Pensionado Temporary Residence (Retiree)

Overview

This is El Salvador's pensionado (retiree) temporary residence, granted by the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria (DGME) to foreign nationals who receive a pension or retirement income certified by the paying institution abroad. 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 a US pension is received and spent in the same currency with no exchange-rate risk. Applications are made by presenting the corresponding DGME form and documents, including proof of the pension.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm your pension is certified by the paying institution abroad and meets any required level, using the official DGME page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Obtain the apostilled or legalised pension certificate, the DGME form, your passport and apostilled criminal-record certificate.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Present the corresponding pensionado form and documents to the DGME following the official requirements.

4. 04

   After approval

   Collect your residence card and keep your pension current, renewing before expiry while building toward permanent residence.

Also explored by

Compare Republic of El Salvador with

• 🇨🇷 Republic of Costa Rica
• 🇵🇦 Republic of Panama
• 🇧🇿 Belize

Related routes

• Rentista Temporary Residence (Stable Foreign Income)

  For people with steady foreign income: this temporary residence lets you live in El Salvador on stable income from abroad, declaring that you will not take paid work 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.