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Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Retirement Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 7

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

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

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

Content overview

 

Legal background for a retirement visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a retirement visa

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

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

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

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

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

Peruvian residence visa application from abroad

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

Important laws and regulations

For foreigners planning to stay longer in Peru and to apply for a resident visa, the most important laws and regulations are the Decreto Legislativo 1350, the "old" Foreigner Law, the Decreto Legislativo 1582, the modification of the Foreigner Law, which both only stipulate general rules, as well as the Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN from 2021 and the TUPA (last updated October 22, 2023). Helpful as well is to check out the Peruvian government website. All these documents are, of course, in Spanish.

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

 

Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru

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

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

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include:

  • Passport
  • Clean criminal record (Antecedentes policiales, penales y judiciales) from your home country or from the country where you legally lived (so with a resident visa) during the 5 years prior to coming to Peru (1) + (2) + (3)
  • Letter / confirmation from your pension fund or social security stating that you receive a monthly income of at least US$ 1000 or the equivalent in any other currency. (3) + (4)
  • Sworn statement stating that your pension enters Peru through the banking system (5)
  • Receipt for paid application fee (code Migraciones 07568; concept Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente, S/ 161.40 since October 22, 2023)
  • (Interpol clearance - Ficha de canje internacional not older than 6 months) (6)
  • "Recibo", so a water or electricity bill showing your address (doesn't have to be in your name)

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 Last steps before your retirement visa application in Peru

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

Translation of foreign documents

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

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

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

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

Paying the application fee

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

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru

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

Last preparations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Migraciones Agencia Digital

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

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

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

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

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

Register your personal data in the Migraciones database

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1st page of the retirement visa application

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

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

Click on Siguente.

2nd page of the retirement visa application

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

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

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

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

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

After entering the data, click on Validar.

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

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

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

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

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

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

3rd page of the retirement visa application

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

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

4th page of the retirement visa application

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please note:

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

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

 

Biometric data appointment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Buzon Electronico

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

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

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

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

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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

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

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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

 

Approval of your retirement visa

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations! You made it!

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

 

Things you should know living in Peru on a retirement visa

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

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

Renewal of the Carné de Extranjería

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

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

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

Your pension payments are exempted from taxation in Peru.

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

Update your information in the Migraciones database

Update your information in the Migraciones database

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

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

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

 

Other FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

Subsanacion - Submitting documents

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

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

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

Extension of a Migraciones deadline

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

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

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

 

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

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

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Nico
    Nico · 13/05/2022
    Possible to be naturalized in Peru - via a Rentista visa/CE? I've heard multiple answers... from 'no'... to 'you have to make a salary in Peru first (pay taxes)'. Unsure what is the truth?

    -Even possible from a Rentista?
    -2 yr wait ????
    -If so... easy to file myself or best to hire an attorney?

    Anything else to be aware of?

    Thanks so much!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/05/2022
      @Nico Hello Nico,

      I don’t know if foreigners living on a rentista visa in Peru can apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization. I think, no.

      Have a look into the Ley de Nacionalidad 26574 article 3b. There you find that foreigners who want to apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization have to “exercise a profession, art, trade or business (“Ejercer regularmente profesión, arte, oficio o actividad impresarial.”); there are a couple of exceptions from this rule, for example, for foreign spouses of Peruvians and professional athletes, but as far as I could find not for rentistas. As you are not allowed to work, pursue a career, and earn any money in Peru on a rentista visa, you can’t fulfil this requirement.

      The Nationality Law is from 1996, but still valid even though it was updated many times. The latest update was last year with the Supreme Decree 022-2021-INM but, as far as I know, article 3 was never changed.

      Additionally, check out above mentioned Supreme Decree article 9 (page 35 of the pdf which is page 53 of the document). There you find the current requirements to apply for the Peruvian nationality by naturalization: among them 2 years of legal residency in the country and proof of at least 10 UITs monthly income (in 2022 that’s S/ 46,000). Starting with “h” requirements are listed according to the migratory status. Unfortunately, there as well rentista isn’t mentioned.

