Country Overview
Economic Overview
Currency: PEN — 3.8000 per USD (~Feb 2026) Inflation: 1.7% current CPI (2026-01) · 3.0% 5yr avg
Property & Ownership
Freehold ownership: Yes Mechanism: Foreigners can own property via freehold ownership in most areas; leases and other mechanisms used where restrictions apply. Restricted zones: Certain border and maritime zones have restrictions (verify specific parcels with local authorities). Recent changes: No definitive recent legal-change excerpt was captured in the research run; consult Peruvian legal resources for updates.
Visa & Residency Options
Tourist / Digital Nomad / Residency (various programs)
- PR path: Residency paths include work contract, pensioner (rentista), investor and family reunification routes (see Migraciones.gob.pe for details).
- Digital Nomad visa announced in 2023 (365 days) per expat guides; check Migraciones for exact eligibility, income thresholds and documentation; nationality-specific tourist allowances vary.
Social Security & Tax
SSA benefits portable: Qualified Totalization agreement: None — SSA agreements overview US expat taxes: Greenback Tax Services — Peru guide
City Guides
Each city guide covers local cost of living, healthcare, queer safety, disability access, race and ethnicity, and key risks specific to Cusco and Lima.
At a Glance
Most affordable
Lima — ~$1,000/mo
Most queer-friendly
Cusco — limited legal protections