Start and register an NGO in Peru
Peru is one of the most stable countries in Latin America, but poverty and lack of access to education remain major challenges — especially in the Andes, the Amazon region, and the outskirts of larger cities like Lima.
If you’re passionate about making a difference, Peru offers a great environment for social projects. And we’re here to help you do it the right way.
Types of NGOs in Peru
In Peru, there are two main types of non-profit organizations:
Asociación Civil (civil association)
→ Most common structure for NGOsFoundation
→ Less frequent, with stricter requirements
Both types can receive local and international donations and may qualify for tax benefits — but only if properly registered and managed.
Legal Setup and Registration
We provide full legal support to:
Draft and notarize your founding documents
Register your NGO at SUNARP and obtain RUC (tax number)
Ensure eligibility for tax exemptions and donation benefits
Create legal agreements (in Spanish or English) with local and international partners
Assist with yearly compliance and documentation
We’ve successfully registered multiple NGOs and continue to support them through our monthly accounting and tax services.
What about visas for NGO founders and volunteers?
The visa situation for NGO-related work in Peru is not straightforward.
There is no specific visa for small NGOs or founders.
The so-called cooperante visa is mostly reserved for large, recognized international organizations.Some founders apply for a Work Visa as CEO of a Peruvian legal entity.
(This is a valid path if your NGO is structured accordingly — we can advise you.)Many volunteers enter Peru on a tourist visa, but this does not legally allow volunteering. While often tolerated, it comes with legal risks.
➡️ Talk to us before making long-term plans. We’ll help you evaluate your options and avoid legal or immigration issues.
How we help
- Legal setup of your NGO in Peru
- Certified translations of foreign documents
- Tax and donation optimization
- Monthly accounting and compliance services
- Individual visa strategy advice (for founders or team members)
- Legal documents for partnerships or sponsorships
Planning to start or manage an NGO in Peru?
Registering and running a non-profit in Peru comes with specific legal, tax, and reporting requirements. Getting it wrong can block funding or lead to sanctions.
Book your private consultation with Sergio Vargas to understand the full legal framework and avoid common pitfalls when working in the non-profit sector.
The session takes place via Zoom and can be conducted in English or Spanish.
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