      So, I don’t think you can apply for Peruvian nationality if you live in Peru on a rentista visa. However, I might be wrong, might have misinterpreted the law or missed an exception somewhere. So, as the rentista visa is a special case in many ways, if you want a 100% correct answer, your best bet is to either contact an immigration lawyer or even better Migraciones.

      Sorry.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Sean R
    Sean R · 02/05/2022
    I do not see anything about health insurance or what the options are for healthcare in Peru. Can you point me in the correct direction? :) Thank you
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 02/05/2022
      @Sean R Hello Sean,

      Depending on your age, finding health insurance might be an issue.

      While you can get public health insurance (EsSalud) as a foreign resident which might not be the best choice, in my opinion the way to go is a private health insurance, however if you are over 65 or 70 it’s difficult to find a provider willing to take you on, over 75 it’s nearly impossible. Often pre-existing conditions are excluded.

      A good point to look for your options is QuePlan.pe, a website that, after you entered your personal data, compares suitable health plans from different insurance companies. You get a quick overview of the different plans and approximate costs.

      Among the best private health insurances are Pacifico, Rimac and Mapfre.

      Another good option is to check out private hospitals. They all offer their own health plans.

      And another option would be to check out international expat / global health insurance providers covering Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sean R
      Sean R · 02/05/2022
      @Sunflower Eva, thanks for your reply. it is useful. the reason i ask is that will have to have an operation in 12 years that will allow me to live another 12 to 15 years. Maybe peru isnt the best to retire in at age 62 with heart disease.

      Thanks,
      Sean
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/05/2022
      @Sean R Good morning Sean,

      You could be right, Peru might not be the best choice; or it might be exactly what you need for a beneficial lifestyle and you just have to find the right doctor and clinic to do necessary check-ups, prescriptions, or whatever you need and who probably even can operate on you when the time comes.

      In Peru, and especially in Lima there are some excellent doctors and well equipped private clinics additionally offering a phenomenal service. The Clinica San Pablo, for example, has its own well respected heart institute. Or Cardiomedic, also a well-known cardiac institute. So, there are options for you.

      Some people with pre-existing conditions which aren't or only partly covered by their Peruvian private health insurance, pay necessary medication and examinations out of their pocket (as they are much more affordable than in North America or Europe), but keep their health insurance in their home country and if needed or too expensive, fly back for special treatments or operations.

      Anyway, I wish you all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    George
    George · 13/04/2022
    Hi Eva, Can you please explain again the process for the criminal background check. I am already here in Arequipa and I received my FBI letter. I found a certified translator. Is there more I have to do about this step?
    Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge with all of us.

    George
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/04/2022
      @George Hello George,

      So, you have your FBI background check? And it has an Apostille? And is already with you in Arequipa? Congrats. Seems to me the worst is done.

      The only thing left to do is getting the document incl. the Apostille translated. As far as I know, if you use a “Traductor Público Juramentado (TPJ)” or a “Traductor Colegiado Certificado” and get it officially translated, there is nothing more you have to do. The apostilled and translated document is good for official use in Peru.

      But, a few weeks ago someone told me that Migraciones didn’t accept his apostilled and translated document and wanted the translation over-authenticated by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (RREE). Usually, this is only necessary if the document hasn’t got an Apostille but a legalization or wasn’t translated by one of above mentioned special translators.

      So, honestly, I’m not sure, if there have been any changes and now even an official translation has to be authenticated by RREE. I tried to find any info about it on the government and RREE website, but ended up empty-handed. Probably ask the translator; he/she should know.

      Sorry, sometimes my knowledge is limited.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      George
      George · 13/04/2022
      @Sunflower Sorry, what I meant to say was I received the FBI letter while I was already here, so I do not have the apostille. I found the translator from the link you provided. The translator also asked about the apostille, but she can still translate and certify the document without apostille. If that is not enough, I hope there is an office here in Arequipa for the RREE.

