How do I apply for residency in El Salvador?

The residency application process in El Salvador involves several steps. Start by gathering required documents in your home country: birth certificate, police background check, and proof of income or investment ??? all must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator. In El Salvador, hire an immigration attorney (abogado de migracion) to prepare and submit your application to the Direccion General de Migracion y Extranjeria. The application requires a medical exam from a Salvadoran doctor, passport photos, and proof of your legal entry into the country. Processing times vary from 2-6 months. Temporary residency is typically granted first (valid 1 year, renewable), and after 3 years you can apply for permanent residency. Attorney fees run $1,000-2,500 for the full process. The government fee is modest ($25-100). Having a local bank account and rental agreement strengthens your application.