Peru (PE)

Download and save your TAM Virtual after arrival

The TAM Virtual (Tarjeta Andina de Migración Virtual) is the official digital record of your entry into Peru and shows the exact number of days you have been authorised to stay. Many visitors assume they received the full 90-day maximum — but Migraciones grants a specific number of days at the officer's discretion. Download yours immediately at the Migraciones portal using your passport number. Save it as a PDF and screenshot offline.

Register your child's birth at RENIEC within 30 days

A birth in Peru must be registered at RENIEC within 30 calendar days of birth. The hospital provides a certificado de nacimiento live (birth notification certificate). You then register at any RENIEC office or at the hospital's integrated RENIEC desk. Also notify your home country's embassy to register the birth in your national civil records — consular registration is essential for the child's home-country passport and citizenship documentation.

Confirm your long-term migration route before day 60

Peru has no simple digital-nomad visa. Long stays require a specific residence category: Trabajador (employee with planilla), Independiente (freelancer with RUC and contracts), Familiar (family of resident/citizen), Rentista (passive income), or Inversionista (investor). Each has different documents, timelines, and costs. Confirm your route by day 60 — the process can take 4–8 weeks and you cannot change status from inside Peru after overstaying.

Create a digital and physical folder of apostilled and translated documents

Peruvian authorities (Migraciones, SUNAT, SUNEDU, banks, notaries, schools) repeatedly request the same documents. Create a digital folder with PDF scans of: passport (all pages), CE card (front and back), birth certificate (apostilled + translated), marriage certificate (apostilled + translated), police clearance certificate (apostilled + translated), university degrees (apostilled + translated), and the most recent 3 months of payslips. Keep originals in a fireproof folder at home and an encrypted cloud backup.

Set up cash, backup cards and international transfer routes

Peru is partly cash-based — markets, smaller restaurants, taxis, and most local services prefer soles (S/). Withdraw from Scotiabank, BCP, or Interbank ATMs for the best foreign-card rates (S/5–15 fee per transaction). Daily ATM limits for foreign cards are typically S/400–1,000. Set up Wise before arriving for mid-market exchange rates on international transfers. Carry small-denomination notes (S/10, S/20) for daily transactions.

Buy a Peruvian SIM card from a major operator

A local number is essential — banks, couriers, landlords, SUNAT, delivery apps, and most two-factor authentication systems require a Peruvian number. Claro has the widest coverage including Andes and Amazon. Entel has the best LTE data packages in Lima. Movistar and Bitel are lower-cost alternatives. Prepaid (prepago) SIMs cost S/10–30 at operator shops and supermarkets. Register in an official shop with your passport to avoid unregistered SIMs that can be deactivated.

Verify planilla, EsSalud, and AFP/ONP registration on your first payslip

Formal employees in Peru must be registered on the planilla (official payroll) and must receive payslips showing EsSalud (9% employer healthcare contribution), AFP or ONP pension deduction, CTS accrual, and gratificaciones. Check your first payslip for all these entries. SUNAFIL (labour inspectorate) handles complaints about employers who do not register employees. Informal work off planilla means you lose all these benefits and weakens your residence renewal evidence.

Activate private health and emergency evacuation insurance

Private healthcare in Lima is excellent at top clinics (Clínica Ricardo Palma, Anglo Americana, San Pablo, Delgado) but expensive without insurance — an emergency admission can cost USD 3,000–20,000. Private clinics require proof of insurance or upfront payment. Evacuation from Cusco, the Amazon, or Andes to Lima or abroad can cost USD 15,000–50,000+. Arrange health and evacuation coverage before arriving, not after. Declare pre-existing conditions honestly — claim denial for undisclosed conditions is common.

Identify your nearest private clinic and save emergency contacts

Identify the best private clinic closest to your neighbourhood before an emergency arises. Confirm which clinics have a direct-billing agreement with your insurer (not all clinics accept all insurers). In Lima, top private clinics include Clínica Ricardo Palma (San Isidro), Anglo Americana (Miraflores), San Pablo (Surco/San Borja), and Delgado (Miraflores). Save the clinic's emergency line, your insurer's 24hr line, and the ambulance number (Alerta Médica: 911 or private ambulance services) in your phone.

Verify rental ownership and sign a written lease before paying

Rental scams and unauthorised sublets targeting foreigners are common in Lima, Cusco, and beach towns. Before paying any deposit: verify the owner's DNI or RUC, check SUNARP (property registry) to confirm the owner listed on the contract actually owns the property (SUNARP online search costs S/5–10), and get a written lease (contrato de arrendamiento). Never pay a deposit via digital transfer without a signed contract in hand — legitimate landlords always sign first.

