Security Guard Services in Peru

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Peru

Peru regulates private security through Legislative Decree No. 1213, in force since January 15, 2023, and its Regulations approved by Supreme Decree No. 005-2023-IN. SUCAMEC authorizes both companies and security personnel; personnel authorization is requested by an authorized employer and is evidenced by a SUCAMEC card.

Regulator: National Superintendency for the Control of Security Services, Arms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civilian Use (Superintendencia Nacional de Control de Servicios de Seguridad, Armas, Municiones y Explosivos de Uso Civil, SUCAMEC). Applicable rules: Legislative Decree No. 1213, which regulates private security services, in force since January 15, 2023 under Law No. 31615; Regulations approved by Supreme Decree No. 005-2023-IN (El Peruano, May 12, 2023); firearms under Law No. 30299. gob.pe

Requirements for Security Personnel

• Be of legal age (Art. 57.a, DS 005-2023-IN)
• Hold a National Identity Document (DNI); foreign nationals need a valid foreigner’s identity card (Carné de Extranjería) with an immigration status that permits work (Art. 57.b)
• Completed secondary education at a minimum (Art. 57.c)
• No criminal, judicial or police record for intentional offenses, except illegal marriage or failure to provide family support (Art. 57.d)
• Physical and mental fitness for the service, verified by the hiring company (Art. 57.e), with a health certificate issued by a health care provider (IPRESS) registered with SUSALUD (Art. 61.1.d)
• Not having been retired from the Armed Forces or the National Police as a disciplinary measure (Art. 57.f)
• Be registered with SUCAMEC with current training (basic, advanced or specialized), delivered by a SUCAMEC-authorized training center (CEFOESP) or by a company’s training department (Art. 57.g)
• Not be an active member of the Armed Forces or the National Police, and hold a firearms use license when the service requires it (Art. 24 of DL 1213, according to Superintendency Resolution 00362-2023-SUCAMEC)

Application Steps

1. Complete security training at a SUCAMEC-authorized training center (CEFOESP) or in the employer’s training department
2. Be hired by a company with a current SUCAMEC authorization
3. The employer submits the application form signed by its legal representative, with proof of payment of the fee at Banco de la Nación or another authorized bank (Art. 61.1.a)
4. Submit a color digital photograph with a white background, a sworn statement on education and on retirement status from the Armed Forces or the National Police, and a physical and mental health certificate (Art. 61.1.b to d)
5. SUCAMEC evaluates and decides within 15 business days; if no decision is issued, the application is deemed denied (negative administrative silence) (Art. 61.2)
6. SUCAMEC issues the identity card, which must be carried while on duty and must match the authorized service type and the current employer (Arts. 56.2 and 59.1)

Company Authorization

Companies require an operating authorization from SUCAMEC granted by resolution (Art. 7.2). It is non-transferable and valid for five years for legal entities (two years for individuals), renewable at the holder’s request (Art. 7.4). The authorization is national in scope, except for private guarding, which is authorized by department (Art. 7.3).

Companies that provide private guarding, personal protection, custody of controlled goods or transport of cash and valuables, as well as those that provide services with firearms, must meet minimum infrastructure conditions (Art. 10.1). Event security is provided without firearms (Art. 32.1). A company authorized without firearms must request a modification of its authorization to use them in private guarding or personal protection (Art. 51.1). Armed personnel must not carry the weapon in hand, except in the transport of cash and valuables (Art. 60.c).

Security personnel authorization is valid for three years from issue (Art. 56.2). Renewal must be requested at least 15 business days before expiration, with the application form, the photograph and the health certificate, and SUCAMEC decides within 15 business days (Art. 62). Authorizations and registrations for individual security services (SISPA, SISPE) are valid for two years and are renewable (Arts. 7.5 and 41.2).

Sources

• Supreme Decree No. 005-2023-IN, Regulations of Legislative Decree No. 1213 (El Peruano text, LP Derecho copy)
• El Peruano: Superintendency Resolution No. 00362-2023-SUCAMEC (temporary personnel registry; entry into force of DL 1213; DL 1213 Art. 24 requirements)
• SUCAMEC on gob.pe

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.