      Once everything is submitted and the account created, about how long would you say it will take to receive a message in the buzon electronico? I was told to submit even if there are possible errors in my documents and I will be notified on how to correct them.

      Thanks again and you are too humble, you are a wealth of knowledge
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 13/04/2022
      @George Yes, the translator can, of course, translate your document, but it won't be accepted. All foreign documents used in Peru need an Apostille, so a specialized certificate verifying the legitimacy, genuineness and origin of a document, or a legalization.

      So, if the country in which the document was issued signed the Hague Convention (which the US did), a foreign document for official use in Peru needs an Apostille. If the country where the document was issued didn't sign the Hague Convention it has to be legalized by different authorities in the country of origin including the Peruvian consulate, then over-authenticated by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then translated and again authenticated by the RREE.

      So, the first thing you have to do is, get an Apostille on your FBI background check which can only be done in the country where it was issued, so in your case the US. Without the Apostille Migraciones won't accept it.

      The website of the US Department of State explains in detail how the process works for US documents to be used abroad and which requirements have to be fulfilled.

      And yes, you can apply for the visa even if your documents aren't in order (might be wise to do so if your tourist visa is about to expire). But be aware that Migraciones might send you a message within days of your application to request missing documents or tells you that they won't accept a document and only gives you a week or so to submit the correct documents. If you don't have them by then you can request an extension of the deadline to a max of 30 days. If by then you still don't submit the document, your application is null and void.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Craig
    Craig · 05/04/2022
    Hello. I will apply for the retirement visa, and then live here with my younger wife. My US pension is only $1100+ but I have been working p/t for many years online for a US Corp, so my total gross reported income for 2021 was $24,000+-. Can I report this income to cover my unemployed wife living with me in Peru on my retirement visa?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 05/04/2022
      @Craig Hello Craig,

      From my experience, income from work isn’t accepted to meet the financial requirements for the retirement visa. The Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN (update of foreigner law Legislative Decree 1350) states in article 92, page 46 that you must “receive a retirement pension or permanent income from a Peruvian or foreign source” (“Percibir una pensión de jubilación o renta permanente, de fuente peruana o extranjera”). For years Migraciones accepted state or private pensions and additionally, considering them as “permanent income”, as well benefit payments and other permanent income such as fixed capital gains and even rental income; but, over the last few years, they got stricter and mostly only issue retirement visas to those proving an official pension.

      But often there is a way around hurdles in Peru and there might be two other options in your case.

      Get in contact with a Peruvian consulate and see what they have to say to your situation. While the retirement visa for you isn’t a problem as you can prove the required US$ 1000 from a pension, they might or might not accept your other income, which usually isn’t considered as “permanent income”, for your wife. If they accept it, apply there.

      If this doesn’t work, there is another loophole that, as far as I know, isn't closed yet. You apply for the retirement visa (no problem there as you can fulfil the financial requirements) and once you have your resident card in your hands, your wife applies for a family visa (Familiar residente para el caso de casada con extranjero residente). Then no additional income has to be proven.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    James
    James · 27/02/2022
    I am very interested in applying for two-three retirement visas, how long can I be out of the country if I do get a retirement visa and do those holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency and or citizenship after some time?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 27/02/2022
      @James Hello James,

      I'm not sure what you mean with "two-three retirement visas". Applying for one is enough.

      Anyway, if you receive your retirement visa, you can stay outside Peru for a max. of 183 days in a 365-day period; so half a year in a year. However, in case of an emergency, you can apply for a permit to stay outside Peru for an additional 183 days (Permiso especial para permanecer fuera del país más de 183 días sin pérdida de residencia).

      The last question I can't answer as even Migraciones, who I asked more than once, couldn't or wouldn't answer me. So, here only a short explanation of the differences between the Peruvian resident and permanent resident visa status and my interpretation of the update of the foreigner law.

