Peru Rentista Visa for Canadian Citizens

PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS

Political circumstances change, and with them, preferences and decisions regarding permanent migration may also change.

For many years, I have observed that, mainly for reasons related to climate and cost of living, the preferred destinations for many Canadian citizens were Florida in the United States and Cancún in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Today, other countries such as Colombia and Peru are becoming increasingly attractive. In recent years, we have handled numerous residency applications for Canadian citizens, and particularly during the last two years, the number of applications has grown considerably.

For this reason, we have decided to prepare this article with general information that may be useful for your plans to live in Peru and, perhaps, encourage you to contact us if you require personalized advice or would like us to handle your immigration process.

I. PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT

This report explains the procedure applicable to Canadian citizens who wish to establish permanent residence in Peru under the Rentista Resident Immigration Status, based on a public or private retirement pension, a lifetime annuity, or another permanent source of income from Canada or a third country.

This immigration status is intended for foreign nationals who receive a retirement pension or permanent income from a Peruvian or foreign source. The permanent net income must be at least USD 1,000.00 per month. The immigration status is granted for an indefinite period.

The assessment does not depend solely on the amount received. The central issue is proving that the income:

1. is received monthly

2. is stable and verifiable

3. is intended to be permanent

4. will continue to be paid throughout the beneficiary’s lifetime or, at minimum, for an indefinite period.

II. INCOME THAT MAY SUPPORT THE APPLICATION

2.1. Canadian public pensions

Depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances, the following may be used:

• public retirement pensions

• disability pensions

• permanent pension benefits

• survivor pensions

• pensions based on veteran status or disability related to the armed forces

• periodic benefits granted by Canadian public agencies

• other lifetime benefits recognized by a federal or provincial authority

The certificate must show that the applicant receives permanent net income of no less than USD 1,000.00  (equivalent to approximately CAD 1,300.00) received monthly and permanently through a banking institution.

2.2. Private pensions

A pension paid by any of the following may also be submitted:

• a private pension fund

• a former employer

• an insurance company

• a retirement plan administrator

• a Registered Pension Plan

• a professional or union pension fund

• an authorized financial institution

The document must be issued by the institution responsible for the payment and not solely by the beneficiary.

2.3. Lifetime annuities

A lifetime annuity may support the application when the contract or certificate proves that:

• payment is made throughout the beneficiary’s lifetime

• the monthly amount is fixed or subject to a guaranteed minimum

• the right cannot be revoked unilaterally

• the paying institution is clearly identified

• the beneficiary has an enforceable right to receive payment

A distinction must be made between a lifetime annuity arising from personal employment or a pension and a lifetime annuity purchased through a capital investment. This distinction is also relevant when determining its tax treatment in Peru.

2.4. Other passive income

Dividends, financial investments, royalties, distributions from investment funds, or voluntary withdrawals from financial accounts do not automatically qualify as permanent income.

From an immigration perspective, this income must be received monthly, have a permanent nature, and continue to be paid for an indefinite period.

In these cases, it will be necessary to review the corresponding contract, trust, insurance policy, fund, or financial instrument to determine whether there is a genuine permanent monthly income, rather than merely sufficient assets, financial capacity, or the possibility of transferring one or more years of the minimum USD 1,000.00 requirement in advance, as we have occasionally been asked.

III. DOCUMENTS TO BE PREPARED IN CANADA

3.1. Canadian passport

A valid passport is required for the immigration procedure. To enter Peru, the Peruvian authorities normally require a passport with at least six months of remaining validity.

Canadian citizens do not require a consular tourist visa. Nevertheless, NVC Abogados recommends that the passport remain valid for at least twelve months when the process begins.

This recommendation is intended to avoid:

• the passport approaching the minimum validity requirement if the trip is postponed or if the documents to be prepared in Canada take longer than expected

• observations related to the applicant’s identification

• the immediate need to update immigration records

• unnecessary delays, considering that government fee payments, the Interpol appointment, the opening of a bank account, and other procedures are completed using the valid passport

The twelve-month validity period is a practical recommendation from our law firm and not an independent legal requirement published by Migraciones.

