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Peruvian Retirement Visa

Peruvian Retirement Visa

A Guide to Peruvian Visas

Part 7

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

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

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

Content overview

 

Legal background for a retirement visa application in Peru

Where to apply for a retirement visa

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

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

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

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

Foreign nationals who can travel to Peru visa-free, enter Peru as a tourist and then apply for their residence visa at Migraciones in Peru. However...

Important laws and regulations

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

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

 

Requirements for a retirement visa application in Peru

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

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

Required documents to apply for a retirement visa include:

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

Explanatory notes for the requirements:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 Last steps before your retirement visa application in Peru

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

Translation of foreign documents

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

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

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

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

Interpol

But we are not ready yet. Before you can even start your retirement visa application process, you first have to get the so-called “Ficha de Canje Internacional” from Interpol in Peru. Find a detailed description of how it’s done in our article “Interpol - Ficha de Canje Internacional”.

All foreigners must present the "Ficha de Canje Internacional" to Migraciones when changing their immigration status, for example, from a temporary...

Paying the application fee

Once you have the Ficha and all documents together, pay the fee of S/ 162.50 for the Migraciones administrative procedure “Cambio de Calidad Migratoria” under code 07568 with concepto "Rentista residente". As you already paid the Interpol fee, you know how the systems works, otherwise check again in our article "Paying administration charges and processing fees in Peru".

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

Last preparations

And last but not least, download the sworn statement and fill it in. Then make PDFs from your passport (page with your personal data), and from all other required documents (max size per document 3MB).

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

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

 

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

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

Migraciones Agencia Digital

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

On the next page, select "Extranjero". Then choose in the drop-down menu the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport), enter your passport number, your birthdate, nationality, the date you entered Peru and the captcha. Click on Verificar.

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

Now you are on the main page of the Agencia Digital. Here you can either use the search field or find in the menu on the left under “Cambio de calidad migratoria” the point "Rentista Residente". Click on it and proceed to the next page.

1st page of the retirement visa application

Here, you first have to select the Migraciones branch which should handle your application (for example, Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, …). In the second field, you must enter a “data update code” which you most probably don’t have. Below this field is a quite small link.

Click on it and you are re-directed to the Sistema de Actualizacion de Datos page. Choose Option 2. On the next page fill in your nationality, select the document with which you entered Peru (most probably passport), enter your passport number, and your birth date, select your gender and enter the captcha; you can leave the field with the "preinscription code" blank. Then you get to a quite extensive questionnaire.

Data update questionnaire

Be aware that you only have 1 hour to complete the questionnaire and as the system doesn’t save your information, even though there is an option to save, once you started you must finish it within an hour otherwise all your progress is gone, and you have to start from scratch. The questions are quite unorganized and partly a bit strange, so to give you an idea what questions you have to answer and might need to prepare for here an overview:

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

The third category asks for your address in Peru, your e-mail address, cell phone number and landline phone number. Here you must upload a “recibo”, so a water or electricity bill to prove that you live at that address. The recibo doesn't have to be in your name, just must show the correct address.

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

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

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

As soon as you have completed the last page of the questionnaire, the system accepts all your answers and sends the data update code to your e-mail.

You made it!

Back to the 1st page of the retirement visa application

Now fill in the data update code and click on Siguente.

2nd page of the retirement visa application

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

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

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

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

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

If you don't know where to find the requested bank information on your receipt, click on the question mark.

Under the Documento de Identificación tab, select the document with which you entered Peru (in most cases passport), fill in required data and upload a copy.

Under the Interpol tab, you must upload the Ficha de Canje from Interpol and the criminal record check you brought from home. Be aware that both fields are mandatory, and you can’t continue without having uploaded both documents.

Under the next tab, you must upload the letter from your pension fund and below the sworn statement.

There is one last tab “Exceso de permanencia” (excess stay). If you apply when your stay in Peru is still valid, this tab has already a green check in front of it and you just leave it as it is.

