Peru Rentista Visa: South American Residency from $1,000/Month

Peru’s Rentista visa grants temporary residency to individuals with stable passive income of approximately $1,000 USD/month (updated annually based on Peru’s tax unit, UIT). Lima — South America’s culinary capital — offers a cost of living 50-60% below US cities, world-class food, and a growing digital infrastructure.

The Income Requirement

• Minimum monthly income: approximately $1,000 USD (based on current UIT calculations)
• Income must be passive: pensions, dividends, rental income, investment returns
• Verified through authenticated bank statements from the previous 12 months
• Must be stable and recurring (lump-sum savings alone may not qualify)

The Application Process

1. Obtain a clean criminal record from your home country (apostilled and translated)
2. Apply at Migraciones (Superintendencia Nacional de Migraciones) in Lima or at a Peruvian consulate
3. Submit: passport, income documentation, health certificate, criminal record, passport photos
4. Processing: 30-60 days
5. Temporary residency: 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years
6. After 3 years: eligible for permanent residency
7. After permanent residency: path to Peruvian citizenship

The Tax Structure

Peru taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates:

• 8% on income up to 5 UIT (~$7,500)
• Up to 30% on higher brackets

However, Peru’s tax enforcement on foreign passive income for Rentista visa holders is weak. Many retirees effectively pay only on income remitted to Peruvian bank accounts.

The Cost of Living

City	Monthly Total (USD)
Lima (Miraflores)	$1,000-1,500
Lima (Barranco)	$800-1,200
Cusco	$600-900
Arequipa	$500-800

The Healthcare

Peru has a growing private healthcare sector:

• Clínica Anglo Americana and Clínica Internacional in Lima are excellent
• Specialist visits: $30-60
• Private health insurance: $100-200/month
• Dental care: 70-80% below US costs