The Migration Office (DGME): Offices, Forms and Contacts
Branches and opening hours
| Branch | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Centro de Gobierno, San Salvador | 9ª Calle Poniente and final 15 Avenida Norte, Centro de Gobierno | Mon–Fri 8:00–4:00 |
| Masferrer, San Salvador | Final Paseo General Escalón and Avenida Masferrer #5019 | Mon–Fri 7:30–3:30 |
| Cascadas, Antiguo Cuscatlán | Mall Cascadas, 2nd level, units 217 and 218 | Mon–Fri 8:00–4:00; Sat 8:00–12:00 |
| Plaza Mundo, Soyapango | Centro Comercial Plaza Mundo, ground floor, next to the ISSS | Mon–Fri 8:00–4:00 |
| Pasatiempo, Lourdes Colón | Centro Comercial Pasatiempo, unit 19 B, km 25.5 road to Santa Ana | Mon–Fri 8:00–4:00 |
| Las Ramblas, Santa Ana | Autopista a San Salvador and road to Chalchuapa, units 42 to 45 | Mon–Fri 7:30–3:30 |
| San Miguel | Centro Comercial La Plaza, Avenida Roosevelt | Mon–Fri 7:30–3:30 |
| Usulután | 2ª Calle Poniente, Edificio Esmahan, near the central park | Mon–Fri 7:30–3:30 |
Source: DGME: branch opening hours1
Saturday service at Cascadas is first come, first served. The Gerencia de Extranjería, which handles residence files, is at the Masferrer address.1,2
Contacts
- Call centre: +503 2535-6212.
- WhatsApp: +503 7070-0663.
- Email: atencion.usuarios@migracion.gob.sv.
- Tourist extensions: visas@migracion.gob.sv.
- Head office: 9ª Calle Poniente and final 15 Avenida Norte, Centro de Gobierno, San Salvador.
Source: DGME: administrative office hours; DGME: contact; DGME: extension of stay for tourists2,3,5
Forms
| Forms | What they cover |
|---|---|
| F1 to F16 | Transitory and temporary residence, by category |
| F17 to F31 | Extensions of temporary residence |
| F32 to F36 | Definitive residence, by category |
| F37 | Renewal of definitive residence |
| F38 to F41 | Nationality, naturalisation, renunciation and recovery |
| F44 to F54 | Tourist extensions, visas, frequent-traveller cards and exit stamps |
Source: DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31; DGME: definitive residence procedures and forms F32 to F37; DGME: nationality and naturalisation procedures, forms F38 to F41; DGME: visas and extensions, forms F44 to F546,7,8,9
Residence forms state a maximum response time of 45 working days once the file is complete. Payment orders are not refunded if an application is refused.6
Your duties as a resident
- Report a change of nationality, family status or address within 5 working days.
- Apply to extend temporary residence or renew definitive residence 30 calendar days before it expires.
- Employers must tell the DGME within 8 working days when a foreign employee stops working for them.
- Working without a permit is a serious infringement; studying without a permit is a minor one.
- To replace a lost or stolen card, file a report with the National Civil Police or the Attorney General’s Office first, then apply with your passport.
Source: DGME: frequently asked questions on foreigners4
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I apply for residence in El Salvador?
Residence files go to the DGME Gerencia de Extranjería, at Final Paseo General Escalón and Avenida Masferrer #5019 in San Salvador, open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
How can I contact the DGME?
The DGME call centre is +503 2535-6212 and WhatsApp +503 7070-0663.
When should I renew my residence?
Apply to renew your residence at least 30 days before it expires.
Sources
- DGME: branch opening hours (in Spanish)
- DGME: administrative office hours (in Spanish)
- DGME: contact (in Spanish)
- DGME: frequently asked questions on foreigners (in Spanish)
- DGME: extension of stay for tourists (in Spanish)
- DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31 (in Spanish)
- DGME: definitive residence procedures and forms F32 to F37 (in Spanish)
- DGME: nationality and naturalisation procedures, forms F38 to F41 (in Spanish)
- DGME: visas and extensions, forms F44 to F54 (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.