Create move-in inventory with photos and utility meter readings

Take dated photos of every room, wall, appliance, and fixture at move-in. Record electricity and water meter readings. Send the full photo set to your landlord via WhatsApp immediately after moving in so the timestamp and delivery are documented. In Lima, humidity and mould in coastal apartments are common — document existing damp spots, stains, and moisture marks explicitly so you are not charged for them at move-out.

Check SUNAT customs rules before shipping household goods

Importing household goods (menaje de casa) into Peru duty-free is permitted for new residents within 6 months of arriving, subject to conditions: goods must be used/personal, you must have legally resided abroad for at least 12 months, and the total value must not exceed USD 10,000 (larger amounts require an official import declaration). Electronics, alcohol, tobacco, medicines, and firearms have separate rules. Shipping a container? Use a customs broker (agente de aduana) — the process is bureaucratic.

Open a local bank account (requires CE card)

A local Peruvian bank account is needed for receiving salary in soles, paying rent by transfer, using Yape/Plin, and reducing ATM fees. Most banks require a Carnet de Extranjería (CE card) to open an account as a foreigner — you cannot open with a passport alone at most branches. BCP and Interbank are the most accessible for expats; BBVA is useful if you also bank with BBVA in Europe. Plan to open within 1–2 weeks of receiving your CE card.

Set up Yape or Plin for instant daily payments

Yape (BCP) and Plin (Interbank/BBVA/Scotiabank) are the dominant mobile QR payment apps in Peru. Used for paying taxis, cleaners, food delivery, markets, small shops, and friends. Most Peruvian vendors show their Yape QR code. Transfers are instant, free, and work 24/7. To use Yape, you need a BCP account or can register with only a DNI/CE and phone number in some cases. Plin requires a linked account at Interbank, BBVA, Scotiabank, or Banbif.

Set up home internet (fibre or cable)

Claro and Movistar are the main residential broadband providers in Lima and major cities. Speeds: fibre (FTTH) plans of 100–600 Mbps are available in Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco, and Surco for S/79–S/150/month. Confirm fibre availability at your address before signing. Installation typically takes 5–15 working days. Remote workers should have a 4G mobile hotspot (Entel) as a backup — Peruvian internet reliability can fluctuate.

Prepare earthquake and emergency supply kit

Peru is one of the most seismically active countries in the world — Lima has experienced major earthquakes and a large future earthquake is considered likely by seismologists. Prepare a basic emergency kit: 10L of water per person (minimum 3 days' supply), torch and spare batteries, portable phone charger (power bank), first-aid kit, medication supply (7 days), walking shoes placed by the bed, cash in small notes, copies of key documents in a waterproof bag, and a designated meeting point for your household. Know your building's evacuation route.

Set up a daily security routine for Lima city life

Lima has a persistent theft problem, particularly phone snatching from motorbikes, pickpocketing in markets, and express kidnappings ("secuestro exprés") in non-app taxis. Practical daily habits: always use Uber/InDriver instead of street taxis; keep phone in an inside pocket or bag away from the street side; avoid walking with visible laptop bags in non-tourist areas; use SIM card PIN and banking app security limits; carry only necessary cash (S/100–200 in small notes); avoid using phone while standing near traffic. The Facebook groups "Seguridad en Miraflores" and local expat groups post real-time theft alerts.

Install Peru's essential apps on arrival

Key apps for daily expat life in Peru: (1) Uber, InDriver, Beat — transport; (2) Yape or Plin — mobile payments; (3) Rappi or PedidosYa — food and grocery delivery; (4) SUNAT Móvil — check tax status and file recibos; (5) Migraciones App — track TAM Virtual and migration status; (6) Senamhi — weather (critical for coastal Lima garúa season and Andes travel); (7) Instagram — how Peruvian restaurants, events, and businesses communicate.

Lock down WhatsApp, banking apps, and SIM recovery

Phone theft is the gateway to banking and identity theft in Lima. A stolen phone can allow criminals to access Yape/Plin, banking apps, WhatsApp (used for payments and verification), and SUNAT. Set: (1) WhatsApp two-step verification PIN; (2) banking app PIN/biometric with low daily transfer limit; (3) SIM PIN on your Claro/Entel/Movistar SIM card; (4) screen lock with strong PIN. Enable remote wipe via Google Find My Device or Apple Find My. Keep a small backup phone/SIM with key contacts only.

Research international and bilingual schools for your children

Lima has a range of high-quality international and bilingual schools. Top options: Colegio Roosevelt (American curriculum, USD 15,000–25,000/year), Colegio Peruano-Británico (British IB curriculum, USD 10,000–18,000/year), Markham College (British/Peruvian, S/50,000–90,000/year), Newton College (IB, USD 12,000–20,000/year). Mid-range bilingual options (Español/English): S/20,000–50,000/year. Admissions cycles run March–November for the following March school year — apply well in advance.

