Moving to Peru from USA: Everything you need to know

Moving to Peru from the US isn't as common as relocating to Mexico or Costa Rica, but many Americans do it, whether it's to explore a new culture, enjoy lower living costs, or be closer to family.

If you're thinking about starting a new life in Peru, you probably need answers about visas, how much Spanish you'll need to get by, what healthcare looks like, and whether your budget will stretch as far as you hope.

Peru doesn't have the established expat infrastructure of neighboring countries, which means that while a move there is definitely possible, there are a few practical nuances to consider.

Here's everything you need to know!

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Quick facts about Peru

Peru is a country in South America with three distinct geographic zones: coastal desert, Andean mountains, and Amazon rainforest. The country has grown economically over the past two decades, but it still maintains strong cultural traditions and a lot of regional diversity.

Here is a snapshot of important facts:

Visa options for Americans in Peru

Just like in any other country, you'll need a visa or permanent residency to live in Peru for the majority of the year as an American. If you don't plan to stay long-term, tourist visas allow 90 days (often extendable to 183 days total).²

Peru doesn't attract large numbers of American expats, and the bureaucracy can sometimes feel tedious compared to more expat-friendly countries. There's a digital nomad visa in progress, but it's not active yet (as of February 2026).

For now, here are your main options:

Rentista visa

This visa is for American retirees or anyone receiving steady passive income from abroad, such as pensions, rental properties, and investments. You can't work in Peru, but you can live there long-term.

You need a monthly income of at least 1,000 USD from foreign sources, plus 500 USD monthly for each dependent you bring. You'll transfer this income to your Peruvian bank account.³

Other requirements for this visa type are pretty straightforward, such as having a valid passport and passing a background check.

Investor visa

Peru grants this visa to Americans who invest in Peruvian businesses.

The minimum investment is 500,000 PEN (roughly 150,000 USD).³

You'll also need to create at least 5 local jobs and submit a business plan certified by a Peruvian economist. Other requirements are pretty basic, such as a clean criminal record.³

Family reunification visa

If you have immediate family in Peru and they're Peruvian citizens or residents, you can apply for this visa. But it'll be important to prove your relationship, whether it's with a marriage certificate for spouses or birth certificates for children and parents.

You'll also need to show that you have the financial means to support yourself in Peru.

Work visa

To get a work visa in Peru, you'll need a signed employment contract with a Peruvian company.

It'll need notarization and approval from Peru's Ministry of Labor, plus your employer's business registration, your professional qualifications, and the standard documents, like a valid passport.

Technically, a work visa in Peru is an option, but it's largely unrealistic for most Americans.

It's not easy for Peruvian companies to sponsor foreign talent, and local salaries average just 584 USD monthly, which is a fraction of US wages.⁴

Student visa

If you want to study in Peru full-time, you can get a student visa that'll cover the duration of your studies. You'll typically need to show that you have enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses to qualify for this type of visa.

Plus, keep in mind that you'll likely need to complete your studies in Spanish.

Cost of living in Peru

Life in Peru costs a lot less than in the US. In fact, affordable living is one of the main reasons Americans consider moving there. On average, overall living expenses in Peru run about 51% lower than in the US, and rent is 72% cheaper.⁴

You can expect reasonable prices for most things, but it's important to consider that local salaries are also quite low, averaging just 584 USD monthly.⁴

In other words, the financial advantage only works if you're earning USD through remote work, US pensions, or other foreign income sources.

Here's a snapshot of typical expenses to help you build your monthly budget:

If you're bringing your family, an important thing to keep in mind is your children's education.

Most expat parents choose international English-speaking schools because Peruvian public schools don't meet the standards they're used to.

At 11,491 USD annually per child on average, this expense can dominate your monthly budget, especially if you have multiple children.⁴

If your kids attended public school in the US, this single factor can eliminate Peru's cost-of-living advantage.

But overall, local produce, transportation, and services are quite affordable.

Opening a bank account in Peru

Opening a local bank account is an important milestone when you live in a foreign country. It'll make it easier to pay your rent, utilities, and, in general, handle regular expenses.

To open a bank account in Peru, you'll typically need your residency documentation, such as a work visa or another long-term legal status. An extended tourist visa usually won't work, but you can try your luck at different branches to see if one of them approves your application.

Generally speaking, be prepared to show:

• Valid passport
• Peruvian residence card (carné de extranjería)
• Tax identification number
• Proof of Peruvian address (rental contract or utility bill)
• Proof of income

Major banks like BCP, Interbank, and BBVA Continental are more familiar with foreigners. Online banking isn't as developed as it is in the US, so expect to visit a branch in person, likely multiple times.