      In Peru, you have resident visas for longer stays (longer than one year) which must be renewed annually; after three years, some resident visa types (such as family visa, work visa, investment visa, missionary visa) can be changed to a permanent residency; you can be outside of Peru for a maximum of 183 days per year.

      And then you have a permanent resident visa. After three years on a resident visa (such as family visa, work visa, investment visa, missionary visa; see Supreme Decree 002-2021-IN, page 29 of the pdf, Artículo 93-A Procedimiento administrativo sobre Cambio de Calidad Migratoria Permanente Residente) you can change to a permanent resident visa. The permanent resident visa does not have to be extended and you can be outside of Peru for a maximum of 365 consecutive days.

      The rentista visa is a hybrid. According to the law, it is a resident visa and you can be outside of Peru for 183 days in a 365-day period, but it does not have to be extended because the residence status is "indefinido", so you have an indefinite resident permit as long as you are in Peru for at least six months. As far as I know and as far as I have understood the above-mentioned article of the updated foreigner law, as a rentista residente you cannot switch to a permanent resident visa after three years of residence in Peru.

      I could be wrong, so you might want to check with Migraciones.

      Greetings
      Eva


  • This commment is unpublished.
    Juan Santana
    Juan Santana · 15/02/2022
    I registered in pagalo.pe and tried to navigate the application.  However, when the transaction code is required, it asks for a nine digit code, but you only mention 5 digit codes.  What is the correct number of digits?

    Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 15/02/2022
      @Juan Santana
      Hello Juan,

      I don't know what you mean.

      After you registered on pagalo.pe you just have to log in, select the authority (for example Migraciones), then the procedure (such as Cambio de calidad migratoria; each one has a 5-digit code), on the next page the concepto (for example Cambio de calidad migratoria rentista residente; not coded) and your passport info, check your "shopping cart" and pay. In our article "Paying" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.limaeasy.com/peru-guide/legal-stuff/paying-administration-charges-and-processing-fees-in-peru">Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru" all the steps are explained in detail with screenshots, so nothing can go wrong.

      And to make sure nothing changed, I just checked the pagalo.pe website, but couldn't find where a 9-digit transaction code is required. Where on pagalo.pe are you required to enter it?

      Or have you already finished your payment, try to apply for your residency on the Agencia Digital and have problems entering the different codes of the bank receipt? The required numbers can be found at the bottom of the receipt that was sent to you. There you find the secuencia de pago (it's a 6-digit number with a "-" and usually one additional digit which isn't entered), the fecha de operación, the codigo cajero and codigo oficina as well as the hora de operacion. No 9-digit number needed there. If you have trouble finding the correct numbers, just click on the "?" next to "Pago por derecho de tramite". The pictures that pop up show you exactly which number belongs where.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jeremy Sylvester
    Jeremy Sylvester · 10/02/2022
    Hello Sunflower:

    Thank you for the wonderful information.  I am following it step by step and so far your information has proven to be the easiest to follow and the most accuarate!  My question is:

    I have a wife and 14 yr old child that I want include as dependants.  At what stage in the process do I begin paperwork for them.  What is the title of thier "Cambio de Calidad Migratoria".  Should I process thier paperwork in parrallel with mine?  I imagine my wife will require an interpol check?

    Thank you in advance for any guidance you can offer!
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 10/02/2022
      @Jeremy Sylvester Hello Jeremy,

      Thank you for your nice words. If there is anything on this page that isn’t as described or you experienced something different, please feel free to correct me any time or share your experience, so others can benefit from “instructions” as updated as possible.

