Get Your El Salvador Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born in El Salvador is automatically a citizen, unless their parents were foreign diplomats.
- By Descent : Children born abroad to a Salvadoran father or mother are eligible for citizenship by descent, if registered at a Salvadoran consulate or civil registry.
- By Marriage : Foreign spouses of Salvadoran citizens may apply for naturalization after one year of marriage and residence in El Salvador.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply after 5 years of legal residence, or 1 year if from another Latin American or Iberian Peninsula country.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Limited: El Salvador allows dual citizenship only with countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula (e.g. Spain, Portugal). Citizens of other countries must typically renounce their previous nationality.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your path: descent, marriage, or residency-based naturalization.
- Submit your application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Directorate of Migration.
- Provide the required documents and undergo background checks.
- Take an oath of loyalty to the Republic of El Salvador upon approval.
Benefits of Salvadoran Citizenship
- Right to live, work, and own property in El Salvador
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 130+ countries
- Access to healthcare and education benefits
- Option to retain other citizenships (if from Latin America/Iberian Peninsula)
Frequently asked questions.
Does El Salvador allow dual citizenship?
Only for citizens of Latin American and Iberian Peninsula countries. Citizens from other countries must renounce their original nationality to naturalize in El Salvador.
Can I get Salvadoran citizenship through my parents?
Yes. If at least one of your parents is Salvadoran, you may apply for citizenship by descent, even if born abroad.
Can I apply through marriage to a Salvadoran citizen?
Yes. You must be married and reside in El Salvador for at least one year before applying.
How long do I have to live in El Salvador to naturalize?
Five years of legal residence is required, unless you are from a Latin American or Iberian country — then only one year is needed.
Do I have to pay taxes in El Salvador as a dual citizen?
El Salvador taxes based on residency, not citizenship. If you live abroad, you’re typically not subject to Salvadoran income tax. Residents are taxed on worldwide income.