Closed Corporation (SAC)
Sociedad Anónima Cerrada
Company formation in Peru
The SAC is best suited for: SMEs and startups entering the Peruvian market, Foreign investors seeking a standard corporate vehicle, Mining and natural resource companies, Agricultural exporters targeting international markets, Companies serving the Andean region from Lima. Peru levies a 29.5% corporate income tax on worldwide income for resident companies. Non-resident companies are taxed only on Peruvian-source income at 29.5%. IGV (Impuesto General a las Ventas) is the Peruvian VAT at 18% (16% IGV + 2% IPM municipal promotion tax). Dividends distributed to non-residents are subject to 5% withholding tax. Royalties and technical service fees paid to non-residents are subject to 30% withholding tax. Special Economic Zones (CETICOS in Tacna, Ilo, Matarani, and Paita) offer income tax and customs duty exemptions for qualifying industrial operations. Small and micro enterprises (MYPES) benefit from simplified labour and tax regimes.
- SMEs and startups entering the Peruvian market
- Foreign investors seeking a standard corporate vehicle
- Mining and natural resource companies
- Agricultural exporters targeting international markets
- Companies serving the Andean region from Lima
Key Facts
Step-by-Step Formation Process
Reserve the company name at SUNARP
Submit a name reservation request to the Superintendencia Nacional de los Registros Públicos (SUNARP). The registry checks for name conflicts and reserves the name for 30 days. This can be done online through the SUNARP portal.
Prepare and notarise the articles of incorporation
A Peruvian notary public (notario) drafts and notarises the articles of incorporation (minuta de constitución), which includes the company bylaws, shareholder details, capital structure, and management provisions. The articles must be signed by all founding shareholders before the notary.
Register with the Public Registry (SUNARP)
The notary submits the incorporation deed (escritura pública) to SUNARP for registration. Once registered, the company receives its legal entity number (RUC number is obtained separately). The registration creates the company as a legal entity.
Obtain the RUC number from SUNAT
Register with the Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria (SUNAT) to obtain the Registro Único del Contribuyente (RUC) tax identification number. Register for income tax, IGV (VAT), and payroll obligations. This can be done in person at a SUNAT office or online.
Open a corporate bank account
Apply at a Peruvian bank such as BCP (Banco de Crédito del Perú), BBVA Perú, Interbank, or Scotiabank Perú. Bring the SUNARP registration extract, RUC certificate, director identification, and proof of business activity. In-person presence of at least one authorised signatory is required.
Required Documents
- Passport or national ID of all shareholders and directors
- SUNARP name reservation confirmation
- Notarised articles of incorporation (minuta de constitución)
- Power of attorney (if registering through a representative)
- Proof of registered office address in Peru
Cost Overview
Tax Treatment
Peru levies a 29.5% corporate income tax on worldwide income for resident companies. Non-resident companies are taxed only on Peruvian-source income at 29.5%. IGV (Impuesto General a las Ventas) is the Peruvian VAT at 18% (16% IGV + 2% IPM municipal promotion tax). Dividends distributed to non-residents are subject to 5% withholding tax. Royalties and technical service fees paid to non-residents are subject to 30% withholding tax. Special Economic Zones (CETICOS in Tacna, Ilo, Matarani, and Paita) offer income tax and customs duty exemptions for qualifying industrial operations. Small and micro enterprises (MYPES) benefit from simplified labour and tax regimes.
Pros & Cons
- One of South America's most consistent economic growth stories over the past decade
- Free trade agreements with the US, EU, China, Japan, and others provide wide market access
- No minimum capital requirement for SAC formation
- Member of the Pacific Alliance and CPTPP — strong trade integration
- 100% foreign ownership permitted without restrictions
- Lima serves as a natural logistics and commercial hub for the Andean region
- Competitive labour costs compared to Chile and Colombia
- Political instability — multiple presidential changes in recent years
- Bureaucratic processes can be slow, particularly at SUNARP
- Notary requirement adds cost to formation
- Banking onboarding for foreign-owned entities can be thorough and time-consuming
- 29.5% corporate tax rate is mid-range for the region
- Infrastructure gaps outside Lima can affect logistics operations
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Get StartedThis content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.