Lima: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Lima is the capital of Peru on the Pacific coast, with more than 10 million people in the metropolitan area, almost a third of the country's population. It is Peru's business and financial centre, with mining companies, banks, trade and one of the world's best-known food scenes. Lima is a city of contrasts: a UNESCO-listed colonial centre, modern districts on cliffs above the ocean and vast poor outskirts.

Lima suits entrepreneurs working with Latin America, remote workers, food lovers and those seeking a short path to a Latin American passport. It suits less those who need year-round sun, quiet and calm traffic.

Districts

• Miraflores - a clifftop promenade, parks, cafés and restaurants, the main expatriate district.
• Barranco - a bohemian district with galleries, bars and old mansions.
• San Isidro - the business centre with offices, an olive grove and quiet residential streets.
• Surco and La Molina - residential districts with houses and international schools, popular with families.
• Historic centre - the Plaza Mayor and colonial churches; foreigners rarely choose to live there.

Housing and prices

A furnished one-bedroom flat in Miraflores costs $700-1,000 a month in 2026, and ocean-view flats start at 4,500 soles, about $1,307. Surco and San Isidro are cheaper. Markets, local restaurants, ride-hailing and services are inexpensive, while imported goods and international schools are expensive. The currency is the sol, and large amounts and rents are often quoted in dollars.

Taxes

Income tax on salaries is progressive, from 8% to 30%. Corporate tax is 29.5% and the general sales tax 18%. A person becomes tax resident after more than 183 days in Peru within 12 months.

Practicalities

• Climate. It hardly ever rains, but from June to September the sky is covered by grey mist and it is cool, about 15-18 degrees. Summer from December to March is sunny and warm.
• Earthquakes. Lima lies in a seismic zone, so people choose new buildings built to modern codes.
• Transport. Traffic is heavy; there are rapid buses and the first metro line, and most people use ride-hailing. The new international airport terminal opened in 2025.
• Language. Spanish; English is common in business and tourism.
• Safety. Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro are calm, but phone theft and street crime occur across the city.

Moving and citizenship

Peru offers one of the shortest paths to citizenship in Latin America: you can apply after 2 years of residence, with income and after an exam, for a fee of 301.50 soles, about $89. But new Law 32421 raises the period to 5 years, so it pays to apply before the changes take effect. Residence is granted for work, business, investment, marriage or retirement. More in the article on Peruvian citizenship.

Food and trips

Lima is called the gastronomic capital of Latin America: ceviche, Nikkei cuisine with Japanese roots and restaurants that feature in world rankings. From Lima people fly to Cusco and Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon, and drive along the coast to beaches and desert oases.

Business and buying property

Foreigners buy property in Peru on the same terms as Peruvians, with one restriction: land within 50 kilometres of the border cannot be owned. A company is registered with a notary and in the public registry, and a foreigner can own it outright. Your own business or investment in Peru is one of the grounds for residence, which in turn opens the path to citizenship.

Is Lima worth considering for life

Pros: a short path to citizenship, inexpensive living, the ocean and one of the world's best cuisines, a strong business environment and direct flights across the continent. Cons: grey winters, traffic, earthquakes, street crime and Spanish in daily life. Lima suits entrepreneurs and those who need a Latin American passport. Write in the chat and we will plan your path to citizenship before the law changes.