Peru significantly changed the citizenship procedure in 2025. Learn about the new naturalization rules, residency requirements, income, exams, and documents for obtaining a Peruvian passport

In 2025, Peru significantly changed its citizenship rules, ending an almost 30-year era of one of the most liberal naturalization systems in Latin America. Until now, the country's passport could be obtained after just two years of legal residence without large financial contributions or difficult exams. Now everything has changed: the procedure has become longer, more complex and more demanding, and the goal of the reform is to ensure the deep integration of future citizens into Peruvian society and the legal system.

Read about the procedure for obtaining Peruvian citizenship for representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Canada and Belarus, among other countries, in 2025 in this article.

Major changes in the procedure for obtaining Peruvian citizenship in 2025

Peru has increased the minimum period of residence for applicants for citizenship from 2 to 5 years of legal and continuous residence. This means that foreigners who planned to quickly obtain a passport must now count on a longer preparation period.

The financial requirements have also become much stricter. Now, each candidate must have a minimum annual income of about 15,000 USD, obtained legally in Peru, and also pay taxes on this income. This ensures that future citizens are economically integrated and contribute to the development of the country.

Another key innovation is an exam in Spanish or one of the recognized indigenous languages. The candidate must demonstrate fluency in the language, which is an important condition for full integration into Peruvian society.

No less important are tests on the history, geography and political system of Peru, which test the candidate's knowledge of the country, its culture, traditions and state institutions. A certificate of good conduct certified by Interpol, which confirms the absence of a criminal history, is also mandatory.

Exceptions to the rules for obtaining Peruvian citizenship

Although the procedure has become significantly more complicated for most foreigners, the Peruvian government has provided for certain exceptions. Individuals who have made a special contribution to the development of the country, or have achieved outstanding sports or scientific results, can count on a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship. This approach stimulates high achievements and socially useful activities among foreigners.

How can foreigners obtain Peruvian citizenship in 2025?

Foreigners can obtain Peruvian citizenship in two main ways:

1. Standard naturalization

Previously, 2 years of legal residence were enough, but after the changes in 2025, it is required:

- Age: from 18 years

- Residence: at least 5 years legally with a Carné de Extranjería

- Travel restrictions: do not leave the country for more than 183 days per year, unless special permission is obtained

A package of documents for obtaining Peruvian citizenship by naturalization

- Application addressed to the President of Peru.

- Valid Carné de Extranjería and a copy of the passport.

- Apostille or legalized birth certificate.

- Certificate of good conduct (Interpol).

- Proof of legal income (~52,000 USD per year).

- Declarations of health, address of residence and absence of criminal record.

- Exam in Spanish, history, geography and culture of Peru.

- Interview with a government official in Spanish.

Duration of the process: usually about 12 months, the final decision is made by the President of Peru.

2. Naturalization by marriage

You can apply if:

- Married to a Peruvian citizen.

- Have legally resided for at least 4 years after the marriage.

- Have continuously resided in Peru for at least 183 days per year.

Package of documents for obtaining Peruvian citizenship by marriage

- Application addressed to the President of Peru.

- Carné de Extranjería and copy of passport.

- Interpol reference.

- Marriage certificate registered in Peru.

- Birth certificate of the Peruvian partner.

- Declaration of cohabitation.

- Declaration of health, address and no criminal record.

- Interview in Spanish (no written test required).

Restrictions! Same-sex marriages are currently not recognized in Peru, even if they are legal abroad, so this path is not available to same-sex couples.

Step-by-step instructions for foreigners on obtaining Peruvian citizenship

Step 1 – Obtaining legal residency

The first step is to obtain a residence permit in Peru. You must have official status, maintain a bank account, receive legal income and document it for further confirmation when applying for citizenship.

Step 2 – Financial stability

The applicant must prove a minimum income of 15,000 USD per year (standard naturalization is about 52,000 USD), which is obtained legally in Peru. All income must be declared and taxes paid.

Step 3 – Language preparation

Knowledge of the Spanish language is a prerequisite. The candidate can prepare through courses, tutors or self-study. The exam tests both oral and written language proficiency, which is critical for full integration into society.

Step 4 – Preparing for the History and Geography Tests

The tests test your knowledge of the government, the history of Peru, basic geographical facts and cultural features. It is recommended to attend special courses or prepare independently using the recommended materials.

Step 5 – Obtaining a criminal record certificate

You must have certificates from your country of origin and from Interpol confirming the absence of a criminal record.

Step 6 – Applying for citizenship

Having collected all the documents, the candidate submits them to the Ministry of the Interior of Peru. After submitting, the procedure for checking and assessing the applicant’s readiness to become a citizen of the country begins.

Step 7 – Waiting and integration

After submitting the application, it is important to continue integrating into society: participate in cultural events, run a legal business or work officially, maintain social ties.

Tips for successfully completing the procedure for obtaining citizenship in Peru

1. Start collecting documents from the first day of your stay in Peru so as not to waste time.

2. Keep transparent financial records to easily prove income and taxes.

3. Study the culture, traditions and history of Peru, which helps with exams and integration.

4. Contact a migration lawyer to verify the correctness of the documents and simplify the procedure.

5. Maintain positive contact with society, participate in volunteer or social projects.

The new rules for obtaining Peruvian citizenship in 2025 make the process longer and more demanding. However, for those who seriously integrate into society, demonstrate financial stability and knowledge of the country, this path opens up the opportunity to become a full-fledged citizen of Peru. Obtaining a passport allows you to enjoy all the benefits of life in Latin America: travel, work, do business and actively participate in public life. Peru wants new citizens to be not only formally registered, but also truly part of the country, its culture and social system.

Obtaining Peruvian citizenship in 2025 has become more difficult, but with professional support you will be able to go through all the stages without mistakes. Our lawyers will help you prepare documents, pass an interview and successfully complete the naturalization procedure.

Qualified specialists of Visit World - your reliable support during migration abroad!

Reminder! The USA has updated the rules for naturalization in 2025. Find out what has changed in the requirements for “good moral character”, what documents need to be prepared and how the new approach will affect candidates for citizenship.

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