Moving to Peru: Step-by-Step Relocation Guide 2026
Complete guide to moving to Peru. Visa requirements, shipping belongings, finding housing, banking, healthcare, and settling in. Step-by-step checklist.
Quick Answer
Moving to Peru: Enter on tourist visa (183 days), find housing in Lima or Cusco, then apply for long-term visa. Ship only essentials (furniture cheaper locally). Get carnet de extranjeria, open bank account, register healthcare. Budget 1-3 months to fully settle. Monthly cost: $1,500-$2,500 comfortable.
Before You Move
Preparation makes the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful one. Start planning 2-3 months before your move date.
Pre-Move Checklist
- Research visa options: Determine which visa suits your situation (tourist for exploration, rentista for retirees, work visa if employed)
- Budget planning: Save 3-6 months of expenses. See our cost of living guide for detailed numbers
- Health prep: Get vaccinations (yellow fever for Amazon), dental work done, stock up on prescriptions
- Documents: Apostille important documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, degrees). Get extra passport photos
- Banking: Set up Wise or similar for international transfers. Notify your bank of the move
- Housing research: Browse Lima rental listings to understand the market
- Language: Start basic Spanish before arrival. Even 30 days of Duolingo helps
- Downsize: Sell or store most belongings. Ship only what you truly need
Visa Options for Long-Term Stay
Tourist Visa (183 days) - Start Here
Granted on arrival for most nationalities. No application needed. Use this to explore, find housing, and decide if Peru is right for you. Can extend once for another 183 days at Migraciones.
Rentista Visa - For Retirees & Passive Income
Requires proof of $1,000+/month passive income (pension, investments, Social Security). Renewable annually. Leads to permanent residency after 3 years. See our retirement guide.
Work Visa - Employer Sponsored
Required if working for a Peruvian company. Employer handles most paperwork. Processing: 30-60 days. Not needed for remote work with foreign clients.
Investor Visa - Business Owners
Requires $500,000+ investment in Peru or starting a business that employs Peruvians. Complex process but fast-tracks residency.
Shipping & Logistics
What to Ship vs Buy Locally
Ship These
- Sentimental items, photos
- Specialty electronics (specific laptop, camera)
- Professional equipment
- Favorite books, art
- Medications (with prescriptions)
Buy Locally (Cheaper)
- Furniture (abundant, affordable)
- Kitchen items, linens
- Basic electronics
- Clothing (markets are cheap)
- Household items
Shipping costs: 20ft container $3,000-$5,000, 40ft $5,000-$8,000. Transit: 4-8 weeks by sea. Customs duties: 20-30% of declared value. Air freight: $5-$15/kg for urgent items.
Finding Housing
Start with short-term furnished housing (Airbnb, 1-3 months) while you explore neighborhoods. Then commit to a longer lease once you know where you want to live.
- Week 1-2: Stay in Airbnb or hotel. Explore neighborhoods on foot.
- Week 3-4: View apartments. Check internet speed, noise, safety, proximity to amenities.
- Month 2: Sign lease (negotiate 6-month minimum if possible). Move in.
- Best neighborhoods: Lima - Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro. Cusco - Centro, San Blas.
Full details in our renting in Lima guide.
Settling In Checklist
First Month Action Items
- ☐ Get a Peruvian SIM card (Claro or Movistar)
- ☐ Open bank account (BCP or Interbank)
- ☐ Register with Migraciones (if staying 60+ days)
- ☐ Find a doctor/clinic near your home
- ☐ Set up home internet (Movistar or Claro fiber)
- ☐ Download essential apps: Uber, Rappi, Yape, InDrive
- ☐ Join expat Facebook groups for your city
- ☐ Start Spanish classes
- ☐ Register with your embassy (recommended)
- ☐ Get private health insurance
Official Resources
Government websites for visa and immigration:
- Migraciones (Immigration): www.gob.pe/migraciones - Visa applications, extensions, residency
- SUNAT (Tax Authority): www.sunat.gob.pe - RUC number (needed for working/renting)
All official processes can be started online. Bring original documents and copies to in-person appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I move to Peru from the US?
Enter on tourist visa (183 days), find housing, then apply for long-term visa (rentista, work, or investor). Ship only essentials. Budget 1-3 months for settling in. Most expats start in Miraflores, Lima for easiest transition.
What visa do I need to live in Peru long-term?
Options: Rentista visa (passive income $1,000+/month), Work visa (Peruvian employer sponsors), Investor visa ($500,000+), Family visa (married to Peruvian citizen). Tourist visa gives 183 days to explore before committing.
Should I ship my belongings to Peru?
Ship only sentimental items and specialty electronics. Furniture, clothing, and household items are cheaper locally. Container shipping costs $3,000-$8,000, takes 4-8 weeks, and customs adds 20-30% duties.
How long does it take to settle in Peru?
Most expats feel settled in 2-3 months. Month 1: housing, banking, orientation. Month 2: routines, social connections. Month 3: feeling at home. Spanish ability accelerates everything.
Can I bring my pet to Peru?
Yes. Need health certificate (within 10 days of travel), rabies vaccination (30+ days prior), and SENASA import permit. Airlines charge $100-$300. Process is straightforward with proper documentation.
What should I do in my first week in Peru?
Get a SIM card, open a basic bank account, register your address, explore your neighborhood, find a grocery store, locate nearest pharmacy and clinic, and start Spanish classes if needed.