Retire in Peru
Featured city: Arequipa
US State Dept · Level 2 — Exercise Increased CautionMid-range benchmark for a couple. Use the Matcher for FX- and inflation-adjusted comparisons.
Peru's rentista visa is among the easiest in Latin America for retirees with pension income. From colonial Arequipa to coastal Lima, Peru offers diverse climates, ancient ruins, and a very low cost of living.
Rentista visa, low cost, diverse landscapes
- Low Cost
- Easy Visa
- US State Department advises exercising increased caution — verify current advisory before travel.
- English is not widely spoken outside major cities — plan for a language learning curve.
- Healthcare quality can be uneven outside major urban centers — private international insurance is strongly recommended.
- Infrastructure (roads, internet, utilities) may vary by region — visit before committing to a long lease.
Retirement visa
The 'Rentista' visa requires a permanent monthly income of $1,000 and grants indefinite residency.
Cost of living
In Arequipa, a nice apartment costs about $450 per month, and the cost of high-quality food is very low.
Numbeo cost indexHealthcare
Lima has excellent private clinics, while healthcare in rural areas can be very basic.
Healthcare indexSafety
Petty theft is common in tourist areas; most expat districts are safe with private security.
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Run the calculator or open the Destination Matcher to see how Peru fits.
Other destinations in Americas
Educational content only — not immigration, tax, legal, or financial advice. Visa, golden-visa, and citizenship-by-investment rules change frequently. Verify with the official government source above and a licensed professional before making any relocation, investment, or citizenship decision.