio en el Peru and en su pais de origen), payment details and your appointment. At what point do you get the error message that your entered data is not valid?

      Not sure if you already have done it, but it might be helpful to check out our article Interpol - Ficha de Canje, where you find screenshots of all pages with explanations what to fill in where.

      As I don't know where the error message pops up, I can only give you general advice.

      As you tried so often, I'm sure your failed attempts are cached on the page. So, leave the Interpol page and clear your cache. You are already in Peru? If so, switch off any translation programs, add blockers and a VPN you might be using. If you are outside Peru set your VPN to Peru. Then re-enter the Interpol page.

      Fill in all fields with an *. Enter your personal information exactly (!!!) as in your passport with all names and surnames. Enter your address as on your water or electricity bill. 

      Enter the details of your payment receipt as printed on the receipt. If you paid today, be aware that sometimes, especially if you made the payment on pagalo.pe after business hours or on weekends, it can take a while until your payment is processed. In rare cases even until the next business day.

      Hope this helps. If not, let me know when exactly the error message pops up.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Chip
    Chip · 24/07/2024
    I don't see any mention on this page about an apostilled Spanish version of a bank account deposit statement showing at a minimum of 6 months (more is better) deposits of your pension. I was just at the MAC office in Arequipa this morning and they want me to provide that even though I have given them the apostilled version of my SS Benefits Letter (apparently, that is not sufficient by itself).

    Also, here on this page you mention and link to the Declaracion Jurada but you do not mention that it needs to be apostilled as well.

    The woman in the MAC office this morning made sure to emphasize that ALL documents provided to Migraciones must be apostilled.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 24/07/2024
      @Chip
      Hello Chip,

      if nothing changed in the last couple of weeks, you don't see anything about a bank account deposit statement, because it is not required when you apply for a retirement visa in Peru. Follow the step-by-step guide above until you are on the 2nd page of the application (the page where you have to upload all required documents) and check for yourself.

      What you need is a letter / statement / confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 or the equivalent in any other currency. This must be apostilled in the country where it was issued and, if it's not in Spanish, must be translated in Peru by an official translator.

      And no, not all documents need an Apostille. Correct is that all foreign documents need an Apostille.

      An Apostille is an official sticker, stamp or printed form placed on or attached to a public document by a competent authority in the country of origin that certifies its authenticity for the use abroad; so, a specialized certificate verifying the legitimacy, genuineness and origin of a document.

      This means that when you are in Peru, documents issued outside Peru must be apostilled, so, the Peruvian authority you submit it to (in this case Migraciones) immediately sees that the document is authentic and genuine.

      The sworn statement you have to fill in first of all isn't a public document, which makes it difficult to get it apostilled anyway; then it's a Peruvian document, filled in in Peru by you (not an official person) and used in Peru. So, no Apostille needed. Only if you submitted a sworn statement from abroad, which isn't required when you apply for a rentista visa, then it would need an Apostille.

      However, be aware that if you are in Peru as a tourist you can only legally sign a document in Peru after you were issued a Permit to sign contracts. So, before signing the sworn statement apply for the Permit to sign contracts as explained above.

      Hope this helps.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Chip
      Chip · 24/07/2024
      @Sunflower Hi Eva, this morning, today July 24, at the Migraciones office (MAC office here in Arequipa) the woman specifically told me and she even wrote it down on a sticky-not and stuck it to my passport - at least 6 months of deposits shown in the bank account AND it must be apostilled. And, that is in addition to the SS Benefits Letter, I asked her, and she confirmed, yes.

      After I posted my OP I saw that I wrote incorrectly about ALL documents needing an apostille but this system doesn't allow editing.

      And, yes, I have followed all the instructions on this site and everything is going fine other than that one "new" requirement at the MAC office here in Arequipa.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/07/2024
      @Chip
      Hello Chip,

      As I never heard of this requirement I just checked the list of requirements on the Peruvian government website and in the TUPA again (could have been a change over the past weeks or I missed something).

      No, the bank account deposit statement is not required according to official sources. So, I really have no idea where the lady in the MAC center in Arequipa gets her information from and why she is telling you that you need it. But Migraciones staff is sometimes quite "creative".

