Country Profile:

El Salvador, known as the “Land of Volcanoes,” is a captivating Central American country bordered by Honduras, Guatemala, and the Pacific Ocean. Its landscape is marked by stunning volcanoes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches.

El Salvador’s economy has historically been dominated by agriculture. However, from early 20th century on, El Salvador has reduced its dependence on coffee and embarked on diversifying its economy by opening up trade and financial links and expanding the manufacturing sector. 

The colón, the currency of El Salvador since 1892, was replaced by the United States dollar in 2001.

Capital: San Salvador

Population: 6,602,370 (2023, 109th)

Ethic Group: 86.3% Mestizo, 12.7% White

Area: 21,041 km² (148th)

Offical Language: Spanish

Currency: USD & Bitcoin

GDP per Captial: $11,717 (2023, 114th)

How To Become A Resident In EI Salvador:

El Salvador offers foreigners various long-term residency paths, including for investor visas, passive income visas(with a minimum monthly income requirement of $1,460), and digital nomad visas(with a minimum monthly income requirement of $1,460). All fees can be paid in Bitcoin. Moreover, on April 17, 2023, El Salvador introduced legislation for an innovative citizenship by investment program, though the specifics of this program remain under wraps.

Investor Visa:

The Salvadoran investor visa is issued to foreigners who establish businesses in El Salvador, make active investments, and have local sales exceeding $4,000. Typically, top executives of a business entity can qualify for this investor visa.

To apply, applicants must first schedule an appointment at the nearest Embassy of El Salvador. Then present and sign the application form with the general requirements.

The processing time is around 2 months. Required documents include: the original and a copy of the passport, proof of no criminal record from the last two years, and evidence of investment.

As El Salvador rolls out its investment citizenship initiative, there’s anticipation of substantial shifts in the investor visa framework. Word has it that a new residency by investment criterion, setting the bar at a minimum of $100,000, is on the horizon.

Retirement And Rentista Visas:

El Salvador offers a F7 retirement visa to foreign individuals receiving a monthly pension of at least $1,095. Although there’s no age ceiling for this visa, the sole source of passive income claimed should be a pension.

Moreover, El Salvador has established a F8 Rentista visa application process for foreigners with a monthly stable income surpassing $1,460.

The required documents include: the original passport and its photocopy, an application form, proof of passive income, a medical certificate, and a no-criminal record for both the main and secondary applicants from the past two years.

Both visas are valid for 1 to 2 years, with visa fees varying between $140 (for a 1-year visa) and $260 (for a 2-year visa). It can be renewed indefinitely, but visa holders are not allowed to engage in employment that would use local resources.

The application process requires in-person attendance. Initially, you must arrange an appointment at the closest Embassy of El Salvador. During your visit, you will need to present and sign the application form, along with necessary documents. Typically, it takes about 2 months to receive an approval response from El Salvador.

Digital Nomad Visa:

To qualify for El Salvador’s digital nomad visa, you’ll need a stable income of $1,460 monthly. You can also meet this requirement by holding a $60,000 deposit in a local bank. For every additional person on the application, the monthly income prerequisite goes up by $1,000. The visa lasts for two years, with the option for at least one renewal.

The necessary documents primarily include: a valid passport, proof of income, remote work verification, and a no-criminal record certification.

The visa application must be completed in-person. Applicants are required to gather all documents, fill out the application form, and attend an interview at the embassy. However, you can also have an intermediary process it for you, but the agent must be a lawyer registered in El Salvador with a valid immigration license.

The processing time for the digital nomad visa is 45 working days. The initial application fee is $2,825, and renewal fees are $450 each time. The visa duration is 1 year or two years, and it can be extended for at least another two years, allowing visa holders to stay in El Salvador for a minimum of three years.

Naturalization:

For all El Salvador residency programs, main applicants can include their spouse and children under 18 years old as dependents.

Foreign nationals who have resided in El Salvador for a full 3 years (only 1 year is required for those born in Latin America and Spain) can apply for local permanent residency.

After legally residing in El Salvador for 5 years (or 1 year after becoming a permanent resident for citizens of Latin America and Spain), and meeting other language, cultural, and no-criminal record conditions, foreign nationals can apply for a local passport.

Passport Power:

El Salvador recognizes dual citizenship. Its passport is ranked 38th globally. Passport holders can freely travel (either visa-free or with a visa upon arrival) to 136 countries and regions worldwide (as of Apr 11st, 2024).

Useful Links:

Ei Salvador Visas For Foreigners：https://rree.gob.sv/servicios/visas-para-extranjeros/

EI Salvador Residency Options：https://escapetoelsalvador.org/residency-options/