Your residency checklist, document by document.
For U.S. citizens applying via the Rentista (F8, passive income) or Pensionado (F7, retiree) tracks — the two most straightforward routes for non-workers.
Getting your El Salvador residency is surprisingly fast and straightforward.
While the full process from start to finish takes a few months, almost all of that time happens from the comfort of your home in the United States. The actual time you need to spend in El Salvador is minimal — just 7–10 days.
Valid Passport
This is the #1 document you need. Make sure yours is current.
FBI Background Check
You'll complete a standard FBI background check. This usually takes about 30 days to receive.
Apostille + Shipping to Your Attorney
Once you have the background check, it (along with any other required documents) must be apostilled. Your attorney walks you through this easy step. Then simply mail everything to your dedicated attorney in El Salvador. Shipping normally takes 7–14 days.
Your Short Trip to El Salvador
As soon as your documents arrive with your attorney, book your flight. You only need to stay in the country for 7–10 days. During this time your attorney handles all the submissions, translations, notarizations and filings with immigration. That's it — by the end of your short visit, you'll have your 1-year temporary residency approved.
What to give your attorney
Ten documents. Gather these and your attorney does the rest.
Valid U.S. passport
Original plus multiple color photocopies of all pages — especially the bio page.
Birth certificate Apostilled
A recent copy issued within 60 days, apostilled by your state's Secretary of State.
Criminal background check Apostilled
FBI Identity History Summary covering recent years, apostilled by the U.S. Dept. of State. Some cases accept state-level checks.
Proof of financial means
Rentista: ~$1,460–$1,500+/month in stable foreign-source passive income — bank statements (6–12 months), investments, rental income or trust documents. Pensionado: ~$1,100–$1,200+/month — pension award letter, Social Security statement or deposit history. Apostille where applicable.
Passport-style photos
Usually 2–4 recent photos in DGME's required size and format.
Marriage certificate If applicable
Apostilled, if bringing a spouse or dependents.
Medical / health certificate
A report from a Salvadoran-licensed doctor stating no contagious diseases — done after arrival or as part of the process.
Proof of accommodation in El Salvador
Rental contract, property deed, or hotel booking initially.
Completed DGME form
Your attorney downloads and files it: F7 for Pensionados or F8 for Rentista.
Affidavit of support / declaration
A sworn statement before a Salvadoran notary confirming your income source, no local work (Rentista), and support for dependents.
Your first three steps as a resident
Get your NIT
Register for your Salvadoran tax ID — needed for most official paperwork.
Open a local bank account
Optional but useful for bills, deposits and property transactions.
Meet the presence rule
Spend at least 90 days per year physically in El Salvador to keep your status.
Hire an attorney and get your 1-year residency within 14 days.
Paperwork, translations, notary and the DGME appointment — fully handled for you.
After 5 years of residency: citizenship
Dual citizenship is allowed — and there are three ways to speed it up.