      Anyway, why have you been there? The application is done on the Agencia Digital and not in person at a Migraciones office or a MAC center.

      If you haven't applied yet, check on the Agencia Digital (unfortunately due to my immigration status I don't have access to this part of the Agencia) and you will see that the bank account deposit statement is not required.

      Or did you already apply for your rentista visa and got a notification from Migraciones asking to upload the statement? If so, then you should be aware that Migraciones has the right to ask for additional documents, even though they are not on the official requirement list. However, if your documents are in order and you have the official statement proving your retirement income with Apostille you could always file a "reconsiderción" as the bank account desposit statement is not an official requirement.

      What you however need additionally, as already explained in my previous reply, is the sworn statement. So, if you have the letter from your pension fund with Apostille and the sworn statement (only signed after you got the permit to sign contracts) then you should be good.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Chip
      Chip · 25/07/2024
      @Sunflower I think the woman at the MAC office was confused and told me about a document that is necessary if a person has an income in Peru (from gob.pe) -

      Para el caso de renta de fuente nacional, debes agregar:

      Copia simple del documento que acredite la renta mensual permanente por parte del solicitante.

      Also, I have been using the sublinacion site (or whatever it's called) to upload my docs, and every time I did so a week or two later they sent me a message to report to the MAC office with my documents. I would show the docs and the woman would say okay, hit a few keys on her keyboard, and that was the end of it. It's happened 3 times in that month-and-a-half.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 25/07/2024
      @Chip
      I'm confused. So, you applied on the Agencia Digital and uploaded all required documents? And now you are getting constant notifications to submit (the process is called "subsanacion") other documents that are not required???

      I think there is something really wrong. You did apply for the visa rentista residente, made the cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente? Correct? You uploaded all required documents? You have your confirmation of the application?

      Then I would pay the MAC center another visit, but go prepared. Have a copy of all required documents with you; you can find them either on the government website or in the TUPA. Have as well all documents you uploaded and your confirmation with. Explain again that you uploaded all required documents and ask for a solution of the problem. If the person you speak to doesn't seem to be able to find a solution, ask to see a supervisor and don't leave until the problem is resolved.

      Really sorry, I can't do more. But that's just unbelievable what's going on.

      Greetings
      Eva

      P.S. Last resort if this doesn't work: even though usually only done when an application is denied (which soon might happen, if you can't get it solved), you could as well apply for a "reconsiderción" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.gob.pe/institucion/migraciones/informes-publicaciones/1764248-solicitud-de-reconsideracion-de-tramite">reconsiderción".
  • This commment is unpublished.
    sean raghailligh
    sean raghailligh · 23/07/2024
    is there information about foreign retirees and healthcare? what i am asking is there health insurance for people with pre-existing conditions? i figure seeing a cardiologist or nephrologist every couple of months can be paid out of pocket, but what if there is need of getting heart surgery or from a stroke... tia
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 23/07/2024
      @sean raghailligh
      Hello Sean,

      per-existing conditions are usually not covered by your health insurance in Peru.

      Many people I know do the medical check-ups, which are included in their health insurance, or pay for certain preventive examination out of their pocket and have a backup plan for the worst case scenario.

      Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    ron
    ron · 01/02/2024
    Hi,
    I have a question. I have no pension but a high amount of money in the bank.
    Is there any visa I could apply for?
    Many thanks,
    Ron
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/02/2024
      @ron
      Hello Ron,

      To apply for a retirement visa in Peru you must prove a pension, lifetime annuities, other lifelong benefits or a permanent income for the rest of your life from royalties or dividends of at least US$ 1000 per month.

      Savings, unfortunately, aren't considered permanent income. And you don't qualify for any residence visa with just having savings.

      Depending on your circumstances and plans there might be other options. Examples include: marrying a Peruvian (family visa), establishing a company in Peru and then being employed by your own company (work visa) or investing at least 500,000 Soles in a new or established Peruvian company in Peru (investment visa).

