Employer of Record and Payroll Services in Peru 
Mercans-owned legal entity 
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
Services available
- Employer of record
- Contractor management
- Global payroll
- In-country payroll
Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Peru
A fast-growing economy with key interests in mining and energy, education and tourism, Peru has free trade agreements with a number of countries globally including Australia, the United States, Canada, the European Union and China. The country has an open investment regime and an abundance of natural resources which make it an attractive investment destination. Despite political uncertainty, it is a country that has one of the lowest country risks in the Latin American region.
Doing Business in Peru
Peru has boosted its most improved nation ranking to 65th place out of 141 countries and remains committed to continuing to develop human capital. Peru has four special economic zones enabling customs-free and tax-free treatment for companies working in foreign trade until 2042. It is seen as a preferred destination for foreign direct investment. Nevertheless, travel to Peru requires a high degree of caution overall due to the high risk of violent crime.
Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements
Setting up a new business or expanding an existing one in Peru is straightforward. Choose how your company operates from a range of entity types that suit your individual circumstance.
Banking
Banking Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday with a two hour break.
Working Week
The standard working week is from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Labor Law
Labor law regulates the relationship between employers and employees and collective bargaining, arbitration and right to strike. There are specific laws regulating statutory benefits, minimum standards for wages, working conditions and occupational safety and health.
Main Industries
Mining, mineral and jewel, processing, steel, metal fabrication, petroleum, natural gas
GDP Growth
0.9%
Dates & Numbers
dd/mm/yyyy
Official State Name
Republic of Peru
Population
32.78 million
Capital
Lima
Major Languages
Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Internet Domain
.pe
International Dialing Code
+51
19°C
Payroll
Employees are entitled to a number of statutory benefits in respect of their wages. The minimum wage is adjusted by the government periodically in accordance with the National Laboral Council.
It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips
Payslip
Payroll reports must be kept for 6 years
Reports
Employees receive paid annual leave of 30 days
Annual Leave
Employees receive paid sick leave of 20 days
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 98 days of paid maternity leave and 9 days of paid paternity leave as applicable
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Employers are required to provide 6 days notice to terminate an employee
Employee Termination
The 13th month and 14thmonth payments are mandatory
13thmonth salary
930 PEN per month
Minimum Wage
Overtime pay is calculated at 25% of the employee's ordinary rate of pay for the first 2 hours of overtime
Overtime
Employees paid monthly are entitled to 12 months’ severance pay but this is not required in cases of severance due to their conduct or capacity.
Severance Pay
Tax and Social Security
A legislative decree sets out that free initiative and investments are guaranteed in all areas of economic activity. Tax incentives are also embedded in Peruvian law. Social health insurance must be paid monthly to the social health insurance authority, EsSALUD.
Tax
Income tax is withheld from wages and paid by the employer on the employee’s behalf.
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Sales Tax
VAT
Social Security
Contributions must be made for social health insurance and pensions (which are withheld by the employer). Pension contributions are set at 13% towards the National Pension System and 10% towards the Private Pension System.
Social Security Rate
Social Security Rate for Employers
Social Security Rate for Employees
Employment Law
Employees are entitled to the same labor benefits whether they are hired for an indefinite term or a fixed term. Labor legislation is protective regarding the dismissal of employees and does not establish any limits on the number of hires for staff on fixed term contracts.
Employment Agreement
A fixed term contract must be written and also signed by the employee. Legal bonuses are paid twice a year, each bonus equivalent to one month’s pay.
Working condition
In addition to their salary, employees are entitled to certain statutory benefits such as compensation for length of service, profit-sharing, family allowance, life insurance and more.
Leaves
Annual leave taken must be agreed to between the employer and employee and such leave could be split into more than 1 period. Atypical work periods are permitted provided it does not occur more than 48 hours a week over a three week period. There are other types of leave permitted such as maternity and paternity leave.
Employment termination
Any termination of an employee can only be done for a just cause which include reasons related to an employee’s capability or their conduct. When dismissed without just cause, the employee may choose between reinstatement and compensation for unfair dismissal.
30 days
Minimum notice period for terminating an employee
12 days
Total number of public holidays
48
Working hours per week
3 days
Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave
Immigration
The hire of foreign workers is governed by the Foreign Personnel Hiring Act which ensures that both locals and foreign workers have similar rights and benefits. In practice, there are some differences and limits for foreign workers. Foreign workers are required to register their contract with the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion (MTPE) which is needed in order to obtain a visa that permits them to work.
Residency permits
In general, foreign workers should be hired for a fixed term up to a maximum of three years. The Ministry of Labor must approve their employment contract. A work visa is required which permits a legal stay of up to 365 days which is renewable for the same period.
Work Permit Validity
3 years
Required Documents
A passport that is valid for at least six months after the employee is due to arrive in Peru
Copies of the front and back pages of the passport
Two copies of the employee’s completed visa application form
A signed cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip to Peru
An itinerary for the time to be spent in Peru
Evidence of financial support for the employee’s trip, such as a personal income tax return and recent bank statements
A no-objection letter from the employer if a job has already been lined up in Peru.
Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Peru. Get in touch with Peru payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!