--- title: "El Salvador Pensioner residence 2026: income $1,226+/mo needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/temporary-pensioner/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- El Salvador · Retire or live on savings # El Salvador Pensioner residence **Income needed:** $1,226+ a month Temporary residence — pensioner (Form F7) First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Income needed:** $1,226+ a month (Income of at least $1,226.4 a month · Monthly stable pension from abroad of at least 3 monthly minimum wages of the commerce and services sector (3 x USD 408.80, in force from 1 June 2025). A fee of $125 · Extension fee for a non-Central American temporary resident, up to one year (US$240 for up to two years; Central Americans US$55 or US$100).) - **First stay:** 1 yr (Residence for one year with multiple entries and exits; extensions of one or two years.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport - **Work:** Limited (No remunerated work except specialised work or teaching for the State, municipalities or autonomous institutions.) - **Family:** Family can join (A family member can apply for temporary residence to accompany the holder (form F9; extension F24).) - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Foreign-source income excluded from taxable income (Decree 969): Decree 969 (12 March 2024) excludes from "renta" all sums, capital movements, remuneration or emoluments obtained abroad from any foreign source, by domiciled or non-domiciled natural or legal persons.) ## Key facts Pensioner residence is a retire or live on savings route for El Salvador. Applicants need income of $1,226+ a month. You can stay 1 yr, renewable. Local work: limited. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Money needed:** $1,226+ a month - **Government fees:** $125 - **Processing:** 45 working days - **First stay:** 1 yr ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fee $125; income to show $1,226+/mo; decision: 45 working days. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: $125** - $125 Extension fee for a non-Central American temporary resident, up to one year (US$240 for up to two years; Central Americans US$55 or US$100). **Shown, not spent: $1,226+/mo** - $1,226.4 a month Monthly stable pension from abroad of at least 3 monthly minimum wages of the commerce and services sector (3 x USD 408.80, in force from 1 June 2025). **Renewal: Renewable, 5 years max** Temporary residence can be extended, and the extension must be requested within 30 days before it expires. Total time on temporary residence cannot exceed 5 years except in specially approved cases. [Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) [Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, El Salvador](https://www.migracion.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/F.22-PRORROGA-RESIDENCIA-TEMPORAL-PARA-PENSIONADOS-V6.pdf) **Permanent residence: After 1 year of residence** Pensioners and rentistas can apply for permanent (definitive) residence after 1 year in that status. [Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) **Citizenship: After 5 years of residence** Foreigners of any origin can apply for Salvadoran naturalisation after 5 years of residence in the country, counting both temporary and permanent residence. [Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) **Processing: 45 working days** The extension (form F-22) has a maximum response time of 45 working days if the file is complete. [Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, El Salvador](https://www.migracion.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/F.22-PRORROGA-RESIDENCIA-TEMPORAL-PARA-PENSIONADOS-V6.pdf) **Where to apply: Where to apply** You can apply from abroad; if you do, you must register with the immigration authority within 5 working days of first entering El Salvador. [Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) **Presence rules: Stay rule** Pensioners and rentistas lose their status if they are away from El Salvador for more than six consecutive months, or six months in total in one calendar year, without a justified reason. [Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Time on this route is capped at 5 years in total - Work rights are limited ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant is a foreign pensioner who receives a stable monthly pension from abroad to live on in El Salvador. - The pensioner may not take paid work, except specialised work or teaching for the State, municipalities or autonomous institutions. #### What you must show - Monthly pension from abroad of at least three monthly minimum wages for commerce and services (3 x USD 408.80 = USD 1,226.40). #### After you arrive - Extension needs a notarised sworn declaration of the source and amount of income. - The declaration states that no paid activity will be done in the country. - The response comes within 45 working days. ## When you become tax resident How El Salvador decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 5 years in total** - **Tax residence:** - **More than 200 days in a calendar year** Natural persons residing temporarily or permanently in the country for more than 200 consecutive days in a calendar year are domiciled for tax purposes. - **Foreign-source income:** **Foreign-source excluded** Since the 2024 reform of art. 3 of the Ley del Impuesto sobre la Renta, values received in any form that were obtained abroad, including capital movements, remuneration and returns, nominally obtained or received by individuals, companies or entities domiciled or not in El Salvador from any kind of foreign source do not constitute income. - **Special regime:** **Foreign-source income excluded from taxable income** · Tax relief Decree 969 (12 March 2024) excludes from "renta" all sums, capital movements, remuneration or emoluments obtained abroad from any foreign source, by domiciled or non-domiciled natural or legal persons. [All tax rules for El Salvador](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Temporary residence for foreign pensioners; no remunerated work except specialised work or teaching for the State or official institutions. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4) #### What you must show and pay - Income of at least $1,226.4 a month · Monthly stable pension from abroad of at least 3 monthly minimum wages of the commerce and services sector (3 x USD 408.80, in force from 1 June 2025). (sources 3, 4) - A fee of $125 · Extension fee for a non-Central American temporary resident, up to one year (US$240 for up to two years; Central Americans US$55 or US$100). (source 2) #### Requirements - The applicant is a foreign pensioner who receives a stable monthly pension from abroad to live on in El Salvador. (source 3) - The pensioner may not take paid work, except specialised work or teaching for the State, municipalities or autonomous institutions. (source 3) - Monthly pension from abroad of at least three monthly minimum wages for commerce and services (3 x USD 408.80 = USD 1,226.40). (sources 3, 4) - Extension needs a notarised sworn declaration of the source and amount of income. (source 2) - The declaration states that no paid activity will be done in the country. (source 2) - The response comes within 45 working days. (source 2) #### Stay - Residence for one year with multiple entries and exits; extensions of one or two years. - Initial permitted stay: 12 months. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Work No remunerated work except specialised work or teaching for the State, municipalities or autonomous institutions. #### Family A family member can apply for temporary residence to accompany the holder (form F9; extension F24). Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Residencias temporales (forms F3 to F31)](https://www.migracion.gob.sv/servicios/residencias-temporales/) · Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, El Salvador · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Instructivo F-22: prórroga de residencia temporal para pensionados](https://www.migracion.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/F.22-PRORROGA-RESIDENCIA-TEMPORAL-PARA-PENSIONADOS-V6.pdf) · Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, El Salvador · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Ley Especial de Migración y de Extranjería (Decreto Legislativo 286/2019, D.O. 75, tomo 423, 25 April 2019), arts. 108-109, 120, 125, 144-145](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) · Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador (copy published by the Dirección General de Aduanas) · checked 2026-10-12 4. [Decreto Ejecutivo No. 11 (2025): tarifas de salarios mínimos, in force from 1 June 2025](https://www.jurisprudencia.gob.sv/DocumentosBoveda/D/2/2020-2029/2025/05/10A4DA.PDF) · Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social · checked 2026-10-11 ## Pensioner residence and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Pensioner residence | Needs income of $1,226+ a month | 1 yr, renewable | Limited | | [Rentista residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/temporary-rentista/) | Needs income from $1,635 a month | 1 yr, renewable | Limited | | [Retiree permanent residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/mexico/permanent-resident-retiree/) Mexico | Needs income of MXN 134k+ a month ≈ $7,310 | – | Yes | | [Pensioner visa M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/colombia/m-pensionado/) Colombia | Needs income of COP 5.3M+ a month ≈ $1,640 | 3 yr | Yes | | [Pensionado residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/costa-rica/temporary-pensionado/) Costa Rica | Needs income of $1,000+ a month | 2 yr, renewable | Limited | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Pensioner residence? Income of at least $1,226.4 a month. Monthly stable pension from abroad of at least 3 monthly minimum wages of the commerce and services sector (3 x USD 408.80, in force from 1 June 2025). A fee of $125. Extension fee for a non-Central American temporary resident, up to one year (US$240 for up to two years; Central Americans US$55 or US$100). ### How long can I stay on the Pensioner residence? Residence for one year with multiple entries and exits; extensions of one or two years. ### How long does the Pensioner residence take to process? The extension (form F-22) has a maximum response time of 45 working days if the file is complete. ### Can I work on the Pensioner residence? Limited. No remunerated work except specialised work or teaching for the State, municipalities or autonomous institutions. ### Can I bring my family on the Pensioner residence? A family member can apply for temporary residence to accompany the holder (form F9; extension F24). ### Does the Pensioner residence lead to permanent residence in El Salvador? Time on the Pensioner residence counts toward permanent residence in El Salvador, which the rules allow after 1 year of residence. Time on the Pensioner residence counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Pensioner residence holders in El Salvador? Foreign-source income excluded from taxable income (Decree 969): Decree 969 (12 March 2024) excludes from "renta" all sums, capital movements, remuneration or emoluments obtained abroad from any foreign source, by domiciled or non-domiciled natural or legal persons. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Foreign-source income excluded from taxable income (Decree 969)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/tax/#tax-sv-foreign-source-exclusion) Tax relief **Details** - On: Foreign-source income and capital movements Decree 969 (12 March 2024) excludes from "renta" all sums, capital movements, remuneration or emoluments obtained abroad from any foreign source, by domiciled or non-domiciled natural or legal persons. #### Taxed on Foreign-source income and capital movements #### Who it applies to - Natural persons, legal entities and entities without legal personality, domiciled or not in El Salvador. #### Exclusions - Salvadoran-source income remains taxable under the standard scale. #### Tax residence Applies whether or not the recipient is domiciled in El Salvador. #### Visas Applies to any resident status, including temporary rentistas and pensioners. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/tax/) ## More in El Salvador [Investor residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/temporary-investor/) [Business owner residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/temporary-business/) [Work residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/temporary-work/) [Student residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/el-salvador/temporary-student/) ## Retirement and live-on-savings visas elsewhere [🇦🇷 Pensioner residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/argentina/temporary-pensioner/) [🇺🇾 Retiree PR (Law 16.340)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/uruguay/retiree-benefit-permanent/) [🇵🇦 Retired rentista](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/rentista-retirado/) [🇪🇨 Retiree visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-jubilado/) [🇵🇪 Rentista residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/peru/rentista-resident/) [🇩🇴 Rentista residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/dominican-republic/rentista/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 4 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Residencias temporales (forms F3 to F31)](https://www.migracion.gob.sv/servicios/residencias-temporales/) · Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, El Salvador · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Instructivo F-22: prórroga de residencia temporal para pensionados](https://www.migracion.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/F.22-PRORROGA-RESIDENCIA-TEMPORAL-PARA-PENSIONADOS-V6.pdf) · Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, El Salvador · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Ley Especial de Migración y de Extranjería (Decreto Legislativo 286/2019, D.O. 75, tomo 423, 25 April 2019), arts. 108-109, 120, 125, 144-145](https://sitio.aduana.gob.sv/wp-content/uploads/download-manager-files/LEY-ESPECIAL-DE-MIGRACI%C3%93N-Y-EXTRANJERIA-ACTUALIZADA-CON-D.O.-No.-75-TOMO-No.-423-DEL-25-DE-ABRIL-DE-2019.pdf) · Asamblea Legislativa de El Salvador (copy published by the Dirección General de Aduanas) · checked 2026-10-12 4. [Decreto Ejecutivo No. 11 (2025): tarifas de salarios mínimos, in force from 1 June 2025](https://www.jurisprudencia.gob.sv/DocumentosBoveda/D/2/2020-2029/2025/05/10A4DA.PDF) · Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.