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    sean ragahailligh
    sean ragahailligh · 31/12/2023
    hi eva, are there agencies to help get this visa?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 01/01/2024
      @sean ragahailligh
      Hello Sean,

      yes, there are many immigration lawyers or so-called tramitadores out there offering guidance and help with applying for a visa in Peru.

      As over the past two decades costs for such services got ridiculous and the expertise of these "professionals" sometimes are more than questionable and inconsistent, I cannot recommend anyone. Sorry.

      And honestly, applying for a retirement visa is a simple and straightforward process. If you follow above guide you can easily do it on your own. And if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Graham Tredray
    Graham Tredray · 19/12/2023
    Hi Eva, last week I traveled to Stuart, Florida, visited the SS office there with my appointment,
    when I was called, the agent told me there is no way I can get a signed benefit statement from Washington, all he could for me was have my benefit statement signed by the officer in charge of that office. he did give me that, but will it be ok with Peruvian immigration?
    HAPPY HOLIDAYS,
    Graham
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 19/12/2023
      @Graham Tredray
      Hello Graham,

      the signature on your benefit statement is not a requirement from Peruvian authorities. It's a general requirement to get the Apostille on the document in the country where it was issued, so in your case the US. Without a signature the document can´t get apostilled. And Peruvian immigration (MIgraciones) will only be interested in the Apostille.

      On the US Department of State website under the Apostille requirements you can read: "Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on public documents [...]. An apostille certifies the document(s), so the document can be recognized in foreign countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty."

      So, as I honestly don't know exactly how the Apostille process works in the US, especially as there are differences between federal-issued documents and state-issued documents I assume that the signature of the Social Security official and the seal/stamp of the agency is enough to get the Apostille.

      Greetings and happy holidays
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Graham Tredray
      Graham Tredray · 22/12/2023
      @Sunflower
      Hi Eva,
      Thanks for the quick response, I will send my documents to Washington in the New Year.
      Happy holidays to all at Lima Easy,
      Best wishes,
      Graham
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Erwin Sanders
      Erwin Sanders · 03/01/2024
      @Sunflower This confused me as well so I called the state office that does apostilles. In the US, at least in the state of GA, the income document needs to be notorized by any public notary before it can be apostillized. Easy peasy! Probably in most states it's this way. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/01/2024
      @Erwin Sanders
      Hello Erwin,

      thanks a lot for sharing this information. 

      So, first get the document from Social Security, then get it notarized and after that send it to the US Department of State, Office of Authentications for the Apostille.

      Great, learnt something new today. Thanks a lot.

      Have a great 2024!

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Erwin Sanders
      Erwin Sanders · 06/01/2024
      @Sunflower Yes, to go into a little more detail, any public notary can notarize most documents, including financial statements (mine will be an immediate lifetime guarantee annuity). However, they cannot notarize things such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, etc... The cost is between $1 to $20 depending on where you go and the document notarized. Then it gets apostilled at your state's superior court, in my case it will be Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) for $3.00 per document. Keep in mind each state will be a little different.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    sean
    sean · 30/11/2023
    Hi Eva, us there an age threshold for the retirement visa or just the income?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 30/11/2023
      @sean
      Hello Sean,

      no, there is no age requirement. 

      You must only prove that you get a state or private pension including social security pension, government pension, employment related pension, union pension, disability pension, etc., so lifetime annuities, other lifelong benefits or a permanent income for the rest of your life from royalties or dividends of at least US$ 1000 per month.

      Rental income, income generated from remote / freelance work, capital gains, interests, etc. are not considered permanent income. 

      To fulfill the requirement you must prove that you receive at least US$ 1000 per month "indefinitely", so for the rest of your life.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    David Herron
    David Herron · 15/11/2023
    I appreciate your prompt response to my previous questions. I found this on website of the Peruvian consulate in London: "Tourists are allowed to stay in Peru for up to 183 days.
    Nationals of countries not mentioned above require a Tourist Visa and must book an appointment for a personal application at pasaportes@conperlondres.com." I've seen 30 days and 90 days max in a 180-day period. Is their info old?  Again, being suspicious of Internet info, I found an article claiming that in order to secure a SIGNED  Social Security benefits letter, it was only necessary to call SS and make the request by phone. I haven't tried this because the new benefit will be out in January. It would be interesting to know if anyone has had luck with this. David H.  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/11/2023
      @David Herron
      Hello David,

      according to the Peruvian Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1350, and the modification of the Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1582, which was only published yesterday (see article 29.1 h), tourists can stay in Peru for 183 days per year. 

