--- title: Moving to Peru: Visas, Costs & Immigrant Guide description: Moving to Peru can be suitable for individuals and families wanting to experience a rich culture, diverse landscapes, and an active lifestyle. This guide is a r image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png --- Skip to content Peru flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fpe.png&w=3840&q=75] MOVING TO PERU: VISAS, COST OF LIVING & IMMIGRANT GUIDE Peru flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw320%2Fpe.png&w=3840&q=75] Moving to Peru: this free immigrant guide covers cost of living, visa options, banking, healthcare, laws, and settlement steps for living in Peru. Always confirm rules on the official immigration portal. Immigration rules and fees change frequently. Confirm current requirements on official government or embassy websites. Moving to Peru can be suitable for individuals and families wanting to experience a rich culture, diverse landscapes, and an active lifestyle. This guide is a resource for those planning to relocate to Peru for work, study, family reunification, or exploration. Confirm your visa status before booking travel, as understanding visa requirements and entry conditions is important. In the first three months, focus on settling in, finding temporary housing, and getting familiar with local customs and resources.\n\nPeru offers various visa options, including business and family visas, to meet different needs. Lima, the capital, is a bustling hub where many expatriates find work and community. During your initial months, adapt to your new environment, make connections, and ensure access to essential services. A proactive approach can ease your transition. Last updated 2026-05-17Official immigration portal ↗ [https://www.gob.pe/migraciones] Review due soon MigrantIQ research desk [/about/editorial/]3 min readData confidence: 82/100 15 published visa guides · 4 editorially reviewed in Q4 2026 Save to planner Verify before you move MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report an issue [/contact/] AT A GLANCE: LIVING IN PERU Quick signals for cost of living, salary, healthcare, and safety before you dig into visas and settlement. Capital Lima Region Americas (South America) Currency PEN Cost of Living Index 33.5 Net Monthly Salary 2813 Healthcare Universal/Insurance Safety Index N/A Rent Index 11.3 Quality Index N/A COST OF LIVING IN PERU The cost of living index in Peru is 33.5, indicating it is relatively affordable compared to many other countries. Rent, with an index of 11.3, suggests housing costs are manageable, especially outside major urban areas like Lima. The typical net monthly salary in Peru is around 2813 PEN, which can assist in your financial planning. However, costs can vary significantly by city or region, so researching specific areas is advisable. PERU COUNTRY PROFILE In-depth facts & data for living in Peru on this page· Updated 2026-06-02 8 sections Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 million people, Peru is the fifth most populated country in Latin America. The country has four distinct geographic areas: the narrow… Demographics & populationPopulation size, age structure, migration, ethnicity, language, education, and health indicatorsEconomyGDP, employment, industries, public finance, and currencyGovernment & politicsGovernment structure, legal system, citizenship, and international relationsGeography & environmentLocation, land area, terrain, climate, and natural resourcesTradeImports, exports, and trading partnersTravel & safetySafety, crime, medical care, and travel conditions for visitors and newcomersInfrastructureTransport, communications, and energyNational symbolsAnthem and national symbols For planning only. Always verify immigration and legal rules on official government sites. DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 266 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Demographics & population in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Peru sits in South America, Americas, with Lima as the capital. Common working and school languages in the dataset include Spanish (official) 82.9%, Quechua (official) 13.6%, Aymara (official) 1.6%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.8%, other (includes foreign languages and sign language) 0.2%, none 0.1% and unspecified 0.7%. English proficiency is listed as medium. Population and age figures on this page are planning signals, not a substitute for census releases or visa eligibility rules. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli Early practical steps people actually use in Peru include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Population overview; Age & family; Migration; Ethnicity & language; Education; Health & living conditions. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: DEMOGRAPHICS & POPULATION POPULATION OVERVIEW Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Population 32,600,249 Population Growth Rate 0.48% Population Distribution * approximately one-third of the population resides along the desert coastal belt in the west, with a strong focus on the capital city of Lima * the Andean highlands, or sierra, which is strongly identified with the country's Amerindian population, contains roughly half of the overall population * the eastern slopes of the Andes, and adjoining rainforest, are sparsely populated Urban Population * population: 78.9% of total population rate of * urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change Population in Major Urban Areas 11.204 million LIMA (capital), 959,000 Arequipa, 904,000 Trujillo Population: Male/Female * male: 15,952,556 * female: 16,647,693 AGE & FAMILY Show 13 13 facts — expand for details. Age Structure * years: 25.8% (male 4,293,229/female 4,119,269) 15-64 [tel:2691564] * years: 66.2% (male 10,546,502/female 11,041,106) 65 years and * over: 8% (male 1,112,825/female 1,487,318) Median Age * total: 30.2 years * male: 29.1 years * female: 31.3 years Birth Rate - births/1,000 population 17 Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population 10.9 Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman 2.15 Gross reproduction rate 1 Child Marriage women married by age 15: 2% women married by age 18: 14.1% Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49 77.4% Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49 77.4% Currently married women (ages 15-49) 51.2% Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49) 21.9 Mother's mean age at first birth 21.9 Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female * birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 * years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 * years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and * over: 0.75 male(s)/female total * population: 0.96 male(s)/female MIGRATION Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population -1 Demographic profile Peru's urban and coastal communities have benefited much more from recent economic growth than rural, Afro-Peruvian, indigenous, and poor populations of the Amazon and mountain regions. The poverty rate has dropped substantially during the last decade but remains stubbornly high at about 30% (more than 55% in rural areas). After remaining almost static for about a decade, Peru's malnutrition rate began falling in 2005, when the government introduced a coordinated strategy focusing on hygiene, sanitation, and clean water. School enrollment has improved, but achievement scores reflect ongoing problems with educational quality. Many poor children temporarily or permanently drop out of school to help support their families. About a quarter to a third of Peruvian children aged 6 to 14 work, often putting in long hours at hazardous mining or construction sites. Peru was a country of immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but has become a country of emigration in the last few decades. Beginning in the 19th century, Peru brought in Asian contract laborers mainly to work on coastal plantations. Populations of Chinese and Japanese descent - among the largest in Latin America - are economically and culturally influential in Peru today. Peruvian emigration began rising in the 1980s due to an economic crisis and a violent internal conflict, but