El Salvador e-Nomad Visa

How to Apply, Requirements & Benefits

This guide covers everything you need to know about the El Salvador e-Nomad Visa: how it works, who’s eligible, required documents, application steps, fees, processing times, and more. You’ll also learn about physical-presence requirements, paths to permanent residence or citizenship, the benefits of working remotely from El Salvador, tax implications, alternative visa options, other countries’ digital nomad visas, and an author bio.

How Does the El Salvador e-Nomad Visa Work?

The El Salvador e-Nomad Visa was launched in 2023 to attract remote professionals by offering an initial 12‑month legal residence permit, renewable for one or two additional years. It allows multiple entries and exits throughout its validity period. Renewal applications can be submitted before the current visa expires, ensuring continuous stay without leaving the country.

Who Is Eligible for the El Salvador e-Nomad Visa?

Remote workers of any nationality may apply, as long as they:

• Have an employment contract or client engagement with companies located outside El Salvador

• Earn a steady monthly income

• Are not subject to immigration bans or other exclusions

Both full‑time employees, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and students with verifiable remote income are welcome. There are no restrictions based on your home country.

Requirements for the El Salvador e-Nomad Visa

To qualify, you must prepare and submit:

• Valid Passport: Must remain valid at least six months beyond your visa’s end date.

• Proof of Remote Work: Contract or correspondence showing employment or clients outside El Salvador.

• Income Statement: Evidence of a minimum net monthly income of USD 1,460 (higher if applying with family).

• Criminal Background Check: Clean record from all countries you’ve lived in over the past two years.

• International Health Insurance: Coverage valid for the entire duration of your stay.

How to Apply for the El Salvador e-Nomad Visa

You can apply via:

1. El Salvador Consulate/Embassy

   Book an appointment at the nearest consulate, submit your documents in person, and pay the consular fee.

2. e-Visa Portal

   For your El Salvador e-visa application, visit the Migración y Soluciones website: https://www.evisaelsalvador.com

   
   

Visa Fees

• Standard e‑Visa: USD 100

• Express Processing: USD 59.90 (24‑hour turnaround)

• Consular Fees: Approximately USD 70–140, depending on region and local rates

Processing Time

• Standard e‑Visa: 5–9 business days

• Express e‑Visa: 24 business hours

• Consular Applications: Usually 15 days to 2 months (varies with local holidays and consulate workload)

Physical Presence Requirements & Special Advantages

• Maximum Absence: You must not spend more than six months outside El Salvador in any single calendar year.

• Multiple Entries: Travel freely in and out of the country.

• Easy Renewal: Extend your stay in increments of 6–12 months with a straightforward renewal process.

Can the Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?

Yes. Digital nomads initially receive a one‑year visa and may renew for up to two additional years. To transition to full permanent residence, applicants typically need:

• Spanish proficiency (at least B1 level)

• Demonstrable integration into Salvadoran life

• A stable local residence contract

Alternatively, you can change status by marriage to a Salvadoran citizen, securing a local work permit, or enrolling in language courses to maintain legal residency.

Does the Visa Offer a Path to Citizenship?

Ultimately, after holding permanent residence for the required period and meeting naturalization criteria (including language ability, residency duration, and civic knowledge), you may apply for Salvadoran citizenship.

Benefits of Working as an e-Nomad in El Salvador

• Low Cost of Living: Roughly 40%–50% cheaper than in the U.S.

• Ideal Climate & Location: Year‑round warm weather, Pacific beaches, and easy access to Central America and the Caribbean.

• Good Internet Speeds: Average download speeds around 45–50 Mbps.

• Surf & Outdoor Lifestyle: World‑renowned breaks like Playa El Tunco and Punta Roca.

• Cafés & Coworking: Growing number of laptop‑friendly cafés and coworking venues in San Salvador.

• Healthcare: Public hospitals have limited resources, but private clinics offer quality care—international health insurance is recommended.

Tax Implications for e-Nomads

El Salvador only taxes locally sourced income; remote earnings are tax‑exempt. However, you’ll still contribute to the economy through consumption taxes on goods, accommodation, and services.

Other Visa Options in El Salvador

• Tourist Card: Up to 90 days, USD 12 fee

• Temporary Residence Visas: Based on work contracts, investment, or family reunification

• Rentista Visa: For foreigners demonstrating stable passive income

Other Popular Digital Nomad Visa

Explore digital nomad visa programs in other region:

• Albania Digital Nomad Visa