Peru has officially ended its status as one of the world’s fastest naturalization routes. A new law now requires five years of continuous residency for citizenship, up from two years under the previous framework. This policy shift leaves only a handful of countries with a two-year citizenship timeline, narrowing the options for investors and families seeking rapid access to second passports.
At Globalia, partner of Globevisa Group, we track these changes closely because they directly impact high-net-worth individuals considering residency or citizenship by investment strategies.
Peru’s New Citizenship Rules
The reform, effective in 2025, introduces stricter requirements:
- Residency: Five continuous years of legal residency (up from two).
- Income Threshold: Proof of annual income of at least 10 tax units (~US$15,000).
- Language Proficiency: Competency in Spanish or an Indigenous language.
- Knowledge Tests: Examinations in Peruvian history, geography, and civic education.
- Security & Compliance: Clean legal record verified by Interpol, plus proof of lawful, taxed income.
Exceptions remain for special cases such as distinguished athletes or individuals recognized for exceptional achievements. However, for most applicants, the pathway has become significantly longer. The process itself may now take up to 18 months—or longer in complex cases.
Lawmakers have stressed that these changes are designed to strengthen national security, align with international norms, and ensure applicants demonstrate genuine ties to Peru.
Who Still Offers a 2-Year Citizenship Pathway?
With Peru’s exit, very few countries still allow naturalization in just two years:
- Argentina – The standout in Latin America. Argentina continues to offer citizenship after two years of residence and is preparing to launch the region’s first citizenship by investment program, which could transform its role in the global mobility market.
- Dominican Republic – Maintains a two-year timeline for most applicants.
- Singapore – Offers a two-year route only after obtaining permanent residency, which itself has no fixed timeline and can take years to secure.
- Liberia – Limits its two-year pathway exclusively to applicants of Black African origin.
In practice, this means Argentina is the only Mercosur member offering a genuine, fast-track route to citizenship—an increasingly rare advantage in the global landscape.
Implications for Global Investors
The tightening of Peru’s rules underscores a broader global trend: countries are moving toward stricter requirements and longer timelines to ensure applicants have real connections to their adopted homeland.
For high-net-worth individuals, this shift highlights three key considerations:
- Speed vs. Certainty – Fast-track options are disappearing. Investors seeking a second passport in under three years must now focus on very few jurisdictions.
- Strategic Diversification – Countries with two-year citizenship remain limited in scope and accessibility, making it vital to evaluate broader programs like Caribbean CBI schemes or European residency pathways.
- Lifestyle and Security – Citizenship is no longer just about speed; it is about aligning long-term relocation, family opportunities, and wealth protection with the right jurisdiction.
How Globalia Can Help You Navigate These Changes
At Globalia partner of Globevisa Group, we provide clarity in an increasingly complex citizenship landscape. Partnered with Globevisa Group, we help you evaluate not just the speed of naturalization but the long-term value of each program.
Here’s how we add value:
- Comparative Expertise – We analyze 195 nationality laws, highlighting the few countries that still offer accelerated timelines while weighing them against lifestyle, tax, and mobility benefits.
- Tailored Strategies – Whether your goal is speed, family relocation, tax optimization, or global access, we craft a plan that aligns with your priorities.
- Trusted Process – From compliance checks to application management, we ensure every step is handled with precision and confidentiality.
- Global Network – As part of Globevisa Group, we offer direct access to local expertise across multiple jurisdictions.