Citizenship by investment

Launched December 2023 — subject to official confirmation

El Salvador Citizenship by Investment

Bitcoin Adoption Leader and Fast-Track Citizenship by Investment Framework

El Salvador has positioned itself as one of the most innovative sovereign investment destinations in the world, leveraging Bitcoin adoption, dollarised monetary stability (USD) and a pro-investment regulatory environment. In December 2023 it launched its Freedom Visa, one of the most straightforward citizenship-by-investment routes in Latin America.

Why El Salvador

Why El Salvador

  • Dollarised economy (USD)

    Providing monetary stability.

  • The first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender

    No longer mandatory since 2025 under its IMF agreement.

  • Rapid regulatory modernisation and pro-investor policies

  • Strategic geographic position in Central America

  • Emerging real estate and tourism market

The programme

El Salvador Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment)

  • USD 1,000,000 non-refundable contribution in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT
  • Contribution made under the official programme framework; the use of funds is subject to official confirmation
  • Designed for high-net-worth individuals supporting national economic development
  • Family inclusion reported as available under a single application structure, subject to official confirmation
  • Launched in December 2023, backed by a 2023 reform of the migration law; terms and current availability are subject to official confirmation

Contribution option

The programme is based on a single contribution route.

  • USD 1,000,000Non-refundable
    Contribution in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT

    Made under the official programme framework; the use of funds is subject to official confirmation. Family inclusion is reported as available under a single application structure, subject to official confirmation.

    Subject to official confirmation

El Salvador launched its Freedom Visa programme in December 2023. Terms and current availability are subject to official confirmation.

Key facts

El Salvador: programme summary

Programme status
Launched December 2023Subject to official confirmation.
Contribution
USD 1,000,000Non-refundable, in BTC or USDT.
Family inclusion
Reported as availableUnder a single application structure, subject to official confirmation.

Processing notes

What to expect from due diligence

Across all programmes, applicants should expect standard international due diligence, including:

  • Global criminal background checks
  • Verification of the lawful source of funds
  • AML and KYC compliance
  • Supporting investment documentation

Planning benchmark

3–9months

As a general planning benchmark, allow approximately three to nine months for the core immigration process, although timelines vary by jurisdiction.

FAQs

El Salvador: frequently asked questions

Is the El Salvador citizenship programme available now?

El Salvador launched its Freedom Visa programme in December 2023, backed by a 2023 reform of its migration law. Terms and current availability are subject to official confirmation.

How much is the contribution?

A USD 1,000,000 non-refundable contribution in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT, made under the official programme framework. How the funds are used is subject to official confirmation.

Can I include my family?

Family inclusion is reported as available under a single application structure, subject to official confirmation.

Is Bitcoin still legal tender in El Salvador?

El Salvador was the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. Since a January 2025 reform agreed with the IMF, accepting Bitcoin is voluntary and taxes are paid only in US dollars. The economy is dollarised (USD).

Speak to an adviser

Ask an adviser about El Salvador

We will keep you informed on the programme’s current status and explain how the contribution route works.

Programme rules change; figures are indicative and subject to official confirmation. This is not legal or financial advice.