El Salvador Updates Minimum Stay Rules for Residents

The Salvadoran Legislative Assembly recently approved a significant reform to the Special Law on Migration and Foreigners, making the country more accessible for global citizens. On March 17-18, 2026, lawmakers voted to reduce the minimum annual stay requirement for temporary residents.

Under the previous rules, residents risked losing their status if they were absent for more than six months. The new amendment to Articles 49 and 119 flips this logic. Instead of tracking absence, the law now requires residents to spend at least 90 days per year in the country. These 90 days can be consecutive or cumulative, providing much-needed flexibility for those who manage multiple bases.

Who benefits from the change

This update is a major win for digital nomads, investors, and international executives who need to maintain residency without being tethered to one location for half the year. It allows travelers to keep their Salvadoran status active while spending up to nine months abroad.

While this change impacts temporary residents, it does not change the rules for permanent residents or tourists on standard 90-day entry permits. The reform is part of a broader effort to modernize El Salvador's immigration framework and attract remote talent.

What you need to do

If you hold a temporary residency permit, you should track your entry and exit dates to ensure you hit the 90-day threshold annually. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to status revocation, unless you can prove force majeure or other justified circumstances.

For those looking to apply for the first time, the process remains managed by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME). You will still need to provide:

• Apostilled birth certificates and police records
• A medical exam
• Proof of income or employment

The Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a foreign income of at least $1,460 per month, remains a popular pathway. Check our latest visa updates for any changes to fee structures or application portals as this law takes effect.

Read our full El Salvador guide for the complete picture.