Moving to El Salvador: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in El Salvador: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In El Salvador the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 5% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in El Salvador you need at least 200 days a year (More than 200 days (continuous or not) in tax year). The typical route is Rentista residence (or Freedom Visa US$1m BTC/USDT): Rentista ~US$1,635/mo foreign income; Freedom Visa: US$1m in bitcoin/USDT (cap 1,000/yr) There are 7 open residence programmes in El Salvador — see the list below.
Living there
San Salvador has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 30.5 °C and summer highs around 32 °C. The economy grew +2.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2.5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 118 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Gangs dismantled under state of exception; very low homicide rate now.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 30% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 5% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 200 jours — More than 200 days (continuous or not) in tax year |
| Voie de résidence typique | Rentista residence (or Freedom Visa US$1m BTC/USDT) — Rentista ~US$1,635/mo foreign income; Freedom Visa: US$1m in bitcoin/USDT (cap 1,000/yr) |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 118 pays |
| Economic growth | +2.5% (2025), forecast 2.5% (2026) |
| Type de climat | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 30.5° / 32° (San Salvador) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — Gangs dismantled under state of exception; very low homicide rate now |
| Tous les risques naturels | 7.1/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 3.5/10 · B- |
| Protection de la propriété | 3/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in El Salvador
- Rentier Residence — Revenu / an CHF 15'700 · open · 2026-10
- Pensioner Residence — Revenu / an CHF 11'800 · open · 2026-10
- Investor Residence — Investissement CHF 80'000 · open · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence for Investors/Donors in Government Programmes — investment · open · 2026-10
- Freedom Visa — Investissement CHF 800'000 · open · 2026-10
- Work Residence — employment · open · 2026-10
- Family Residence — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in El Salvador to become tax resident?
après 200 jours. More than 200 days (continuous or not) in tax year Foreign-source income exempt since 2024
How much tax will I pay in El Salvador?
In El Salvador the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 5% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does El Salvador offer?
Rentier Residence; Pensioner Residence; Investor Residence (CHF 80'000); Permanent Residence for Investors/Donors in Government Programmes; Freedom Visa (CHF 800'000)
What is the usual way to move to El Salvador?
Rentista residence (or Freedom Visa US$1m BTC/USDT). Rentista ~US$1,635/mo foreign income; Freedom Visa: US$1m in bitcoin/USDT (cap 1,000/yr)
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · Guatemala
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