outflows have stabilized in the last few years as economic conditions have improved. Nonetheless, more than 2 million Peruvians have emigrated in the last decade, principally to the US, Spain, and Argentina. ETHNICITY & LANGUAGE Hide Ethnic Groups Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 60.2%, Indigenous 25.8%, White 5.9%, African descent 3.6%, other (includes Chinese and Japanese descent) 1.2%, unspecified 3.3% Language Note Spanish (official) 82.9%, Quechua (official) 13.6%, Aymara (official) 1.6%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.8%, other (includes foreign languages and sign language) 0.2%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.7% Nationality Noun * noun: Peruvian(s) * adjective: Peruvian EDUCATION Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Literacy - total population 94.5% Literacy - male 97% Literacy - female 92% Literacy Definition age 15 and over can read and write Education Expenditures - percent of GDP 4% Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary) * total: 15 years * male: 15 years * female: 15 years HEALTH & LIVING CONDITIONS Show 14 14 facts — expand for details. Life Expectancy at Birth * population: 68.9 years * male: 65.4 years * female: 72.7 years Infant Mortality Rate * total: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 9.7 deaths/1,000 live births Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births * total: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births * male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births * female: 9.7 deaths/1,000 live births Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births 69 Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population 1.37 Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population 1.6 Health Expenditures - percent of GDP 6.3% Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk * risk: very high food or waterborne * diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne * diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Bartonellosis (Oroya fever), and sexually transmitted * diseases: hepatitis B Obesity - adult prevalence rate 19.7% Tobacco Use * total: 8.1% * male: 13.2% * female: 3% Alcohol consumption per capita * total: 5.74 liters of pure alcohol * beer: 3.01 liters of pure alcohol * wine: 0.46 liters of pure alcohol * spirits: 2.26 liters of pure alcohol other * alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: 97.2% of population * rural: 82.4% of population * total: 94% of population * unimproved: urban: 2.8% of population * rural: 17.6% of population * total: 6% of population Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved * improved: urban: 93.6% of population * rural: 65.3% of population * total: 87.4% of population * unimproved: urban: 6.4% of population * rural: 34.7% of population * total: 12.6% of population Underweight - percent of children under five years 2.1% ECONOMY IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 222 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Economy in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. People comparing Peru with other destinations usually start with wages, rent, and tax, not headline GDP. GDP per capita in the planning dataset is about 12,300. Recent growth is listed at 2.4 percent. Unemployment is listed at 7.7 percent. A typical net monthly salary signal is 2,813. The cost-of-living index is 34. The rent index is 11. A city-centre 1-bed rent signal is 362. A monthly groceries signal is 188. Purchasing-power index: 49. Local currency code: PEN. City prices vary, and these indexes do not replace a job offer or a proof-of-funds check. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Economic overview; GDP & growth; Prices & money; Employment & labor; Labor by occupation; Public finance. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: ECONOMY ECONOMIC OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Economic Overview Peru's economy reflects its varied topography - an arid lowland coastal region, the central high sierra of the Andes, and the dense forest of the Amazon. A wide range of important mineral resources are found in the mountainous and coastal areas, and Peru's coastal waters provide excellent fishing grounds. Peru is the world's second-largest producer of silver and copper. The Peruvian economy grew by an average of 5.6% per year from 2009-13 with a stable exchange rate and low inflation. This growth was due partly to high international prices for Peru's metals and minerals exports, which account for 55% of the country's total exports. Growth slipped from 2014 to 2017, due to weaker world prices for these resources. Despite Peru's strong macroeconomic performance, dependence on minerals and metals exports and imported foodstuffs makes the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. Peru's rapid expansion coupled with cash transfers and other programs has helped to reduce the national poverty rate by over 35 percentage points since 2004, but inequality persists and continues to pose a challenge for the Ollanta HUMALA administration, which championed a policy of social inclusion and a more equitable distribution of income. Poor infrastructure hinders the spread of growth to Peru's non-coastal areas. The HUMALA administration passed several economic stimulus packages in 2014 to bolster growth, including reforms to environmental regulations in order to spur investment in Peru’s lucrative mining sector, a move that was opposed by some environmental groups. However, in 2015, mining investment fell as global commodity prices remained low and social conflicts plagued the sector. Peru's free trade policy continued under the HUMALA administration; since 2006, Peru has signed trade deals with the US, Canada, Singapore, China, Korea, Mexico, Japan, the EU, the European Free Trade Association, Chile, Thailand, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, Honduras, concluded negotiations with Guatemala and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and begun trade talks with El Salvador, India, and Turkey. Peru also has signed a trade pact with Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, called the Pacific Alliance, that seeks integration of services, capital, investment, and movement of people. Since the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force in February 2009, total trade between Peru and the US has doubled. President Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI succeeded HUMALA in July 2016 and is focusing on economic reforms and free market policies aimed at boosting investment in Peru. Mining output increased significantly in 2016-17, which helped Peru attain one of the highest GDP growth rates in Latin America, and Peru should maintain strong growth in 2018. However, economic performance was depressed by delays in infrastructure mega-projects and the start of a corruption scandal associated with a Brazilian firm. Massive flooding in early 2017 also was a drag on growth, offset somewhat by additional public spending aimed at recovery efforts. Industries * Mining and refining of minerals * steel, metal fabrication * petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas and natural gas liquefaction * fishing and fish processing, cement, glass, textiles, clothing, food processing, beer, soft drinks, rubber, machinery, electrical machinery, chemicals, furniture GDP - per capita (PPP) $12,300.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 2.4% GDP & GROWTH Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $371,290,000,000 (USD) GDP Per Capita $12,300.00 (USD) GDP - real growth rate 2.4% GDP - official exchange rate $179,900,000,000 (USD) GDP - composition, by end use * consumption: 63.2% Government * consumption: 12.7% Investment in fixed * capital: 23.8% Investment in * inventories: 1.1% Exports of goods and * services: 22.4% Imports of goods and * services: -23.2% GDP by Sector- agriculture 7% GDP by Sector- Industry 34.5% GDP by Sector- services 58.5% Industrial Growth Rate 5% PRICES & MONEY Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Inflation Rate 3.6% Currency Name and Code Peruvian (Nuevo) Sol (PEN) Fiscal Year Calendar Year Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 20.3% Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate - note Note: domestic currency lending rate, 90-day maturity EMPLOYMENT & LABOR Show 9 9 facts — expand for details. Labor Force 16,200,000 Unemployment Rate 7.7% Unemployment - note Data are for metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment Major Industries * Mining and refining of minerals * steel, metal fabrication * petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas and natural gas liquefaction * fishing and fish processing, cement, glass, textiles, clothing, food processing, beer, soft drinks, rubber, machinery, electrical machinery, chemicals, furniture Agriculture Products * Asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas, apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mangoes, barley, medicinal plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans * poultry, beef, pork, dairy products * guinea pigs * fish Population Below Poverty Line 31.3% Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14 2,545,855 Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14 34% Child Labor - note note: data represents children ages 5-17 LABOR BY OCCUPATION Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 25.8% Labor Force By Occupation- industry 17.4% Labor Force By Occupation- services 56.8% PUBLIC FINANCE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Annual Budget $58,150,000,000 (USD) Public Debt (% of GDP) 18.3% Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP 1% Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 29% GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 232 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Government & politics in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Peru's government and legal structure matters for visas, ID, tax residence, and later naturalization. The immigration authority in our records is Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones. Confirm current forms and fees on https://www.gob.pe/migraciones. In the planning dataset, permanent residence is listed at 3 years of qualifying stay; dual citizenship is listed as restricted. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli Early practical steps people actually use in Peru include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Identity & names; Political system; Capital & time; International role. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GOVERNMENT & POLITICS IDENTITY & NAMES Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Full Country Name Republic of Peru Country Name Peru Local - Long República del Perú Local - Short Perú Etymology- history of name exact meaning is obscure, but the name may derive from a native word "biru" meaning "river" Independence 28 July 1821 (from Spain) National Holiday Independence Day, 28-29 July (1821) POLITICAL SYSTEM Show 10 10 facts — expand for details. Government Type presidential republic Constitution * history: several previous; latest promulgated 29 December 1993, enacted 31 December 1993 * amendments: proposed by Congress, by the president of the republic with the approval of the Council of Ministers or by petition of at least 0.3% of voters; passage requires absolute majority approval by the Congress membership, followed by approval in a referendum; a referendum is not required if Congress approves the amendment by greater than two-thirds majority vote in each of two successive sessions; amended many times, last in 2021 Legal System: civil law system Executive Branch: * chief of state: President Dina Ercilia BOLUARTE Zegarra (since 7 December 2022); first vice president (vacant); second vice president (vacant); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government * head of government: President Dina Ercilia BOLUARTE Zegarra (since 7 December 2022); first vice president (vacant); second vice president (vacant) * cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president * elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive terms); election last held on 11 April 2021 with a runoff on 6 June 2021 (next to be held in April 2026) * election results: 2021: Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones (PL) 18.9%, Keiko Sofia FUJIMORI Higuchi (FP) 13.4%, Rafael LOPEZ ALIAGA Cazorla (RP) 11.8%, Hernando DE SOTO Polar (Social Integration Party) 11.6%, Yonhy LESCANO Ancieta (AP) 9.1%, Veronika MENDOZA Frisch (JP) 7.9%, Cesar ACUNA Peralta (APP) 6%, George FORSYTH Sommer (VN) 5.7%, Daniel Belizario URRESTI Elera (PP) 5.6%, other 10%; percent of vote second round - Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones 50.1%, Keiko Sofia FUJIMORI Higuchi 49.9% 2016: Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi (FP) 39.9%, Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard (PPK) 21.1%, Veronika MENDOZA (FA) 18.7%, Alfredo BARNECHEA (AP) 7%, Alan GARCIA (APRA) 5.8%, other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Pedro Pablo KUCZYNSKI Godard 50.1%, Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi 49.9% note 1: First Vice President Dina Ercilia BOLUARTE Zegarra assumed the office of the president on 7 December 2022 after President Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones was impeached and arrested; BOLUARTE is the first woman to become president of Peru note 2: Prime Minister Gustavo ADRIANZÉN (since 6 March 2024) does not exercise executive power; this power rests with the president; on 5 March 2024, Prime Minister Alberto OTÁROLA resigned amid allegations of corruption Legislative Branch: * Description: unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la República del Perú (130 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by closed party-list proportional representation vote to serve single 5-year terms) * Elections: last held on 11 April 2021 (next to be held in April 2026) * Election Results: percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - Free Peru 32, Popular Force 24, AP 15, APP 15, AvP 10, RP 9, Democratic Peru 7, We Are Peru 5, PP 5, JP 5, Purple Party 3; composition as of February 2024- men 80, women 50, percentage women 40% * Note: seats by party/coalition as of January 2024 - Popular Force 23, Free Peru 16, AP 14, APP 11, AvP 9, Democratic Peru 9, RP 9, SP 6, PP 6, PB 5; BMCN 9, independent 25 Judicial Branch: * office: justices proposed by the National Board of Justice (a 7-member independent body), nominated by the president, and confirmed by the Congress; justices can serve until mandatory retirement at age 70 * subordinate courts: Court of Constitutional Guarantees; Superior Courts or Cortes Superiores; specialized civil, criminal, and mixed courts; 2 types of peace courts in which professional judges and selected members of the local communities preside Regions or States: 25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province* (provincia); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali note: Callao, the largest port in Peru, is also referred to as a constitutional province, the only province of the Callao region Political Parties and Leaders: * Advance the Nation (Avanza País) or AvP [Aldo BORRERO Zeta] * Alliance for Progress (Alianza para el Progreso) or APP [Cesar ACUNA Peralta] * Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or FA [Marco ARANA] * Free Peru (Perú Libre) or PL [Vladimir CERRON Rojas] * Front for Hope (Frente Esperanza) [Fernando OLIVERA Vega] * Magisterial Block of National Concentration (Bloque Magisterial de Concertación Nacional) or BMCN [Álex PAREDES] * National Victory (Victoria Nacional) or VN [George FORSYTH Sommer] * Peru Bicentennial (Perú Bicentenario) or PB [Jorge MARTICORENA] * Popular Action (Acción Popular) or AP [Mesias GUEVARA Amasifuen] * Popular Force (Fuerza Popular) or FP [Keiko FUJIMORI Higuchi] * Popular Renewal (Renovación Popular) or RP [Rafael LOPEZ ALIAGA] * Purple Party (Partido Morado) [Luis DURAN Rojo] * Social Integration Party (Avanza País - Partido de Integración Social) [Aldo BORRERO] * Together For Perú (Juntos por el Peru) or JP [Robert SANCHEZ Palomino] * We Are Peru (Somos Perú) of SP [Patricia LI] * We Can Peru (Podemos Perú) or PP [Jose Leon LUNA Galvez] Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70 Citizenship Criteria: * birth: yes Citizenship by * descent: yes Dual citizenship * recognized: yes Residency requirement for * naturalization: 2 years CAPITAL & TIME Hide Capital Name Lima Capital - geographic coordinate 12 03 S, 77 03 W Capital Time Difference UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) INTERNATIONAL ROLE Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. International Organization Participation: * AIIB * APEC * BIS * CAN * CD * CELAC * EITI (compliant country) * FAO * G-24 * G-77 * IADB * IAEA * IBRD * ICAO * ICC (NGOs) * ICCt * ICRM * IDA * IFAD * IFC * IFRCS * IHO * ILO * IMF * IMO * IMSO * Interpol * IOC * IOM * IPU * ISO * ITSO * ITU * ITUC (NGOs) * LAES * LAIA * Mercosur (associate) * MIGA * MINUSTAH * MONUSCO * NAM * OAS * OPANAL * OPCW * Pacific Alliance * PCA * PROSUR * SICA (observer) * UN * UNAMID * UNASUR * UNCTAD * UNESCO * UNHCR * UNIDO * Union Latina * UNISFA * UNMISS * UNOCI * UNOOSA * UN Security Council (temporary) * UNWTO * UPU * WCO * WFTU (NGOs) * WHO * WIPO * WMO * WTO International Law Organization Participation: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction Diplomatic Representation from US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires John T. McNAMARA (since 8 September 2023) * Embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17 s/n, Surco, Lima 33 * Mailing Address: 3230 Lima Place, Washington DC 20521-3230 [tel:205213230] * Telephone: [51] (1) 618-2000 [tel:16182000] * FAX: [51] (1) 618-2724 [tel:16182724] * Email: LimaACS@state.gov * Website: https://pe.usembassy.gov/ [https://pe.usembassy.gov/] Diplomatic Representation in the US: * Chief of Mission: Ambassador Alfredo Santiago Carlos FERRERO DIEZ CANSECO (since 27 February 2024) * Chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 * Telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 [tel:2028339860] * FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124 [tel:2026598124] * Email: Webadmin@embassyofperu.us * Consulate(s) General: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford (CT), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (NJ), San Francisco, Washington DC GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 159 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Geography & environment in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Peru's capital is Lima in South America, Americas. Traffic keeps to the right. Geography here is for settlement planning: climate, distance to work, and which city you can actually afford, not a travel brochure. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Location & size; Physical geography; Climate & time; Climate; Environment. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: GEOGRAPHY & ENVIRONMENT LOCATION & SIZE Show 8 8 facts — expand for details. Geographic Location South America Geographic Coordinates 10 00 S, 76 00 W Total Area 496,222 Square Miles 1,285,216 Square Kilometers Land Area 494,206 Square Miles 1,279,996 Square Kilometers Water Area 2,015 Square Miles 5,220 Square Kilometers Land Boundaries 4,636 Miles 7,461 Kilometers Border Countries Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km, Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km Coastline 1,500 Miles 2,414 Kilometers PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY Show 6 6 facts — expand for details. Terrain Western coastal plain (Costa), high and rugged Andes in the center (Sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (Selva) Highest Point 6,768 Meters Highest Point Location Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m Lowest Point Location Pacific Ocean 0 m Natural Resources Copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas Irrigated Land 4,618 Square Miles 11,960 Square Kilometers CLIMATE & TIME Hide Time Zone UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) CLIMATE Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Climate Peru lies below the Equator, therefore, its seasons along the Pacific Coast, which includes Lima, are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer lasts from about mid-December through April in that region and is generally pleasant, with warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights. February is usually the warmest month, with an average temperature of 79 (F) and humidity of 83%. Temperatures rarely range above the mid-80s. Only two distinct seasons occur in the highlands/sierra: the rainy season from December to April and a dry period the rest of the year. Temperatures fluctuate considerably depending on the weather and altitude. Winter along the coast lasts from May or June to November and the weather is chilly and damp. Sunny days in Lima's winter are rare, particularly in July, August, and September. Rain is virtually unknown; however, a fine mist often falls and fog is common. The coolest, dampest months are July and August, with average temperatures about 60(F), rarely falling below the low 50s. Terrain Western coastal plain (Costa), high and rugged Andes in the center (Sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (Selva) Location Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador Total Area 496,222 Square Miles 1,285,216 Square Kilometers Border Countries Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km, Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km ENVIRONMENT Hide Environment - Current Issues * Deforestation (some the result of illegal logging) * overgrazing of the slopes of the Costa and Sierra leading to soil erosion * desertification * air pollution in Lima * pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes Environment - International Agreements Party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements TRADE IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 162 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Trade in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Trade figures for Peru help explain which industries hire, which ports matter, and how imported goods show up in grocery prices. Settlements and contracts usually run in PEN. They are not a visa pathway. Work permission still depends on the destination's immigration rules. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Trade overview; Trading partners; Partners (summary). Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRADE TRADE OVERVIEW Show 4 4 facts — expand for details. Exports $47,380,000,000 (USD) Imports $41,150,000,000 (USD) Major Exports * Copper, gold, lead, zinc, tin, iron ore, molybdenum, silver * crude petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas * coffee, asparagus and other vegetables, fruit, apparel and textiles, fishmeal, fish, chemicals, fabricated metal products and machinery, alloys Major Imports Petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, plastics, machinery, vehicles, color TV sets, power shovels, front-end loaders, telephones and telecommunication equipment, iron and steel, wheat, corn, soybean products, paper, cotton, vaccines and medicines TRADING PARTNERS Hide Top Export Partners China 18.3%, United States 15.2%, Canada 11.4%, Japan 5.4%, Spain 5.3%, Chile 4.8%, South Korea 4.6%, Germany 4.1% Top Import Partners United States 24.5%, China 13.7%, Brazil 6.7%, Chile 5.9%, Ecuador 4.4%, South Korea 4% PARTNERS (SUMMARY) Hide Export Partners China 18.3%, United States 15.2%, Canada 11.4%, Japan 5.4%, Spain 5.3%, Chile 4.8%, South Korea 4.6%, Germany 4.1% Import Partners United States 24.5%, China 13.7%, Brazil 6.7%, Chile 5.9%, Ecuador 4.4%, South Korea 4% TRAVEL & SAFETY IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 237 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Travel & safety in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Safety in Peru is local. Neighbourhood, night transport, and documentation checks matter more than a single country score. Tap water is listed as generally safe in the planning dataset. Healthcare system type: Universal/Insurance. Immigrant health access note: Limited. Health coverage waiting period in the dataset: 90 days. Read current travel advice from your origin government before you book. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli Early practical steps people actually use in Peru include: Confirm visa status and entry conditions before booking travel; Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required; Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage steps; Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels. Treat the list as a reminder, not a filing checklist. When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Before you travel; Crime & law; Health & roads. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: TRAVEL & SAFETY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Country Description Peru is a developing country with an expanding tourism sector. A wide variety of tourist facilities and services are available, with quality varying according to price and location. Safety & Security * zones: Apurimac: * Restricted: Provinces of Andahuaylas and Chincheros. * Permitted: Everywhere else. * Ayacucho: Restricted: Provinces of Huanta, and La Mar. Road travel from Ayacucho to San Francisco. * Permitted: Daylight road travel from Ayacucho City to the city of Huanta. Staying within the city limits of Huanta. Daylight road travel from Pisco to Ayacucho City. * Cusco: Restricted: The province of La Convención. The districts of Kimbiri, Pichari, Vilcabamba, and the Echarate. * Permitted: Everywhere else, including the Machu Picchu area and the city of Cusco. * Huancavelica: Restricted: Provinces of Pampas, Churcampa, Acobamba and Tayacaja. In the province of Concepcion, travel east of the cities of San Antonio de Ocopa and Santa Rosa (located northeast of Concepcion city). Travel to Huancavelica City. * Permitted: Daylight road travel from Pisco to Ayacucho City.Train travel from Lima to Huancayo. Daylight road travel from Lima to Huancayo. Huánuco: * Restricted: All zones; ground travel is permitted only with Deputy Chief of Mission authorization. * Permitted: Flying into and staying within the city limits of Huánuco and Tingo María. Junín: * Restricted: Provinces of Satipo and Concepción east of the Rio Mantaro. The District of Santo Domingo de Acobamba in the Province of Huancayo. * Permitted: Daylight road travel from La Merced to Satipo. * Loreto: Restricted: a 20-kilometer swath of territory contiguous to the Colombian border. Travel on the Putumayo River. * Permitted: Everywhere else. San Martín: * Restricted: Provinces of Tocache, Mariscal Caceres, Huallaga, and Bellavista. Ground travel is permitted only with the Deputy Chief of Mission's authorization. * Permitted: Flying only into and remaining within the city limits of Tocache, Saposoa, Juanjui, and Bellavista. * Ucayali: Restricted: Provinces of Padre Abad and Coronel Portillo west of Pucallpa City and west of Ucayali River. Road travel from Pucallpa to Aguaytia and all cities west of Aguaytia. * Permitted: Flying into and remaining within the city limits of Pucallpa and Aguaytía. The provi CRIME & LAW Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Crime * Crime: Violent crime, including carjacking, assault, sexual assault, and armed robbery is common in Lima and other large cities. The Embassy is aware of reports of women being sexually assaulted in their place of lodging, or after their drinks were drugged while visiting bars or nightclubs. Women traveling alone should be especially careful to avoid situations in which they are vulnerable due to impaired judgment or isolation. Resistance to attempted robberies often provokes greater violence, while victims who do not resist usually do not suffer serious physical harm. "Express kidnappings," in which criminals kidnap victims and seek to obtain funds from their bank accounts via automatic teller machines, occur frequently. In the recent past, there have been a number of cases of armed robbery, rape, other sexual assault, and attempted rape of U.S. citizens and other foreign tourists in Arequipa and in Cusco city, as well as in the outlying areas in the vicinity of various Incan ruins. These assaults have occurred both during daylight hours and at night. Taxis and Road * Crime: Passengers who hail taxis on the street have been assaulted and robbed. Street taxis are not well regulated and are often used as a front by criminals to rob unsuspecting victims. The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer recommends that all Embassy personnel use telephone-dispatched radio taxis or car services associated with major hotels and not hail taxis on the street. In the city of Arequipa, express kidnappings have become such a problem that all U.S. government personnel are prohibited from hailing taxis off the street. U.S. government personnel there must utilize cabs from well-established dispatch taxi companies. The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer recommends that all U.S. citizens visiting Arequipa also use dispatch taxi companies. Some crimes in the city of Cusco and in Arequipa have involved the drivers of rogue (or unregistered) taxis. Travelers should use only licensed, registered taxis such as those available from taxi stands in Cuscodisplaying a blue decal issued by the municipal government on the windshield of the vehicle. Visitors should not accept offers of transportation or guide services from individuals seeking clients on the streets. In recent years there have been several reports of U.S. citizens falling victim to so-called “express kidnappings” in Arequipa after taking taxis hailed on the street. On occasion, the victim was bound, beaten, and held for over 24 hours as the assailants attempted to empty cash from bank accounts with the victim’s stolen ATM card. * Theft: Travelers should guard against the theft of luggage and other belongings, particularly U.S. passports, at the Lima airport. Passengers arriving at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport should be cautious in making arrangements for ground transportation. Upon exiting the airport, travelers may be approached by persons seeming to know them, or who claim that a pre-arranged taxi has been sent to take them to their hotel. Some travelers have been charged exorbitant rates or been taken to marginal hotels in unsafe parts of town. Travelers who are not being met by a known party or by a reputable travel agent or hotel shuttle are advised to arrange for a taxi inside the airport. At least two taxi companies maintain counters inside the international arrival area (between immigration clearance and baggage claim). An additional two companies have agents at the information kiosk just before the exit from the passenger arrival area. Travelers should not leave any valuables in sight or unattended in parked vehicles as these become inviting targets for thieves. Visitors Criminal Penalties While you are traveling in Peru, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have a copy of your passport with you. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Peru, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Peru, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Languages Spanish (official) 82.9%, Quechua (official) 13.6%, Aymara (official) 1.6%, Ashaninka 0.3%, other native languages (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.8%, other (includes foreign languages and sign language) 0.2%, none 0.1%, unspecified 0.7% HEALTH & ROADS Show 2 2 facts — expand for details. Medical Facilities Medical care is generally good in Lima and usually adequate in other major cities, but it is less so elsewhere in Peru. Urban private healthcare facilities are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural ones. Public hospital facilities in Cusco, the prime tourist destination, are generally inadequate to handle serious medical conditions. Although some private hospital facilities in Cusco may be able to treat acute medical problems, in general, the seriously ill traveler should return to Lima for further care as soon as is medically feasible. Visitors to high-altitude Andean destinations such as Cusco (11,000 feet), Machu Picchu (8,000 feet), or Lake Titicaca (13,000 feet) should discuss the trip with their personal physician prior to departing the United States. Travel to high altitudes could pose a serious risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, particularly if the traveler has a medical condition that affects blood circulation or breathing. Several U.S. citizens have died in Peru from medical conditions exacerbated by altitude. Tourists or business visitors, particularly those who suffer from cardiac-related problems or high blood pressure, who wish to travel to high-altitude areas in Peru should undergo a medical examination before traveling. New arrivals, even healthy and fit persons, will feel symptoms of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) at high altitudes, and most will need time to adjust to the altitude. Most people will have increased respiration and heart rate. Many will have headaches, difficulty sleeping, lack of appetite, minor gastric and intestinal upsets, and mood changes. To help prevent these complications, consult your personal physician, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least one week after arrival at high altitudes, and limit physical activity for the first 36 to 48 hours after arrival at high altitudes. In jungle areas east of the Andes mountain range (cordillera), chloroquine-resistant malaria is a serious problem. Cholera, yellow fever, hepatitis, dengue fever, and other exotic and contagious diseases are also present. Yellow fever is endemic in certain areas of Peru; in general, those areas are located on the eastern side of the cordillera and at lower elevations in jungle areas. