Guide to El Salvador Citizenship by Investment Program in 2025

El Salvador, known for its stunning landscapes, thriving economy, and welcoming culture, has become a sought-after destination for those seeking to obtain a second citizenship. In 2025, the country is making strides in attracting foreign investment through its Citizenship by Investment program and its residency programs. This article explains the eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and opportunities available to foreign citizens considering Salvadoran citizenship by investment.

How Can You Get El Salvador Citizenship Through Investment in 2025?

The El Salvador Freedom Passport program offers fast-track citizenship in as little as 4-6 weeks for a $1 million investment or its equivalent in Bitcoin. Limited to just 1,000 people per year, this exclusive opportunity grants a Salvadoran passport and access to the country’s growing economic opportunities.

The program is part of El Salvador’s Golden Visa Passport programs, allowing foreign citizens to secure dual citizenship while benefiting from the Freedom Visa. Applicants enjoy rapid processing and the ability to reside, travel, and invest within El Salvador and other countries, offering valuable advantages for individuals seeking a new country of origin.

Discover if El Salvador citizenship by investment is right for you

El Salvador Citizenship by Investment Program: What to Expect

The CBI program allows foreign nationals to obtain Salvadoran citizenship in exchange for making a qualifying investment in the country. The minimum investment is US$1 million in Bitcoin or USDT (Tether)

Investment vehicle: El Salvador’s Freedom Visa Program
Processing Time: 6 weeks – 13 weeks
Family inclusion: ability to include spouses and dependent children in an application

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for economic citizenship of El Salvador applicant must meet the following criteria:

The main applicant must be a minimum of 18 years of age
Have no criminal record or outstanding international warrants
Make a qualifying investment of a minimum of either $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT
Satisfy government due diligence background checks
Demonstrate lawful source of funds and good character
It is important to note that the program is limited to 1,000 applicants annually.

How to Obtain El Salvador Citizenship by Investment: A Step-By-Step Guide

El Salvador’s citizenship by investment program offers a unique opportunity for investors in Latin America, especially those involved in virtual coin assets. This step-by-step guide outlines the citizenship process, from meeting investment requirements to completing the application process and loyalty oath, helping you navigate each stage toward obtaining Salvadoran citizenship with confidence.

Step 1: Provide an electronic copy of your passport
Step 2: We will prepare the initial documentation for you to complete to start the process
Step 3: We will go over all the documents that you need to complete and obtain.
Step 4: Registering your application and submitting a non-refundable application fee of US$999 in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT
Step 5: Once approved you will receive notification and then make the remaining payment of US$999,001 USD in BTC or USDT. Note there is an administrative fee of US$999 in BTC or USDT per family member in a family application.
Step 6: Receive Freedom Passport upon completion of the payment after naturalization is granted. Once the payment is received the naturalization process starts and successful applicants are eligible for a Salvadoran passport.
Step 7: Choose between different delivery methods. Either you can choose to collect your Freedom Passport visa on arrival in El Salvador or the nearest Consulate or Embassy of El Salvador. We can share with you the different options at the time when your passport is ready for collection.

Why Choose El Salvadoran Citizenship? Benefits of Salvadoran Citizenship by Investment

El Salvador is an attractive option for someone who is looking to get a fast second citizenship in a country that has a forward-thinking government that has a strategic Bitcoin reserve and uses Bitcoin and blockchain technology.

Here are some of the reasons why people are choosing El Salvador:

Bitcoin Friendly Nation: El Salvador made international headlines in 2021 when it made Bitcoin legal tender. The government is pro-Bitcoin and offers attractive residency and citizenship pathways for crypto enthusiast investors. More Bitcoiners are choosing to make El Salvador their home.

Geographic appeal: El Salvador is one of the most densely populated nations in Central America and offers a relaxed tropical lifestyle. There are volcanoes and lush vegetation. The country offers excellent surfing and has a vibrant culture.

Pathway to Citizenship: By investing in the citizenship program, eligible applicants can become citizens and obtain a Salvadoran passport with visa-free access to over 130 key destinations. This can significantly ease travel plans and increase mobility for individuals with business or personal ties across multiple countries.

Dual Citizenship: Obtaining Salvadoran citizenship allows investors to retain their original nationality, securing dual citizenship status. This flexibility is especially beneficial for individuals from countries that recognize dual nationality, such as the United States and many Latin American countries.

