Home of the famous Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and the high-altitude digital nomad hotspot of Cusco – Peru is a bucket list destination for countless remote workers.
Announced in November 2023, the Peru Digital Nomad Visa will allow a stay of up to 365 days to live and work in the country. The visa is, however not yet active. We are waiting for the changes established in DL 1582 to be regulated before the visa can be applied for.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Peru digital nomad visa. From the details and requirements to the application process and more. Learn how (and why) to apply for the Peru digital nomad visa below.
What is the Peru Digital Nomad Visa?
The Peru digital nomad visa was announced back in November 2023, following a modification to the Decreto Legislativo 1582 – the Foreigner Law in the country.
The modification is designed to make it easier for remote workers to live and work in the country with a dedicated digital nomad visa. Once approved, you will be able to stay in Peru for up to 365 days with the option of an extension. This increases the maximum stay from 90 days offered with the standard tourist visa.
During your stay, you will not be permitted to work for a local employer or carry out paid activities with income generated from a Peruvian source. A work visa would be required to satisfy this requirement.
Who is Eligible for Peru’s Digital Nomad Visa?
The Peru digital nomad visa has been designed specifically with remote workers in mind – benefitting the country by attracting a large number of international professionals. The idea is to boost the local economy via tourism, services and other related sectors. Ultimately digital nomads may choose Peru as the perfect destination to establish a company.
With this in mind, we expect that you will not be permitted to work for any company in Peru or to earn income generated from a Peruvian source on the digital nomad visa. Additionally, we expect that a minimum monthly income must be satisfied and that a valid passport must be held to apply.
What Are the Requirements for the Peru Digital Nomad Visa?
Although we are still awaiting the final details of the Peru Digital Nomad visa, we can predict the required documents using other similar digital nomad visas. We expect that you will need the following to apply for the visa:
- Valid Passport
- Passport Photograph
- Proof of address in Peru
- Proof of income*
We expect the proof of income to be a minimum of USD 1,000 per month – similar to other visas offered by the Peruvian government. This will likely need to be proven with bank statements, proof of employment/contract, etc.
How to Apply for Peru’s Digital Nomad Visa
Using the application process for alternative Peru visas, we can predict the process for the upcoming digital nomad visa. We expect the application process to mirror the following steps:
Step 1: Gather All Required Documents
Before applying for the Peru digital nomad visa, we recommend first gathering all required documents to guarantee you a seamless application. We expect these to include:
- Valid Passport
- Passport Photograph
- Proof of address in Peru
- Proof of income
Additional documents may be required. You will be informed of this during the next step of the process.
Step 2: Create an Appointment with Embassy or Consulate
Peru does not offer online visa applications. Instead, you must create an appointment with your local embassy or consulate to apply for the visa.
Step 3: Apply for the Peru Digital Nomad Visa
Attend your appointment, bringing the required documents for a successful, streamlined application.
The immigration team will help you throughout the process.
Step 4: Await the Outcome
The standard processing time for a tourist visa is 30 days and we expect the digital nomad visa to be in a similar ballpark.
Peru’s Digital Nomads Visa Fees
At the time of writing, there are no details surrounding the fees of the Peruvian digital nomad visa.
What Are the Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Peru?
Peru is a magical country filled with truly magical cities, scenery and people. Whether you’re hoping to settle down in one location or travel the length and breadth of the country – it’s the kind of place that you’ll quickly fall in love with.
Digital nomads tend to spend their time in Peru in either Lima – Peru’s coastal capital – or Cusco – the high-altitude city nestled in the Peruvian Andes. However, there’s a fantastic digital nomad community in Arequipa.
With a population of a little over a million, there’s plenty to see, people to meet and things to do in Arequipa. The city is framed between three volcanoes and boasts charming baroque architecture – creating an almost dream-like experience. It’s a hugely underrated city and one of the highlights for remote workers in South America.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is one of the obvious pulls for many of the South American digital nomad hotspots. Compared to North America and Europe, daily living is inexpensive – meaning there’s more time for enjoyment and less reliance on work.
Compared to the United States, for example, the cost of living in Peru is 63.0% lower, with rent prices a huge 75.9% lower than in the US. That’s an enormous difference and one that remote workers will notice in their bank accounts each week.
Remote Work Culture
With the increase in popularity of the digital nomad and remote work lifestyle, Peru has gained traction as a top remote destination.
The major cities boast an impressive range of coworking spaces – both big-names such as Selina and WeWork and independent like . There’s a large expat community with regular activity posted on community Facebook Groups, WhatsApp chats and more. The county is truly lovely and welcomes visitors with wide open arms.
Food and Drink
It should come as no surprise that the food and drink in Peru is sublime. From the Ceviche and the Causa to the Aji de Gallina and the Papas a la Huancaina – each dish will have you pining for more.
Eating out in Peru is one of the true little pleasures in life. Whether you’re eating with the locals on a lunch break or dining in fine restaurants for a celebration – it’s something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Healthcare
Peru is ranked 52nd globally from a list of more than 150 territories in the 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index for health.
We would always recommend digital nomad health insurance before traveling outside of your home country on a remote work trip. Genki is our insurer of choice and specifically caters to the needs of digital nomads.
Are There Any Tax Implications for Digital Nomads Living in Peru?
Although not yet confirmed, holders of the Peru digital nomad visa are not expected to pay tax on their earnings in Peru. This is subject to change and will be finalized upon the release of the Peru digital nomad visa.
As a digital nomad, your tax situation can be more confusing than most. To help get the best deals for individuals or businesses, we recommend using Heavnn – a service dedicated to helping digital nomads optimize their taxes.
Other Visa Options Available to Digital Nomads for Peru
In addition to the Peru Digital Nomad visa, the Peruvian government offers a range of other visa options permitting temporary stays in the country. These are available on a 3, 6 or 12-month basis and include the following visas:
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Temporary work visa
- Temporary student visa
- Volunteer visa
Alternatively, for a long-term solution, you can apply for a Peruvian resident visa. Again, there are several different types of resident visas designed to suit different scenarios. These include the following:
- Resident work visa
- Family visa
- Retirement visa
- Religious visa
- Resident student visa
Other Peru digital nomad visa alternatives can be found via the official channels of Peruvian immigration.
Other Digital Nomad Visa in South America
There’s a handful of great digital nomad visas available in South America. From Argentina to Uruguay – check out some of the most popular featured below:
- Argentina Digital Nomad Visa
- Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
- Colombia Digital Nomad Visa
- Uruguay Digital Nomad Visa
Alternatively, if you’re looking for digital nomad visas in Central America, check out the following:
Looking for other digital nomad visas? Find them in our comprehensive list.
Ready to Apply for the Peru Digital Nomad Visa?
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