El Salvador is a tropical paradise where the sea meets the sky and remote working is a true art of living. Find out who is eligible for a digital nomad visa, what the income and health insurance requirements are, how to apply, and the benefits of moving to El Salvador

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In recent years, the concept of remote work has become increasingly popular, with professionals increasingly choosing to live a digital lifestyle. Among the countries that attract expats, El Salvador is a perfect destination for those who dream of living and working in an exotic location. Its rich culture, stunning beaches, affordable cost of living, and eligibility for a digital nomad visa make it an ideal place to move. This visa allows digital nomads to legally live and work in the country while enjoying the benefits of a tropical paradise.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Digital Nomad Visa in El Salvador in 2025 – from the requirements and application process to essential tips for living in the country as a remote worker.

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What is the El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live and work in El Salvador for up to 12 months, with the option to extend. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who can work remotely, meaning they do not need a local job or an employment contract with a Salvadoran company.

The permit was introduced to attract international talent and stimulate tourism, the visa offers a unique opportunity to live in a country with a low cost of living, beautiful landscapes and a vibrant culture, while continuing to receive a salary outside of El Salvador.

Who can obtain a Digital Nomad Visa for El Salvador in 2025?

To be eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa for El Salvador in 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:

- Proof of employment

You must work for a company outside of El Salvador or work as a freelancer with clients located outside the country.

- Minimum monthly income

According to art. 145 of the Law, a foreign person must have a monthly, permanent and stable income equal to or greater than four monthly minimum wages paid to a Salvadoran worker working in the trade and services sector.

Currently, the minimum monthly wage for a worker in the trade and services sector is $365. This means that you must have a monthly income of at least $1,460 to be eligible for a Salvadoran digital nomad visa.

The minimum income requirement increases to six months for digital nomads accompanied by two or more people. This means that a family of three or four people planning to move to El Salvador and live there as digital nomads must have a minimum monthly income of 6 x $365 or $2,190.

- Health Insurance

Applicants must have valid health insurance that provides reliable coverage during their stay in El Salvador.

- Criminal Record Certificate

You must prove that you have no criminal record in your home country or any country where you have resided for the past 2 years.

- Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into El Salvador.

These criteria ensure that applicants can financially support themselves while residing in El Salvador and do not pose any risk to public safety.

Physical Presence Requirements in El Salvador in 2025

According to Article 148 of the El Salvadoran Law, a rentista visa holder may not travel for six consecutive months or be abroad for more than six months in a calendar year. Failure to meet these residency requirements may result in your loss of digital nomad status in El Salvador.

How to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in El Salvador?

The process of applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in El Salvador is relatively simple. Here are the step-by-step instructions for applying:

Step 1 – Gather all the necessary documents

According to Article 110 of the Law and Articles 161 and 166 of the Regulations, when applying for a Digital Nomad Visa, you will need to provide the following documents.

- A form signed by you and your accompanying family members. For minor children, one of the parents or legal guardians signs on behalf of them.

- A copy of your valid passport for you and the accompanying participants.

- A certificate of no criminal record from your country of origin and residence for the last two years prior to your entry into El Salvador. This also applies to all accompanying participants.

- A certified copy of your marriage certificate or affidavit of common-law union, executed before a notary in El Salvador, indicating the duration of your relationship with your partner, if applicable.

- Certified copies of the birth certificates of all minor members accompanying you.

- A copy of the death certificate, if applicable.

- Proof of financial capacity.

- An original certificate from a financial institution where you receive income, as well as a copy of your employment contract, if applicable.

- A signed and certified declaration, executed before a notary in El Salvador, detailing your income and its origin, as well as a commitment that you will not engage in any remunerated activity in El Salvador.

- Proof of health insurance for you and any accompanying participants.

- Proof of travel insurance coverage for you and your accompanying participants

Step 2 – Submit your application

You can apply for a digital nomad visa to El Salvador from your home country or by visiting El Salvador on a tourist visa.

If you are applying from your home country, the first step is to make an appointment at the El Salvador embassy or consulate in your home country. The next step is to submit the application form with all the required documents. If your visa is issued outside the country, you must register with the Directorate General within five business days of entering El Salvador.

