For the past 25 years, Peru has been undergoing comprehensive economic growth, followed by a modernization and development process, which includes the establishment of a reliable legal framework geared towards maintaining the stability required to promote private sector activity and investment. This continuous growth has been the best incentive to attract substantial foreign investment in various industries.

The development of the agribusiness, fishing, and mining industries, as well as the completion of major infrastructure projects, primarily in the fields of energy, gas, and transportation, have all contributed to the growth of the domestic market and to increased international trade, making Peru one of Latin America’s most attractive countries for investment, and a rising star in the region.

In addition to its ambitious entry into a series of free trade agreements with key commercial partners, such as the United States, China and other international players, Peru is continuously working towards positioning itself in the global market and obtaining a larger share of benefits from the global economy by strengthening its business ties with nations throughout the Pacific basin and further entering into a series of comprehensive and far reaching international treaties. As such, since 2011 Peru is a member of the Pacific Alliance together with leading Latin American economies (Mexico, Chile and Colombia), and has recently entered into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) along with important economies of the Pacific.

This paper briefly describes the legal framework1 that applies to any individual or entity interested in doing business in Peru. Regulations regarding foreign investment, alternative corporate structures and other relevant provisions are summarized in order to explain the legal structures available for conducting business in Peru.

It goes without saying that the most favorable structure for any business must be determined on a case-by-case basis, and therefore, this document does not aim to take the place of appropriate legal advice.