Peruvian nationality is not only a legal status — for many people with Peruvian heritage, it is also a way to reconnect with their roots, culture, and family. If you were born abroad to a Peruvian father or mother, you may now have the right to acquire Peruvian nationality, even if you are over 18 and were never registered as a child.
A growing interest in returning to Peru
Over the past decades, millions of Peruvians emigrated in search of better opportunities — particularly in the 1980s and 90s. Today, many of them have families abroad. Their children, now adults, increasingly explore the possibility of reconnecting with Peru and even moving back, either temporarily or permanently.
This growing interest is not only driven by emotional and cultural ties but also by practical opportunities such as remote work, lower living costs, and legal access to South American and European countries with a Peruvian passport.
It is also important to know that with a Peruvian ID (DNI), one can travel throughout South America without a passport—except for Venezuela.
Moreover, it is possible to apply for residency in all South American countries (again, excluding Venezuela) through the MERCOSUR Agreement, which grants a two-year temporary residency that can later be converted into permanent residency.
Feeling of identity of Peruvian migrants abroad
From a personal point of view and after having worked for 13 years with citizens from five continents who wished to live in Peru for professional or private reasons, Peruvians and even descendants of Peruvians have a strong connection with their roots. For people from other cultures, this might be difficult to understand or may even sound exaggerated but connecting with Peru’s aromes, its food, enjoying a ceviche with friends or family in or outside Peru is a reason for happiness, a special sensation and also contains deep nostalgic feelings. I’m sure that any Peruvian who reads this article can relate to this.
In the past 20 years, we could watch a constant and growing feeling of identifying with the country, with “pachamama”, encouraged by healthy macroeconomic numbers which boost investments from abroad. Lima has gained the reputation of being the gastronomic capital of Latin America and has become host of many touristic events and Machu Picchu is one of the seven world wonders. As a result, the way Peruvians in and outside Peru see their country has changed favorably and they feel a stronger connection with the country and their roots, a pride of being Peruvian. This is something I see a lot in my daily life, including in my own experience of a father of a teenage boy. Nowadays, children, teenagers and adults wear t-shirts and caps with the Peruvian colors and passionately sing the national hymn. In 2018, Peru qualified for the Soccer World Championship in Russia for the first time after 36 years and this made the whole country feel proud and happy.
Constitutional Reform: Law No. 30738
On March 14, 2018, Law No. 30738 was passed, amending Article 52 of the Peruvian Constitution. Since then, individuals born abroad to a Peruvian mother or father are considered Peruvians by birth, provided that they register their status according to the law.
Modified Article 52 now states:
“Peruvians by birth are persons born on the territory of the Republic. Peruvians by birth are also persons who were born abroad as the child of a Peruvian father or mother and who are duly registered in accordance with the law.”
Preliminary Note:
The process of registering for Peruvian citizenship for adults over the age of 18 can be carried out either in Peru, at the RENIEC (National Registry of Identification and Civil Status), or abroad at the corresponding Peruvian consulate based on the applicant’s country of residence.
This type of citizenship application is available to both children and grandchildren of Peruvian-born citizens. However, there must be a direct line of descent. This means that if you are the grandchild of a Peruvian-born citizen, your parent (the child of the Peruvian grandparent) must first obtain their Peruvian citizenship before you can apply for yours.
Requirements for the Registration Abroad (via Consulate)
If you were born abroad and are over 18, you can apply for Peruvian nationality at the Peruvian consulate responsible for your place of residence. You will need:
Proof of parent-child relationship (documents from Peru must not be older than three months)
Recent birth certificate of the Peruvian parent (original)
DNI (National ID) of the Peruvian father or mother
Your own birth certificate, in good condition, translated into Spanish if necessary
(It is recommended to provide a fresh copy, as it will not be returned.)Valid passport or other identity document
- A married woman who has changed her last name must submit her marriage certificate. The document must be no older than six months, translated into Spanish, and legalized with an apostille.
- A married woman who has changed her last name must also present her husband’s passport and bring two witnesses. The witnesses must provide a sworn statement confirming that she is indeed the person she claims to be. One witness is sufficient if it is the woman’s mother or father.
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you must schedule an appointment with the consulate.
The consulate will provide:
A registration form
A sworn statement confirming that you were not previously registered at another consulate
Note: Procedures may vary slightly depending on the country. In non-Spanish speaking countries, additional translations and legalizations may be required.
Option to Register in Peru (via RENIEC)
Alternatively, you can travel to Peru and complete the process at RENIEC. You will need:
Your legalized and apostilled birth certificate (must not be older than 6 months)
A Spanish translation (if not in Spanish), done by a certified translator in Peru
Your Peruvian parent’s birth certificate (must not be older than 3 months)
- A certificate issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lima confirming that the person has not acquired Peruvian nationality.
- Two witnesses must appear in person at RENIEC to sign a sworn statement confirming that they know the applicant. They will be required to provide personal information about the applicant, such as their place of residence, the names of their parents, marital status, where they studied, and where they work.
- print the tourist visa issued by Migraciones Peru (available for download on the Migraciones website)
- certificate of your migration record from the Migraciones website.
Legalization and apostille must be done in the country where your birth certificate was issued. If that country is not part of the Hague Convention, the certificate must be legalized by the corresponding Peruvian consulate.
Processing time
The registration process for the birth certificate typically takes around 45 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Once the birth certificate has been issued, you can apply for the Peruvian ID (DNI) at the RENIEC office or at the Peruvian Consulate. The process takes approximately 30 to 45 calendar days, and you can follow up on the status via email.
Finally, once you obtain the DNI, you can book an appointment online to apply for the Peruvian passport, either at the Peruvian Consulate or at the National Immigration Office (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones). The biometric passport is issued on the day of the appointment and is now valid for 10 years.
Your rights after registration
Once registered, you receive your Peruvian DNI (National Identity Document), and you are eligible to apply for a Peruvian passport.
Benefits of a Peruvian Passport:
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 135+ countries
Travel to most South American countries with just your DNI
Visa-free travel to all Schengen states in Europe
Easier residency procedures within Mercosur and Comunidad Andina
Ready to claim your Peruvian citizenship?
If you were born abroad and have a Peruvian parent, you may already be a Peruvian by law — you just haven’t claimed it yet.
How we can help
At NVC Abogados, we assist clients worldwide with the registration of Peruvian nationality by descent — both at consulates and directly in Peru.
We support you with:
- Procurement of documents required for the citizenship-by-descent application from within Peru.
Document review and preparation
Translations and legalizations
Communication with consulates or RENIEC
Step-by-step guidance throughout the process and personal assistance in Peru (RENIEC)
Links to cited information and useful resources
Official Journal El Peruano Law 30.738: https://busquedas.elperuano.pe/normaslegales/ley-de-reforma-del-articulo-52-de-la-constitucion-politica-ley-n-30738-1625801-1/
INEI -Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática: http://m.inei.gob.pe/prensa/noticias/mas-de-tres-millones-de-peruanos-salieron-del-pais-y-no-han-retornado-11010/
Diario El Comercio : https://elcomercio.pe/peru/tres-millones-peruanos-salieron-pais-han-retornado-noticia-568762-noticia/?ref=ecr
Peruvian Consulates abroad: http://www.consulado.pe/paginas/Inicio.aspx
Peruvian citizens can visit 135 countries without visa: https://www.henleypassportindex.com/passport
Sistema de Información y Autorización de Viajes (SEIAV): https://www.etiasvisa.com/es
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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