Updated 24 January 2026
29 January 2025 • The use of cryptocurrency in El Salvador became voluntary • Source
7 December 2023 • El Salvador launched its citizenship by investment program • Source
7 September 2021 • Bitcoin became the official currency of El Salvador • Source
Changes are monitored by Anastasia Agafonova Anastasia Agafonova

El Salvador citizenship by investment

El Salvador is the first country in the world to grant citizenship by investment in cryptocurrency.

Investors obtain an El Salvador passport as a safe haven in a warm country and to enjoy greater freedom of travel.

El Salvador citizenship by investment

$1,000,000

Minimum investment

1—3 months

Obtaining period

130+ countries

Visa‑free

Investors have been able to obtain El Salvador citizenship by investment since December 2023. Applicants make a non‑refundable contribution to the Freedom Visa program account in cryptocurrency, either Bitcoin or USDT.

Each year, only 1,000 investors can acquire El Salvador citizenship under this program.

Family members are granted citizenship together with the main applicant: the application may include a spouse and minor children.

El Salvador allows dual citizenship. Foreigners are not required to renounce their first passport unless the laws of their home country demand it.

7 benefits of El Salvador citizenship by investment

Freedom of travel

Citizens of El Salvador travel visa–free to 132 countries, including the Schengen Area states and Japan.

Fast process

Investors receive a passport within as little as one month. The longest stage is Due Diligence.

Tax optimisation

The country has no property tax, capital gains tax, or tax on foreign income. The corporate tax rate is 30%, but companies in innovative technology are exempt.

Safe haven in a warm climate

In El Salvador, the weather remains almost unchanged throughout the seasons — temperatures stay around +22…25°C all year round. Snow does not fall even in the mountains.

Dual citizenship

Citizens of El Salvador may hold two or more passports, so foreigners do not need to renounce their first citizenship.

Status for the whole family

A spouse and minor children obtain citizenship together with the main applicant. After receiving a passport, the investor may also add family members.

Legalised Bitcoin

In El Salvador, Bitcoin can be used alongside the US dollar. Using cryptocurrency reduces transaction costs for international transfers.

130+ visa-free countries with El Salvador passport

Asia

Bangladesh

East Timor

Vietnam

Hong Kong

India

+13 countries

Cambodia

Laos

Macau

Malaysia

Maldives

Nepal

Philippines

Singapore

Sri Lanka

South Korea

Uzbekistan

Thailand

Japan

Americas

Argentina

Bolivia

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

+21 countries

Brazil

Guatemala

Haiti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Cuba

Colombia

Costa Rica

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Suriname

Trinidad and Tobago

Uruguay

Chile

Ecuador

Jamaica

Honduras

View all

Licensed agent

Passportivity is an authorised representative of the El Salvador Citizenship by Investment Program.

A government licence from El Salvador is proof of Passportivity’s legal team’s professionalism and a guarantee of success for your case. With us, you can be confident in transparency, legality, and security at every step on the way to your new citizenship.

Requirements to apply for El Salvador citizenship

Over 18 years old
No criminal record
Not under OFAC sanctions

In an official marriage or cohabitation

Up to 17 years old

Investment options for obtaining El Salvador citizenship

Option Non‑refundable contribution — $1,000,000
Details

The applicant transfers the investment to the program department account exclusively in cryptocurrency — Bitcoin or USDT.

This amount includes an administrative fee of $999.

The investment is allocated to the country’s economic development.

Additional costs

$999
Registration fee for each family member included in the application

Translation and notary services — individually priced

Trip for biometric submission — individually priced

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Key documents to apply for El Salvador citizenship

  • National passport or ID
  • Residence permit or second citizenship of other countries, if applicable
  • Driver’s licence
  • Birth certificate
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Utility bill
  • Selfie‑style photo
  • Proof of funds for investment
  • Child’s birth certificate, if applicable
  • Marriage certificate, if applicable

How to obtain El Salvador citizenship: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

A Passportivity compliance specialist reviews the investor’s sources of income and verifies that they are not listed under sanctions. The procedure is confidential and requires only a copy of the passport.

This check helps identify potential obstacles to obtaining citizenship and prepare for them in advance — for example, by collecting additional documents.

2.

Document preparation

Lawyers assist in preparing the documents for submission: they forward them to an accredited translator and notarise the copies.

3.

Application registration

Lawyers submit the application, and the investor pays the registration fee.

4.

Due Diligence

The General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners of El Salvador verifies whether the investor is listed under sanctions and examines the sources of the cryptocurrency.

During the process, officials may request additional documents — lawyers help the investor promptly prepare and submit them.

5.

Investment payment

The applicant transfers the investment amount to the program account, minus the registration fee.

6.

Biometric submission

The investor and their family provide biometrics by appointment at one of the centres in El Salvador, the USA, or Spain.

7.

Obtaining an El Salvador passport 🔥

Passports are issued on the same day as biometric submission.

Why choose us

1

Licensed agent

We are entitled to act on behalf of investors and operate strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Special Law on Migration and Foreigners of 25 April 2019 and its regulations.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to citizenship — guided by experts

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

Yes. El Salvador grants citizenship to investors who make a non‑refundable contribution of at least $1,000,000 to the program account in Bitcoin or USDT.

The main investment amount of $1,000,000 already includes the registration fee. Beyond that, the investor covers the services of an accredited translator and travels to one of the biometric submission centres. These costs are calculated individually.

On average, investors receive El Salvador passports within two months. The process may take longer if the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners requests additional documents.

No residency is required. Investors do not need to visit El Salvador either before or after obtaining the passport.

Foreigners become tax residents if they spend at least 200 days in El Salvador during a calendar year. Income tax is progressive from 0 to 30%, and corporate tax is set at 30%.

Investors are taxed only on income earned in El Salvador; foreign income is exempt. The country also has no property tax and no capital gains tax.

Yes. Citizens of El Salvador may hold two or more passports. Investors are not required to renounce their first passport.

The passport is valid for six years. To renew it, one must apply to the General Directorate of Immigration of El Salvador.

A family of four spends about $2,500 per month excluding rent. A single person needs about $700 for monthly expenses, according to Numbeo.

Investors do not need to learn Spanish to acquire El Salvador citizenship. However, Spanish is useful for everyday life in the country, as most locals speak little to no English outside tourist areas.

El Salvador was once known for street crime and gang activity, but over the past two years safety levels have significantly improved, and crime rates have dropped. Nevertheless, the US State Department advises travellers to move in groups and stay on main streets.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain El Salvador citizenship without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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