Question 1

What is the El Salvador Freedom Visa and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Launched in December 2024, the Freedom Visa is the world's first cryptocurrency-denominated citizenship-by-investment program. It requires a non-refundable $1,000,000 contribution in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT to Salvadoran government development projects. Application fees are $999 per applicant plus $999 per dependent. All-in cost: ~$1,005,000–$1,030,000 for a single applicant; ~$1,008,000–$1,050,000 for a family of four.

Question 2

Can I get El Salvador citizenship by investing in Bitcoin?

Accepted Answer

Yes. El Salvador's Freedom Visa is the only citizenship-by-investment program in the world that accepts payment exclusively in Bitcoin or USDT. The required contribution is $1,000,000 paid to government development projects. Processing takes just 4–6 weeks — the fastest CBI timeline globally — with an annual cap of 1,000 participants. Applicants receive citizenship classified as "by birth," enabling full dual nationality rights.

Question 3

How long does it take to get El Salvador citizenship by investment?

Accepted Answer

The Freedom Visa processes in just 4 to 6 weeks from application submission to citizenship certificate and passport issuance — making it the fastest CBI program in the world. By comparison, Caribbean programs like St. Kitts and Nevis or Grenada typically take 4 to 15 months. Standard naturalization through residency takes 5–6 years; Hispano-Americans qualify after just 1–2 years.

Question 4

Does El Salvador allow dual citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Yes. El Salvador fully permits dual and multiple citizenship for citizens by birth under Article 91 of the 1983 Constitution. Freedom Visa recipients are legally classified as citizens by birth (Legislative Decree N° 286), so they retain all rights to hold other passports. US, UK, and EU nationals can acquire Salvadoran citizenship without affecting their existing status. Citizens of countries prohibiting dual nationality (e.g., China, UAE) should verify their home country's rules.

Question 5

What are the tax benefits of El Salvador citizenship?

Accepted Answer

El Salvador operates a strict territorial tax system: only income earned within El Salvador is taxable. Foreign-sourced income — including dividends, capital gains, rental income, and business profits from abroad — is entirely exempt from Salvadoran taxation. Crucially, cryptocurrency gains carry zero capital gains tax. El Salvador does not participate in CRS automatic information exchange in the same manner as OECD jurisdictions, making it a compelling option for crypto-wealthy individuals and international entrepreneurs.

Question 6

Is the El Salvador Freedom Visa worth $1 million?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your profile. At $1M for 134 destinations, the cost-per-destination (~$7,400) is higher than Caribbean alternatives like Dominica ($200K, 143 destinations) or St. Kitts ($250K, 153 destinations). However, no Caribbean passport offers: zero capital gains tax on crypto, US Global Entry eligibility, visa-free Japan access, 2-year fast-track to Spanish/EU residency for Hispano-Americans, and 4–6 week processing. The Freedom Visa targets crypto-wealthy individuals who prioritize speed, tax optimization, and Bitcoin alignment.

Question 7

Does El Salvador qualify for US Global Entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In January 2025, El Salvador joined the US Global Entry program — one of only ~20 countries worldwide eligible for this trusted traveler program. Salvadoran citizens (and dual nationals) can apply for Global Entry, allowing expedited US Customs and Border Protection screening upon arrival in the United States. This is a significant diplomatic milestone that no Caribbean CBI passport currently offers, and a key differentiator of the Freedom Visa program.

Question 8

How many countries can I visit visa-free with an El Salvador passport?

Accepted Answer

Salvadoran passport holders can access 134 destinations visa-free or on arrival as of October 2025. This includes the entire 27-country Schengen Area (90 days), Japan (90 days), South Korea (with K-ETA), Singapore (30 days), Hong Kong (90 days), and virtually all of Latin America. Note that visas are still required for the US, UK, Canada, China, and Australia.

Dominica Citizenship

Investment Options

Economic Diversification Fund

Approved Real Estate

Program Benefits

Dual Citizenship

Global Mobility

Application Process

Initial Consultation

Document Preparation

Application Submission

Government Processing

Citizenship Grant

Key Requirements

Family Inclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

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