Kintarian Amaru wrote:4) I wish to operate my business as a sole trader (no staff, just personal healing/transformation coaching practice), what is my best business format for this?
You must employ at least 4 Peruvians. And pay them all the benefits of the law. Minimum wage, sickness pay, 13th month, holiday pay, pension contributions,...
Kintarian Amaru wrote:I have been to a law firm here who told me I do not need the $30K and can open a business, then employ myself in it and that way obtain residency. They would charge me $3,200 for the whole process: incorporation, residency and their fees all inclusive and it would take up to 3 months to complete, no trips to Lima required on my part. A good friend from the UK just did the same the Peruvian lawyer way. It cost him 4,000 Soles, 6 months and about 2 or 3 trips to Lima, one to get Interpol check up. He is now a business owner and never had to have $30K either. My lawyer told me that I would need a silent partner to go the above route, a person who already lives here, be they Peruvian or not is irrelevant. They won't have any input in the business which can be set up legally in advance but they need to be there. I still don't know why, maybe someone here can explain.
Sounds like a scam.
Paying $3200 and nothing happens or he will ''find'' problems and extra (invented) requirements requiring more money to complete the ''process''. As you easily handed over $3200, he will be assured that you will easily hand over even more money. For sure, he will tell you that the $3200 isn't refundable so as you will believe that he's really helping you and you don't want to lose your money, you will cough up even more money.
Lawyers are like loansharks and consultants. The most expensive middleman and they will most likely take you for a ride.
You can do the whole process yourself at an immigration office. The staff are helpful and will help you out without any additional costs.