Salvadoran Citizenship and Naturalisation
Routes to nationality
| Who | Residence needed | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Central Americans by origin | 1 year of definitive residence | Nationality by birth; fee $150 |
| People of Spanish or Spanish-American origin | 1 year of definitive residence | Naturalisation |
| Spouse of a Salvadoran | 2 years, temporary and definitive combined | Naturalisation |
| Any other foreigner | 5 years, temporary and definitive combined | Naturalisation |
| Refugees and stateless people | As set by the Migration Law | Naturalisation |
| Investors and donors in government programmes | Special DGME procedure | Naturalisation |
Source: Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); DGME: nationality and naturalisation procedures, forms F38 to F41; Jurisprudencia: Decree 918 amending the Migration Law, published January 20241,2,3
Applying with form F39
- Birth certificate, apostilled or authenticated and translated into Spanish.
- Passport and permanent residence card.
- Clean record certificate (solvencia) from the National Civil Police and a Salvadoran criminal record certificate.
- For spouses, the marriage certificate and the Salvadoran spouse’s documents.
- A certificate from your country’s embassy confirming that it accepts dual nationality, if you keep your nationality.
Source: Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); DGME: nationality and naturalisation procedures, forms F38 to F411,2
The DGME states a maximum response time of 9 months. The Minister of Justice and Public Security grants or refuses nationality.1,2
Children and dual nationality
- A child of a Salvadoran mother or father has the right to Salvadoran nationality, and to dual nationality, without residence.
- Since March 2026, children under 18 born abroad before their parents’ naturalisation are considered Salvadoran at the parents’ request, and confirm it when they turn 18.
Source: DGME: frequently asked questions on foreigners; Jurisprudencia: Decree 531 of 2026 amending the Migration Law4,5
Losing naturalised nationality
Under a March 2026 reform, naturalised Salvadorans lose their nationality if they live more than 2 consecutive years in their country of origin, more than 5 consecutive years abroad without a permit, or are finally convicted of serious intentional crimes. It cannot then be recovered. A permit to stay abroad without losing nationality costs $100.1,5
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a foreigner become a Salvadoran citizen?
Foreigners can apply for nationality by naturalisation after 5 years of residence, counting temporary and definitive residence. Spouses of Salvadorans can apply after 2 years.
Does El Salvador allow dual nationality?
Yes. The law allows dual nationality where the other country accepts it.
How much does naturalisation cost?
The DGME fee for nationality by naturalisation is $700.
Sources
- Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)
- DGME: nationality and naturalisation procedures, forms F38 to F41 (in Spanish)
- Jurisprudencia: Decree 918 amending the Migration Law, published January 2024 (in Spanish)
- DGME: frequently asked questions on foreigners (in Spanish)
- Jurisprudencia: Decree 531 of 2026 amending the Migration Law (in Spanish)
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.