International Expansion Options in Peru: PEO vs. Company Incorporation

Expanding through a Peru Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or through company incorporation grants access to the increasingly attractive Peruvian market. The country has demonstrated positive growth for 21 consecutive years and enjoys economic stability which is key when determining risk and viability to expand into a new market.

For the year 2020, the Peruvian government has laid out a strategic public spending plan with a focus on infrastructure, transportation, education, and health. This strategy will not only impact quality of life for its citizens, but also create a more optimal environment for business creation and investment. Some aspects included in the plan are the financing of line 2 of the subway system, irrigation projects that favor agribusiness, financial management to secure stability and other areas such as education.

As logistics improve, businesses will have an easier environment to carry out their operations. Investors considering Peru as their desired market should consider the legal ways to expand their business in the country. 

International Expansion Options: Company Incorporation vs. PEO in Peru

There are two ways in which entrepreneurs can begin operations in the country: through a PEO in Peru or company incorporation.

Peru: What is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)?

A PEO, otherwise known as a proprietary company, helps businesses with their hiring needs. This organization hires local staff on behalf of a foreign parent company, through what’s called a ‘co-employment model’. When a foreign company engages with a PEO in Peru, the PEO becomes the ‘Employer of Record’, and completes administrative requirements for the company to hire local staff in Peru. 

A PEO provides localized human resource management, visa services, payroll, tax administration and compliance with local labor laws. The locally hired staff member carries out work for the foreign company, but the PEO in Peru manages all employment and social security requirements under Peruvian law for that employee.

Benefits of utilizing a Peru PEO

Utilizing a Peru PEO solution is beneficial for companies seeking to test the market or companies who are expanding with limited resources. 

Cost-effective solution for international expansion 

Since a PEO takes charge of all non-revenue generating paperwork, including drafting employment contracts, payroll, visa management, employee benefits such as insurance, bonuses, etcetera.

Entrepreneurs save on costs and time, which they can use to focus on growing their business. In addition, business owners can have peace of mind knowing they are operating in full compliance with Peruvian labor law and taxation. 

PEOs benefit from economies of scales, which means that the more employees they hire under this co-employment model, the more benefits they are able to offer them and at lower costs. In this sense, your employees will be able to get better insurance plans, bonuses and other incentives than you may not necessarily be able to offer as a smaller business

Test the market with a smaller initial investment

Utilizing a Peru PEO allows you to test the market before making large-scale investments for your international expansion. You won’t need to be physically present in the country either, which saves on travel costs. 

PEOs allow investors to begin offering their products and services, and undertake market research, before formally establishing a legal entity. 

As a consequence, if the response to your product(s) isn’t satisfactory,  you can exit the market with limited losses. On the other hand, if the response is positive, you will have the assurance that your business is profitable and can make a larger investment in your international expansion when the timing best suits you.

Peru PEO: Downsides

While utilizing a PEO in Peru can be cost-effective, it can hinder the speed of growth. At times, paperwork regarding your employees could take longer than expected because these processes are not handled directly by your business. In addition, without an established office, it can be harder to build strong brand awareness in the initial stages of your international expansion. 

Company Incorporation in Peru

Company incorporation in Peru can be a good option if it fits your business model or you have greater confidence in the market response to your product or service. Typically, multinational companies with a strong business case for expansion into Peru, and high levels of capital may prefer this option.

The main four types of legal entities in Peru are:

• The Joint Stock Company (S.A)
• Closely Held Company (S.A.C)
• Limited Liability Company (S.R.L)
• Public Held Corporation (S.A.A).

The main type of legal entity used by market entrants is S.A.C. This is because the liabilities of the associates are limited and this type of entity is constituted in a single act. Furthermore, in contrast to an S.A, it is not compulsory to form a directorate.

This type of entity requires a minimum share capital of USD152, takes around 6-8 weeks to establish once all documentation has been submitted and requires a minimum of 2 shareholders up to 20. 

Advantages of company incorporation in Peru

Speed of growth

By managing human resource paperwork directly, employment changes and transactions can be faster. You may find it easier and quicker to establish your local sales team this way.

By incorporating a company in Peru, your business is more easily recognized by local authorities, and you will have a stronger base to more easily conduct negotiations and build brand awareness.  

Long-term saving costs

Hiring employees through an incorporated company in Peru from the beginning of your international expansion can save you PEO-related fees in the long-term. As your business grows, you will need to hire more employees which would ultimately increase PEO expenses. Ideally, your company would grow to a point where you can establish your own in-house human resources capability.

Downsides

Company incorporation in Peru can have high setup costs. Costs will include leasing an office, income tax, labor tax, and other industry-specific taxes under Peruvian corporate regulations.

If your business venture doesn’t work out as planned, the market exit costs will be higher compared to having utilized a PEO in Peru first. Office lease costs, employee settlements, and liquidation proceedings and paperwork will all cost a greater amount of time and money to carry out. 

Interested in company incorporation or PEO in Peru?

As Peru implements its strategic public spending plans and business operations in the country, doing business in Peru becomes a more viable option for international expansion. 

In addition, the country’s attractive industries such as agribusiness, cannabis, mining, and fintech are still growing, giving room for more newcomers. Investors seeking to take the opportunities present in the country can do so by utilizing a Peru PEO or company incorporation.

At Biz Latin Hub we have vast experience helping entrepreneurs from all over the world enter the Peruvian market. Our team of local lawyers and accountants is ready to assist you with PEO services, company incorporation, commercial representation, visa services and more.

Contact us now and get your venture off the ground. Learn more about our team and expert authors.

Check out our video to understand why it’s so attractive to invest in Peru.