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

Once you filled in all required fields and uploaded all your documents, there should be a green check in front of each tab. Click on Siguente.

3rd page of the retirement visa application

You then get to a page showing the fields of the Form PA - Cambio de Calidad Migratoria already filled in with your personal data. The only fields you can change here are your cell phone number and your e-mail address. If everything is correct, click on “Guardar datos y generar tramite” (Save data and generate procedure).

4th page of the retirement visa application

You now get the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria" displayed on your screen. That's the confirmation of your successful application. Download and/or print the form and keep it safe (if downloading isn't possible, make a screenshot of the complete page, don't miss the second page)!!!

At the top right of the document under the bar code you find your Numero de expediente (file number), which sometimes is also called Numero de tramite. It consists of 2 letters (usually some abbreviation of the Migraciones office where you applied; LM for Lima, for example; or CY for Chiclayo, etc.) and 9 numbers. At the bottom of the first page, under the signature / fingerprint field, the Fecha de publicacion (application date) and a Codigo de verificacion (verification code) are shown.

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

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

If you didn't print or save the page when you had the chance during your application, retrieving your file number is usually simple as it's the code you see on your screen when you are asked to make an appointment for your biometric data (see below). But getting the verification code can be a mission as you must get in contact with Migraciones.

Please note: a few of our readers commented that they couldn’t find the verification code and/or the login data for the electronic mailbox on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria. However, once they made the appointment for the biometric data they were able to download the Formulario PA - Cambio de calidad migratoria, which contained the verification code and the login data. So, if the Reigistro page wasn't displayed or if you can’t find the information on the Registro page, probably check as well the Formulario, which you hopefully downloaded as well, before trying to get in contact with Migraciones.

 

Biometric data appointment

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

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

On the day of your biometric data appointment, be at the Migraciones office you selected when making the appointment 15 - 30 minutes before your appointment with your documents. Usually you will only need your printed (!) appointment and passport, but to be prepared for any unforeseen events you may want to take the folder with all other documents with you.

At the door you just have to show your printed appointment and passport. At the Lima Migraciones office you get a ticket with a number on it. Then just join the line and wait until your number is shown on the screen. When it's your turn proceed to the counter where you have to sign on a signature pad, you are digitally fingerprinted and a biometric photo is taken.

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

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

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

 

Buzon Electronico

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

You can access your Buzon by clicking on the "Buzon" button on the top of the main page of the Agencia Digital or by using this direct link. The username (usario) and password (contraseña) is on the "Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria", the confirmation of your successful application (see above under 4th page).

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

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

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

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

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

 

Approval of your retirement visa

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

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

 

Getting your carné (foreigner ID)

After 2 or 3 months (sometimes, if you are lucky, already after few weeks, or if Migraciones is busy, after only 4 months or so) you get a notification in your Buzon electronico informing you about the approval of your visa.

Usually, this first notification states to wait for further instructions on how to pick up your carné. So, once again check your Buzon regularly and wait for a second notification from Migraciones informing you about the "expedición de carné".

Officially Migraciones has another 30 business days counted from the approval of the visa to send this notification. However, some of our readers shared that they had to wait only a couple of days, others three or four weeks, and a few even 2 months. Either way as soon as you got the official notification that your carné is ready, get going. 

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

Be aware that at some Migraciones offices in the provinces no appointment is needed.

On the day of your appointment, be at the Migraciones office you selected 15-30 minutes before your appointment.To pick up your carné you just need your passport and your printed appointment. Migraciones personal will point you in the right direction where you are handed your carné.

Congratulations! You made it!

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

 

Things you should know living in Peru on a retirement visa

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

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

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

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

Your pension payments are exempted from taxation in Peru.