3.2. Pension or permanent income certificate

The applicant must obtain an original certificate issued by the authority, fund, insurance company, or paying institution.

We recommend that the certificate expressly include:

1. The beneficiary’s full name, exactly as it appears in the passport, without abbreviations or omitted names

2. Passport number, if possible

3. Type of benefit and the date from which it has been received

4. Gross monthly amount and payment currency, written in words and figures

5. Monthly frequency and an express statement that the payment is permanent or for life

6. Name, position, and signature of the responsible official

7. Contact details of the paying institution or company

The immigration authority requires a document issued in the country where the income originates, confirming permanent net income of at least USD 1,000.00 per month.

In many cases, we suggest a model certificate, subject to approval by the Canadian company or institution, or we review the document before it is signed and apostilled.

3.3. Criminal record certificate from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

We recommend obtaining a:

Certified Criminal Record Check based on fingerprints

This certificate is issued through the national criminal record database of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The procedure normally requires fingerprinting.

The result may consist of a certificate confirming that no criminal record exists or a report showing the contents of the national record.

The document should:

• correspond to the applicant

• contain the applicant’s full name

• have been issued recently, considering that it is valid for six months

• be based on fingerprints

• state that no criminal record exists, where applicable

• contain the required official signature and seal

• be apostilled

The translation is completed later in Peru.

Difference between the RCMP certificate and the Interpol Record Sheet

These documents are not equivalent:

• The RCMP certificate confirms criminal records registered in Canada.

• The Interpol International Exchange Record Sheet checks for international alerts or arrest warrants and is obtained in person in Lima.

For a change of immigration status to Rentista from within Peru, the current public checklist expressly refers to the Interpol Record Sheet and a sworn declaration regarding criminal records.

The Canadian certificate does not expressly appear on that specific list. However, it is highly advisable to have it properly apostilled because it provides objective support for the sworn declaration and may be requested as supplementary documentation.

In the case of a Rentista Visa application submitted from outside Peru, a foreign criminal record certificate is expressly listed as a requirement.

IV. APOSTILLE OF CANADIAN DOCUMENTS

Canada has been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention since January 11, 2024.

As a result, Canadian documents intended for use in Peru must be apostilled by the competent Canadian authority, without requiring further legalization by a Peruvian consulate. This change has significantly streamlined the process.

4.1. Apostille of the RCMP certificate

Certificates issued by the RCMP headquarters in Ottawa are federal documents.

When they contain the signature of the competent official and the official embossed RCMP seal, they do not need to be notarized before the apostille is requested.

4.2. Apostille of a federal public pension

If the pension certificate is issued by a Government of Canada institution, the competent authority will normally be Global Affairs Canada, subject to review of the specific requirements applicable to the document.

4.3. Apostille of a private pension or lifetime annuity

When the certificate is issued by a private company, insurance provider, fund, or former employer, it may be necessary to:

1. obtain the original certificate

2. have the signature acknowledged or certified before a Canadian notary

3. request the apostille from the competent authority

4. determine the apostille authority based on the province where the document was notarized

The provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan have provincial authorities that are competent for certain documents issued or notarized within their jurisdictions.

Other federal documents, or documents from the remaining provinces and territories, may fall under the responsibility of Global Affairs Canada.

The correct authority must be determined before the document is sent, because it will depend on:

• who issued it

• who signed it

• whether it was notarized

• the province of notarization

• whether the document is federal, provincial, or private

V. TRANSLATION INTO SPANISH

Documents issued in English or French must be submitted together with a Spanish translation.

The translation must include:

• the full text of the certificate

• seals

• signatures

• certifications

• marginal notes

• the apostille

In Peru, the translation may be completed by a Sworn Public Translator, a Certified Registered Translator, or, in certain administrative procedures, through a properly identified simple translation.

However, for a sensitive immigration file, NVC Abogados recommends using a professional translation method that reduces the risk of observations. We regularly include this service as part of our representation.

The translation should be completed after the apostille has been obtained so that the translator can include its contents as well.

VI. ENTRY INTO PERU AS A TOURIST

Canadian citizens holding a Canadian passport do not require a tourist visa to enter Peru.