      Regarding your question: I honestly don’t know how and at what point you can include the dependents. Before the introduction of the Agencia Digital a good year ago you had two options:

      Option 1

      Somewhere on the form you had to fill in when applying for the retirement visa, you could add the dependents (not sure if this is still an option when you now fill in the online form) and prove the necessary income (so US$ 1000 for you and US$ 500 for each dependent) when visiting Migraciones and actually talking to someone in person. Then your visa and the ones for the dependents were processed at the same time. As far as I’m aware only few people used this option as they had to prove the additional US$ 500 for the dependents and even were advised to use option 2 as for quite some time the additional US$ 500 for each dependent weren’t required then.

      Option 2

      First you applied for the retirement visa and once you had your carné, your dependents could apply for a family visa (“cambio de calidad migratoria por la de familiar residente”; in case of your wife “para casada con extranjero residente” and in case of your underage daughter “para el caso de hija menor” or I think now it’s called “para el caso de ascendiente en primer grado de extranjero residente”). At that point, you as resident just had to prove with your carné your residency and the wife just that you are married with a marriage certificate or the children with their birth certificate that they are directly related to you, nothing more. Only a year or so before Covid Migraciones started to ask for proof of the additional US$ 500 for each dependent if the foreign resident on which the family was based was a retiree.

      I can’t guarantee that it’s still the same way as quite a few procedures changed in the last year and would highly appreciate, if you could share your experience, so I can add this segment to this page.

      Nevertheless, your wife not only needs her own Interpol check but as well her own “Police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check issued in the country of origin” (if you are from the US this is the FBI background check). Your underage daughter is exempted from this requirement.

      And, if you have to go the family visa route for your wife and daughter (so option 2), your wife needs your marriage certificate (apostilled and translated) and your daughter her birth certificate (of course as well with Apostille and translation).

      Personally, I would try to get in contact with Migraciones (either call and hope you have someone at the end of the line who knows what he is talking about or better use the chat function on the Agencia Digital) and ask if and how you best get your family included in your retirement visa or if they have to apply for a family visa once you have your carné.

      Sorry, I couldn't be more helpful

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Michael Griffis
    Michael Griffis · 14/01/2022
    I am a senior 67. I have been going back and forth to Peru for several years and would like to extend to at least 6 months at a time. My Spanish is not good enough to navigate all of this,
    How would I obtain a reputable lawyer in Peru to do this for me?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/01/2022
      @ Michael Griffis
      Hello Michael,

      extending your stay on a tourist visa beyond the 90 days in a 180-day period allowed at the moment, isn't possible.  If you want to stay longer you could

      - overstay your welcome and pay the fine when leaving

      - after your allowed 90 days in Peru leave and immediately return. As you haven't stayed the necessary 90 days outside Peru to end your 180-day period, the immigration officer you have to face might only give you a few days (I heard anything between 7 and 30 days) and has the right to deny entry (never heard of that)

      - apply for a residence visa, however to keep it you have to stay at least 183 days per year in Peru; in your case probably the retirement visa would be a good fit. Find more information on our "Retirement Visa" page.

      As we personally haven't used a lawyer / tramitador in years and the reliability, honesty and quality of many seem to be inconsistent, we unfortunately can't recommend anyone.

      Greetings
      Eva


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Mike
      Mike · 03/03/2022
      @Sunflower I just finished up the last requirement, Interpol appt. Now I guess I wait 2.5-3 months and should have my retirement visa.
      My 90 days will end about two weeks before receiving my VISA. 
      Can I legally stay in country now, while waiting for my Retirement VISA, even though it will be beyond the 90 days?
      For others trying to obtain the Social Security pension Apostilled, take the copy printed out from My Social Security site to your bank and have it certified as a true copy. I also used my annual statement as a backup. 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 03/03/2022
      @Mike Hello Mike,

      So, you had your Interpol appointment and now should have all necessary documents together. But the most important step is to apply for your retirement visa on the Agencia Digital as described above under “Applying for a retirement visa in Peru”. Or have you already done that?

      When your application process was successful, you get a confirmation of the application. The date of this confirmation is important. As long as your tourist visa is still valid on that date, you are fine; if the application process takes longer and your visa expires, you don’t have to worry and can stay in Peru until your application is approved.

