Peru Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Peru?

In Peru, any foreign national intending to engage in employment activities requires a work permit. This mandate applies to individuals employed directly by Peruvian companies as well as those providing services as independent contractors. Employers must ensure that their international hires possess the appropriate authorization to work legally within the country.

Types of Work Visas in Peru

Peru offers several work visa categories tailored to different employment scenarios. Selecting the appropriate visa type is crucial for compliance and depends on factors such as the nature and duration of employment.

Work Permit Application Process in Peru (Step-by-step)

Peru’s work authorization process usually combines labor approval with immigration approval, so coordination between the employer, the foreign national, and local authorities is essential. The exact route depends on whether the person applies for a Temporary Worker Visa, Resident Worker Visa, or another specific category, but the core steps are similar.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it fits within Peruvian labor and immigration rules. This includes checking any sector-specific restrictions, foreign worker quotas where applicable, and ensuring the salary and benefits comply with Peruvian labor standards.
• Step 2: The parties prepare and sign a Peruvian employment contract or assignment agreement in line with local law. This contract often must be in Spanish, include mandatory clauses such as duration, remuneration, and duties, and may need to be approved or registered with the Ministry of Labor.
• Step 3: The employer gathers corporate documentation required for sponsorship. Typical items include the company’s tax ID (RUC), registration with the Public Registry, proof of good standing, and evidence that the company is actively operating and compliant with tax and social security obligations.
• Step 4: The employee collects personal documents needed for the visa application. These usually include a valid passport, recent photographs, academic or professional qualifications, a CV, police clearance certificates from the country of residence, and, in some cases, medical certificates, all properly legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish where required.
• Step 5: The employer or its representative submits the work contract and related documents to the Ministry of Labor or relevant authority for registration or approval. This step helps confirm that the employment relationship complies with Peruvian labor law and, where applicable, foreign worker quota rules.
• Step 6: Once labor documentation is in order, the foreign national files the visa or change-of-status application with Migraciones or at a Peruvian consulate abroad. The application typically includes the approved contract, corporate documents, personal documents, and proof of payment of government fees.
• Step 7: Migraciones or the consulate reviews the application, may request additional information, and issues a decision. If approved, the foreign national receives the corresponding visa or residence status and, upon arrival or change of status, must complete local registrations such as obtaining a Peruvian ID card for foreigners (Carné de Extranjería) where applicable.
• Step 8: After approval, the employer and employee must maintain ongoing compliance. This includes registering the employee for social security, withholding and paying taxes, updating Migraciones on changes in employment, and tracking visa and work authorization expiry dates for timely renewals.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Peruvian work permit or worker visa depends on the nature of the role, the employer’s status, and the foreign national’s qualifications. Authorities focus on whether the employment relationship is genuine and compliant with labor, tax, and immigration rules.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid passport and legal entry status. The foreign national must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and must enter or remain in Peru under a status that allows a change to worker or resident status, as applicable.
• Compliant employment contract under Peruvian law. The contract should specify job title, duties, salary, duration, and work location, and must respect minimum wage, working hours, and other mandatory labor protections.
• Qualified and active sponsoring employer in Peru. The sponsoring company typically must be duly incorporated, registered with the tax authority (SUNAT), and in good standing with social security and labor obligations to demonstrate it can lawfully employ foreign workers.
• Proof of professional qualifications or experience. Depending on the role, authorities may request diplomas, professional licenses, or evidence of relevant work experience to confirm that the foreign national is suitably qualified for the position.
• Clean criminal record and, where required, medical clearance. Police certificates from the country of residence and sometimes from Peru may be needed to show the applicant does not pose a security risk, and medical checks may be requested to protect public health.
• Compliance with foreign worker limits, where applicable. Certain employers must show that the proportion of foreign workers and the total foreign payroll remain within statutory limits, unless an exemption applies, to protect opportunities for Peruvian nationals.

