Investor Residence in El Salvador
Step by step
How to apply for investor residence in El Salvador
The steps from the ONI registration to the residence card.
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Make and register the investment
Transfer the capital and register it with the ONI of the Ministry of Economy. The ONI registration is the basis of the residence.
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Gather the documents
Collect the documents for form F4, with foreign documents apostilled or legalised and translated into Spanish.
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File form F4
File form F4 at the DGME Gerencia de Extranjería, signed by the investor or the company legal representative, with the signature certified by a Salvadoran notary.
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Pay the fee
Pay the payment order the DGME issues. It is not refunded if the residence is refused.
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Collect the residence card
The DGME states a maximum of 45 working days for a complete file; under the Investment Law the residence is due within 30 days of the ONI registration.
Two legal bases
| Investment Law Art. 11 | Migration Law Art. 109.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Foreign investors above 4,000 monthly minimum wages, and the legal representative of the local company or branch | Foreign investors who need more time than a visit allows, or apply directly |
| Key document | ONI registration of the investment | ONI registration and the company’s commercial registration (matrícula) |
| Term | Temporary residence for 1 year, renewable; definitive residence later | Up to 2 years with multiple entries, renewable |
| Work | May stay and work | May carry on the investment activity |
| Family | Covers the family | Family apply as dependants |
Source: INVEST: Investment Law of El Salvador, English translation; Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); Jurisprudencia: Regulations of the Special Migration and Aliens Law, Executive Decree 35 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)1,2,3
The DGME uses form F4 for both. Its instructions name presidents, board members, legal representatives and shareholders of a Salvadoran company, and owners or general managers of a company with an active investment, and they cite Article 11 and the 4,000 minimum wages.5
Step by step
- Make and register the investment. Transfer the capital and register it with the ONI of the Ministry of Economy. The ONI registration is the basis of the residence.
- Gather the documents listed below, with foreign documents apostilled or legalised and translated into Spanish.
- File form F4 at the DGME Gerencia de Extranjería. The application is signed by the investor or the company’s legal representative, with the signature certified by a Salvadoran notary.
- Pay the payment order that the DGME issues. It is not refunded if the residence is refused.
- Collect the residence card. The DGME states a maximum of 45 working days when the file is complete; under the Investment Law the residence is due within 30 days of the ONI registration.
Source: INVEST: Investment Law of El Salvador, English translation; DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31, form F4 for investors1,5
Documents for form F4
- Application signed by the investor or the legal representative, signature certified by a notary.
- Copy of every used page of a valid passport, with the original to compare.
- Police or criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence for the last 2 years.
- National Civil Police clean record (solvencia) if you have been in the country more than 3 months or entered more than twice in the past year.
- Notarised copy of the ONI registration of the foreign capital.
- Notarised copy of the company’s commercial registration (matrícula), if a company has been formed.
Source: DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31, form F4 for investors5
Renewal and cancellation
- Ask for the extension within the 30 days before the card expires. Temporary residence can be extended up to a total of 5 years.
- For the renewal, investors add notarised copies of the commercial registration, an updated ONI registration and proof that the company paid income tax for the last year.
- The investor residence can be cancelled if the ONI registration of the investment is revoked.
- Since 31 March 2026 a temporary resident must spend at least 90 days a year in El Salvador.
Source: INVEST: Investment Law of El Salvador, English translation; Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); Jurisprudencia: Regulations of the Special Migration and Aliens Law, Executive Decree 35 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); Jurisprudencia: Decree 531 of 2026 amending the Migration Law1,2,3,6
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Salvador have an investor visa?
El Salvador grants investor residence rather than a separate investor visa. Under Article 11 of the Investment Law, an investment above 4,000 monthly minimum wages gives the right to investor residence, to stay and work in El Salvador.
How much must I invest for investor residence?
Above 4,000 monthly minimum wages, about $1,635,200 at the 2025 wage of $408.80. The Migration Law also has an investor category of up to 2 years for investors with an ONI registration.
Does investor residence cover the family?
Yes. Investor residence under the Investment Law is granted for 1 year, renewable, and covers the family.
Sources
- INVEST: Investment Law of El Salvador, English translation (PDF)
- Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)
- Jurisprudencia: Regulations of the Special Migration and Aliens Law, Executive Decree 35 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)
- Executive Decree 11 of 2025: minimum wages from 1 June 2025 (PDF, in Spanish)
- DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31, form F4 for investors (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.