Working in Peru means career progression on a gentle cost of living, in a country that's worth seeing on your days off, from the Andes to the Amazon. The economy is in solid shape and has steadily grown for years, and expats can find openings across several industries.
Lima, Peru's capital, is the country's business centre and home to the largest expat community. There's work beyond the capital too, especially in tourism around smaller towns and rural areas.
Every foreigner working in Peru needs the right work permit. Anyone arriving on a corporate relocation will usually have one sorted by their employer.
Job market in Peru
In Peru's job market, mining is the biggest draw for foreign firms and the workers who come with them. Peru is one of the world's top copper producers and a major source of gold, silver, and other metals. There's also work to be found in agriculture, fishing, oil and gas, and manufacturing. A lot of foreigners find jobs in tourism or teaching English.
It isn’t always easy to land a job at a Peruvian company. Local candidates usually come first, and the law is strict about hiring foreigners. Peruvian companies can’t bring in foreigners for more than 20 percent of their headcount, and they can't spend more than 30 percent of the payroll on foreign salaries. Companies can apply for exemptions when they need a specialist or senior manager that local candidates can't provide, which is why most expats end up at foreign-owned firms or arrive on a corporate transfer.
Some expats pick up part-time work or teach English at language institutes and universities. Demand for English teachers is on the rise in Lima, where locals want the language for business or to give their children a leg up.
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Finding a job in Peru
You'll often get further finding a job in Peru through who you know than through cold applications. Personal networks and word of mouth still matter here, so let your contacts know you're looking and build relationships once you're on the ground.
If you're still abroad, the internet is the place to start. Computrabajo is the country's largest job board, and a solid LinkedIn profile is nearly essential for professional roles. You can turn up leads through expat groups on social media too. Pick out a few companies you'd like to work for and keep an eye on their careers pages.
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Work culture in Peru
Peruvians put personal relationships at the heart of work culture in Peru. They prefer to do business with people they know and trust, so expect some small talk and rapport-building before anyone gets down to brass tacks. Family matters too, and work rarely cuts into family time.
Peruvians keep a relaxed attitude toward time, and meetings often start late. You'll still be expected to show up on schedule, especially with senior colleagues. The workplace tends to be hierarchical, so senior managers make most of the calls, although they'll usually hear others out first. Respect is typically given based on age, status, education, and title.
Communication is indirect, and most Peruvians would rather sidestep conflict than meet it head-on. A soft 'maybe' or 'we'll see' often means no. Spanish is the official and business language, and English is limited outside international firms and professional circles in the big cities. A bit of Spanish will help you land a job and settle in.