El Salvador Independent Means Visa

The El Salvador Independent Means Visa features two distinct paths of residency. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

To qualify for the El Salvador Pensioners Residence, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Pensioners Requirements:

• Monthly pension income of at least US$1,200 (three times the minimum wage in the commerce and services sector)
• Income must be permanent, stable, and designated for subsistence in the country.
• Original certification from the institution providing the income

Rentista Requirements:

• Monthly income of at least US$1,600 per month (four times the current minimum wage in the commerce and services sector) from sources outside El Salvador
• Income must be permanent, stable, and designated for subsistence in the country.

Accompanying Family Members:

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Children under parental authority
• Additional requirements include marriage or birth certificates, valid passports, and clean criminal records for spouse or partner

Documentation requirements

• Valid passport with copies of all used pages
• Police clearance certificate from the country of origin or residence during the two years before entering El Salvador
• El Salvador National Civil Police clearance if the applicant has remained in the country for more than three months or has entered the country more than two times in the last year
• Notarized declaration before a Salvadoran notary stating the source and amount of income and commitment not to undertake any remunerated activity in the country

Residence Duration and Fees:

Applicants may choose to apply for temporary residence valid for either one year or two years. The residence permit is renewable upon expiration, allowing pensioners to maintain their legal status in El Salvador continuously. Application fees are non-refundable and vary based on the applicant’s nationality and chosen duration:

• Central American nationals: $70 (one year) or $130 (two years)
• Non-Central American nationals: $140 (one year) or $260 (two years)