Robert Prevost, the new Pope, is a Peruvian citizen: What procedures should foreigners carry out to obtain nationality?

Robert Prevost was chosen as the new Pope of the Catholic Churchtaking the name of Leo XIV. Although its origin is American, its strong link with Peru, especially with the city of Chiclayo, where it was bishop, led him to initiate a process to obtain Peruvian nationality. This procedure, which turned out to be long and complicated, was completed on August 24, 2015, thanks to a supreme resolution issued on August 17 of that same year.

Prevost is not the only foreigner who has opted for naturalize Peruviansince many people are attracted to the rich culture, history and lifestyle that Peru offers.

For foreigners interested in acquiring Peruvian nationality, there are several paths and requirements, which include the naturalizationthe nationality by marriage and by birth.

The process of naturalization It is aimed at foreigners over 18 who seek to obtain Peruvian nationality after complying with the requirements established by law. To be naturalized Peruvian, specific conditions must be met, such as:

1. Be over 18 years old.
2. Having legally resided in Peru for at least 2 consecutive years.
3. Demonstrate minimum economic solvency 10 Tax Tax Units (UIT)which is equivalent to S/ 53,500 In 2025.
4. Not having a criminal, judicial or police record in Peru or in the country of origin.

In addition to these requirements, applicants must submit several documents, including the current passport, legalized birth certificate, Interpol International Canch current foreigner cardthat proves its legal residence in the country.

• PA – NATIONALIZATION FORM duly completed and signed.
• Payment receipt for the right to process, indicating the date and number.
• Simple passport copy of the applicant.
• Sworn declaration of health status, verifying the domicile in Peru and affirming that there are no criminal or judicial record.
• Economic solvency accreditation (10 UIT) and, in case of being religious, a affidavit of economic support.
• International exchange sheet issued by the OCN Interpol Lima, with an expedition date not exceeding six months.
• Birth certificate legalized or apostille by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the consular offices of Peru.

An alternative to obtain Peruvian nationality is through marriage to a Peruvian citizen. To request naturalization by marriage, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

1. Be over 18 years old.
2. Having legally resided in Peru for at least 2 consecutive years after marrying a Peruvian or Peruvian.
3. Marriage must be valid and registered correctly.
4. Have a Foreigner card updated and with current residence in the country.
5. Demonstrate continuous coexistence with the Peruvian spouse, backed by a sworn declaration signed by the Peruvian spouse, which certifies the stability of the relationship.
6. Not having a criminal, judicial or police record in Peru or in the country of origin.

• PA – NATIONALIZATION FORM complete and signed.
• Payment receipt for the right to process (S/ 204.40).
• Original Civil Marriage Certificateregistered in the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC), with a maximum age of 30 days.
• If the marriage was celebrated outside the country, the marriage certificate registered at the Peruvian Consulatelegalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru.
• Original birth certificate of the Peruvian spouse. If this spouse obtained Peruvian nationality by naturalization, the corresponding registration must be submitted.
• Simple passport copy of the applicant.
• Accreditation of family income of both spouses, through documents such as payment tickets or receipts for fees.
• Affidavit of coexistence y Affidavit of health statusaddress and lack criminal records.
• International exchange sheet issued by the OCN Interpol Lima.
• DAYS of the Peruvian spouse.

These documents are essential to initiate the marriage naturalization process in Peru.

Children of foreigners born outside Peru can also obtain Peruvian nationality, but must meet certain specific requirements. If you are the son of a Peruvian citizen and you were born abroad, you can request Peruvian nationality.

To do this, you must have resided in Peru since the age of 5 and have a Foreigner card updated and with current residence. In addition, you must be over 18 and present a express statement to acquire Peruvian nationality.

• PA – NATIONALIZATION FORM completed and signed.
• Payment receipt for the right to process (S/ 208.30).
• Carta in which the reasons for obtaining Peruvian nationality are clearly expressed.
• Legalized birth certificate or apostille by the corresponding authorities.
• Sworn declaration of health, domicile and not having a criminal or judicial record.
• Simple passport copy of the applicant.
• International exchange sheet issued by Interpol Lima.
• Sworn declaration Confirm that the requirements of the extension of residence or the change in immigration quality are met.

The process of naturalization of children of foreigners born outside of Peru also allows them to receive recognition of Peruvian nationality and obtain their DAYS.

The children of Peruvian citizens born abroad have the right to Peruvian nationality. This process begins with the registration of birth in the corresponding Peruvian consulate, or in the office of RENIEC If the applicant already resides in Peru.

• Birth certificate of the legalized or apostillada applicant.
• Document that proves the link with the Peruvian father or mother (birth certificate or Peruvian DNI).
• Passport of the applicant.
• International exchange sheet (if required).
• Sworn declaration if not registered the birth in another Peruvian consulate or in the country of residence.

This procedure is completely valid for children of Peruvians born abroad. After consular registration, applicants can obtain their DAYS y Peruvian passport.