Peru Digital Nomad Visa

Current Status of Peru's Digital Nomad Visa

As of early 2026, Peru does not yet have a formally enacted Digital Nomad visa. However, the Peruvian government has been actively studying the models adopted by neighboring countries and has indicated interest in creating a dedicated visa category for remote workers.

Several factors are driving this initiative:

• The success of Colombia's digital nomad visa (Visa Tipo V - Nomada Digital), launched in 2022, which has attracted thousands of remote workers
• Ecuador's launch of its own digital nomad visa program
• Brazil's digital nomad visa, which has been operational since 2022
• Growing recognition that remote workers contribute to local economies without competing for local jobs
• Peru's existing infrastructure and lifestyle advantages that already attract digital nomads informally

The regulatory framework is expected to be formalized through Migraciones and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When details are announced, this page will be updated with confirmed requirements and procedures.

What to Expect

Based on digital nomad visa programs across Latin America and the signals from Peruvian authorities, here is what the program will likely include:

Income Requirements Most countries set a minimum monthly income threshold to ensure applicants can sustain themselves without accessing local social services. Peru's threshold is expected to be in the range of $1,500-2,500 USD per month, competitive with Ecuador and below Colombia's higher bar.

Duration Regional precedents suggest a 1 to 2-year visa, potentially with a single renewal. Colombia offers up to 2 years, Brazil grants up to 1 year with renewal, and Ecuador provides a 2-year term.

Tax Treatment The most attractive feature of digital nomad visas is typically a tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. Peru is expected to follow this model, meaning your remote work income from non-Peruvian clients or employers would not be subject to Peruvian income tax. You would remain responsible for taxes in your home country.

Work Restrictions The visa would authorize remote work for foreign companies and clients only. Working for a Peruvian company or serving Peruvian clients locally would likely require a standard work visa.

Current Alternatives for Remote Workers

Until the dedicated Digital Nomad visa launches, here are your options for living and working remotely in Peru:

Tourist Visa (Up to 183 Days)

Most nationalities receive 183 days (approximately 6 months) upon entry to Peru, which is one of the most generous tourist visa periods in South America. While the tourist visa does not technically authorize work of any kind, enforcement regarding remote work performed for foreign employers has historically been minimal.

Pros: No application required for most nationalities, generous duration, easy to obtain Cons: Not technically legal for any work, no path to residency, cannot open bank accounts easily, must leave and re-enter for a new period

Rentista Visa

If you have passive income of at least $1,000 USD per month, the Rentista visa is a legitimate long-term option. Some digital nomads with investment income, rental properties, or other passive revenue streams qualify for this category.

Pros: Legal residency, path to permanent residency, bank accounts, full legal standing Cons: Requires genuinely passive income (not freelance earnings), does not authorize active work

Independent Professional Visa

For freelancers and consultants with recognized professional qualifications, the Independent Professional visa (Profesional Independiente) may be an option. This requires membership in a Peruvian professional body but allows self-employment.

Pros: Legal work authorization, residency status, path to permanent residency Cons: Requires Peruvian professional body membership, more complex application

Business Visitor

For short stays involving meetings, conferences, or business development (but not productive work), a business visitor status within the tourist visa framework may apply.

Why Peru is Ideal for Digital Nomads

Cost of Living

Peru offers exceptional value for remote workers. A comfortable lifestyle in Lima's Miraflores or Barranco districts costs $1,500-2,500 USD per month including a modern apartment, coworking membership, dining out, and entertainment. In smaller cities like Cusco or Arequipa, costs drop to $1,000-1,800 USD per month.

Internet Infrastructure

Lima's internet infrastructure has reached modern standards, with fiber-optic connections of 100-300+ Mbps available in most neighborhoods. Major providers include Movistar, Claro, and Entel. Cusco and Arequipa offer reliable connections of 50-100 Mbps in urban areas. Coworking spaces throughout the country provide consistent high-speed connections with backup systems.

Coworking Spaces

The coworking ecosystem in Peru has matured significantly:

• Lima: Comunal, WeWork, Regus, and numerous independent spaces in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco. Day passes run $10-20 USD; monthly memberships $100-250 USD.
• Cusco: Several nomad-friendly spaces including Selina, and local coworking centers with mountain views
• Arequipa: Growing options including shared office spaces catering to the small but dedicated nomad community

Food and Culture

Peru's culinary scene is world-renowned. From ceviche and lomo saltado to innovative fusion cuisine, eating well in Peru is both affordable and extraordinary. A quality lunch menu (menu del dia) at a local restaurant costs $2-4 USD. Fine dining in Lima's top restaurants remains accessible compared to equivalent quality elsewhere.

Time Zone Advantage

Peru operates on Peru Time (PET, UTC-5), which aligns closely with U.S. Eastern Time and overlaps substantially with U.S. Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones. This makes real-time collaboration with North American teams straightforward, a significant advantage over Southeast Asian or European nomad destinations for workers serving U.S. clients.

Comparison to Other LATAM Digital Nomad Visas

Preparing for the Launch

If you are considering Peru as your next remote work destination, here are steps you can take now:

1. Organize your financial documentation: Bank statements, employment contracts, and client agreements showing consistent remote income
2. Obtain an apostilled criminal background check: This is universally required and can take weeks to process
3. Secure health insurance: Get international health insurance that explicitly covers Peru
4. Research neighborhoods: Explore Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro in Lima, or consider Cusco and Arequipa for a different pace
5. Join online communities: Facebook groups and forums for digital nomads in Peru provide real-time information about the visa landscape
6. Consult an immigration attorney: A Peruvian immigration lawyer can advise you on the best current option and help you prepare for the digital nomad visa when it launches