# Hire in Peru

Source: https://overseashire.com/hire/peru · verified 2026-10-05 · confidence medium

Large Spanish-speaking pool in Lima for customer support and software work, with a time zone close to US Eastern. Statutory extras (gratificaciones and CTS) make total cost about a third above base pay.

## Employer cost
Employer on-costs 9–37% of gross salary. Low = EsSalud health contribution only (9%, employer-paid; PwC). High is derived: EsSalud 9% + two gratificaciones (2 months' pay plus 9% extraordinary bonus = ~18.2% of annual pay) + CTS (about one month's pay a year plus a sixth of gratificaciones = ~9.7%) = ~37%; this matches the 'about 37%' general-regime figure in secondary sources. Excludes paid vacation (30 days), Life insurance after 4 years and SCTR for risk jobs, and family allowance (10% of minimum wage where applicable). Small-business regimes differ.

| Contribution | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EsSalud (health insurance) | 9% of remuneration | Employer-paid. Agricultural employers pay 6% for 2024-2028 per PwC. |
| Gratificaciones (July and December bonuses) | 1 month's pay each, plus 9% extraordinary bonus | Mandatory twice-yearly payments; roughly 18-20% of annual pay per secondary sources. |
| CTS (compensation for length of service, deposited May and Nov) | ~1 month's pay a year | Deposited to a bank account chosen by the employee. |
| SCTR (supplementary risk insurance) | varies | Required for high-risk activities (PwC mentions high-risk work insurance). |

Mandatory benefits: Two gratificaciones (July, December) with 9% bonus; CTS severance deposits (May, November); 30 calendar days' paid vacation; EsSalud health coverage; Family allowance (asignacion familiar) for employees with children; Profit sharing for larger companies (not verified)

## Rules
- Payroll: Monthly (some roles bi-weekly); gratificaciones in July and December
- Probation: Three months by default; up to 6 months for qualified staff and up to 1 year for management (general knowledge; not fetched).
- Notice and severance: No general notice period for employer dismissal; dismissal needs a just cause with a due-process hearing. Arbitrary dismissal compensation is 1.5 monthly wages per year of service, up to 12 monthly wages (general knowledge). Resignation: 30 days' notice. CTS balance is paid on exit.
- Termination: Unjustified dismissal can lead to reinstatement or compensation. Just-cause dismissal requires a written process with a chance to respond. Fixed-term contracts need a valid cause and are limited in duration.
- Working time: 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week; overtime at +25% for the first two hours and +35% after (general knowledge).
- Paid leave: 30 calendar days of paid vacation after one year (general-regime employees).
- Minimum wage: Reported at PEN 1,230 per month from 1 October 2026, rising to PEN 1,300 in H1 2027 (Supreme Decree 015-2026-TR, per a single secondary source); it was PEN 1,130 before. Needs confirmation at gob.pe / MTPE.

## Contractors
Locadores de servicios are used, but SUNAFIL applies a primacy-of-reality test and labour courts can reclassify subordinate contractors, creating liability for gratificaciones, CTS and EsSalud.

## EOR
A foreign company needs a Peruvian entity (RUC, planilla electronica) or an EOR. Deel advertises start dates in as little as 3 days in Peru.
Onboarding: EOR Deel claim: as little as 3 days; not independently verified; own entity Deel claim: LATAM entity set-up 3-12 months; Peru-specific figure not verified.

## FAQ
**What does an employee cost in Peru on top of salary?** EsSalud adds 9%. With two gratificaciones and CTS, the loaded cost in the general regime is about 37% above basic pay by our arithmetic.

**What is the minimum wage in Peru?** Sources point to PEN 1,230 from 1 October 2026 (up from PEN 1,130), with PEN 1,300 planned for H1 2027; confirm with official sources.

**How many vacation days must be given?** 30 calendar days after one year of service.

**Is a local entity required?** For direct employment yes; an EOR avoids it.

Unverified: New minimum wage PEN 1,230 / 1,300 and decree number come from one secondary source; Probation, arbitrary-dismissal compensation and overtime from general knowledge; SCTR rate; Profit-sharing rules; EOR/entity timelines are provider claims

Sources:
- https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/peru/corporate/other-taxes
- https://www.hivedesk.com/compliance/peru
- https://www.teamed.global/country-hiring-guides/peru/cost-breakdown
- https://rivermate.com/blog/minimum-wage-latin-america-2026
- https://www.deel.com/de/hiring/employees/peru/

Not legal or tax advice.