Prepare your child's vaccination certificate for school enrolment

All schools in Peru require a vaccination certificate (carnet de vacunación) at enrolment. Peru's vaccination schedule includes BCG, Hepatitis B, Pentavalente, IPV/OPV, Rotavirus, Neumococo, Influenza, SPR (MMR), Varicella, and Hepatitis A. Foreign children must present their home-country vaccination record apostilled or have missing vaccines administered at a MINSA health centre (CLAS or centros de salud) or private clinic. Fees at private clinics: S/50–250 per vaccine.

Search for jobs on Bumeran, LinkedIn, and sector networks

The main job portals in Peru are Bumeran (bumeran.com.pe), Computrabajo (pe.computrabajo.com), and LinkedIn. Your CV must be in Spanish for most Peruvian employers. Bilingual (Spanish/English) roles in finance, tech, tourism, and multinational companies are available and competitive for foreign professionals. Note: your employer must obtain an Autorización de Trabajo for you from Migraciones before you can legally work — the process takes 4–8 weeks and must precede your first day.

Understand CTS deposits and gratificaciones rights

Peruvian labour law provides two major benefits beyond salary: CTS (Compensación por Tiempo de Servicios) — a severance fund deposited by your employer twice a year (May and November) into a restricted CTS bank account in your name, approximately equivalent to one salary per year; and Gratificaciones — half-salary bonuses paid in July (Fiestas Patrias) and December (Christmas). These apply to full-time planilla employees. Verify both on your payslips. SUNAFIL handles non-payment complaints.

Prepare apostilled documents for family residence visa

Family residence (Familiar) allows spouses, children, or parents of Peruvian citizens or legal residents to obtain their own Carnet de Extranjería in Peru. Required documents: apostilled marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the family relationship, certified Spanish translations, passport photos, proof of shared accommodation, and the sponsor's valid CE card. Prepare these before travelling — apostilling documents from abroad after arriving in Peru is slow and expensive.

Maintain home-country pension contributions during your Peru stay

Peru has no totalization agreement with most non-Latin American countries (there are agreements with Andean Community countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia). If you are from the USA, UK, EU (non-Andean), Canada, or Australia, your AFP contributions in Peru cannot be combined with your home-country pension. Maintain voluntary contributions to your home-country system during your Peru period to avoid gaps. UK: Class 3 NI voluntary contributions (Class 2 abolished April 2026). France: coordinated automatically if employed. USA: consult a cross-border tax adviser.

Build a source-of-funds file for large transfers to Peru

Peruvian banks will question large incoming transfers — particularly for property deposits, business capital, or rent deposits in USD. Prepare a source-of-funds file: bank statements showing the origin of the funds (3–6 months), employment/payslips, tax returns, or sale proceeds documentation. Wire transfers from foreign accounts should be accompanied by a brief explanation letter. Unexplained large deposits can be frozen while the bank conducts due diligence.

Choose your Lima district based on commute, safety and budget

Lima is a city of districts with very different characters, safety levels, and price points. Top expat areas: Miraflores (safest, most international, most expensive), San Isidro (business hub, quieter), Barranco (bohemian, good restaurants), Surco (family-friendly, suburban), La Molina (houses, security, school proximity). Avoid arriving in Lima with only internet research — visit your shortlisted districts at rush hour and at night before committing to a lease. Search on urbania.pe and adondevivir.com.

Obtain Ficha de Canje Internacional (Interpol exchange record)

The Ficha de Canje Internacional is Peru's criminal record clearance certificate issued by the PNP Interpol division. It is required for most residence card (Carnet de Extranjería) applications — including Trabajador, Familiar, Rentista, and Independiente categories. Book an appointment at the PNP Interpol office in Lima (Jr. Moore 268, Breña). Results are typically ready in 1–4 weeks. This document is NOT the same as an apostilled home-country police clearance.

Verify altitude, trekking, and adventure sport coverage in your policy

If you plan to visit Cusco (3,400m), Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca (3,810m), Arequipa (2,335m), or the Inca Trail, verify that your health insurance explicitly covers: altitude illness (soroche), emergency evacuation from high-altitude locations, and any trekking or adventure activities. Many standard policies exclude altitudes above 3,000m or activities such as trekking, biking, or zip-lining. Amazon travel adds dengue fever and malaria coverage considerations.

Start practical Peruvian Spanish lessons

Spanish is essential for Peruvian daily life — government offices, healthcare, housing, legal, and transport all require it. Peruvian Spanish is considered clear and easy to understand. Priority vocabulary: document names (DNI, RUC, CE, planilla), numbers for financial transactions, medical terms, and phrases for negotiating rental and services. ICPNA (Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano) offers structured courses in Lima. Private tutors via italki or language schools: S/50–120/hour.

