Work visas in Peru: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Peru? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of visa or permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Peru. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work visas in Peru, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work permit in Peru?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Peru, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa, work permit, and immigration laws. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has work authorization and the right legal status to live in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Peru

Who needs a work visa in Peru?

The following groups of people do not need a work visa:

• Peruvian citizens (even if they currently live abroad)
• Legal permanent residents

All other foreign nationals must apply for and obtain work authorization through a work permit if they intend to be employed in Peru.

Note that Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Peru, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

Types of work visas in Peru

Peru offers several work visa options for foreign nationals, including:

Resident Worker visa

The Resident Worker Visa (Dependent), or Trabajador Residente Dependiente is the most common option for hiring foreign employees in Peru on a long-term basis. It is designed for non-Peruvian nationals who have an employment contract with a Peruvian company that has been registered with and approved by the Ministry of Labour.

To acquire this visa, the employment contract must be for at least 12 months. For shorter contracts, a temporary work visa may be more suitable (see below).

Resident Worker visas are typically issued for one year and can be renewed annually, provided the employment relationship continues. After three years of continuous legal residence under this visa, your employee may apply for permanent residency in Peru.

Employees under this visa enjoy the same rights and protections as Peruvian nationals, including entitlement to social security, paid leave, and healthcare contributions. However, it’s important for your employee to understand that this visa is tied to the specific employer and role named in the contract. If the employment ends, the visa is no longer valid.

Designated Worker visa

The Designated Worker visa is a specialised route for foreign nationals who are sent to Peru on a temporary assignment by a foreign company based abroad.

Unlike the Resident Worker visa, this option does not create a direct employment relationship with a Peruvian company. Instead, the worker remains under contract with their foreign employer while carrying out specific, project-based tasks in Peru.

This visa is designed for secondments, service agreements, or short-term projects, particularly where a foreign company has a contract with a Peruvian entity, and is typically valid for up to one year (extensions may be possible if the project continues).

Temporary work visa

The temporary work visa, or Trabajador Temporal, allows non-citizens to work in Peru for up to 183 days within a 365-day period, making it suitable for short-term contracts or probationary periods. If the contract extends or transitions into a longer-term arrangement, the employee can switch to a Resident Worker visa.

Does Peru offer a digital nomad visa?

The Peruvian government passed legislation in 2023 for the introduction of a digital nomad visa, but as of 2025, it has not yet entered into force. The necessary administrative framework (known as the TUPA regulations) which define the application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and fees has not yet been published.

When activated, Peru’s digital nomad visa is expected to offer a renewable, 12-month residence option to foreign remote workers, although full details are to be confirmed.

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

What are the visa requirements in Peru?

While the exact documentation may vary depending on the visa type, the core requirements for obtaining a Peruvian work visa are similar.

For the Resident Worker visa, your employee needs:

• A completed work visa application form, with a visa receipt number and payment date
• A copy of their current passport
• A police clearance certificate containing their full criminal and judicial record
• A copy of the employment contract
• A sworn statement of your company's legal representative, including the worker's full name

For the Designated Worker visa, your employee needs:

• A completed work visa application form, with a visa receipt number and payment date
• A copy of their current passport
• A police clearance certificate containing their full criminal and judicial record
• A copy of the service contract cosigned by an international organization and a natural or legal service-receiving person
• A copy of the designation document signed by the international organization indicating all names, number of travel documents, specialty, and service duration for each individual
• A copy from a Peruvian company receiving such service, indicating all names, number of travel documents, specialty, and service duration for each individual.
  
  

How does the work visa application process work in Peru?

Hiring a foreign national in Peru involves co-ordination between you (the employer), the employee, the Ministry of Labour, and Migraciones (formerly the General Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization (DIGEMIN), now known as the National Superintendence of Migration).

The process varies slightly depending on whether the employee applies from outside Peru or while already in the country, but the key steps are the same:

1. Draft and approve the employment contract

Prepare a written employment contract in Spanish, covering the salary, role, benefits, and duration (at least 12 months for a Resident Worker Visa). The contract must comply with Peruvian labour laws.

Submit the contract to the Ministry of Labour for approval and registration.

2. Gather the required documentation

Next, the employee must gather the supporting documents for the application, including:

• A valid passport (with at least six months remaining)
• A completed work visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• The police clearance certificate (from their country of residence)
• A medical certificate

You must also collect and provide:

• An approved employment contract
• Company registration and compliance documents
• Power of attorney (if an agent or lawyer is filing)

Remember, too, that all documents in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish and apostilled/legalised.

3. Submit the work visa application

If your employee is outside Peru, the application must be lodged at the Peruvian consulate in their home country.

If the employee is already in Peru, the application must be filed directly with Migraciones.

Note that the application includes the approved contract, supporting documents, and the required government fee.

4. Wait for processing

Processing usually takes between 30 and 90 days, depending on the visa type and the location of application.

Note that the consulate or Migraciones may request additional documents during review.

5. Enter Peru and register (if applying from abroad)

Once the visa has been processed, the employee can enter Peru. They must then:

• Register with Migraciones
• Register their residence
• Provide biometric data
• Obtain the Carnét de Extranjería, which serves as their official Peruvian ID and proof of legal work status

After this, you must report any changes in employment status to the authorities. Remember, too, to keep track of visa expiration dates, and support your employees with their renewals.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Peru, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and labor laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Peru on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local payroll tax and labor laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Peru, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.