Peruvian consular information refers to a maximum stay of up to 183 days. However, the actual number of days is determined by the immigration authority upon entry, and currently, no more than 90 days are generally granted.

Once in Peru, it is advisable to download the digital record of the tourist entry. Peru no longer generally uses a physical entry stamp in the passport.

The digital record is known as the Virtual Andean Migration Card  (TAM Virtual)  and shows:

1. the date of entry

2. the number of days authorized as a tourist

3. personal details such as full name, passport number, and date of birth

Migraciones recommends that tourists check online how many days were actually granted to avoid overstaying, especially if they plan to move to Peru.

The change of immigration status may only be submitted while the applicant remains in lawful immigration status.

VII. PROCEDURE FROM WITHIN PERU

A Canadian citizen who enters Peru lawfully as a tourist may apply from within the country for a change to the Rentista Resident Immigration Status through the Migraciones Digital Agency.

This procedure grants residence for an indefinite period.

Before filing the digital application, NVC Abogados normally organizes the following steps after the client arrives in Lima.

7.1. Interpol International Exchange Record Sheet

With our assistance, the applicant must obtain the Interpol International Exchange Record Sheet, also known as the Interpol Certificate, issued by the Interpol National Central Bureau of the Peruvian National Police.

The appointment requires, among other documents:

• original passport and a copy of the identification page

• proof of the most recent entry into Peru

• payment receipt

• electronic appointment confirmation

• additional requirements applicable to Canadian citizens

The procedure is entirely personal and includes identity verification and biometric controls.

The Interpol Record Sheet submitted for the Rentista procedure must not be more than six months old.

NVC Abogados personally accompanies the client during this procedure, checks the documentation in advance, and coordinates compliance with the required formalities.

7.2. Authorization to sign contracts

While the applicant still holds tourist immigration status, a special authorization from Migraciones is required to sign certain commercial, financial, private, or public documents in Peru.

The authorization is requested through the Migraciones Digital Agency and is issued automatically when the foreign national entered the country lawfully and holds a valid travel document.

This authorization is especially important for:

• opening a bank account

• signing rental agreements

• completing banking forms

• entering into service contracts

• signing certain private documents

• carrying out financial or property-related transactions while remaining in Peru as a tourist

7.3. Opening a bank account in Peru

Immigration regulations require a sworn declaration stating that the foreign income will enter Peru through a bank or financial institution supervised by the Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Private Pension Funds.

The official checklist does not expressly state that the account must already be open before the application is submitted.

However, as part of our immigration and financial security protocol, we recommend:

1. obtaining the authorization to sign contracts

2. opening a personal account in US dollars and, where appropriate, another account in soles

3. properly registering the address and tax information

4. making an initial international transfer

5. keeping the SWIFT confirmation

6. keeping the Peruvian bank statement

7. checking that the transfer description and sender are consistent with the pension or income declared

The opening of the account will depend on each bank’s internal due diligence and anti-money laundering policies.

The involvement of our law firm facilitates the preparation of the documents, but it cannot guarantee that the bank will approve the account opening.

The transfer must be made through a formal financial institution and must provide sufficient traceability to confirm:

• sender

• beneficiary

• origin of funds

• originating bank

• amount

• date

• payment reference

• receiving account

7.4. Sworn declarations and immigration application

NVC Abogados prepares, according to the circumstances of each case, the requirements, payments, translations, Peruvian certificates, sworn declarations, and any additional document required to allow the procedure to move forward in an orderly manner and without unnecessary stress.

The applicant must declare that they have no criminal record in Canada or in any other country where they resided or stayed during the relevant period.

The Interpol Record Sheet and the Canadian documentation support this declaration.

7.5. Digital filing

The application is filed through the Migraciones Digital Agency.

The client will normally receive the file number and the access details for the immigration procedure as part of our transparency policy.

VIII. BIOMETRIC DATA AND THE FOREIGN RESIDENT ID CARD

As part of the procedure, the applicant must attend Migraciones in person when summoned for the recording or updating of:

• photograph

• fingerprints

• signature

Biometric data is collected in person through an appointment managed through the Migraciones Digital Agency.

Once the immigration status has been approved and the corresponding registration completed, the Foreign Resident ID Card (Carné de Extranjería) will be issued. This official document confirms the identity and residence of the foreign national in Peru.

