Teach English in Peru

Yes, you can teach English in Peru, one of the most affordable countries in South America to live and teach in. Most jobs are at language institutes, private schools and in business English, mainly in Lima, with steady demand in Cusco and Arequipa. A 120 hour TEFL certificate is the usual requirement and a degree helps. To work legally you need a work visa status arranged with your employer, not a tourist stamp.

Teaching English in Peru at a glance

Who can legally teach English in Peru?

Visiting. UK, Irish, EU, US, Canadian and Australian citizens can usually enter Peru without a visa as tourists, with the length of stay set at entry. Tourist status does not allow you to work for a Peruvian employer, and since 2021 tourist stays can no longer simply be extended.

Work status. To work legally you need a worker migratory status, usually based on an employment contract that is registered with Peru’s labour authorities, with the application handled by Migraciones, Peru’s immigration authority. Larger institutes, schools and universities are the employers most used to this process. Documents such as your degree normally need to be apostilled.

Online teaching. Teaching online to students outside Peru is different from working for a local employer. Take advice on the right status before relying on tourist entry for long periods.

Working for a Peruvian employer on tourist status is not legal, and we do not recommend it. Confirm current rules with Migraciones or the Peruvian consulate, and see our Visa Desk for updates.

How much do English teachers earn in Peru?

Pay is modest in international terms, but Peru’s low living costs mean it goes a long way. Institutes usually pay by the hour in soles, schools and universities pay monthly, and private and business lessons pay the most per hour. A full time employment contract must pay at least the minimum wage of S/1,130 a month. Many teachers add online lessons for foreign students, which typically pay around US$10 to US$25 an hour. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Peru?

Lima, home to around a third of Peru’s population, has most of the institutes, bilingual schools, universities and business clients, especially in districts such as Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco. Cusco has demand linked to tourism and hospitality, at lower pay. Arequipa, Peru’s second city, has steady institute and university demand, and Trujillo on the north coast has a growing market.

What qualifications do you need?

A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the practical minimum, alongside native or near native English. Many institutes do not insist on a degree, but schools, universities and most work visas do. Our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard requirement, and the Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course is a regulated qualification employers can verify on the Ofqual register. Some Spanish makes daily life and paperwork much easier.

What does it cost to live in Peru?

Peru is one of the cheapest countries in South America for foreign teachers. Lima’s popular districts such as Miraflores and Barranco are the most expensive, while Cusco, Arequipa and smaller cities are considerably cheaper. Markets, menú lunches and local transport are very good value. Tap water is not safe to drink, so budget for bottled or filtered water. Teachers who share a flat and add a few private or online students usually live comfortably and save something each month.

What is it like teaching in a Peruvian classroom?

Peruvian learners are typically warm, polite and keen to improve, and many adults need English for work, study abroad or tourism. Relationships matter, so a friendly, patient approach and clear boundaries, such as keeping a work phone number for students, help a great deal. Lima’s grey winter skies and Cusco’s high altitude both take a little getting used to.

Last updated: 1 October 2026. The minimum wage figure is from Peru’s Supreme Decree 006-2024-TR. Pay and living costs are approximate. Immigration rules change, so confirm current requirements with Migraciones before you travel.