Permanent Residence in El Salvador
Who can apply
| Applicant | Waiting period | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Central Americans by birth | None; can apply on regular entry | F32 |
| Spanish and Spanish-American nationals | 1 year of uninterrupted temporary residence | F32 |
| Other temporary residents | 3 years of temporary residence | F32 |
| Pensionados and rentistas | 1 year in that status | F33 |
| Spouse or partner of a Salvadoran | 1 year of uninterrupted temporary residence | F34 |
| Long regular stay | More than 7 years, with a gap of no more than 12 months in renewals | F32 |
| Diplomats and international staff | More than 5 consecutive years, giving up the special status | F32 |
| Refugees and stateless people | 2 years from the application; 1 year for Central Americans | F35 |
| Participants in government programmes | No prior temporary residence needed (2025 reform) | Programme procedure |
Source: Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); DGME: definitive residence procedures and forms F32 to F37; Jurisprudencia: Decree 286 of 2025 amending the Migration Law1,2,3
Figures checked November 2026. A guide only, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Sources for the calculator
The documents
- Application signed by you, or with the signature certified by a Salvadoran notary.
- Copies of all used pages of a valid passport.
- Criminal record from the country of origin or residence for the last 2 years, only if you apply without a previous residence.
- National Civil Police solvencia if you have been in El Salvador more than 3 months or entered more than twice in the past year.
- A notarial sworn statement on how you will pay your living costs: work, place of residence and income.
- Pensionados and rentistas show that the income still meets the minimum of the law.
Source: DGME: definitive residence procedures and forms F32 to F372
Renewal and absences
- Refrenda: the card is renewed for 1 to 4 years, applying within the 30 calendar days before it expires. Fees are $65, $120, $160 or $205 for 1 to 4 years.
- Form F37 is sent by email to precalificacion@migracion.gob.sv; a third party can file it with your authorisation.
- Late renewal brings a fine, and if you do not renew within a year after expiry you lose the right to reside.
- You can be away up to 2 years; a permit from the DGME ($100) adds up to 1 more year, and a further extension can be asked through a consulate or an attorney at least 60 days before.
- Children of permanent residents who turn 18 register on their own within 6 months.
Source: Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); DGME: renewal of definitive residence, form F37; DGME: frequently asked questions on aliens1,4,5
Programme participants since 2025
A reform in force since May 2025 lets foreigners who join programmes promoted by the central government get definitive residence without prior temporary residence, under a special DGME procedure. They are exempt from the absence limit, and the fee is $690 for up to 1 year. The reform’s recitals refer to people who support the country through donations or investment.3
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I get permanent residence in El Salvador?
Most temporary residents qualify after 3 years. Spanish and Spanish-American nationals, pensionados, rentistas and spouses of Salvadorans qualify after 1 year, and Central Americans by birth at once.
Can permanent residents work?
Yes. Definitive residence allows any lawful activity, including paid work, on equal terms with Salvadorans within the limits of the Constitution.
How long can a permanent resident be away?
Up to 2 years without losing the status, plus 1 more year with a permit.
Sources
- Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)
- DGME: definitive residence procedures and forms F32 to F37 (in Spanish)
- Jurisprudencia: Decree 286 of 2025 amending the Migration Law (in Spanish)
- DGME: renewal of definitive residence, form F37 (in Spanish)
- DGME: frequently asked questions on aliens (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.