Applying after two years in Peru
For expats who have been living and working in Peru for two years, applying for Peruvian citizenship is reasonably straightforward. If after two years you don’t want to become a Peruvian citizen you can apply for an immigrant visa. This is a long-term residency visa which you can apply for after two years with your carnet de extranjeria (CE). You won’t have to renew your CE every year, but you will still need to pay the annual foreigners tax.
If you are applying via this route you will need to take Spanish language, and Peruvian history and culture tests.
Citizenship via a Peruvian spouse
If you are married to a Peruvian, you will have needed to have resided in the country for at least 2 years. After 2 years you will be eligible for citizenship, this route doesn’t require you to take Spanish language or Peruvian culture tests.
Here we have a list of what you will require to apply:
- 4 passport size photos.
- Form F006 filled out
- Photocopy of your spouses DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) with their status casado/a (married) (Their civil status must be changed to married).
- Provide your carne de extranjeria (residence card) that proves two years residency
- An original copy of your spouse's birth certificate.
- A legal declaration that you have no criminal convictions. You can find declarations at DIGIMEN (Dirección General de Migraciones y Naturalización)
- Original marriage certificate proving at least 2 years of marriage.
Citizenship through a Peruvian parent
If you have a Peruvian parent and were not registered before the age of 18 you can petition DIGIMEN for citizenship. You must be living in Peru at the time of petitioning.
Here we have a list of what you will require to apply:
- Form F006 filled out
- A copy of your passport
- Four passport photos
- Photocopy of your Peruvian parent(s) DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad)
- Your birth certificate authenticated by the Peruvian Embassy and translated by an licensed translator
- A legal declaration that you have no criminal convictions. You can find declarations at DIGIMEN (Dirección General de Migraciones y Naturalización)
Children born abroad to non-Peruvian parents can apply for citizenship upon turning 18 if they have been living in Peru since the age of five.
Processing times and conditions
The processing costs will vary on whether you are applying as a spouse or child of a Peruvian national. Granting of citizenship could take anywhere from 3 months to a year.
If your documents are not in Spanish they will need to be translated by a qualified translator. Dual citizenship is recognized in Peru and, if your country allows it, you can receive Peruvian citizenship alongside your current nationality.
For expats taking Peruvian citizenship immigration officials may require you to change your name. Peru follows the Spanish style of having two family names (surnames) one from your father and one from your mother.
Not everyone is required to change their name, but women usually are. You can take your father’s surname and your mother’s surname, or if you’re married you can take your maiden name and your husband’s name. Changing your name of course means you need to update any property deeds, bank details, driving licence etc. a lengthy process in Peru.