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

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

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

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

 

Other FAQs

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

For years, you had to be in Peru on a valid visa / stay, for example, as a tourist to apply for any temporary or residence visa, precisely to make the Cambio de calidad migratoria.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you don't have, for example, your criminal record check: Under the Interpol tab, you must upload the Ficha de Canje from Interpol and the "Antecedentes" (criminal record check). Both fields are mandatory, and you cannot continue with and finish the application without having uploaded both documents. As you can't leave the field for the Antecedentes blank anymore, you must upload something in the Antecedentes field. One of our readers just uploaded the Ficha de Canje a second time, another reader wrote a letter explaining that he is waiting for his criminal record check from his home country and uploaded this letter instead of his background check. So, upload a "document" there that makes sense.

The same applies if, for example, you don't have your Ficha de Canje from Interpol, because you couldn't get an appointment in time. Instead of the Ficha upload, for example, a letter explaining your situation and your appointment confirmation.

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

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

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

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

As you haven't uploaded all required documents or not in the form Migraciones requires, Migraciones will send you a notification (can be as quick as a few days after your application or a month, two or three later) requesting that you upload the document. Be aware that these notifications, which are send through the Buzon electronico, are considered officially delivered. Usually, Migraciones only gives you a short deadline of 5 to 10 days to upload the requested document. You must react to the notification, even if it's on the last day of the deadline they gave you (which might be wise to do if you still need more time), otherwise your application could be dismissed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      thanks a lot for sharing this information. 

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

      Great, learnt something new today. Thanks a lot.

      Have a great 2024!

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

      no, there is no age requirement. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      to answer your questions:

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

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

      3. Yes, it's a waiting game.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      So, wishing you all the best

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      All the best to you Patrice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill Staggs · 03/07/2023
    Eva I just wanted to thank you for all your help in working toward my rentista visa. It was approved June 16. I delivered my passport to the consulate in San Francisco on June 30. And I picked it up July 7. Hooray!

    I am guessing that at pickup time I will get info on how to proceed. The carné process seems pretty clear. But I’m clueless about what happens regarding opening a bank account, moving, etc. hoping there’s a packet or a solid link. 

    Thanks again. For all. Bill

    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 03/07/2023
      @Bill Staggs
      Hello Bill,

      that's great news. Congrats!

      When I remember correctly, once your visa was issued at the consulate you have half a year to enter Peru (best confirm this with the consulate). Then make sure to enter Peru as a rentista, not as a tourist.

      When you are finally in Peru, you must
      - get your Interpol clearance, which is explained in detailed in our Interpol - Ficha de Canje article
      - have your biometrical data taken, for which you need an appointment (enter the Agencia Digital and choose in the left menu under "Citas en Linea" the subpoint "para registro de datos biometricos"
      - apply for / get your carné de extranjería; honestly I'm not 100% sure, how it works as you haven't applied in Peru and might first have to register your data in the Migraciones database. But I'm sure the consulate or Migraciones in Peru can help with the exact process.

      Have a good move to Peru

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Deano · 26/06/2023
    Hello Eva, Like to echo the previous comment that this website is quite amazing...I havent seen anything like it so congrats ! The process for a rentista visa seems rather complex (understandably) and i wonder if you have referals of agencies in Lima who can help with this complex process? thanks  
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/06/2023
      @Deano Hello Deano,

      Thank you so much for your praise. You made my evening.

      The reason the retirement visa page, all other visa pages and lots of pages in our legal stuff section are so detailed is that foreigners who aren’t familiar with Peruvian processes can apply for their visa or other stuff on their own and don’t need an immigration lawyer, consultant, or a so-called tramitador.

      Since Migraciones simplified and digitalized the whole visa application process a few years back in most cases (there are a few exceptions) you really do not need a lawyer or help from anyone. Just follow the steps as described above one by one (yes, I know, it seems overwhelming and complicated at first) and you can handle everything on your own while at the same time getting to know lots about Peruvians and Peruvian authorities and save lots of money.