The Foreign Resident ID Card of a resident currently has a documentary validity period of four years.

It must be renewed within the applicable period, even though the Rentista Immigration Status itself is granted indefinitely.

An update or new card must also be requested when relevant information changes, such as:

• passport number

• first or last names

• address

• marital status

• photograph

• signature

IX. EFFECTS AND BENEFITS OF RENTISTA RESIDENCE

9.1. Indefinite residence

The Rentista Immigration Status allows the holder to reside in Peru for an indefinite period, provided that the conditions that justified its approval continue to exist and the corresponding immigration obligations are fulfilled.

9.2. Multiple entries and exits

Resident immigration statuses allow multiple entries into and exits from the country.

The resident must travel with a valid passport and keep both the Foreign Resident ID Card and immigration status up to date.

There is no need to obtain a new tourist visa each time the resident enters Peru, provided that the residence remains valid.

9.3. Prolonged absences

Residence may be lost when a foreign national remains outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive calendar days, unless the corresponding authorization has been obtained in advance due to an emergency or force majeure.

For this reason, the term “permanent residence” does not mean that the holder may remain outside Peru indefinitely without immigration consequences.

9.4. Paid activities

The purpose of this immigration status is to allow a person who supports themselves through a pension or permanent income to reside in Peru.

It should not be assumed that the status automatically authorizes the holder to perform any type of paid employment or professional activity in Peru.

Immigration law requires foreign nationals to perform only the activities authorized by their immigration status and those compatible with it.

Before accepting employment, providing professional services, or managing a business activity, it is necessary to assess whether an extraordinary authorization or a change of immigration status is required.

X. EXTENDING RESIDENCE TO FAMILY MEMBERS

The spouse and certain children of the holder may apply for Family Member of a Resident Immigration Status, provided that the Rentista maintains lawful residence and the family relationship is properly documented.

10.1. Spouse

For a marriage celebrated in Canada or another country, the following must generally be submitted:

• marriage certificate with apostille and Spanish translation, issued no more than six months earlier

• valid passport

• criminal record certificate, where applicable, for persons over 18 years of age

• identification document and Foreign Resident ID Card of the principal Rentista

• any other documents required by Migraciones

When the marriage was celebrated abroad, the certificate must be apostilled or legalized and comply with the documentary validity period required by Migraciones.

The Family Member of a Resident Immigration Status allows the holder to perform paid activities as an employee or on an independent basis and must be renewed annually. It is not permanent.

10.2. Children

Depending on their circumstances, the following may qualify:

• minor children

• unmarried adult children up to the age of twenty-eight who continue technical or higher education studies

• adult children who are unable to support themselves due to a disability

• other family members expressly covered by the immigration family unit rules

The requirements and duration of the residence depend on the beneficiary’s age, parentage, studies, and personal circumstances.

Each family member requires a separate immigration procedure. Approval of the principal Rentista does not automatically grant residence to the family members.

XI. SAME-SEX COUPLES OR MARRIAGES

Peru currently does not have a general system of civil marriage for same-sex couples, nor does it have a uniform administrative rule guaranteeing the automatic recognition of all same-sex marriages celebrated abroad.

Although there have been individual court decisions ordering RENIEC to register same-sex marriages celebrated in other countries, those cases have involved at least one person holding Peruvian nationality.

At the same time, there have also been constitutional decisions that did not recognize a general right to such registration.

This does not necessarily prevent the couple from obtaining residence. At NVC Abogados, we are committed to identifying an appropriate solution for each case.

Personally, we prefer to assess an alternative immigration route while the country has not yet established general legal recognition, as has already occurred in other South American countries.

These are sensitive procedures, and the cases we have encountered often involve considerable emotional strain, something we want to reduce and avoid whenever possible.

XII. TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Obtaining residence as a Rentista is an immigration procedure and does not, by itself, mean that all foreign income is exempt from Peruvian Income Tax.

12.1. Pensions arising from personal employment

Lifetime annuities and pensions arising from personal employment, such as retirement, survivor benefits, and disability pensions, are not subject to Peruvian Income Tax.

