El Salvador cuts temporary residency stay requirement to 90 days

Residency stay rules now allow more travel

El Salvador now requires temporary residents to spend just 90 calendar days a year in the country, down from about 270 days under the old rule. The days can be consecutive or split up across the year under Decreto No. 531, which amended the country’s migration law. The reform took effect March 31 and is still in force.

Missing the minimum can still cost a resident their status. The amended Article 49 allows cancellation unless the absence was caused by force majeure and accepted by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners.

Who the change affects

The rule applies to people who already hold temporary residency, including digital nomads, investors, remote workers and retirees. Tourists aren't covered, since the rule kicks in only after residency is approved.

That makes the change most relevant for high-mobility residents who used to risk losing status because they traveled too often. It also matters for people on El Salvador’s digital nomad visa, which has its own income and renewal rules and for applicants moving toward permanent residency.

What residents need to track

Residents should keep a clean record of entries and exits so they can prove they met the 90-day minimum each year. Temporary residency still runs through the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners and applicants generally need apostilled documents, police records and proof of income.

Fees vary by permit type, but many applications still take about 45 days to process. Read our full El Salvador guide for the complete picture and check the latest visa updates before planning long trips.