      The most important thing when you apply for any visa is to come to Peru prepared and with the required documents already apostilled; in case for the retirement visa, you only need your criminal background check and the letter of your pension fund from your home country; both with Apostille. No immigration lawyer in Peru can help you with this.

      The next step is the translation, which you can easily get done on your own and the Interpol appointment (the lawyer could apply for the appointment online for you) and the Interpol visit (you must go there alone anyway). Next step is the payment; a really easy step which you should learn anyway, if you are staying longer in Peru. And last but not least the visa application as described above in detail. Here, a lawyer could help of course, but the system is not that difficult to navigate.

      Anyway, finding a trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, honest, and affordable immigration lawyer or tramitador that cares in Peru is like hitting the jackpot. And even if you find one, he/she might do a great job today, but the quality, reliability and price structure might change in the future. That’s the reason I cannot recommend anyone to my readers in all conscience and without worry.

      Sorry.

      Be aware that immigration lawyers or legal consultants or tramitadores charge anything between US$500 up to US$1400 or even higher for a simple visa application. If you hire someone, be aware that he/she might make promises that he/she can’t keep as Migraciones has its very own understanding of time and rules and additionally worked very hard over the past years to keep bribery and corruption in check. So, keep track of what he/she is doing and inform yourself independently about the processes.

      And, if you have questions, I’m more than happy to answer them.

      Wishing you all the best

      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Graham B. Tredray · 21/06/2023
    Hi Eva,
    Your site is extremely informative, thanks.
    I have had a business in Peru since 1919, it is in good standing. I am 80y.o, and incapacitated, would that affect my application for a retirement visa?
    Thanks and regards,
    Graham
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 21/06/2023
      @Graham B. Tredray
      Hello Graham,

      it' always good to hear that LimaEasy is helpful and informative. Thank you.

      Neither your age nor you being incapacitated will affect your application for a retirement visa in any way.

      But, you having a business in Peru might cause problems. When you live in the country on a retirement visa you are not allowed to work or earn any money in Peru.

      I don't know how your business is run and how you handle your profits as well as your tax and other obligations at the moment and surely aren't the best person to give advice in this area. So, I highly recommend to clear this up or try to find another solution (either by making changes to your business or by considering another visa type) with an immigration lawyer / notary / accountant in Peru.

      All the best
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill Staggs · 06/06/2023
    Hello. I hope this is the right place for a comment / question.

    I am in process for a rentista. Submitted 20 March 2023
    I just got an email from Migraciones with instructions to fill out the formulario again. This time just asking for the country and city of my consulado. It’s San Francisco.

    I filled it out. Trying to send through the agencia virtual. But it’s asking me for an “expediente” and nothing i put in works. Maybe I should have put in Nuevo Tranite instead os sustancion? I only have five day to submit so hope to hear from you. Thanks

    Bill Staggs
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 06/06/2023
      @Bill Staggs Hello Bill,

      I have moved your comment from my personal page here on LimaEasy to the retirement visa article, where it fits better.

      Honestly, your comment left me confused and made me re-read our e-mail exchange from April, which didn’t clarify anything for me. But there are some points in your e-mails that didn’t seem important at the time, however, now raised some questions.

      Are you in Peru? And did you apply for a rentista visa, so did you apply for a “Cambio de calidad migratoria a rentista” on the Agencia Digital while being in Peru? The notification you got from Migraciones was it sent to your Buzon electronico?

      Or did you apply for a “Solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista”? The message you got from Migraciones was it sent to your e-mail address,?

      The answer to these questions might be the key to your problem.

      When we “talked” in April, I assumed you are in Peru and applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria a rentista. I assumed that your statements “I took a trip to Lima in February” and “Moving to Lima later this year” meant that you probably live somewhere outside Lima or in the provinces. But if you are in Peru and if you applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria, you shouldn’t have gotten an e-mail from Migraciones, as you wrote, but you should have gotten a notification in your Buzon electronico. Additionally, if you applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria I wonder why and which formulario Migraciones is asking you to fill in again and submit and especially why you have to fill in a country and consulate.

