Moving to Spain from Peru: Complete 2026 Guide
Nearly 266,000 Peruvians call Spain home, making it the second-largest Peruvian diaspora in the world. With the 2-year citizenship path and deep historical ties, Spain is the premier European destination for Peruvians.
Key Facts for Peruvians
- Visa: Required for stays over 90 days
- Citizenship: 2 years (Ibero-American country)
- Dual Nationality: Allowed with Peru
- Tax Treaty: Signed (being processed)
Why Peruvians Choose Spain
Spain hosts approximately 266,000 Peruvian-born residents as of 2022, the largest Peruvian community in Europe by far. About half (143,867) have already obtained Spanish citizenship, highlighting the success of the 2-year naturalization path. Spain accounts for 16% of all Peruvian emigration, second only to the United States.
The Peruvian community in Spain is well-established. Major concentrations exist in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Support networks, Peruvian restaurants, money transfer services, and cultural associations ease the transition. You will find compatriots in neighborhoods throughout these metropolitan areas, with community events and celebrations of Peruvian holidays.
The 2-year citizenship advantage is decisive. While most nationalities wait 10 years for Spanish nationality, Peruvians can apply after just 2 years of legal residence. Spanish citizenship means EU citizenship, providing freedom to work and live across 27 countries without additional permits.
Visa Options
Peruvians require a visa for stays longer than 90 days in Spain. For long-term residence or employment, you must obtain the appropriate visa before arriving. The well-established Peruvian community and multiple consular offices make the application process more accessible.
Citizenship in 2 Years
As an Ibero-American national, you qualify for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of continuous legal residence. Most nationalities must wait 10 years.
Requirements for naturalization:
- 2 years continuous legal residence (absences under 3 months)
- CCSE exam (Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge)
- DELE A2 exam exemption-Peruvians are exempt from the Spanish language test
- Clean criminal record in Peru and Spain
- Proof of economic means and social integration
Peru fully recognizes dual citizenship. You keep your Peruvian passport while gaining full EU citizenship rights. Spain also allows dual nationality with Ibero-American countries, so you legally maintain both nationalities. Peru and Spain have a specific dual nationality agreement enhancing this arrangement.
Spanish Consulates in Peru
Lima. Embassy and Consular Section (Main)
Av. Jorge Basadre 498, San Isidro
Lima, Peru
Phone: +51 1 212 51 55
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00-13:00
Appointments: Online booking required
Regional Consulates
Spain maintains consular offices in:
Arequipa, Cusco, Iquitos, Piura, and Trujillo
For limited services; major visa applications through Lima
Required Documents
Prepare before your consulate appointment:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal record certificate from Policia Nacional, apostilled
- Medical certificate from authorized physician
- Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, investments)
- Health insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Application form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa fee varies by visa type
All Peruvian documents must be apostilled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Peru is party to the Hague Apostille Convention).
Tax Considerations
Peru-Spain Tax Relations
A double taxation agreement between Peru and Spain has been signed and is currently being processed for ratification. In the meantime, general tax principles apply.
Key Points:
- ONP/AFP Pensions: May be taxable in Spain if you become tax resident
- Peruvian investments: Standard withholding rates until treaty enters force
- Beckham Law: Digital nomads can opt for flat 24% rate (vs up to 47%)
- Remittances: Money sent to Peru is not additionally taxed in Spain
- Future benefits: Once ratified, the treaty will reduce double taxation
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while waiting for residency?
Depends on your visa type. Digital Nomad and Work visas permit employment. Non-Lucrative visa does not allow work. Student visa allows up to 20 hours per week.
Will my Peruvian degree be recognized?
Regulated professions require homologation through the Spanish Ministry of Education. The process takes 6-18 months. You can work in non-regulated fields immediately.
Can I bring my family?
Yes through family reunification. Income requirements increase: +75% for spouse, +25% per child of the base amount. Your family members also qualify for the 2-year citizenship path once legally resident.
Is there a Social Security agreement?
Peru and Spain have bilateral agreements regarding social security. Your contribution years may be combined for pension calculations. Consult with a professional for your specific situation.
We Handle Everything
The size of the Peruvian community in Spain creates both advantages and challenges. While support networks exist, consular appointment competition can be fierce. Document authentication between countries requires careful coordination. The clock on your 2-year citizenship timeline only starts when everything is done correctly.
At Legal Fournier, we manage everything. Visa applications prepared correctly the first time. Tax planning coordinated between Peruvian and Spanish systems. NIE registration, empadronamiento, social security enrollment, and citizenship application support when you reach the 2-year mark. Our clients arrive ready to live, not ready to fight paperwork.
This guide provides general information. Immigration and tax regulations change regularly. For planning tailored to your situation, contact our team.