Step 3 – Pay the application fee

There is a fee for applying for a digital nomad visa.

- Rentista Visa Government Fee

1. Central American Resident – ​​$70.

2. Non-Central American Resident – ​​$140.

- Government fees for visa extension to El Salvador

1. Central American resident for one year $55.

2. Central American resident for two years $100.

3. Non-Central American resident for one year $125.

4. Non-Central American resident for two years $240.

Step 4 - Wait for confirmation

After submitting your application, the immigration service will review your documents. The visa process takes approximately 45 days. During this period, you will receive a final decision on your visa application or extension if you meet all the requirements of the program.

Step 5 - Travel to El Salvador

Once approved, you can travel to El Salvador. When you arrive, you will need to present your visa and other relevant documents at the border or immigration checkpoint. After passing the immigration check, you will be officially allowed to live and work in the country for the duration of your visa.

Duration of the El Salvador Nomad Visa

The El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa is issued for one year. The visa holder can enter and exit multiple times during the validity of the visa, provided that he or she does not violate the minimum stay requirements.

How to extend the El Salvador Digital Nomad Visa

A person with a valid Digital Nomad permit can apply for a visa extension within 30 calendar days of the visa expiration date. In addition to the standard documents provided during the visa application, the digital worker will need to apply for a visa extension for one or two years.

Benefits of a Digital Nomad Visa in El Salvador

Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa and moving to El Salvador for temporary residency has several benefits:

- Beautiful Environment

El Salvador is known for its stunning landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic volcanoes. It is a paradise for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and exploring nature.

- Low Cost of Living

The cost of living in El Salvador is significantly lower than in many Western countries. Rent, food, and transportation are affordable, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads looking to maximize their disposable income.

- No Income Tax on Overseas Earnings

One of the most attractive features of the Digital Nomad Visa in El Salvador is the exemption from paying local income tax on income earned outside the country. This makes it an attractive option for remote workers who want to avoid the double taxation of foreign income that some other countries impose.

- No import duty on household goods worth up to $20,000

- No import duty on a car worth up to $25,000

This can be done once every five years, and the visa holder can sell the vehicle to any third party with prior approval from the Ministry of Finance.

- Flexibility

The visa is initially valid for 12 months, but can be extended for another year, allowing you to stay in the country for up to 2 years if you wish. This flexibility is ideal for digital nomads who may not have long-term plans.

- Access to a thriving expat community

El Salvador is becoming an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, and the country is home to a growing expat community. There are numerous co-working spaces, cafes, and events designed for remote workers.

Living in El Salvador as a Digital Nomad

El Salvador offers a great lifestyle for digital nomads, with a combination of affordability, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. The average monthly expenses for a digital nomad in El Salvador, including rent, food, utilities, and transportation, can range from $800 to $1,500 depending on your lifestyle and location.

The country also has modern infrastructure, including high-speed internet in most urban areas, and there are plenty of cafes, co-working spaces, and rental spaces to choose from. Most digital nomads in El Salvador stay in one of the following locations:

- San Salvador: The capital offers a mix of modern amenities, cultural experiences, and co-working spaces.

- El Tunco: A small beach town popular with surfers that offers a laid-back vibe and a growing digital nomad community.

- La Libertad: Known for its coastal beauty, La Libertad has many beach destinations that are ideal for remote workers.

In addition to work, El Salvador offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Whether it’s exploring Mayan ruins, hiking through national parks, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife, there’s always something to do when you need a break from work.

In 2025, El Salvador remains a great choice for digital nomads looking to live and work in a beautiful, affordable, and dynamic environment. The Digital Nomad Visa offers a simple application process and numerous benefits, including tax exemptions and the ability to stay for up to two years. With stunning scenery, a low cost of living, and a growing community of remote workers, El Salvador offers the perfect mix of work and leisure, making it an attractive destination for remote professionals around the world.

Get advice from a migration lawyer and apply for a digital nomad visa in El Salvador without any worries.

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Recall! El Salvador is the smallest but most densely populated country in Central America. With a tropical climate, a developing economy and the use of the US dollar as currency, the country is an attractive place for expats. We have already told you how a foreigner can move to El Salvador for permanent residence in 2025.

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