Snowcapped mountains, epic coastlines, and steamy jungles — Peru is a destination of dreamy vignettes. For generations, the country has drawn adventure seekers with storied ruins, icy peaks, and untamed desert coasts. Now — with coworking spaces, fast wifi, and a brand new digital nomad visa — Peru is attracting a flood of remote workers.
Overview of Peru's digital nomad visa
Peru unveiled its digital nomad visa in November 2023. Once active, the new visa will allow foreigners to live in Peru and earn income from abroad. The permit will be valid for one year and may be renewed.
At the time of writing, Peru's digital nomad visa is still not active and eligibility requirements have not been published. Stay tuned — we will update this article as information is released.
Peru visa options for digital nomads
As we wait for the digital nomad visa to take effect, there aren't any visa options for remote workers seeking long-term stays in Peru. Nationals from the US, Canada, and many other countries do not need a visa to enter Peru but are permitted to stay a maximum of 183 days per year.
The benefits of being a digital nomad in Peru
The good news is — even if you can only stay half a year — Peru is worth it. Ahead, we explain why you should make Peru the next stop on your digital nomad journey:
Bucket-list experiences. Machu Picchu tops the bucket list of any self-respecting traveler — and rightly so. However, Peru offers incredible experiences for nomads beyond the Inca Ruins. Kayak through the Amazon Rainforest, trek the Andes, surf the north coast, and board down the towering sand dunes of Huacachina. No matter what kind of traveler you are, Peru has something for you.
World-renowned food. There's a reason Peru has been named the World's Leading Culinary Destination six years running. The country brings foodies to tears with impeccably fresh ceviche, juicy lomo saltado, and addictive rotisserie chicken.
A growing digital nomad community. Peru might not rake in as many nomads as nearby hotspots Medellín and Buenos Aires — but that's changing fast. Major cities like Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa are attracting remote workers with new coworking spaces and hip, modern coffee shops.
Internet in Peru is solid, but not perfect. However, you shouldn't have difficulty finding speedy options in major cities.
Time zone alignment. Peru's time zone makes it particularly appealing for nomads working for US or European companies. The country operates on Peru Standard Time and doesn't observe daylight savings. That means remote workers in Peru align with either Eastern Time or Central Time, depending on the time of year.
Low cost of living. Peru is one of the least expensive countries in Latin America, with the cost of living averaging around 54% lower than the US. Even in popular destinations like Lima, you can find furnished vacation rentals starting at $500 USD per month.
Welcoming locals. Warmth and curiosity are distinctive traits of Peruvians and many locals are happy to welcome newcomers to their country. English is limited outside of tourist areas, but locals are friendly and patient. Learning basic Spanish will go a long way.