      You should, however, check your buzon electronico every other day in case Migraciones sends you notifications (for example, a request to upload missing documents or the approval of your visa) which usually have extremely short deadlines. If you miss a deadline, your application process is canceled and you have to leave the country.

      Once you have the approval of your retirement visa, you are still not finished. You then have to register in the foreigner database. The process is explained above under “Getting your Carné”.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    chris
    chris · 14/12/2021
    Hello , I am 40 and want to apply for this retirement visa .But have the following questions

    1, Can i use foreign capital gains(PASSIVE INCOME) to apply ?( such as interest generated by fixed deposit/ bonds/funds)
    2, For a three-person family, one of them is a BABY, how much passive income does it need per month to qualify for the application? Basically my passive income such as bond interest, fixed deposit interest is about USD $1700 per month。
    3.Holding Rentista visa isnt permitted to work or earn money in peru how about some profits made through online legal gambling website ?

    Thank you .

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/12/2021
      @chris
      Hello Chris,

      1. The Peruvian Law Supreme Decree No. 002-2021-IN, article 92 A and B states that the applicant must present a document from the country where he or she receives "la renta" (which could be translated with "pension" or "income") proving a permanent net income of at least US$ 1000 ("documento del país de donde proviene la renta que acredite que el solicitante percibe un ingreso neto permanente mínimo de mil dólares mensuales.") For years Migraciones accepted state or private pensions, benefit payments and other permanent income such as fixed capital gains and even rental income; however, over the last few years they got stricter and mostly only issued retirement visas to those proving an official pension. Nevertheless, personally I would try my luck at a Peruvian consulate and see what they say. If they accept your capital gains, I would apply at the consulate.

      2. You as main applicant must prove US$ 1000. For each dependent (such as a spouse or child) who should be included in the visa, the proof of an additional US$ 500 is required. So in your case you must prove a thousand for yourself, five-hundred for your wife and another five-hundred for your baby; so all in all US$ 2000. But, as you don't have this amount, there is a loophole that, as far as I know, isn't closed yet. You could apply for the retirement visa and once you have the residence card your wife and baby could apply for a family visa.

      3. You are right, foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa are not allowed to work and can’t earn any money in Peru. As far as I’m aware, this includes generating capital and stock market gains, earning rental income or any other income or profits of any kind in Peru. I‘m not a tax or financial specialist and therefore highly recommend contacting one who knows all this stuff and the implications by heart, but you could, for example, use gambling websites outside Peru and have any gains deposited into an account outside Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Ben
    Ben · 08/12/2021
    Hello! I am a 24 year old American considering moving to Peru. I've read a lot about the retirement visa and would like to ask a question. Due to a medical malpractice lawsuit, I have an annuity that pays me around $1600 USD every month, as far as I can tell for the rest of my life. If this is the case, would I be eligible to get this visa? It says private or government pension, but I'm not sure this counts as a pension. I'm assuming that it matters.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 09/12/2021
      @Ben
      Hie Ben,

      Sorry for getting back to you so late.

      The decision if your annuity is accepted is in the hands of Migraciones or a Peruvian consulate and may as well depend on who is paying it. Personally, I think, yes with your annuity you should be able to apply for a rentista visa in Peru. However, to be on the safe side I would contact the nearest Peruvian consulate; they should be able to give you a definite answer.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    David Martin
    David Martin · 17/11/2021
    FYI, my friend in AQP told me to Google seguros para adultos mayores en Peru, and a bunch of https links popped up like this one: https://queplan.pe.  Must have been a change in the law, but would ever know it in Peru.  So, see what you think.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 17/11/2021
      @David Martin Interesting, thank you for sharing. I tried it out, entering "man, 75 years in Arequipa" and it showed a few options. Can't believe it.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    David Martin
    David Martin · 13/11/2021
    Among the dozens of hurdles, here is another: insurance. Maybe it's easy for those under 65 to apply for private insurance in Peru, quite apart from the government system, but if you're over 75, I'd say it's impossible and one would be stuck with the government system which, let's face it, is ranked fairly low. I did find one group in Lima, but I would be in Arequipa. This is likely a deal breaker, but let's see if anyone knows more about this than I do. Thanks
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 14/11/2021
      @David Martin
      Hello David,

      yes, you are absolutely right. Finding a private health insurance in Peru if you are over 65 or 70 is difficult, over 75 nearly impossible. However, there are two options you could try.

