Residency requirements

If you are a foreigner considering residing in El Salvador, you will find a country full of opportunities and natural beauty. The residency process is simple, with clear requirements. Don’t wait any longer to start your new life in El Salvador! Click here for more information on the official migration website.

Stay for less than 3 months

Stay for more than 3 months

Permanent residence

This is used for tourist purposes, emergencies, medical check-ups, or family visits. Only a passport with at least 6 months of validity is required, as well as the processing of a Special Entry Permit (PEI) equivalent to a tourist visa, according to your country of origin.

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This is used to request a stay permit or some type of available visa (tourism, investment, consular, or temporary residence) that allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days. This authorization has a maximum duration of 1 to 2 years, and in some cases it can be extended to 5 years.

General requirements and steps for visa application

Passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Copies of previous visas issued in El Salvador, if applicable.
Passport-style photographs.
Visa application form.
Document that supports the immigrant's accommodation.
Medical insurance plan and certificates of the immigrant's health status.
Guarantee of absence of criminal records endorsed by the country of origin.
If it is a trip with a return date, you must present the confirmed return flight date from the airline.
If you have been hired by a Salvadoran company, you must attach the employment contract with the corresponding legal validity.
Bank statement with movements that affirm the economic stability to cover your stay in the country.
Marital status of the foreigner applying for the visa.

Next steps

Schedule an appointment at the nearest Embassy of El Salvador or you can process the application online or by mail if there is no embassy in your country.
Present and sign the application form with the general requirements.
Wait a maximum of 2 months to receive the approval response from El Salvador.

To obtain permanent residency in El Salvador, immigrants are classified into 3 categories:

Central Americans. They can apply for their residence directly in San Salvador.
Latin Americans and Spaniards. They will have to wait one year after the approval of their long-term visa before starting the residency process.
Rest of foreigners. They will be able to access permanent residence starting with the third renewal of their temporary permit.

For more information, please consult the official website of the DGME.

Residency requirements

This is used for tourist purposes, emergencies, medical check-ups, or family visits. Only a passport with at least 6 months of validity is required, as well as the processing of a Special Entry Permit (PEI) equivalent to a tourist visa, according to your country of origin.

This is used to request a stay permit or some type of available visa (tourism, investment, consular, or temporary residence) that allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days. This authorization has a maximum duration of 1 to 2 years, and in some cases it can be extended to 5 years.

General requirements and steps for visa application

Next steps

To obtain permanent residency in El Salvador, immigrants are classified into 3 categories:

Central Americans. They can apply for their residence directly in San Salvador.

Latin Americans and Spaniards. They will have to wait one year after the approval of their long-term visa before starting the residency process.

Rest of foreigners. They will be able to access permanent residence starting with the third renewal of their temporary permit.