Work Permit Processing Time in Peru

Processing times for work permits and worker visas in Peru can vary depending on whether the application is filed in-country or at a consulate, the specific category, and the workload of the authorities. Additional time is often needed for document legalization, translations, and gathering supporting evidence.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Peru can vary depending on the visa type, whether the file is complete, and how quickly any additional information is provided. Seasonal peaks and regulatory changes can also affect timing. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often processed in about 1 to 3 months after all required documents have been submitted and any labor approvals are in place, assuming no complex issues arise.
• Permanent Residence: Frequently takes around 4 to 8 months or longer, as authorities may conduct more detailed background checks and verify long-term residence, tax, and employment history.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Commonly issued within 2 to 4 weeks once a complete application is filed, particularly for straightforward business visits or short technical assignments.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While every case is different, you can roughly map the process over several weeks to help with workforce planning. Below is a high-level view of how responsibilities and timing often break down.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, selects the visa category, and starts gathering corporate documents while the employee collects basic personal documents and police certificates.
• Week 2: The parties finalize and sign the Peruvian employment contract, arrange for any necessary legalizations or apostilles, and begin certified translations into Spanish where required.
• Week 3: Employer submits the contract and related documentation for labor registration or approval, and addresses any initial questions from advisors or authorities.
• Week 4: Employee or employer files the visa or change-of-status application with Migraciones or the relevant Peruvian consulate, including proof of fee payment and all supporting documents.
• Week 5: Authorities review the file, may request clarifications or additional documents, and the employer and employee respond promptly to minimize delays.
• Week 6: If approved, the visa is issued or status is updated, and the employee can finalize travel plans or begin work, subject to completing local registrations such as obtaining the Carné de Extranjería.
• Week 7 and beyond: Employer and employee complete onboarding, tax and social security registrations, and ensure that all immigration conditions are respected during employment.

Who Does What During Peru Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, selecting the appropriate visa or permit category, preparing and submitting the employment contract and corporate documents, paying government fees where agreed, and ensuring ongoing compliance with labor, tax, and immigration rules. They must also monitor expiry dates, initiate renewals in good time, and notify authorities of changes such as termination or role changes.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, including passports, qualifications, police certificates, and medical reports where required. They must attend any interviews or biometrics appointments, maintain valid immigration status, and comply with the specific terms of their visa, such as working only for the sponsoring employer and within the authorized role.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Peru

Many Peruvian worker visas and residence permits are granted for a fixed period, often 1 year for initial residence, with the possibility of renewal as long as the employment relationship and eligibility criteria continue. Renewals generally require updated corporate documents, confirmation that the employment contract remains in force, and evidence that the foreign national has complied with tax and immigration obligations.

Authorities may change renewal practices over time, and practice may vary depending on the specific visa category and local interpretation. It is advisable to start renewal preparations at least 60 to 90 days before expiry, monitor any changes in Migraciones or Ministry of Labor guidance, and seek local advice to confirm current documentation and timing requirements.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Peru?

The fees associated with obtaining a work permit or visa in Peru vary depending on the visa type and the applicant's nationality.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Peru

Peru offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, allowing stays up to 365 days with renewal options. Application procedures are still under development.

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote employment
• Financial stability
• Health insurance

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Peru

Employing foreign nationals in Peru comes with several challenges that employers need to navigate to ensure compliance and smooth integration. Here are some common issues and tips to address them:

• Labor Law Compliance: Foreign employees should not exceed 20% of the total workforce, and their salaries must not surpass 30% of the payroll. Employers must monitor compliance to avoid penalties.
• Complex Administrative Processes: The multi-step permit process requires time and coordination with different government agencies. Planning ahead and seeking expert help can streamline approvals.
• Cultural and Language Barriers: Offering cultural orientation and language training can help foreign employees adapt quickly to the workplace.
• Navigating Bureaucracy: Engaging local experts can help employers deal with complex administrative requirements and avoid delays.
• Employee Well-being: Providing housing assistance, healthcare options, and relocation support promotes employee satisfaction and productivity.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

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• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
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• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.