      Migraciones only needs the country and consulate, if you applied for a Solicitud de calidad migratoria rentista, which is the correct way of applying when you are outside Peru, can’t travel to Peru visa-free and must apply for a visa before being allowed to enter the country and want to / must pick up your visa at a Peruvian consulate. This doesn’t make any sense as you mentioned in one of your e-mails that a “patient young woman at the crazy center” in Lima helped you with your application. So, you were in peru when you applied, should have applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria and then shouldn't have to pick up your visa at a consulate, but get it including your carné at Migraciones in Peru.

      Anyway, if you applied for a Cambio de calidad migratoria you find the Numero de expediente at the top right on the Registro de Solicitud de Cambio de Calidad Migratoria (the confirmation of your application) under the bar code. In case Migraciones asks you to submit additional documents you enter the Agencia Digital and select “Subsanacion” in the left menu on the main page. Then you are asked to enter your Numero de tramite (which is the numero de expediente) and the Fecha de tramite (the date of your application). After clicking on Buscar you get a list of documents Migraciones might have asked to upload or an "Otros" option. Just click on the one that applies (in your case it’s “Otros”) and upload the document. Accept the terms and conditions and click on Subsanar. That’s it.

      If you applied for a Solicitud de calidad migratoria the whole application process is different. When the application is submitted you get a number confirming the application but not a Numero de expediente, which the system accepts, so a number which consists of 2 letters (usually the abbreviation for the Migraciones office in Lima LM and 9 numbers) immediately. Your application first has to be assigned to a Migraciones agent who evaluates your application, sends you the correct Numero de expediente by e-mail and, if applicable, a message if he/she wants additional documents. For a few months now, you should be able to use the Subsanacion button in the main menu of the Agencia Digital as well. The Subsanacion option of the Mesa de Partes is now reserved for special submissions only.

      If you can’t make it work, best get in contact with Migraciones immediately using the video conference option on the Agencia Digital.

      But for me the big questions remain: where are you and did you apply for a Cambio de calidad migratoria or a Solicitud calidad migratoria?

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Bill Staggs · 06/06/2023
      @Sunflower Hello Eva, and thank you so much for sharing your vast knowledge, and for having the patience to explain this complex universe. 

      Apologies for the confusing message. I was very frustrated by the inability to send in Mesa de Partes the document that migraciones requested in an email to me yesterday Monday 5 June. 

      Let me give you a bullet point recap. 

      I submitted a Soicitud from here in San Francisco.  On 20 March 2023. I received that same day a numero de registro

      Nothing happened for weeks. Last week I did a video visit with my poor Spanish and was told I’d receive an email within a week. That’s what I got yesterday. 

      Attached to the email was a request to fill out agai. The formulario PA - this time with the addition of the request for the city and state of my closest consulado - San Francisco. There was no expediente so I did a video visit today and was given an expediente with two letters and 9 numbers.  Hooray. 

      Tomorrow I will - via Mesa de partes - submit the formulario with the consular info. 

      Whew. 

      After I submit I will do another video visit to confirm receipt of the document. I want to get everything in order for I not get things done within the prescribed 5 days. 

      Apologies too for the confusion about whether or not I was in Peru in February. I had gone there to pay the fee to banco de nacion and to get documents translated. I then went to migraciones thinking I could apply there for the rentista visa. And they told me I had to do it from afuera
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 07/06/2023
      @Bill Staggs
      Hello Bill,

      thank you so much for clearing that up. I was really worried that something went terribly wrong with your application. But it seems it didn´t, my assumptions were just wrong.

      Great that you now have the Numero de expediente with the two letters and 9 numbers. That's the number you need. When you use the Mesa de Partes to upload the required document, you have to select Subsanacion de tramites and Sub tipo Subsanacion de solicitud de calidad migratoria (see screenshot in the attachment).

