To legally work in Peru in 2026, a foreign national must first enter the country on a valid visa (tourist or business) and then apply for a work visa through Peru’s immigration authority after securing a job offer. Most work permits are employer-sponsored and tied to a signed employment contract.
If you’re exploring career opportunities in Peru’s growing economy, this guide explains visa types, eligibility, processing time, salary expectations, and in-demand jobs. While the average monthly salary ranges between $500 and $800 USD,
Why Work in Peru?
Peru is one of Latin America’s steadily expanding economies, with strong sectors in mining, agriculture, finance, engineering, IT, healthcare, and services.
The capital city, Lima, accounts for nearly one-third of the national workforce and offers the highest-paying professional opportunities.
According to Ministerio de Educación del Perú, technical and scientific professionals, especially in engineering, IT, and healthcare, will see strong employment growth over the next 5–7 years.
What Types of Work Visas Are Available in Peru?
Foreign nationals typically follow a two-step process:
Entry Visa (Before Employment)
- Tourist Visa – Valid for 90 to 183 days
- Business Visa – Valid for 90 days
These visas allow entry but do not permit employment.
Work Visa (After Securing Job)
Once you obtain a job offer, you must apply for a work visa through:
Dirección General de Migraciones del Perú
Work visas are generally issued for the duration of the employment contract.
What Is the Minimum Wage in Peru?
The current national minimum wage in Peru is approximately
S/ 750 Peruvian soles per month (around $294 USD)
However, professional roles typically earn significantly more.
Average Monthly Salary in Peru
| Sector | Monthly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $500 – $800 |
| Technical Roles | $800 – $1,500 |
| Engineering / Mining | $1,500 – $3,000+ |
Salaries are highest in Lima and industrial cities.
What Are the Conditions for Obtaining a Peru Work Visa?
Before applying for a work visa, applicants must provide:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Copies of passport (front and back)
- Completed visa application forms
- Signed cover letter explaining purpose of visit
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, tax return)
- Job offer or employment contract (if available)
After securing employment, your employer registers the contract with the Ministry of Labor before you apply for the work visa.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Schedule Appointment
Contact the Peruvian embassy in your country.
Step 2: Submit Documents
Bring all required paperwork and attend the consular interview.
Step 3: Pay Visa Fee
Processing usually takes 5–30 days.
Step 4: Travel to Peru
Enter using your approved entry visa.
Step 5: Apply for Work Visa in Peru
Submit the employment contract to Dirección General de Migraciones del Perú.
Processing Time
Work permit processing generally takes 1–2 months.
What Are the Best Job Opportunities in Peru?
Peru’s fastest-growing sectors include:
- Software Programming
- Health Assistants
- Civil Engineering
- Food Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Statistical Analysis
- Mining Engineering
High-paying technical fields include:
- Oil & Mining Engineering
- Civil Construction
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Interior Architecture
- Marketing & Communication Sciences
What Skills Are In-Demand in Peru?
Employers value both technical and soft skills.
Technical Skills
- IT & Programming
- Engineering expertise
- Data analysis
- Financial management
- Machinery maintenance
Soft Skills
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Leadership
- Emotional intelligence
- Proactivity
- Resilience
English proficiency is highly preferred, especially in international business sectors.
Important Legal Considerations
- At least 80% of a company’s workforce must be Peruvian nationals before hiring foreign employees.
- Foreign employment contracts are valid for up to 3 years, renewable.
- Work visas are tied to the employment contract duration.
These labor regulations are strictly monitored by Peruvian authorities.
Conclusion
Peru offers a promising job market for foreign professionals, especially in the technical, engineering, healthcare, finance, mining, and IT sectors. However, securing legal employment requires careful navigation of immigration procedures and employer sponsorship rules.
The process typically involves entering Peru on a tourist or business visa, securing employment, and then applying for a work visa through the General Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization (DIGEMIN). Employment contracts for foreigners are usually valid for up to three years and may be renewed.
With strong preparation, proper documentation, and in-demand skills, Peru can offer both professional growth and long-term career development in a growing Latin American economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a foreigner get a job in Peru?
Yes, but companies must comply with the 80% local workforce rule. Contracts for foreigners can last up to three years and are renewable.
2. How long does it take to get a Peru work visa?
The full process typically takes 1–2 months, depending on documentation.
3. What are common jobs in Peru?
Agriculture, mining, manufacturing, engineering, finance, and services dominate the job market.
4. What is the average salary in Peru?
Median salaries range from $500 to $800 USD per month, depending on industry.
