El Salvador · Retirement visa
El Salvador retirement visa for US citizens
Short answer
The main route is the Temporary residence for retirees (residente temporal pensionado). Retirees with a steady monthly pension from abroad who won't work for pay in El Salvador.
- Money needed: A pension of about $1,226 a month (3 minimum wages)
- How long it lasts: 1 year, multiple entry, renewable
- Leads to: Permanent residence after 1 year
Key facts
- Money needed
- A pension of about $1,226 a month (3 minimum wages)
- How long it lasts
- 1 year, multiple entry, renewable
- Leads to
- Permanent residence after 1 year
- Apply from
- Inside El Salvador, usually after entering as a visitor
- Processing time
- Up to 45 business days once your file is complete; real waits Not yet verified
Checked against the law Rules read in the migration law and the immigration office's form.
Still being checked The minimum-wage base, the 2020 forms and their fees, and the detailed regulation.
What you need
- Passport: copies of every used page, with the original
- Police record: from the US, apostilled and translated; a local one too after 3 months here
- Pension proof: an original certificate from the payer showing the amount
- Sworn statement: before a Salvadoran notary, on your income and that you won't work for pay
- Papers from abroad: apostille plus a full Spanish translation
- Fees: $140 for 1 year; renewal $125; permanent residence later $345
- Family: marriage and birth certificates, passports and a partner's police record
Good to know
- No paid work: except for the state or teaching; breaking this can cost $409–1,635 and your status.
- Spend 90 days a year here: and don't leave for more than 6 months in a row.
- Tax and import breaks: income from abroad is tax-free, plus duty-free household goods (up to $20,000) and a car every 5 years (up to $25,000).
Every El Salvador residency route, compared → The full El Salvador guide →
Questions people ask
How much income do I need for El Salvador's retirement visa?
A pension of about $1,226 a month (3 minimum wages)
How long does it last?
1 year, multiple entry, renewable
Does it lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Permanent residence after 1 year
Where do I apply?
Inside El Salvador, usually after entering as a visitor
How long does processing take?
Up to 45 business days once your file is complete; real waits (Not yet verified)