      I wonder why Migraciones told you that you have to apply for your rentista visa from abroad. Which nationality do you have?

      Anyway, I happy that you have sorted everything out and wish you all the best.

      Greetings
      Eva
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bill · 30/05/2023
    Hey LimaEasy team - love your site.

    Some hot off the press good news for Canadians - Canada has signed the Apostille Convention, and it will take effect January 11th, 2024.

  • This commment is unpublished.
    Jonathan Kiehle · 04/05/2023
    Hi Eva,

    Thank you all of the great information on your site. I often recommend it as a resource.
     
    I was able to get my rentista  visa application submitted and had my Biometrics appointment at migraciones. After I had the biometrics taken I was given the form "CAMBIO DE CALIDAD MIGRATORIA MAYOR DE EDAD". It was filled out with the information I had provided in the application process. On the back it has the address for the Buzon Electronico as well as the username and password. On the bottom of the form it says that if the tramite is approved this form must be presented when picking up the carne de extranjeria. It is FORMULARIO; F004.

    I mention this as it may be useful for someone who lost or didn't acquire the Buzon information during the application process.

    My question is about the Buzon Electronico. The Buzon never seems to be available. I have tried the direct link you provided above, the address on the form I was given and by entering the migraciones website and clicking the envelope however the login page for the Buzon never loads. I have tried multiple browsers on my computer as well as from my phone with different browsers. Also have tried on different days at different times. 

    I this a common issue? Have others encountered this problem that you are aware of?

    Thank you for any insights!


    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 05/05/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle
      Hello Jonathan,

      thank you so much for your nice words and for recommending LimaEasy.

      Honestly, it's the first time I hear that you are given the printout of the form F004 when you have your biometrics taken. That's great info for those you haven't downloaded or saved it during their application process. For many, many years you had to take the form together with all other original documents when you picked up your carné, but this changed a year or so ago and only your passport and appointment confirmation was needed. Not sure, if they changed it back. That's the reason, I always recommend to have a folder with all documents that you bring with you to any appointment you might have.

      And I just checked the link to the Buzon which is this URL https://e-notificacion.migraciones.gob.pe/sine-ui/login and the button on the Agencia Digital. Both loaded just fine. However, a few days ago a new law went into effect that people who didn't extend their residence visa on time, could apply for an amnesty (the fine for not extending your residence visa on time was S/49, 50 per day). So, thousands used the Agencia and checked on the Buzon for notifications. Probably, the system was overloaded. Best clear your cache and try again. Hope it works now.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Jonathan Kiehle · 05/05/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle I think it was just loads of traffic as well. I was able connect to it as well when I tried it around midnight.

      Here is another couple of things perhaps of interest. I am doing all of this in Trujillo so don’t know if it differs from Lima.

      When I went to the Interpol office. They asked for a utilities receipt which I didn’t have and the Jurada regarding income. I explained that I didn’t have a utility bill because I was in an AirBnB and utilities are included. The AirBnB platform has an option which produces a receipt for visa purposes. They asked me to hand write a jurada explaining this situation. That statement was attached to the AirBnB receipt and was accepted as proof of where I am staying.

      There is a BCP bank about 4 blocks away that is familiar with the money order $30 usd total
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 05/05/2023
      @Jonathan Kiehle
      Thanks for the additional info. It's really strange, over the past year I heard from some of readers that the Interpol offices in the provinces request many different documents that are not on the official requirement list. As you were about to apply for a retirement visa a simple copy of the letter from your pension fund should have done the trick. Anyway, I will add a little remark in our Interpol article so others are "warned" that other documents might be asked.

      And I'm always thankful to hear about banks that do the money order. Will add this as well.

      Thank you so much for sharing.

      Hope everything with your visa application works out fine.

      Have a nice weekend
      Eva

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