There are several routes through which you can apply for Peruvian citizenship. Having Peruvian parents or residing in the country for a minimum of two consecutive years are the most common ways.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.