Application Process | El Salvador Residence Program

Application process

Step 1: Client contacts Henley & Partners

Reach out to Henley & Partners to begin your application. Henley & Partners is one of only two agents officially endorsed and appointed by the Government of El Salvador to process applications for this program. Our advisors will conduct an initial consultation to assess your eligibility and answer your questions.

Step 2: Initial due diligence checks completed

Henley & Partners conducts preliminary due diligence checks to verify your documentation and ensure you meet the program requirements.

Step 3: Client agreement signed and retainer paid

Sign the client agreement with Henley & Partners and pay the retainer to formally begin your application process.

Step 4: Due diligence checks completed and application prepared

Comprehensive due diligence checks are finalized and your complete application is prepared for submission to the Government of El Salvador.

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Step 5: Application submitted to the government

Your application is officially submitted to the Directorate of Migration for review and processing.

Step 6: Government internal checks done and application approved

The government conducts internal background checks and reviews your application. Upon approval, you will be notified to proceed with payment.

Step 7: Contribution paid by client

Make your contribution of USD 300,000 to the national development fund through the Chivo Wallet platform (payable in USD or Bitcoin).

Step 8: Permanent residence granted

Your permanent residence is issued within approximately 10 days of payment.

 

No Mandatory Visits Required

The entire application process can be completed remotely. There is no requirement to visit El Salvador to provide biometrics or complete any part of the application. Digital document submission and third-party service providers may be used throughout the process.

Maintaining Your Status

Permanent Residence

There is no minimum physical presence requirement to maintain your permanent residence status. You are not required to spend any time in El Salvador to keep your residence valid.

Citizenship Eligibility

There is no minimum physical presence requirement in El Salvador to qualify for citizenship after obtaining permanent residence. You can live anywhere in the world while maintaining your status and eligibility.

 

 

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Residence Rights

As a permanent resident, you will enjoy:

  • The right to live, work, and study in El Salvador

  • Access to free public education for your children

  • Access to free or subsidized primary healthcare

  • The ability to engage in business activities (subject to standard taxation on income earned within El Salvador)

Citizenship Rights

As a citizen of El Salvador, you will enjoy:

  • All rights of permanent residence

  • An El Salvador passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 destinations

  • The ability to pass citizenship to future generations by descent

  • The ability to pass citizenship to future spouses by marriage

  • No mandatory military service

  • No mandatory voting, jury duty, or civic responsibilities

  • Full citizenship rights that cannot be revoked except under circumstances established in the Constitution

Appeal Process

If an application is rejected, you may file a request for review within 10 days of receiving notification. If the decision is upheld, you may appeal, and the final decision will be made by the Minister within one month.