Tax implications for Americans in Peru

You become a Peruvian tax resident after spending more than 183 days in Peru during a calendar year. This status takes effect on January 1.⁵

• If you're a Peruvian tax resident: You pay tax on worldwide income using Peru's progressive rates, which range from 8% to 30% depending on your income level⁵
• If you're a non-resident: You pay a flat 30% tax only on your Peruvian-sourced income, such as your salary from a Peruvian employer or rental income from a Peruvian property⁵

This may be surprising to you, but Americans living in Peru must also file US tax returns. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live.

Peru and the US also do not have a tax treaty, which complicates things a bit more.

You can still likely reduce your US taxes using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits for taxes paid to Peru. However, without a treaty, you'll need to navigate both systems carefully.

Getting accommodation in Peru

Generally speaking, you'll want to rent in Peru when you first arrive. But if you're committed to staying long-term (for example, if you're reuniting with family), buying property can also make sense.

Urbania is Peru's main rental listing site. But you'll also find options through Facebook groups and word-of-mouth, especially once you make connections with fellow expats.

Peruvian major cities, especially Lima, have big neighborhood differences.

Affluent areas like San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco come with security, modern infrastructure, and proximity to international schools and restaurants.

Budget neighborhoods cost far less but come with trade-offs. For example, the basics like hot water can be unreliable, and there might be safety concerns.

In other words, you get what you pay for. That said, apartments in more expensive neighborhoods still cost way less than comparable accommodations in the US.

Healthcare system in Peru

Peru's healthcare system has both public and private options.

The quality varies widely. Some public hospitals in Lima are decent, but wait times are long, and facilities are often overcrowded and under-resourced. Also, many foreign residents don't qualify for public healthcare in Peru, depending on their visa status.

Many American expats get a private health insurance plan and use hospitals and clinics with more modern facilities and, sometimes, English-speaking doctors. But keep in mind that once you're outside of Lima, even private healthcare quality can drop quite a lot.

Overall, healthcare in Peru is more affordable than in the US, but it's likely a smart move to get your own health insurance and stick to well-known private hospitals.

Best cities to live in Peru as an expat

Lima

Lima is where you'll find most of Peru's expat life, international jobs, and modern infrastructure. Neighborhoods like Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco are popular with Americans and other foreigners, but you still get exposed to Peruvian culture.

The city also has the best healthcare and international schools.

However, it's a major city that can often feel overwhelming, and the traffic is heavy. If you're looking for a slower pace of life, you may want to explore living in a smaller city or just outside of Lima.

Cusco

Cusco is close to Machu Picchu, one of Peru's main attractions. The city sits at a high altitude, which can require some adjustment. Many expats who live here work remotely, but you may also be able to find local employment in tourism, hospitality, or teaching English as a second language.

It's a beautiful place to live, but keep in mind that the infrastructure is less developed compared to Lima, and you'll need to speak Spanish for most of your interactions.

Arequipa

Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city, but living there costs less than in Lima and comes with better weather. The expat community is smaller, and there aren't many job opportunities, but it can be a great place for remote workers or if you're retired and living off stable passive income.

You'll find decent healthcare, reliable internet, and access to mountains and beaches within a few hours.

Is it safe to live in Peru?

Peru is typically a safe place to live for most expats, but it also depends on where you live and how you conduct yourself.

Overall, violent crime is pretty uncommon, but you may encounter some petty theft.

Your neighborhood matters a lot. Affluent areas of Lima often come with security guards and gated buildings, so they're pretty safe. But budget neighborhoods or areas outside major cities often have higher theft, robbery, and safety concerns.

It's important to research and visit your potential neighborhood at different times of the day before you commit to renting or buying a property there.

Traffic can also be chaotic and dangerous, but it's something that many expats moving to Peru get used to over time. It's just not as regulated as in the US.

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Moving to Peru as an American can be a great idea, especially if you have income from the US through pensions, investments, or remote work.

The lower cost of living makes your USD stretch further, but make sure to account for high expenses like a private international school for your children, if you're bringing your family with you.

If you want to find a local job, that can be challenging. Local salaries are pretty low, and companies rarely sponsor foreign workers. Typically, you'll need to rely on a source of income outside of Peru.

The immigration system usually involves paperwork and lengthy visits to the immigration office, but getting a resident visa is quite achievable if you have all the necessary legal documents in place.

Overall, living in Peru can be an exciting way to explore Latin America, especially if you speak Spanish.

When planning your monthly budget, one expense that many Americans underestimate is transferring money between the US and Peru. Banks often add currency exchange rate markups that aren't as obvious as fees and can add up quickly if you're regularly converting money between USD and PEN.

In addition to opening a local bank account, it's important to investigate alternatives for moving your money across borders.

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Sources

1. Worldometer - Peru Population
2. US Department of State - Peru
3. Bright!Tax - What Americans Living in Peru Need to Know
4. Numbeo - Cost of Living Peru
5. Greenback Expat Tax Services - Peru Taxes for US Expats

Sources checked 03/23/2026