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Peruvian government recommend that travelers to Peru receive a yellow fever vaccination and carry documentation of the vaccination with them on their trip. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is very common in Peru and is potentially serious. If suffering from persistent symptoms, seek medical attention. Local tap water in Peru is not considered potable. Only bottled or treated (disinfected) water should be used for drinking. Fruits and vegetables should be washed and/or disinfected with care, and meats and fish should be thoroughly cooked. Eggs, meat, unpasteurized cheese, and seafood are common sources of the bacteria that can cause travelers' diarrhea, and they should be properly prepared or avoided. Philanthropic groups and individuals planning to enter Peru with medical supplies in quantities greater than for personal use are strongly advised to consult with a Peruvian consulate in the United States prior to arrival in Peru. Medical, dental, and other kinds of charitable donations are subject to confiscation by Peruvian authorities for failure to comply with Peruvian regulations. Medical teams, non-profit organizations or visitors to Peru who plan to donate medical supplies, medicines, or other similar items may wish to review Peruvian regulations governing such donations (Spanish only) or contact Agencia Peruana de Cooperacion Internacional (APCI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 51-1-319-3632 [tel:5113193632] before proceeding. The U.S. Embassy cannot accept such items by mail, assist in evading customs requirements, or provide a broker to secure their release if they are held. Traffic Safety While in Peru, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Peru is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Driving conditions in Peru are very different from those found in the United States and can be considerably more dangerous. Visitors are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with local laws and driving customs before attempting to operate vehicles. Road travel at night is extremely dangerous due to poor road markings and frequent unmarked road hazards. Drivers should not travel alone on rural roads, even in daylight. Convoy travel is preferable. Spare tires, parts, and fuel are needed when traveling in remote areas, where distances between service areas are great. Fog is common on coastal and mountain highways, and the resulting poor visibility frequently causes accidents. Inter-city bus travel is dangerous. Armed robbers, who force passengers off buses and steal their belongings, sometimes hold up inter-city buses at night. Bus accidents resulting in multiple deaths and injuries are common, and they are frequently attributed to excessive speed, poor bus maintenance, and driver fatigue. Because of these safety concerns, the U.S. Peace Corps in Peru restricts Peace Corps volunteers’ use of overnight inter-city buses and requires Peace Corps volunteers who make inter-city bus trips to use certain bus lines with good safety records. Current approved lines are Cruz del Sur, Linea, Movil Tours, CIAL, OLTURSA, Ormeño, TEPSA, and ITTSA. The Peruvian Ministry of Transportation also publishes a list in Spanish of the intercity bus companies with the highest rates of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. For further information, travelers may contact their nearest automobile club, or (for information in Spanish) the Associacion Automotriz del Peru, 299 Avenida Dos de Mayo, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru, telephone 51-1-440-0495 [tel:5114400495]. INFRASTRUCTURE IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 163 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. Infrastructure in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. Infrastructure in Peru affects commute time, remote work, and whether a city is livable in the first 90 days. Typical internet speed in the dataset is 20 Mbps. Airports, rail, and roads on this page are inventory, not a promise that your neighbourhood is well served. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: Transportation; Pipelines; Communications; Energy. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Airports - total 191 Airports with Paved Runways 59 Heliports 5 Railways 1,185 Miles 1,907 Kilometers Roadways- total 87,410 Miles 140,672 Kilometers Waterways 5,473 Miles 8,808 Kilometers Ports and Terminals Callao, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas; note - Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are on the upper reaches of the Amazon and its tributaries oil terminals: Conchan oil terminal, La Pampilla oil terminal PIPELINES Show 5 5 facts — expand for details. Pipelines: extra heavy crude 488 Miles 786 Kilometers Pipelines: Gas 948 Miles 1,526 Kilometers Pipelines: Liquid Petroleum Gas 422 Miles 679 Kilometers Pipelines: Oil 642 Miles 1,033 Kilometers Pipelines: Refined Products 9 Miles 15 Kilometers COMMUNICATIONS Show 7 7 facts — expand for details. Telephones 3,688,000 Cell Phones 32,461,000 Internet Users 9,158,000 Internet Country Code .pe Internet Hosts 234,102 Broadcast Media * 10 major TV networks of which only one, Television Nacional de Peru, is state-owned * multi-channel cable TV services are available * an excess of 2,000 radio stations including a substantial number of indigenous language stations Telephone System * Assessment: adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations * Domestic: fixed-line teledensity is only about 12 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple providers, exceeds 100 telephones per 100 persons * International: country code - 51; the South America-1 (SAM-1) and Pan American (PAN-AM) submarine cable systems provide links to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the United States; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) ENERGY Show 12 12 facts — expand for details. Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 34,250,000,000 Electricity Imports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 6,000,000 Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 38,700,000,000 Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh) 5,490,000,000 Natural Gas Exports- Cubic Meters (cu m) 8,730,000,000 Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m) 32,400,000,000 Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m) 359,600,000,000 Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 206,900 Oil Exports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 15,610 Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 99,590 Oil Production- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 152,600 Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day) 579,200,000 NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN PERU: PLANNING NOTES 145 words of country-specific briefing for moving to Peru. Figures that affect visas or tax should still be checked on official sites. National symbols in Peru for people weighing a move, not a tourist recap. The notes below use Peru-specific planning fields. Detailed profile figures sit in the Key facts section under this topic. National symbols for Peru are background for