Peru · Citizenship

Peru citizenship by naturalization

Source-checked19 sources, 15 officialHow we check

Last checked 13 Nov 2026Written for US citizensSome rules are still being checked

In brief

Apply after 2 years in a row of legal residence, retirees included. A 2025 law will raise that to 5 years once its rules are issued.

CitizenshipAfter 2 years of residence (5 once a new law starts)

Visa-free (US)90 days; extension not confirmed

Residency income from$1,000 a month of pension

Tax on foreign incomeNot in your first calendar year; work done in Peru is taxed from day one

Becoming a Peruvian citizen

Timeline: About 2 years in a row on a residence card, then apply; 5 years once the new law starts Pending change
Dual citizenship: Likely yes: no rule making you give up US citizenship was found.

What you need

Residence years: time on a residence card counts, retiree residence included; tourist stays don't.
Income: at least about $16,110 a year (55,000 soles), before tax.
Few absences: no more than 183 days in a row abroad in a year, unless authorized.
An exam, plus apostilled and translated foreign documents.
Fee: about $88 (301.50 soles); a decision within 30 working days Not yet verified

Good to know

The new law: 5 years in a row, income taxed in Peru, and Spanish and civics tests. A retiree with only foreign income may not qualify Needs review.
No answer means no: if officials don't reply in 30 working days, treat it as a refusal.

Checked against the lawThe 2-year rule and the retiree option, read in the nationality law.

Pending changeA 2025 law raises it to 5 years once its rules are published; none yet.

Sources (6)

Legal basis and exact figures

In force (Ley 26574 art 3; Reglamento DS 004-97-IN arts 8–9): at least 2 consecutive years of legal residence before filing, with a current carné de extranjería; the applicant must 'ejercer regularmente profesión, arte, oficio, actividad empresarial y/o ser rentista' (art 8); solvency of at least 10 UIT gross a year (S/ 55,000, about $16,110); evaluation exam.
Absences: the last 2 years are judged with Reglamento DL 1350 art 63 (status lost after more than 183 consecutive days abroad within 365 without authorisation). Tourist time doesn't count. Fee S/ 301.50 (TUPA PA35007B33), 30 working days, negative silence.
Dual nationality: no renunciation required in Ley 26574 art 3 or Reglamento arts 8–9; Ley 26574 art 9 protects Peruvians by birth who take another nationality.
Pending change, Ley 32421 (El Peruano 15 Aug 2025): 5 continuous years immediately before applying; income of 10 UIT a year from an activity that 'tribute formalmente en el país'; Spanish (if not native) and civics/history tests; current resident status; apostilled documents (arts 11, 17); marriage route after 4 years of marriage (art 19). In force the day after its reglamento is published, then repeals Ley 26574; none found on 13 Nov 2026. A pure rentista may not meet art 17(a): Needs review. Ley 32743 (22 Oct 2026) also lets the Executive amend Ley 32421 by decree for 90 days.

Other Peru guides

Every rule with its legal source.

Peru overviewKey facts, cities and every guide Entry and visas90 days visa-free; extension not confirmed Residency3 routes: retiree income, digital nomad (not open) and work TaxesWhat retirees and remote workers pay

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