      Many private clinics in Peru offer their own health plans. So, it might be worth checking out some private hospitals in Arequipa, such as Clinica San Pablo, Sanna/Clinica del Sur Arequipa or Clinica Arequipa, and see if and what they offer for this age group.

      Or the other option would be to check out expat / global health insurance providers covering Peru.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    David Encersen
    David Encersen · 25/10/2021
    Dear you wrote: Please be aware that you are not allowed to work or receive a remuneration for any kind of professional activity in Peru. My question is, what is, if i do, trading with stocks on stockmarket and make some few transactions individual not commerical and not professional, maybe 5-10 transaction to rebalance my portfolio. With a win so that i have also to pay a Capital Gain, Will be this complicated ? Allowed? What are you reccomend me? Dont touche, buy and hold still getting the Peruan Citizien. Iam also not allowed to buy Property to get a passive Income nor to rent some appartements on Airbnb ? Please need some advises.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 26/10/2021
      @David Encersen Hello David,

      Foreigners living in Peru on a retirement visa are exempted from the tax liability, so they can’t earn any money in Peru. As far as I’m aware, this includes generating capital and stock market gains in Peru as well as earning rental income in Peru (however, you can buy a property in Peru with no problems).

      I‘m not a tax or financial specialist and therefore highly recommend contacting one who knows all this stuff and the implications by heart, but you could, for example, trade with stocks outside Peru and have any gains deposited into an account outside Peru.

      If you plan to apply for Peruvian citizenship in a few years, things are completely different. Then you, of course, can work, earn whatever you want, but must pay taxes in Peru for any income generated in Peru and worldwide. Here as well, I can only recommend getting legal advice from a specialist.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    David Herron
    David Herron · 30/09/2021
    I am an older senior in Tucson, AZ, starting the process for Ecuadoran residency, but preferring Peru for different reasons. Many stumbling blocks, but one of the most confusing is police clearance. I understand the Interpol ficha, but it is entirely unclear if I need to obtain an apostilled FBI report (usually electronic through a channeler) with 6 months "vigencia" as well. What's the $18.00 for if not an FBI report, apparently initiated by Interpol? 
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 30/09/2021
      @David Herron
      While for years a sworn statement that you have a clean record was sufficient, the new Foreigner Law explicitly states that everyone applying for a residency in Peru must present a "police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check issued in the country of origin". And over the last few weeks we got feedback that Migraciones enforces this new rule and won't accept the sworn statement anymore.

      Additionally, you have to pay Interpol in Peru a visit to get the "ficha de canje" which certifies that you aren't an internationally wanted fugitive, so haven't got an international wanted persons notice (Red Notice). That's all MIgraciones wants.

      The money order in the amount of US$ 18 was / is for an additional check from the the federal police body, in your case the FBI; this check has nothing to do with Migraciones and I don't know why US, Canadian and Australian nationals have to do it. Doesn't make sense to me and with the new rules in place shouldn't be necessary anymore, but Interpol still request the money order.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      David Herron
      David Herron · 30/09/2021
      @Sunflower This is much appreciated. It may solve the problem if "police clearance certificate, criminal record and judicial matters check issued in the country of origin" means FBI background check, which is required by Ecuador and is apostilled in DC. I have no problem with that. However, if it means something else, then I don't know. AZ is one of those states that does not issue a background check, i.e., closed state. Won't do it. There is a workaround for Eca, however. Pima County is probably doable, but useless, and not sure what "criminal check is" unless it's the FBI Identity Summary.