Know your consumer rights and how to use the Libro de Reclamaciones

Every registered business in Peru is legally required to have a Libro de Reclamaciones (physical or digital complaints book). Filing a complaint triggers a mandatory 30-day response from the business. For unresolved disputes (banking, services, landlord disputes), you can escalate to INDECOPI — consumer claims below S/3 UIT (S/16,500 in 2026) can be filed for free at indecopi.gob.pe. Always request a complaint number and get a written copy. This is genuinely effective for billing disputes, service failures, and deposit recovery.

Confirm SENASA and airline pet entry requirements before travel

Bringing a pet to Peru requires: (1) a microchip (ISO 11784/11785); (2) a rabies vaccination (issued 30 days to 12 months before travel); (3) a veterinary health certificate from an accredited vet in your country of origin; (4) an International Health Certificate endorsed by your country's agriculture/veterinary authority; (5) SENASA import permit (obtained in advance from peru). Peru requires a SENASA import permit obtained at least 30 days before arrival. Restricted breeds (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire) may face additional requirements. Start the process 2–3 months before travel.

Register your address at the district municipality

Obtain a Constancia de Domicilio (proof of address certificate) from the municipality of your district (e.g., Municipalidad de Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco). This document is requested by banks, notaries, schools, and government offices to confirm your Lima address. Bring your passport and rental contract. Processing is typically same-day at the window.

Register with your home country embassy in Lima

Register your residency with your home country's embassy or consulate in Lima. This is important for emergency consular assistance, election registration, emergency evacuations, and notifications of legal events affecting your citizenship. Most embassies offer online registration (UK: FCDO — "Living Abroad"; USA: STEP — Smart Traveller Enrolment Program). Takes 10–15 minutes online.

Register for RUC and Clave SOL at SUNAT

If you work as an independent contractor (freelancer), run a business, invoice clients, or have rental income in Peru, you must register for an RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes — tax ID number) with SUNAT. The RUC and Clave SOL (SUNAT online portal access key) are obtained in person at any SUNAT office with your CE card and passport. Fourth Category (independent services) registration is most common for freelancers. Once registered, you must issue electronic recibos de honorarios for all payments received.

Understand your SUNAT tax filing calendar and obligations

Peruvian income tax (Impuesto a la Renta) for individuals: 8% on 0–5 UIT/year (0–S/27,500), 14% on 5–20 UIT (S/27,500–S/110,000), 17% on 20–35 UIT, 20% on 35–45 UIT, 30% above 45 UIT (using 2026 UIT of S/5,500). Fourth Category (freelancers) must file monthly declarations and pay 8% retención. Formal employees have tax withheld at source. Annual declaration (Declaración Jurada Anual): due in March/April for the previous calendar year. IGV (VAT) is 18% — registered businesses must file monthly IGV declarations.

Install Uber, InDriver, and Beat for city transport

Uber, InDriver, and Beat are the essential transport apps for Lima. They are significantly safer, cheaper, and more reliable than street taxis. Typical fare across Miraflores to San Isidro: S/10–20. Airport to Miraflores: S/50–80. InDriver allows fare negotiation and is often cheaper on longer routes. All work with international cards or Yape/cash. Never take unmarked street taxis — Lima has a persistent problem of taxi robberies ("secuestro exprés").

Track your six-month foreign driving licence limit

Peru recognises foreign driving licences for up to six months of stay under applicable treaty conditions (MTC guidelines). After six months of Peruvian residence, you must exchange your foreign licence for a Peruvian brevete (driving licence) at the MTC or an authorised centre. EU, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian licences can usually be exchanged without retesting. Other nationalities may need a theory and practical test. Driving on an expired foreign licence after six months may void your insurance and result in fines.

Confirm EsSalud registration and get your healthcare card

Once registered on planilla, your employer pays 9% of your gross salary to EsSalud (Seguro Social de Salud), which entitles you to care at EsSalud hospitals and clinics. After 3 months of continuous contributions (carencia period), you can access EsSalud facilities. Request your EsSalud virtual certificate (constancia de asegurado) at essalud.gob.pe and add your spouse and children as dependants. While EsSalud quality varies widely, it provides genuine supplementary cover alongside private insurance.

Choose between AFP (private) and ONP (state) pension systems

New formal employees must choose within 10 working days of starting work: AFP (private pension fund) or ONP (state pension). AFP: employee pays ~10.3% of salary into an individual account; balance is portable if you leave Peru and can be accessed at age 65 or under special conditions. ONP: employee pays 13% but funds go to a common pool; you need 20 years of contributions for any pension and get less flexibility. For short-stay expats, AFP is almost always better due to portability. Ask your employer's HR department to enrol you.