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Is El Salvador Citizenship By Investment Coming?

As a Central American country, El Salvador is becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors, thanks to its economic growth and stability contracts.
El Salvador has drawn the attention of the world by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin, a digital currency, as legal tender. This move signifies the country’s readiness to embrace the future of finance and attract crypto investors.

Furthermore, the Salvadoran government is in the process of developing a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, eyeing the success of such programs in Caribbean countries and beyond.

El Salvador - The Bitcoin city and beyond

El Salvador is not just any Central American country. It’s home to the world’s first « Bitcoin City, » located near a volcano, whose geothermal activity will be harnessed to mine bitcoins. The city plans to issue so-called Volcano bonds under its own securities laws to fund this groundbreaking project.

While the government is yet to roll out the official CBI program, it has already started taking bitcoins in exchange for investments in real estate and other capital-intensive sectors. This allows a person to acquire temporary or permanent residence, with the potential for Salvadoran citizenship in the future.

Navigating the path to Salvadoran citizenship

At JH Marlin, we understand the importance of having a trusted partner to guide you through the complexities of immigration laws and procedures. As the Salvadoran government works towards establishing its Citizenship by Investment program, we monitor developments and advise you on qualifying investment opportunities, whether they involve business investments, real estate, or direct investment in government initiatives like Bitcoin City.

Our expert team will provide guidance on everything from fulfilling the minimum investment requirement to understanding the implications of dual citizenship. We are committed to keeping you informed about the risks and benefits of your investments, ensuring your compliance with Salvadoran securities laws, and helping you navigate the visa program.

While the exact details of the CBI program are yet to be announced, acquiring Salvadoran citizenship may open up travel to CA-4 countries without additional visa requirements, provide access to a Salvadoran passport – one of the official currencies of international travel – and offer a new world of individual liberties and opportunities for economic growth.

What are the other visas available to go in El Salvador while waiting for the citizenship?

While awaiting the rollout of El Salvador's Citizenship by Investment program, there are several visa options available for individuals interested in living or spending extended time in the country. The choice of visa largely depends on the purpose and duration of your stay.

Tourist Visa

This visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days and is ideal for individuals who wish to explore the country or visit family and friends. Some nationalities are not required to obtain a visa beforehand and can receive a tourist card upon arrival.

Business Visa

If you plan to engage in business activities but not seek employment, you may be eligible for a business visa. This visa is usually valid for up to 90 days.

Temporary Resident Visa

For individuals who intend to stay in El Salvador for longer periods, a temporary resident visa might be suitable. This visa is typically granted for reasons such as work, study, or retirement. The length of stay can vary but it’s usually valid for one year and can be renewed.

Permanent Resident Visa

This visa is for individuals who intend to live in El Salvador indefinitely. It’s often granted to individuals who have been temporary residents for a certain number of years, have family ties in the country, or have made substantial investments.

Work Visa

If you have a job offer from a Salvadoran company, you may be eligible for a work visa. The company typically needs to sponsor your application.

Remember, each visa type has its own set of requirements and application procedures. At JH Marlin, we can provide guidance to help you navigate the process and select the visa option that best suits your situation and goals.

Please note that visa regulations can change and it’s always best to check with the Salvadoran embassy or consulate in your country of origin for the most up-to-date information.

Conversely, you can also choose another country that currently offers citizenship by investment such as: 
Contact us to learn more about citizenship by investment.

Why work with JH Marlin to become a St-Kitts and Nevis citizen by investment?

Choosing JH Marlin means choosing a trusted partner in your journey towards Salvadoran citizenship or residence. Our services extend beyond guiding you through the investment process. We also provide assistance with immigration authorities, ensuring that all necessary documents, from your birth certificate to any required Apostille, are correctly prepared and submitted.

As we anticipate the exciting possibilities that the future El Salvador CBI program could bring, we invite you to connect with us. We are committed to making your Salvadoran citizenship and investment aspirations a reality. 

Here are the main reasons why you should work with us while awaiting the El Salvador citizenship by investment:
  • Over the past five years we have helped hundreds of clients with different citizenship by investment programs, residency by investment programs, and offshore plans. We have a proven track record with great reviews from well known clients.
  • We are a firm with professional legal qualifications and a boots on the ground approach meaning we are physically based or have presence in the jurisdiction that you intend to do something in.
  • We also have a trusted network of global professionals with an international approach to serving our clients. Some people that assist our clients include accountants, attorneys, entrepreneurs, local agents and advisors who can help our clients achieve their desired results
  • We are experienced and efficient. We have improved and streamlined our process to make it a simpler process for clients.
Contact us today for a consultation about El Salvador citizenship by investment or other visas, and let’s explore the world of possibilities together.

Learn more about El Salvador citizenship by investment

El Salvador is located in Central America. Guatelmala borders El Salvador to the west and Honduras is another country that border El Salvador to the north east. The Pacific Ocean is located to the South.

San Salvador is the capital of El Salvador and is also the largest city.

The official language is Spanish. Many people also speak Nahutatl and Pipil which are local indigenous languages.

The currency is the US dollar. Bitcoin is also an official currency!

El Salvador has implemented several tax incentives to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth in certain sectors. 

  1. Free Trade Zones: Companies that set up operations in designated free trade zones can benefit from various tax incentives, including exemption from income tax, municipal taxes, and import/export taxes on goods and services.

  2. International Services Law: This law provides tax benefits to companies providing internationally traded services, such as call centers, software development, and logistics services. Benefits include a 100% income tax exemption for ten years.

  3. Tourism Law: This provides incentives for investments in the tourism sector, such as a 20-year income tax exemption and import duties exemption for goods and services related to the project.

  4. Renewable Energy Law: This law provides tax incentives for companies investing in renewable energy projects, including VAT and customs duty exemptions on imports of machinery, equipment, and materials, and income tax exemptions for up to 15 years.

Always consult with a tax advisor or legal expert like JH Marlin Law before making investment decisions, as tax laws and incentives can change. It’s also essential to understand the requirements to qualify for these incentives and the obligations that come with them.

El Salvador is a country that has a history of high levels of violence and crime. Travelers should take precautions where necessary. The President of the country is taking measure to try to reduce crime and make it a safe country to travel to

There are many attractions to see and things to do in El Salvador. There are many beautiful beaches, national parks to visit as well as historic sites. Ruta de las Flores, the Mayan ruins of Taxzumal, beach town of El Tunco and of course bitcoin communities.

The climate is tropical with warm temperatures throughout the year. May to October is the rainy season.

Corn, beans, rice, tortillas, ceviche and much more.

The population is over 6.5 million people.

El Salvador is a democratic republic. The current president is Nayib Bukele who was elected in 2019 and serves as both the head of state and head of government. He has tried to curb crime and attract foreign investors to the country. He has gained a lot of media attention by announcing his position on bitcoin.

El Salvador does not have a citizenship by investment program. There are discussions about implementing a citizenship by investment program. We can update you once there is progress on this.

It’s not possible to predict how the Salvadoran government will actually do the El Salvador citizenship by investment program. However, as Bitcoin is now an official currency of the country, thus making an investment using this cryptocurrency appears possible.