Make Peru your next home
Peru is an emerging country, recognized for its cultural diversity, tourist attractions, and outstanding gastronomic richness. These characteristics not only encourage domestic tourism but also attract foreign nationals each year who, after experiencing the country, decide to settle in Peru on a permanent basis. This decision entails an important immigration process, making it essential to understand the applicable legal framework and the procedures established by the National Superintendence of Migration (hereinafter, Migraciones).
In this regard, it is necessary to identify the appropriate immigration procedure, which may be either an application for Peruvian residency or a change of immigration status. Although both procedures grant legal residency in Peru, their requirements and processing differ significantly.
1. Application for Peruvian Residency
This procedure applies to foreign nationals who are outside Peruvian territory. The procedure is carried out through the following stages:
a) Submission of the application
The applicant must submit the application together with the documents required according to the type of residency requested. It is advisable to have a Peruvian national acting as a representative to submit the application electronically; however, the application may also be submitted in person, subject to the guidelines of the Peruvian consulate corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence abroad. Additionally, the applicant must select the Peruvian consulate through which the procedure will be processed.
b) Evaluation of requirements
Migraciones will review the submitted documentation to verify compliance with the applicable requirements. If necessary, Migraciones may issue observation letters requesting the correction or completion of information or documents within the granted deadline.
c) Final decision
Once the evaluation is completed, Migraciones will notify the applicant of its final decision through a formal communication. In the event of a denial, the applicant has the right to file the corresponding administrative appeals in accordance with current regulations.
d) Visa issuance and collection of credentials
If the application is approved, the applicant must appear before the previously selected Peruvian consulate, within the timeframe indicated in the notification, to request the issuance of the immigration credential (visa), which will be affixed to the passport. From the date of issuance, the applicant will have a maximum period of six (6) months to enter Peruvian territory.
e) Interpol Record (OCR Form)
Once in Peru, the foreign national must obtain the Interpol OCR Form, which is a mandatory requirement for the issuance of the Foreigner Identification Card.
f) Foreigner Identification Card (Carnet de Extranjería – CE)
Finally, the applicant must initiate the process for the issuance of the Foreigner Identification Card by submitting proof of payment of the applicable government fee and the Interpol OCR Form. The applicant must then attend the scheduled appointment for the collection of photographic and biometric data. Once the Foreigner Identification Card has been issued, the applicant must attend the corresponding appointment to collect the document, thereby concluding the Peruvian residency process.
2. Change of immigration status
If you are legally present in Peruvian territory—even under a tourist status—you may apply for a change of immigration status. Through this procedure, a new resident immigration status is granted, subject to approval by the National Superintendence of Migration (Migraciones).
The procedure is carried out as follows:
a) Preparation of required documentation
The applicant must gather the documents required according to the type of resident status being requested. Generally, the following documents are required: a copy of a valid passport, proof of payment of the applicable government fee, and the Interpol Record (OCR Form), except in cases expressly exempted by law, such as applications involving minors.
b) Electronic submission of the application
The application is submitted electronically, which is the fastest and most efficient method to obtain a response from Migraciones.
c) Foreigner Identification Card (Carnet de Extranjería – CE) procedure
After submitting the application, the applicant must schedule an appointment for the collection of photographic and biometric data for the issuance of the Foreigner Identification Card. No additional documentation is required at this stage; it is sufficient to prove that the change of immigration status application is in process by providing the case file number at the time of booking the appointment. It is important to note that this step does not guarantee approval of the residence application.
d) Evaluation of requirements
Migraciones will review the submitted documentation to verify compliance with the applicable legal requirements. If necessary, Migraciones may issue observation letters requesting the correction or completion of information or documents within the granted deadline.
e) Final decision
Once the evaluation is completed, Migraciones will formally notify the applicant of its final decision. In the event of a denial, the applicant has the right to file the corresponding administrative appeals in accordance with current regulations.
f) Appointment for collection of the Foreigner Identification Card (CE)
After approval is granted by Migraciones, the applicant must schedule an appointment to collect the Foreigner Identification Card, which constitutes the final step of the procedure.
In conclusion, the Peruvian immigration legal framework provides different procedures for obtaining residency, tailored to the specific circumstances of each foreign national, whether they are located or outside Peruvian territory. Correctly identifying the applicable procedure, as well as timely compliance with the requirements established by the National Superintendence of Migration, is essential to ensure an efficient process in accordance with current regulations. Having specialized legal counsel not only helps reduce potential risks but also ensures proper guidance at every stage of the immigration process.