This treatment may apply to a genuine public or private pension derived from an employment or pension relationship.

12.2. Lifetime annuities funded with capital

Not every lifetime annuity receives the same tax treatment.

SUNAT distinguishes between:

1. a lifetime annuity arising from personal employment

2. a lifetime annuity purchased or funded with capital.

The second may be subject to different tax rules and should not automatically be treated as non-taxable income.

12.3. Dividends, interest, rental income, and investments

Income arising from:

• dividends

• bank interest

• investment funds

• sales of securities

• trusts

• other foreign investments

may constitute taxable foreign-source income once the person becomes a tax resident in Peru.

SUNAT states that tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Peruvian-source income.

Tax residency is related, among other factors, to remaining in Peru for more than 183 days within a twelve-month period.

For this reason, before moving permanently to Peru, a tax review should be completed to identify:

• the legal origin of each source of income

• whether the income is pension-related or financial

• Canadian investments

• accounts and securities

• companies, funds, or trusts

• taxes paid in Canada

• any possible filing obligations in Peru

Approval of the immigration status does not replace this tax analysis.

XIII. NVC ABOGADOS’ METHODOLOGY

NVC Abogados provides a comprehensive and personalized immigration service for foreign clients who wish to complete the procedure in Peru with direct legal assistance.

Our service may include:

1. Assessment of the eligibility of the pension or income

2. Review of the Canadian certificate before apostille

3. Review of the passport and authorized period of stay

4. Translation of documents into Spanish

5. Application for authorization to sign contracts

6. Coordination and assistance for the Interpol appointment

7. Assistance with opening bank accounts

8. Assistance with the first international transfer

9. Preparation of sworn declarations and applications

10. Digital filing of the application

11. Monitoring of the Migraciones electronic inbox

12. Response to any observations that may arise

13. Assistance with biometric data registration

14. Processing of the Foreign Resident ID Card

15. Subsequent updating of immigration information

16. Family Member of a Resident procedures

17. Tax planning related to the immigration process

18. Assistance with future investments, real estate transactions, and company formation

As a boutique law firm, our work does not consist merely of uploading documents to a digital platform.

Our involvement includes reviewing the source of the income, financial traceability, international formalities, consistency of the declarations, and the prevention of immigration, banking, and tax-related problems.

XIV. CONCLUSIONS

First. A Canadian citizen may apply for Rentista Immigration Status when they can prove a retirement pension or permanent net income of at least USD 1,000.00 per month.

Second. Not all passive income qualifies. There must be a stable, verifiable, and permanent obligation to make the payment. For this reason, we assess each case with the aim of making the application successful and offer a success guarantee or full reimbursement of the first payment.

Third. The pension certificate must be issued by the paying institution and apostilled in Canada. NVC Abogados can arrange its official translation in Lima, Peru.

Fourth. It is advisable to obtain an RCMP criminal record certificate based on fingerprints and apostilled by Global Affairs Canada, as this is the Canadian criminal record document that may be required by the Peruvian immigration authority.

Fifth. Canadian citizens may enter Peru as tourists, but they must verify the authorized period of stay. The immigration procedure must begin before that period expires. Once the application has been filed, the person’s status changes to that of a foreign national with a residence application under review.

Sixth. The procedure may be completed from within Peru through a change of immigration status, provided that the authorized period of stay is still valid when the application is filed.

Seventh. Before filing the application, it is advisable to obtain the Interpol Record Sheet, the authorization to sign contracts, a Peruvian bank account, and evidence of the transfer of the income.

Eighth. Rentista residence is granted indefinitely, but the Foreign Resident ID Card must be renewed every four years and personal information must be kept up to date.

Ninth. Once residence has been obtained, the holder should not remain outside Peru for more than 183 consecutive days without a special authorization, which must be requested before leaving the country.

Tenth. A spouse and qualifying children may obtain a separate residence as family members of the Rentista. The income source must provide an additional USD 500.00 for each family member.

Eleventh. Same-sex marriages do not currently have uniform administrative recognition in Peru.

Twelfth. Pensions derived from personal employment may be exempt from Peruvian Income Tax. Other foreign passive income requires a separate tax assessment.