Access to Economic Opportunities: El Salvador is an emerging fintech hub, with growing economic development, offering numerous business and investment opportunities. Foreign nationals can benefit from the country’s economic growth and prosperous future, including its participation in the global market and access to major American nations.

No Inheritance Tax: El Salvador does not impose inheritance taxes, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to pass on their wealth to future generations. However, they do impose personal income tax so it is not a complete tax haven.

Access to Spanish Citizenship: As per Citizens of El Salvador are eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after only two years of legal residency in Spain, due to Spain’s preferential treatment for Latin American nationals, instead of the usual 10 years. This provides a valuable pathway to European Union citizenship.

Stunning Tropical Paradise: El Salvador offers a unique citizenship option in a beautiful country with a tropical climate, world-renowned surfing, and vibrant culture. Gaining citizen status lets you enjoy all aspects of life in one of South America’s most scenic nations, combining natural beauty with beach communities and exciting outdoor adventures year-round.

Why wealthy individuals are investing in a second citizenship

Is El Salvador Safe?

Yes, El Salvador is now considered one of the safer countries in Central America. Once notorious for its high violent crime rates driven largely by gang activity, the country has undergone a dramatic transformation. Under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, aggressive security measures, including the Territorial Control Plan and a state of emergency targeting organized crime, have led to a historic drop in homicide rates and a significant improvement in public safety.

Today, these efforts are reshaping El Salvador’s global image, resulting in renewed tourism, foreign investment, and everyday quality of life. Visitors and locals alike are enjoying safer streets, thriving coastal towns, and revitalized urban centers. In fact, international surveys now show Salvadorans report some of the highest perceptions of safety in the region, a stark contrast to just a few years ago.

With beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and a reputation as the surf capital of the Americas, El Salvador offers a bright future. Growing economic opportunities, new citizenship and residency programs, and the warmth of its people make it an increasingly attractive destination for investors, digital nomads, retirees, and families looking for a vibrant place to call home.

Are There Residency Options in El Salvador?

Discover the Rentista and Pensionado visa programs, perfect for individuals with a stable income. Learn how to apply for residency, the proof of income you’ll need, and how these options can provide a smooth path to long-term living in El Salvador.

1. Rentista Visa

The Rentista Visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income of at least $1,500 per month. This income can come from rental income, dividends, or other forms of regular financial returns. The amount of required income is usually based on current processing criteria and can vary depending on the applicant’s situation.

2. Pensionado Visa

For retirees, the Pensionado Visa offers a path to Salvadoran citizenship. This visa requires proof of a reliable pension or retirement income for at least $1,100 per month. Successful applicants can enjoy the benefits of Salvadoran residency while also having access to high-quality medical care and other benefits.

Alternative Routes to Salvadoran Citizenship

Explore the alternative routes to Salvadoran citizenship beyond investment. Whether through birth, descent, naturalization, or marriage, these pathways offer diverse options for individuals seeking to establish a connection with El Salvador. Learn how each route can lead to Salvadoran citizenship.

By Birth or Descent

Individuals born within El Salvador’s territory automatically acquire citizenship from the El Salvadoran government under the principle of jus soli. Alternatively, those with at least one Salvadoran parent can claim citizenship by descent, following jus sanguinis. Documentation, such as a birth certificate, is required to verify lineage.

By Naturalization

Foreign nationals can apply for Salvadoran citizenship through naturalization after five consecutive years of residency in the country.. Residents must meet additional criteria, including proficiency in Spanish, clean police records, and knowledge of Salvadoran history and culture. El Salvador recognizes dual citizenship, so applicants can retain their original nationality even after the transition from residency.

By Marriage

Foreigners married to Salvadoran citizens may be eligible for citizenship. To qualify, they must provide proof of marriage via a marriage certificate and demonstrate cohabitation and commitment to residing in El Salvador for a designated period.

Apply for El Salvador Citizenship by Investment with JH Marlin

At JH Marlin, we among the early adopters to assist clients through El Salvador’s Freedom Visa Program. Jennifer Harding-Marlin has personally spent time in El Salvador and has attended Bitcoin events and a conference in the country.

We are familiar with the El Salvador investment immigration. If you are looking for a Bitcoin-friendly country and or to obtain a cryptocurrency-friendly citizenship, then El Salvador could potentially be a solution for you.