civic life and ceremonies. They do not change visa rules. Use the government and visa pages for status, work, and stay conditions. Peru is on the West Coast of South America, south of the Equator, between 0 and 18 degrees south latitude and, 70 degrees and 81 degrees west longitude. With a population of about 27.94 milli When a number on this page could change a visa or tax outcome, open https://www.gob.pe/migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) and match the current instruction. MigrantIQ is a planning aid, not a government filing system. Key facts for this topic cover: National anthem. Expand each card for the structured figures. KEY FACTS: NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL ANTHEM Show 3 3 facts — expand for details. Anthem History "Somos libres, seámoslo siempre" is the national anthem of Peru and was written by José de La Torre Ugarte and composed by José Bernardo Alcedo, who won a contest run by Don José de San Martín, known for being the liberator of Peru, in 1821. It was performed for the first time by Rosa Merino in the Municipal Theater of Lima. Anthem Lyrics Somos libres, seámoslo siempre Chorus: Somos libres, seámoslo siempre y antes niegue sus luces el sol, que faltemos al voto solemne que la patria al Eterno elevó. Largo tiempo el peruano oprimido la ominosa cadena arrastró; condenado a cruel servidumbre largo tiempo en silencio gimió. Mas apenas el grito sagrado ¡Libertad! En sus costas se oyó, la indolencia de esclavo sacude, la humillada cerviz levantó. Ya el estruendo de broncas cadenas que escuchamos tres siglos de horror, de los libres al grito sagrado que oyó atónito el mundo, cesó. Por doquier San Martín inflamado, Libertad, libertad, pronunció, y meciendo su base los Andes la anunciaron, también a una voz. Con su influjo los pueblos despiertan y cual rayo corrió la opinión; desde el itsmo a las tierras del fuego desde el fuego a la helada región. Todos juran romper el enlace que natura a ambos mundos negó, y quebrar ese cetro que España, reclinaba orgullosa en los dos. Lima, cumple ese voto solemne, y, severa, su enojo mostró, al tirano impotente lanzando, que intentaba alargar su opresión. A su esfuerzo sellaron los grillos y los surcos que en sí reparó, le atizaron el odio y venganza que heredara de su Inca y Señor. Compatriotas, no más verla esclava si humillada tres siglos gimió, para siempre jurémosla libre manteniendo su propio esplendor. Nuestros brazos, hasta hoy desarmados estén siempre cebando el cañón, que algú n día las playas de Iberia sentirán de su estruendo el terror. En su cima los Andes sostengan la bandera o pendón bicolor, que a los siglos anuncie el esfuerzo que ser libres, por siempre nos dió. A su sombra vivamos tranquilos, y al nacer por sus cumbres el sol, renovemos el gran juramento que rendimos al Dios de Jacob. Anthem Lyrics English CHORUS We are free, let's always be so and may the sun deny its light if we fail the solemn vow that the motherland swore to the Eternal One. For a long time the oppressed Peruvian dragged the ominous chain; condemned to a cruel servitude for a long time, he cried in silence. But once the sacred cry Freedom! In its coasts, it was heard the slave's indolence shakes, the humiliated neck he raised. Already the roar of angry chains that we heard three centuries of horror, from the free to the sacred cry which the world heard astonished, ceased. Everywhere Saint Martin inflamed, Freedom, freedom, he pronounced, and rocking the base of it the Andes They announced it, also with one voice. With its influence, the people awaken and like lightning the opinion spread; from the isthmus to the lands of fire From the fire to the frozen region. Everyone swears to break the link that nature denied both worlds, and break that scepter that Spain, She leaned proudly on both of them. Lima, fulfill that solemn vow, and, severe, her anger showed, to the impotent tyrant throwing, who tried to prolong his oppression. At his effort, they sealed the crickets and the furrows that he repaired in himself, They fueled hatred and revenge that he would inherit from the Inca and Lord of him. Compatriots, no more seeing her as a slave if she humiliated three centuries she moaned, forever let us swear her free maintaining its own splendor. Our arms, until today unarmed They are always priming the cannon, that one day the beaches of Iberia They will feel the terror of its roar. At their summit the Andes hold the two-color flag or pennant, that to the centuries announce the effort that being free, he gave us forever. In its shadow let us live peacefully, and when the sun rises through its peaks, let's renew the great oath that we surrender to the God of Jacob. Verified immigration updates for Peru → [/countries/peru/immigration-updates/] GOVERNMENT JOBS IN PERU * Peru Government Jobs [/government-jobs/government-careers-pe/] · SERVIR — empleo público (Peru) All government jobs for Peru → [/government-jobs/?country=peru] OFFICIAL LANGUAGES IN PERU Spanish (official) 82.9%Quechua (official) 13.6%Aymara (official) 1.6%Ashaninka 0.3%other native languages (includes a large number of minor Amazonian languages) 0.8%other (includes foreign languages and sign language) 0.2%none 0.1%unspecified 0.7% OFFICIAL LINKS FOR PERU * Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones [https://www.gob.pe/migraciones] Official immigration portal for visas, entry rules, and residency steps. The official portal of the Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones is essential for accurate information regarding immigration processes and regulations. Be cautious of lookalike websites that may charge fees for forms available for free. NEWCOMER CHECKLIST FOR PERU * •Prepare temporary housing and proof of address where required * •Set up local phone, banking, tax, and health coverage * •Save emergency numbers, official portals, and scam-reporting channels * •Learn about local customs and cultural practices * •Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival * •Explore local markets and grocery stores for food options * •Learn basic Spanish phrases to aid communication LOCAL SERVICES & SETUP IN PERU Healthcare access: Limited Health waiting period: 90 day(s) SETTLEMENT FUNDS & FINANCIAL NOTES FOR PERU When moving to Peru, establish proof of funds to support yourself during the initial settling period. Opening a local bank account will help manage your finances. Securing health coverage is important, as access to the healthcare system may be limited for immigrants during the initial waiting period of 90 days. Planning these aspects ahead can ease your transition. COST OF LIVING BY CITY IN PERU Monthly living-cost signals in PEN. Figures are planning estimates — rent and lifestyle vary by neighbourhood. CitySingle monthly (PEN)Family monthly (PEN)1BR center (PEN)Capital city€7,921€1,842— TAKE-HOME PAY IN PERU (2026) Educational wage-tax examples from the MigrantIQ tax calculator in PEN. Not filing software — confirm with official rules and a licensed adviser. Entry / mid offer Gross PEN 50,000 PEN 38,045net / year ~PEN 3,170 / month · effective 23.9% Solid mid career Gross PEN 80,000 PEN 59,945net / year ~PEN 4,995 / month · effective 25.1% High earner Gross PEN 180,000 PEN 130,635net / year ~PEN 10,886 / month · effective 27.4% Open Peru tax calculator → [/tools/tax-calculator/peru/] · compare take-home vs other destinations [/tools/tax-compare/] Country hub: /countries/peru/ · Tax year 2026. State or provincial tax may apply on top of federal models. WHO QUALIFIES BEST FOR PERU * work Professionals seeking job opportunities in a growing economy. * family Individuals looking to reunite with family members already residing in Peru. * study Students pursuing education in one of Peru's universities or language schools. WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG ABOUT MOVING TO PERU NEGLECTING VISA REQUIREMENTS Overlooking specific visa requirements for entry and residence in Peru is a common mistake. Ensure you understand the documentation needed for your visa type and have everything in order before arriving. UNDERESTIMATING LANGUAGE BARRIERS Many newcomers underestimate the importance of speaking Spanish in Peru. While some locals may speak English, especially in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish can enhance your experience and help you navigate daily life. IGNORING LOCAL CUSTOMS Failing to respect local customs and cultural norms can lead to misunderstandings. Take time to learn about Peruvian traditions and etiquette to foster positive interactions with locals. SOURCES & REFERENCES FOR PERU Country data is a planning aid. Official government sources override MigrantIQ summaries for immigration, legal, tax, health, and emergency rules. * MigrantIQ country profile Summary profile maintained for planning. Last updated 2026-05-07. * World Bank and public data sources Used for economic and country-level indicators where available. * Numbeo and public cost datasets Used for cost-of-living signals for Peru where available. FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN PERU 121 active diplomatic missions in our directory. Sample listings below. * Consulate of Austria in Arequipa, Peru [/embassies/mission/austria-in-peru-arequipa-consulate/] — 🇦🇹 Austria, Arequipa * Consulate of Belgium in Arequipa, Peru [/embassies/mission/belgium-in-peru-arequipa-consulate/] — 🇧🇪 Belgium, Arequipa * Consulate of Chile in Arequipa, Peru [/embassies/mission/chile-in-peru-arequipa-consulate/] — 🇨🇱 Chile, Arequipa * Consulate of Finland in Arequipa, Peru [/embassies/mission/finland-in-peru-arequipa-consulate/] — 🇫🇮 Finland, Arequipa * Consulate of France in Arequipa, Peru [/embassies/mission/france-in-peru-arequipa-consulate/] — 🇫🇷 France, Arequipa Browse all embassies in Peru → [/embassies/in/peru/] Important — not legal or government advice MigrantIQ lists diplomatic missions for planning reference only. We are not a government service. Contact details may be incomplete or outdated — always confirm appointments, fees, and requirements on the official mission website or your destination government portal before you travel or apply. Terms [/terms/]Privacy [/privacy/]Report inaccurate data [/contact/] Feedback Was this guide helpful? Your answer helps us improve guides and update priority. YesNo Summarize this page with AI Opens your assistant with a pre-filled prompt (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude). Gemini uses Google AI Mode. Ask AI ↗ Not affiliated with any AI platform. Always verify immigration rules on official government sites. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING TO PERU WHAT IS THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM LIKE IN PERU? Peru has a universal healthcare system, but access may be limited for immigrants during the initial waiting period of 90 days. It's advisable to secure private health insurance for immediate coverage. HOW SAFE IS IT TO LIVE IN PERU? Safety can vary by region in Peru. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. Research specific neighborhoods and stay updated on local safety tips. WHAT ARE THE MAIN CULTURAL ASPECTS TO BE AWARE OF? Peruvian culture is rich and diverse, influenced by indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial history. Be open to experiencing local customs, cuisine, and festivals to fully immerse yourself in the culture. RELATED PERU GUIDES Visa Peru Visa Hub Read guide → [/visas/peru/]Legal Peru Laws Read guide → [/laws/peru/]Safety Peru Scam Alerts Read guide → [/scam-alerts/peru/]Checklist Peru Arrival Checklist Read guide → [/checklist/peru/]Blog Migration blog Read guide → [/blog/] VISA OPTIONS 15 published * Business / Investor Visa [/visas/peru/business-investor/]business * Family / Spouse Visa [/visas/peru/family-spouse/]family * Family Resident Visa [/visas/peru/family-resident/]family * Independent Professional Visa [/visas/peru/independent-professional-visa/]migration * Investor Visa [/visas/peru/investor-visa/]migration * Rentista Visa [/visas/peru/rentista-visa/]migration * Resident Worker Visa [/visas/peru/resident-worker-visa/]migration * Temporary Worker Visa [/visas/peru/temporary-worker-visa/]migration * Permanent Residency / Settlement [/visas/peru/permanent-residency/]residency * Rentista Visa [/visas/peru/rentista/]residency * Student Visa [/visas/peru/student/]student * Tourist / Visitor Visa [/visas/peru/tourist-visitor/]tourist * Tourist Entry [/visas/peru/tourist-entry/]tourist * Work / Employment Visa [/visas/peru/work-employment/]work * Worker Resident Visa [/visas/peru/worker-resident/]work Open visa hub → [/visas/peru/] KEY LAWS * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/peru/work-authorisation-rules/]critical * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/peru/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]high * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/peru/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]critical * Address Registration and Identity Duties [/laws/peru/address-registration-and-id-duties/]medium ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/peru/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]medium * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/peru/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]medium * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/peru/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]medium Plan smarter Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices. Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/] Free resources TOOLS & GUIDES Full sitemap → [/sitemap/] PLAN YOUR MOVE * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/] * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/] * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/] * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/] * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/] * Cost calculator [/calculator/] * Move planner [/tools/planner/] * Best country [/tools/best-country/] * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/] * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/] * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/] * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/] * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/] * All tools [/tools/] GUIDES & SAFETY * Visa guides [/visas/] * Scholarships [/scholarships/] * Government jobs [/government-jobs/] * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/] * Embassies [/embassies/] * Laws [/laws/] * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/] * Checklists [/checklist/] * Country profiles [/countries/] COMMUNITY * Q&A [/qa/] * People stories [/stories/] * Blog [/blog/] * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en] * Write for us [/write-for-us/] * Experts [/experts/] * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/] * Documentation [/documentation/] * Employers (HR) [/employers/] ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","logo":"https://migrantiq.com/logo.png","description":"MigrantIQ publishes free migration guides covering visas, laws, costs, culture, banking, healthcare, scam alerts, and moving checklists for 220 countries.","knowsAbout":["immigration","visa requirements","moving abroad","cost of living","immigrant laws","scam protection","arrival checklists"],"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/migrantiq/","https://x.com/MigrantIQ","https://www.instagram.com/migrantiqorg/","https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en"],"contactPoint":[{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"Info@MigrantIQ.com","url":"https://migrantiq.com/contact/","availableLanguage":["English"]}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#website","name":"MigrantIQ","url":"https://migrantiq.com","publisher":{"@id":"https://migrantiq.com/#organization"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://migrantiq.com/search/?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://migrantiq.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Countries","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Peru","item":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/peru/"}]} {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://migrantiq.com/countries/peru/#webpage","name":"Moving to Peru: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide","description":"Moving to Peru can be suitable for individuals and families wanting to experience a rich culture, diverse landscapes, and an active lifestyle. 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