      So, just have so see what others are doing.  But thanks.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Tania
    Tania · 28/09/2021
    I can’t thank you enough for how helpful this site was in getting me through the process of my rentista visa ! It was the best and most accurate information I found anywhere on the internet at the time.

     I too am from California as Paul who commented in July. The Peruvian consulate in San Francisco told me my proof of pension needed to be apostilled at the state capital in Sacramento. I called and spoke with a super helpful person. She said to bring a letter from my pension and for me to write a declaration stating that the amount I receive stated in the letter is accurate and then sign it. They stapled the documents together and apostilled my sworn statement and this was accepted at immigration in Peru with no problem. 

    The only thing that stumped me during this whole rentista visa process in Peru was having my pension check enter a bank there. The banks would not allow me to open an account with a tourist visa. In the end I just wrote and signed a paper saying that I was withdrawing my money through the banks in Peru (I use banco de la Nacion atm, charges no fee) from my U.S. bank. This was accepted and I was approved for the rentista visa.

    My question is concerning the 6 month requirement. If for whatever reason I failed to comply, an emergency in my home country or other un expected situation, I understand the visa would be revoked. Would there be an option of accepting a fine for passing the 6 months ? If not, would I be able to reapply ? Would I have to wait a period of time before they would allow me to apply again ?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 28/09/2021
      @Tania Hello Tania,

      Thank you so much for the praise. You really made my day. I’m happy that our article helped you get through the visa application.

      Thank you as well for taking the time to share your experience with us. And you are right, the “Sworn statement stating that your pension enters Peru through the banking system” is confusing, so I will update the article, hopefully making it clearer and explain available and accepted options.

      Regarding your questions: You are correct, while you now have an indefinite residency status in Peru, you must stay in Peru at least 183 days per year, otherwise you will lose your residency. There is no option to pay a fine if you are outside of Peru longer.

      However, if for whatever reasons you have to be outside Peru for a longer period of time, you can apply for a special authorization, the so-called “Autorización de estadía fuera del país”; be aware that you must apply for it before leaving Peru.

      This authorization is intended for:

      a) foreigners having to leave Peru during the approval process of their residence visa or during the extension process of the residence visa (which doesn’t apply to you)

      b) foreigners with a valid residency who have to leave Peru for more than 183 days (see Decreto Supremo 002-2021-IN, page 21 of the document under 67.2.2). If granted, you can stay outside Peru for up to 365 consecutive days.

      If you didn't apply for the authorization before leaving Peru and stayed outside longer than 183 days, you will lose your residence status. You then enter Peru as a tourist and can re-apply immediately, but of course need to fulfill the then current requirements (including new Interpol clearance, new letter from your pension fund, new sworn statements, etc.).

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Tania
      Tania · 28/09/2021
      @Sunflower Thank you for your reply Eva. The praise is well deserved, your article gave us the confidence to apply for the visa on our own.

       When my husband and I arrived in Peru we went to immigration to get a list of requirements for the visa to make sure nothing had changed. The list too said the pension had to enter a bank in Peru. Thankfully they accepted the wording of our statement.

      We actually were in the middle of the process when the pandemic hit. We stayed in Peru til the visa was approved then returned to U.S. in December before the 2nd wave hit Peru to be with family. It was initially decreed that during the state of emergency in Peru the 183 day limit would not be enforced. We are still in the U. S. at this time. I understand that recently a new decree was passed that beginning August 20, 2021 they would start counting the days again for any Rentista Visa resident outside of Peru. Is this correct ?
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
       · 29/09/2021
      @Tania Yes, that's the way I interpret the new decree for rentistas well; counting from the day the decree went into effect you should have half a year to reenter. However, I hope that the immigration officer you have to face, when returning to Peru, agrees.

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