How to Legally Buy Land in Peru as a Foreigner Step by Step Guide for 2025

Buying land in Peru can be one of the most rewarding investments for foreigners seeking a fresh start, eco-project, or long-term growth opportunity. The country offers breathtaking jungle areas, welcoming policies for investors, and relatively low land prices. However, without a clear understanding of the legal process, it's easy to make costly mistakes. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for foreigners who want to purchase land in Peru legally and securely.

Foreigners Are Allowed to Buy Land in Peru Without Residency

Peruvian law allows foreigners to purchase land with full ownership rights, even without residency. There are no restrictions for non-citizens, except for properties within 50 km of the national borders, which require special permission from the Ministry of Defense. This means that if the land you’re eyeing is in the jungle but not near a border (like in Loreto, Ucayali, San Martín, or Madre de Dios), you can proceed without limitation.

💡 Good to know: Land ownership in Peru is protected under the Constitution and civil code, regardless of nationality.

Start by Choosing the Right Land and Verifying the Property Title

Before you fall in love with a piece of jungle paradise, take time to verify its legal status:

• SUNARP (Superintendencia Nacional de los Registros Públicos) is the national property registry.

• A legitimate property will have a Partida Electrónica – an electronic title record.

• Make sure the seller’s name matches the owner listed in SUNARP, and that there are no debts, liens, or disputes on the property.

Ask for:

• Property title extract (Copia Literal de Dominio)

• Land map (Plano Catastral)

• Tax clearance certificate (Certificado de No Deuda Predial)

Work With a Trustworthy Local Lawyer Who Speaks English

Hiring a bilingual real estate attorney is essential. They will:

• Check the legal history of the land

• Draft and translate the sales contract

• Ensure you are not buying "community land" or land with informal ownership

• Guide you through notary and registration processes

💡 Tip: Never rely solely on agents or the seller’s lawyer. Your own independent lawyer protects you.

Do a Complete Due Diligence Before Paying Anything

This step prevents 90% of problems. Have your lawyer or notary check:

• SUNARP records to confirm ownership and check encumbrances

• Municipal tax debts

• Agricultural rights or mining claims

• Environmental permits, if needed

• Building limitations (zoning, protected areas)

Avoid lands that:

• Have no SUNARP registration

• Are titled to deceased persons or in inheritance disputes

• Have “posesion” status only (informal occupancy without title)

Sign a Private Sales Contract and Agree on Transfer Terms

Once everything is verified, you can sign a Contrato de Compraventa. This is a private purchase agreement that includes:

• Description of the land

• Names and ID of buyer and seller

• Final agreed price

• Payment method (bank transfer is recommended)

• Date and location of signing

💡 This contract can be signed in the presence of a notary or lawyer. It is not yet the official transfer — but it is binding.

Make It Official With a Notary and Register the Property in SUNARP

To formalize the sale, you’ll need:

• The notarized Escritura Pública de Compraventa (Public Deed of Sale)

• Copies of IDs (passport for foreigner, DNI for seller)

• Updated SUNARP and tax documents

Then your notary will submit the documents to SUNARP for official registration. After this, you are the legal, registered owner of the land.

🏛️ This process usually takes 1–4 weeks depending on the region.

Pay the Required Taxes and Keep Copies of Everything

There are two main taxes involved:

1. Alcabala tax – 3% of the sale value, paid by the buyer

2. Notary and registration fees – approx. $300–800 depending on land size and location

Keep digital and physical copies of:

• Sales contract

• Notarized deed

• SUNARP registration certificate

• Tax payment receipts

Watch Out for These Common Pitfalls When Buying Land in Peru

• ❌ Never buy untitled or communal land without deep legal advice

• ❌ Don’t trust verbal agreements or “family ownership” without papers

• ❌ Avoid paying full price in cash without legal backup

• ❌ Be cautious of resellers flipping land without full legal transfer

Is Buying Land in Peru Worth It for Foreigners

Absolutely — if done right. Many foreigners have built eco-retreats, off-grid homes, or agroforestry projects on affordable jungle lands. But success depends on proper legal work, local insight, and patience.

Peru remains one of the most accessible countries in Latin America for land ownership, especially in the Amazon region. With clean legal steps and the right partners, it can be a life-changing opportunity.

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