Living in El Salvador
Americas — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
San Salvador
Currency
USD
Continent
Americas
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for El Salvador.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to El Salvador
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Visa Free | 90 days |
| United Arab Emirates | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Albania | Visa Required | — |
| Argentina | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Austria | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Australia | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Visa Required | — |
| Bangladesh | Visa Required | — |
| Belgium | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Bulgaria | Visa Free | 90 days |
Detailed visa guides for El Salvador
Monthly costs
San Salvador
Rent (center)
500 USD/mo
Groceries
300 USD/mo
Transport
40 USD/mo
Est. Monthly Total
930 USD/mo
Santa Tecla
Rent (center)
420 USD/mo
Groceries
290 USD/mo
Transport
35 USD/mo
Est. Monthly Total
830 USD/mo
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Work permits
-
Temporary Resident (Work)
Duration: 1 year, renewable
Job offer from Salvadoran employer OR investor/self-employed with proof of funds
-
Investor Residency
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable
Investment in El Salvadoran business or real estate (typically USD 100k+)
-
Freedom Visa (Bitcoin)
Duration: 5 years, path to citizenship
USD 1 million Bitcoin/USDT donation to country
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
0% – 30%
Social Security (Employee)
0.0925%
Progressive 0-30%. Employee social security: 3% ISSS (health) + 7.25% AFP (pension). El Salvador uses USD as legal tender (since 2001) and Bitcoin (since 2021). Remote foreign-source income is taxable if tax resident.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in El Salvador. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
El Salvador eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Privacy
NordVPN
Stay secure on public WiFi in El Salvador and access services from home.
Get NordVPN →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →