Peru Citizenship Changes: Most Updated Rules

Peru has increased the minimum residency requirement for naturalization from two to five years and introduced income and language evaluation criteria.

These Peru citizenship changes affect eligibility, processing, and the requirements applicants must meet.

In this article, we explore:

• What are the updated requirements of the Peru citizenship program?
• Do I need to pass language tests to get Peru citizenship?
• Does Peru accept dual citizenship?
• Is it safe to go to Peru now?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What are the Latest Changes in the Peru Citizenship Program?

Peru has implemented a new citizenship framework in 2025 that replaces the previous law in effect since 1996 and the major updates include:

• Extended Residency Requirement – Naturalization in Peru now requires five years of continuous legal residency, up from the previous two years.
• Income Threshold – Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least 10 tax units (around USD 15,000 in 2025).
• Language and Cultural Tests – Applicants must pass evaluations in Spanish or Indigenous languages, as well as tests on Peruvian history, geography, and civic education.
• Processing Time – The naturalization process can take up to 18 months, with the possibility of longer processing in exceptional cases.
• Exceptions – Certain individuals, such as distinguished athletes or those granted citizenship for meritorious achievements, may still be exempt from the five-year residency requirement.

Currently, only Singapore and Liberia offer citizenship timelines as short as two years, placing Peru among naturalization countries with stricter requirements.

Applying for Peruvian Citizenship: Documentation and Compliance

Applicants must provide thorough proof of income, residence, and other legal documents to successfully complete the naturalization process in Peru.

Key documentation includes:

• Proof of Income – Annual earnings must meet the threshold of 10 tax units (≈ USD 15,000 in 2025). Acceptable evidence includes employment contracts, pay slips, bank statements, or business income reports.
• Residency Documentation – Applicants must show continuous legal residence for five years. This can include rental or lease agreements, utility bills, tax records, or official residency certificates.
• Identity Verification – Valid passport, national ID, or visa documents to confirm identity and legal entry into Peru.
• Language and Civic Evaluations – Certificates of language proficiency in Spanish or an Indigenous language, and completion of any required history, geography, or civic education tests.
• Additional Legal Documents – Any supplementary documents requested by the immigration authorities, such as letters of recommendation, evidence of public service, or proof of distinguished achievements if applying under exception categories.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Citizenship in Peru?

Is it Hard to Get Citizenship in Peru?

Yes. The new rules have made citizenship more difficult by extending residency to five years, adding income and language requirements, and lengthening the processing timeline.

Does Peru Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes, Peru allows dual citizenship. Applicants can retain their original nationality while acquiring Peruvian citizenship.

This provides flexibility for expatriates or individuals who wish to maintain ties to their home country.

Conclusion

Peru’s citizenship program has become more structured and demanding, reflecting a global trend toward stricter naturalization policies.

While the process now takes longer and requires proof of income, language skills, and cultural knowledge, dual citizenship remains an option, offering flexibility to applicants with international ties.

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