Company Formation in Peru

Standard incorporation with SUNARP takes 7 to 15 days once documents are ready, but the full process for non-resident founders using an apostilled power of attorney realistically runs 6 to 12 weeks end to end, since corporate bank account opening is the least predictable stage. The process includes notarization of incorporation documents (escritura pública), registration with SUNARP (Superintendencia Nacional de Registros Públicos), and RUC registration with SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria).

Yes. Peru requires companies to appoint a Gerente General (General Manager) who is a Peruvian national or a foreigner with a valid Peruvian visa permitting work activities. The Gerente General has legal representation authority and is responsible for signing documents and managing regulatory compliance with SUNAT and SUNARP.

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors. A local Gerente General is required, but all economic ownership can be held by foreign nationals. Restrictions apply in broadcasting, commercial aviation, and land within 50km of national borders. Foreign investment registration with PROINVERSIÓN is optional but recommended for investment recovery guarantees.

Company formation in Peru typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 USD for the core process, including notarization, SUNARP registration, and RUC setup. Ongoing costs include monthly accounting, VAT and income tax filings, and the Gerente General. NavviPal provides transparent, itemized quotes, contact us for your specific scenario.

The RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes) is Peru's unique taxpayer registry number, issued by SUNAT. It is required for all tax filings, electronic invoicing (comprobantes electrónicos), banking, import/export operations, and business transactions. The RUC must be activated before the company can begin commercial operations.

Liquidating a Peruvian S.A.C. or S.A. runs through three sequential phases under the Ley General de Sociedades: dissolution, liquidation, and extinction. The Junta General de Accionistas resolves dissolution, one or more liquidators are appointed, and the agreement is published three times in El Peruano plus a newspaper before SUNARP registration. SUNAT must receive every pending tax return before the RUC can be cancelled, a step SUNAT has up to 45 days to resolve. A company can be liquidated with outstanding debts, the liquidator's role is precisely to identify assets, settle creditors from the company's remaining assets in priority order, and distribute whatever remains to shareholders, but unresolved debts and litigation are the main reason a liquidation stretches beyond the typical 4 to 8 month timeline for a clean case.

Core requirements include: notarized articles of incorporation (escritura pública) executed before a Peruvian notary, registration with SUNARP, RUC registration with SUNAT, apostilled and officially translated copies of foreign shareholder identification documents, and appointment of a qualifying Gerente General with a valid Peruvian visa or Peruvian identity.