Working in Peru

Peru's economy continues to grow, providing opportunities for those looking for career progression. Working in Peru is an excellent way to explore Peru's vibrant landscapes and culture while enjoying a gentle cost of living.  

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is the centre of business and has the largest expat community. Some rural areas and smaller towns also offer work opportunities, especially in tourism.

All foreigners working in Peru are required to have a relevant work permit. Those moving to Peru as part of a corporate relocation will likely have one organised for them by their employer.

Job market in Peru

The mining industry especially attracts many foreign companies and workers. Opportunities also exist in agriculture, fisheries, gas- and petroleum exploitation, and manufacturing. Tourism and teaching English are also popular sources of employment among foreigners.

It is not always easy to find work within a Peruvian company. Not only do many companies give locals precedence, but there are also some restrictions on employing foreigners. If you're an expat looking for work in Peru, you're most likely to find work with a foreign-owned company or be transferred to the country as part of corporate relocation. 

Others seek out part-time employment or look for work teaching English at international schools or universities. The demand for English teachers is increasing, particularly in Lima, where locals are keen to learn the language for business dealings or to give their children a leg up.

Useful links

• Peruvian Ministry of Labour and Employment Promotion

Finding a job in Peru

Many foreigners are transferred to Peru as part of a corporate relocation within their existing company. If you're already in the country, you'll find that word of mouth is still relevant in Peru and is one of the most common ways to find a job. Local newspapers host job listings in their print and digital versions, with their print versions containing more listings. 

The internet is a good place to start if you're still making your way to Peru. Job portals like Indeed and Laborum Peru greatly benefit jobseekers, while expat groups on social media networks like Facebook are also a viable option. It's also a great idea to identify several companies you would like to work for and monitor their websites for available vacancies.

Useful links

• Indeed Peru
• Laborum Peru
• Expat Jobs in Peru

Work culture in Peru

Peruvians are hardworking people, but family is important to them and work commitments will generally not interfere with family time. Peruvians also have a highly relaxed attitude to time, so it’s not unusual for meetings to start late.

Although many city-dwelling Peruvians can speak English, Spanish is the official and business language of Peru. Speaking Spanish may help you with finding a job and can make adjusting to life in Peru that much easier. 

The workplace in Peru largely follows a hierarchical structure, meaning that the senior management will typically make most of the decisions but will still consider others' opinions. Respect is typically given based on age, status, education, and title. You must also be aware that Peruvians have an indirect style of communication, and prefer avoiding conflict.