El Salvador has slashed the physical presence requirement for residency from nine months to 90 days. This is a major shift for anyone exploring Central American residency options, particularly retirees and remote workers looking for a lower cost of living and easier path to legal status.
El Salvador Cuts Residency Requirement From 9 Months to 90 Days
If you're considering El Salvador residency, the barrier to entry just dropped significantly.

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The time barrier to El Salvador residency just dropped from nine months to three.
The change means you can now establish residency with a much shorter initial commitment. You'll still need to meet income or investment requirements depending on the residency category you choose, but the time you must spend in-country has been cut dramatically. If you've been hesitant about El Salvador because of the long residency stay, this removes a real friction point. Check with the Salvadoran immigration authority or a local immigration lawyer for the exact income thresholds and documentation needed for your specific residency class.
Source: original report ↗
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