One-year temporary residency

Your residency checklist, document by document.

For U.S. citizens applying via the Rentista (F8, passive income) or Pensionado (F7, retiree) tracks — the two most straightforward routes for non-workers.

01 Tourist visa 02 Residency 03 Citizenship

Processing timeTypically 2–4 months through DGME

Government fees~$140–$260+ per person, plus dependents

Attorney feesTypically $1,000–$2,500+ depending on complexity

Presence rule90 days physical presence per year after approval

Two rules for every U.S. document: it must be fresh (issued within ~60 days of application) and apostilled — state documents by your state's Secretary of State, federal documents (like the FBI check) by the U.S. Department of State. Everything is then officially translated into Spanish by an approved translator in El Salvador. Your attorney handles translations, notarizations, the DGME appointment and the full submission.

Core documents

What to give your attorney

Ten documents. Gather these and your attorney does the rest.

Valid U.S. passport

Original plus multiple color photocopies of all pages — especially the bio page.

Birth certificate Apostilled

A recent copy issued within 60 days, apostilled by your state's Secretary of State.

Criminal background check Apostilled

FBI Identity History Summary covering recent years, apostilled by the U.S. Dept. of State. Some cases accept state-level checks.

Proof of financial means

Rentista: ~$1,460–$1,500+/month in stable foreign-source passive income — bank statements (6–12 months), investments, rental income or trust documents. Pensionado: ~$1,100–$1,200+/month — pension award letter, Social Security statement or deposit history. Apostille where applicable.

Passport-style photos

Usually 2–4 recent photos in DGME's required size and format.

Marriage certificate If applicable

Apostilled, if bringing a spouse or dependents.

Medical / health certificate

A report from a Salvadoran-licensed doctor stating no contagious diseases — done after arrival or as part of the process.

Proof of accommodation in El Salvador

Rental contract, property deed, or hotel booking initially.

Completed DGME form

Your attorney downloads and files it: F7 for Pensionados or F8 for Rentista.

Affidavit of support / declaration

A sworn statement before a Salvadoran notary confirming your income source, no local work (Rentista), and support for dependents.

After approval

Your first three steps as a resident

Get your NIT

Open a local bank account

Optional but useful for bills, deposits and property transactions.

Meet the presence rule

Spend at least 90 days per year physically in El Salvador to keep your status.

English & Spanish service

Hire an attorney and get your 1-year residency within 14 days.

Paperwork, translations, notary and the DGME appointment — fully handled for you.

only$1,100per applicant

Book an attorney

Next stage

After 5 years of residency: citizenship

Dual citizenship is allowed — and there are three ways to speed it up.

Citizenship guide