Before starting any residence or citizenship procedure in Peru, one of the most important documents you must provide is the Police, Criminal and Judicial Record Certificate. This certificate proves that you have no criminal record and is a key requirement for all immigration and legal processes in Peru.
If you’re not sure where to request your criminal record and apostille, take a look at this article, where we’ve compiled the official links of the main countries most of our clients come from.
Basic Rule
Peru, like most countries, requires applicants for temporary or permanent residence to present certificates proving the complete absence of
- criminal, judicial, and police records.
The certificate must be issued by the country of birth, either in person or digitally when available.
An exception applies if the applicant has been legally residing in another country for an extended period.
Exception for long-term legal residents abroad
If the applicant has maintained continuous legal residence (not as a tourist) in another country for at least five (5) consecutive years before applying, a certificate from that country of residence is accepted.
Validity and expiration
- The certificate is valid for six (6) months from the date of issue by the competent authority.
- Your migration process in Peru must begin before the certificate expires, otherwise it will lose all legal value.
- Apostilles or translations do not extend the validity period — the six months are counted from the issuance date, not from the date of apostille or translation.
- If a new certificate is issued, it must be apostilled and translated again when applicable.
Legalization or apostille
- If the country that issued the certificate is a member of The Hague Apostille Convention, you only need to obtain the apostille. No consular legalization is required.
Translation into Spanish is only necessary if the document was not issued in Spanish, Peru’s official language. - If the issuing country is not part of the Apostille Convention, you must legalize the certificate at the Peruvian consulate in that country, and then at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peru, which will authenticate the consul’s signature.
- You can check whether your country is part of the Hague Convention here:
👉 List of Apostille Convention countries
Translation requirements
If the certificate is not in Spanish, it must be translated by a sworn public translator (Traductor Público Juramentado) in Peru.
What if the certificate shows a record?
- If the certificate reports any record, the application will be rejected.
- Whenever possible, the applicant should initiate a record removal process (in the U.S. this is called expungement or sealing).
- Once the expungement is granted, you must request a new certificate, have it apostilled, and translated according to the rules.
Minimum information required in the certificate
Full name (exactly as in the passport or travel document)
Nationality and domicile
Issuing authority and date of issuance
Explicit statement confirming no criminal, judicial, or police record
Step-by-Step presentation
Identify the competent country (birth or legal residence ≥5 years).
If applicable, resolve any record through an expungement process.
Request the certificate and monitor its 6-month validity.
Obtain the apostille or consular legalization.
Send it to your legal advisor in advance for review.
Get the official translation if required.
Common mistakes that lead to rejection
Submitting an expired certificate (over 6 months old).
Apostille or translation of an outdated certificate.
Providing a certificate from a non-relevant country (without legal residence).
Missing apostille or consular legalization.
Unofficial translation.
Name inconsistencies with the passport.
This document is essential for any immigration or nationality procedure in Peru.
If you fail to provide it, or if it shows negative records, your application will be automatically rejected, and you will not be able to obtain legal residency in Peru.
Need help choosing the right visa for Peru?
Immigration rules in Peru can be confusing – especially when it comes to the required documents, timelines, and legal steps. Choosing the right visa from the start can save you time, money, and stress.
Book your private consultation with Sergio Vargas to get expert guidance on the best visa option for your situation – and a clear plan to move forward.
The session takes place via Zoom and can be conducted in English or Spanish.
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