Republic of El Salvador · investor · Leads to settlement
Investor Temporary Residence
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the DGME sets a maximum response time for complete applications; confirm current timelines on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government processing fees apply (in US dollars); confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Generally granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; can lead to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
This is El Salvador's investor temporary residence, granted by the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (DGME) to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the country - for example in a company, business or project. Temporary residence is generally granted for up to two years and is renewable for an equal period, and it can lead toward permanent residence (residencia definitiva). El Salvador uses the US dollar, so investment amounts and returns are in dollars. You evidence the investment and the lawful origin of the funds. Applications are made by presenting the corresponding DGME form and documents. Note that this is separate from the Freedom Visa citizenship programme.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A qualifying investment is made in a company, business or project in El Salvador.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- ✓The investment is at or above any minimum set in the current rules and is documented.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- ✓The lawful origin of the invested funds can be evidenced.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the corresponding DGME investor form and documents are presented.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
Common blockers
- !The investment is below any minimum required, or cannot be properly documented.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- !The lawful origin of the invested funds cannot be evidenced.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- !Required documents are not apostilled or legalised where the rules call for it.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Documentation of the investment (e.g. company registration or investment certificate).Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- ·Proof of the capital transfer and the lawful origin of the funds.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- ·Completed DGME temporary-residence form for the investor category.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
- ·Valid passport and criminal-record certificate, legalised or apostilled where required.Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your investment type and any minimum amount qualify for investor temporary residence, using the official DGME page.
Build the evidence pack
Complete the investment, gather the investment and capital-transfer documents, the DGME form, your passport and apostilled criminal-record certificate.
Submit through the official channel
Present the corresponding investor form and documents to the DGME following the official requirements.
After approval
Collect your residence card, maintain the investment, and renew before expiry while building toward permanent residence.
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 Investor Temporary Residence route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Investor Temporary Residence.
Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (El Salvador) · verified
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Related routes
Temporary Residence with Work Authorisation
For people moving to El Salvador for a job: this is the temporary residence that comes with authorisation to work, supported by an employer in the country.
Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment)
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.
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
How is the investor residence different from the Freedom Visa?+
The investor temporary residence is a normal residence permit from the DGME for investing in a business or project, and it leads toward permanent residence over time. The Freedom Visa is a separate citizenship-by-investment programme that grants citizenship directly for a large contribution. Confirm the investor requirements on the official DGME page.
How much do I need to invest?+
You make a qualifying investment in a Salvadoran company, business or project, documented and at or above any minimum the current rules set. Because amounts can change, confirm the current requirement on the official DGME page. El Salvador uses the US dollar.
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