      However, since June 2019, a publication issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE), which is only really enforced since August 2021, limits or better divides the allowed 183 days per year into two times 90 days in two 180-day periods for most foreign nationals, who can travel to Peru visa-free; so, 180 days in a year max.

      Since August 2021 tourists, who can enter Peru visa-free, only get up to 90 days when they enter the country. However, as already mentioned above, yesterday a modification of the Foreigner Law was published, which includes a few changes that might (or not) change the at the moment common practice.

      Additionally, you should be aware that you are not entitled to get the full 90 days in half a year or to stay the full 183 days per year. It's always at the discretion of the immigration officer how many days he/she is willing to give you.

      And sorry, but I don't know how the process in the US is to get a signed (!) benefit verification letter. However, I was told that you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or visit the closest Social Security Office.

      Just make sure that the letter
      - is issued by the SSA
      - is printed on an SSA letterhead
      - includes a legible signature of the official's name, printed name and title, and seal of the SSA

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Marcia Tait
      Marcia Tait · 22/11/2023
      @Sunflower Eva, is there any way of knowing when the Decreto Legislativo allowing183 days for tourists will go into effect? Or if there will be a list of which countires this applies to?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 23/11/2023
      @Marcia Tait
      Hello Marcia,

      already the "old" Foreigner Law", Decreto Legislativo 1350, allowed foreign tourists to stay in Peru for 183 days per year. So, regarding the 183 days there is no difference. However, be aware that this is only a general rule, the maximum time. 

      For a few years now, a publication issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE) limits or better divides the general 183 days per year for tourists who can travel to Peru visa-free. Most of these foreign nationals can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period (two times 90 days in two consecutive 180-day periods equals more or less the by the Foreigner Law max allowed 183 days in a year).

      The new and interesting part of the new Decreto Legislativo 1582 is that the option to extend a stay as a tourist is determined. The decreto clearly states that in case foreign tourists don't get the full 183 days [when they enter the entry], an extension can be granted until the 183 days are reached, unless international agreements or conventions determine a shorter period or don't allow extensions.

      At the moment, the necessary administrative regulations haven't been published yet. So, we don't know how the extension works and for which nationalities there might be restrictions because of the in the law mentioned "international agreements" between Peru and other countries. However, here the already above mentioned RREE publication could come into play again. 
      For some nationalities, the list already states that they can only stay 90 days in a 180-day period or 90 days in a 365-day period. But the list wasn't updated for over a year.

      So, right now we can only wait for more official information.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Marcia Tait
      Marcia Tait · 23/11/2023
      @Sunflower Eva, thank you for your detailed reply. My understanding form what you said is:
      1. Some tourists will be able to ask for an extension of their persmissiion to stay in Peru for up to a total of 183 days without the time being broken into two 90 day periods.
      2. It is unknown which countries this will appply to.
      3. It is also unknown when this change - allowing the extension of time - will come into effect.

      Marcia
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 23/11/2023
      @Marcia Tait
      Hello Marcia,

      to answer your questions:

      1. Yes, some will be able and a few already are. On October 22, 2023 (so a few weeks before the new Foreigner Law, Decreto Legislativo 1582) a new TUPA, the Migraciones administrative regulations we are waiting to be updated again, was published. There you find that foreign tourists in Peru, whose home country is a member of the Andean Community, which includes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, can extend their stay as a tourist for up to 90 days if they don’t exceed the maximum allowed stay as a tourist of 180 days per year.

      2. Yes, except nationals from the Andean Community, there we already know that the new law applies to them.

      3. Yes, it's a waiting game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      So, wishing you all the best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      All the best to you Patrice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Greetings
      Eva

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