Understanding Peru's Working Hours and Labor Regulations

Maximum Working Hours and Overtime Regulations in Peru

Peru's labor market operates under specific regulations managed by the Ministry of Labor, which ensures worker protections and employer compliance. For businesses expanding into Peru, understanding these standards is critical for successful operations.

Standard Working Hours Framework

The legal maximum workweek in Peru is 48 hours, typically structured as eight hours per day over six days. Many modern companies adopt a five-day schedule with nine-hour days to maintain the weekly total. Employees must receive a minimum 30-minute break after six consecutive hours of work, with Sunday designated as the mandatory weekly rest day. Flexible arrangements are permissible provided they don't exceed statutory limits.

Part-Time Employment Provisions

Part-time workers—those working fewer than four daily hours or 24 weekly hours—require written contracts. Without documented agreements, employment automatically converts to full-time indefinite arrangements.

Overtime Compensation Structure

Overtime applies to work exceeding eight daily hours or 48 weekly hours. The first two overtime hours are paid at 125% of regular rates, with subsequent hours at 135%. Night shifts (10 PM–6 AM) warrant a 35% premium. Weekend and holiday rates may be higher, though exemptions exist for managerial and on-call personnel.

Employment Contract Requirements

Peruvian labor law recognizes two primary contract types: indefinite-term and fixed-term agreements.

Indefinite-Term Contracts: These open-ended agreements require written documentation specifying job roles and conditions, continuing until mutually terminated.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Limited to five years maximum, these contracts expire automatically unless renewed. Triplicate copies must be distributed to employer, employee, and labor authorities.

Most employment relationships default to indefinite terms unless justified otherwise. Foreign workers typically receive three-year renewable contracts requiring Labor Ministry approval for visa conversion. Contracts must include:

Employer and employee details
Job title and classification
Compensation structure
Benefits (health insurance, pensions)
Work location and terms
Signatures and effective dates

Foreign employee quotas restrict hires to 20% of workforce and 30% of payroll, excluding spouses of Peruvians, visa holders, and senior staff.

Labor Union Landscape

Peru's union environment features three major organizations: the General Confederation of Peruvian Workers (CGTP), Autonomous Central Union, and Unified Union. The CGTP, established in 1968, represents over one million members across construction, education, and telecommunications sectors.

Probation Period Guidelines

Probationary periods allow mutual assessment between employers and employees. Standard probation lasts three months, extending to six months for skilled workers and one year for managerial roles.

Peru Labor Laws 2024: Working Hours, Contracts, and Employment Regulations