How to Get Residency in El Salvador as a US Citizen: Pensionado, Rentista & Spouse (2026)

The short answer, from the official sources, for the residency paths that Chapter 5 explains. Checked November 2026.

The answer (as of November 2026)

• Who needs it: US citizens who aren't Salvadoran. You apply to the immigration agency, the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). Salvadorans, including dual citizens, don't need residency.
• Pensioner (pensionado): a steady pension from abroad of at least three monthly minimum wages, $1,226.40 a month. Person of independent income (rentista): at least four, $1,635.20 a month, or six ($2,452.80) if two or more family members come with you. Neither can take paid work in El Salvador.
• Spouse or partner of a Salvadoran: temporary residency first, then permanent residency after one full year. Most temporary residents need a separate work permit to work.
• The 90-day rule: since March 2026, temporary residents must spend at least 90 days a year in El Salvador. Ask to renew in the 30 days before your card expires.
• Where every file starts: a valid passport and an apostilled criminal record check, such as the FBI's ($18).

In the book: Chapter 5

The chapter walks through the whole process:

• Which path fits your family, and why the spouse path is one of the most direct
• The order to request your documents so nothing expires before you apply
• How your US background check gets translated and certified by a notario
• What you can and can't do while your application is pending
• What our own residency file took, and what we'd do differently

Official sources

• DGME: temporary residency (in Spanish)
• DGME: permanent residency (in Spanish)
• DGME: offices and hours (in Spanish)
• Diario El Mundo: 2026 reform, temporary residents' 90 days a year (in Spanish)
• Diario El Mundo: minimum wage of $408.80 from June 1, 2025 (in Spanish)
• FBI: Identity History Summary ($18)