Temporary and permanent residence — pensionado, rentista, inversionista, Freedom Passport and resident ID card — overview, not legal advice.
Updated: November 2026
Tourist stay (CA-4, often ~90 days, possible F-44 extension) is not residence and usually does not allow local work. Residence categories are set in the Special Migration and Foreigners Law; applications go through DGME. After approval you typically receive a carnet de residente (foreign resident ID) — sometimes confused with the DUI used by Salvadoran citizens, but legally a residence card.
Proof of a foreign pension ≥ 3 monthly minimum wages for commerce/services. With salario mínimo comercio/servicios about USD 408.80 (from June 2025 per MTPS tariffs in secondary sources) → about USD 1,226.40/month. Verify current MTPS wage and DGME checklist.
Stable foreign income ≥ 4 minimum wages (about USD 1,635.20/month at USD 408.80); with several dependants higher multiples may apply (often 6 MW). Clarify income types with DGME.
Investment-based residence; minimums and eligible assets must be checked in primary sources (soft: exact thresholds not stated here as fixed guarantees).
Decree 286/2025 among other things enables permanent residence for foreigners who join central-government programmes (without prior temporary residence); reported fee about USD 690/year — verify DGME procedure and requirements.
Official programme at world.adoptingelsalvador.gob.sv: limited places (stated 1,000/year), application fee about USD 999 in BTC/USDT, total contribution about USD 1,000,000 in BTC or USDT; path toward naturalisation/passport after review. Payment does not guarantee approval — use the portal and DGME/consulate as primary sources.
After residence approval, the foreigner ID for banking, contracts and daily life. DUI is for Salvadoran nationals; foreigners use the residence carnet.
The carnet de residente is the everyday ID for foreign residents. Health: many newcomers use private clinics and international policies; ISSS covers contributing employees and certain affiliates — requirements on isss.gob.sv.
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.
