Republic of El Salvador · citizenship by investment · Leads to settlement
Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people seeking Salvadoran citizenship through a large contribution: the Freedom Visa is a government citizenship-by-investment programme funded by a Bitcoin or USDT contribution to state development funds.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the programme describes an expedited timeline, but this is not guaranteed; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a large contribution in Bitcoin or USDT to government funds is required, plus per-family-member amounts; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Grants Salvadoran citizenship if approved; the programme describes no physical-residence requirement to maintain it. Confirm current conditions on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Freedom Visa is El Salvador's citizenship-by-investment programme, run via the official adoptingelsalvador.gob.sv platform. It grants Salvadoran citizenship to applicants who make a large contribution - in Bitcoin or the USDT stablecoin - to government development funds, with the programme described as capped at a limited number of approvals per year. Family members can usually be added for an additional contribution. We describe this factually and neutrally: this is a contribution-for-citizenship route, not an assessment of any passport's value or outcomes. Important correction: although the programme accepts a Bitcoin contribution, Bitcoin LOST legal-tender status in El Salvador in January 2025 - it is now voluntary and is no longer accepted for taxes. The country uses the US dollar as its official currency. Confirm the current contribution amount, accepted assets and conditions on the official programme page.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A large contribution is made in Bitcoin or the USDT stablecoin to government development funds.Government of El Salvador ↗
- ✓The applicant passes the programme's due-diligence and eligibility checks.Government of El Salvador ↗
- ✓The lawful origin of the contributed funds can be evidenced.Government of El Salvador ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the programme's application documents are provided.Government of El Salvador ↗
Common blockers
- !The contribution amount or accepted assets do not match the current programme terms.Government of El Salvador ↗
- !The lawful origin of the funds cannot be evidenced, or due diligence is not passed.Government of El Salvador ↗
- !Assuming Bitcoin is legal tender in El Salvador - it lost that status in January 2025 and is now voluntary.Government of El Salvador ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Proof of the qualifying Bitcoin or USDT contribution to the government funds.Government of El Salvador ↗
- ·Proof of the lawful origin of the contributed funds for due diligence.Government of El Salvador ↗
- ·Valid passport and identity documents for the applicant and any family members.Government of El Salvador ↗
- ·Criminal-record and background documents the programme requires, legalised or apostilled where needed.Government of El Salvador ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the current contribution amount, accepted assets (Bitcoin/USDT) and eligibility on the official Adopting El Salvador page.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare your passport, proof of lawful funds, and the criminal-record and background documents the programme requires.
Submit through the official channel
Apply through the official adoptingelsalvador.gob.sv platform and complete the due-diligence process.
After approval
Complete the contribution as instructed and receive citizenship; the programme describes no physical-residence requirement to maintain it.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment).
Government of El Salvador · verified
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Related routes
Investor Temporary Residence
For people investing in El Salvador: this temporary residence is for foreign investors who place a qualifying investment in a business or project in the country.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva)
For people settling in El Salvador: residencia definitiva is the permanent residence that lets you live and work without a permit - and you can be absent for up to two years without losing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador for the Freedom Visa?+
No. While the Freedom Visa accepts a contribution in Bitcoin or USDT, Bitcoin lost legal-tender status in El Salvador in January 2025 - it is now voluntary and is no longer accepted for taxes, and the country uses the US dollar. Confirm the current accepted assets and amount on the official Adopting El Salvador page.
What does the Freedom Visa actually grant?+
It is a citizenship-by-investment programme: a large Bitcoin or USDT contribution to government development funds, with due diligence, in exchange for Salvadoran citizenship if approved. We describe it factually rather than rating the passport. Confirm the current contribution, conditions and any annual cap on the official page.
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