Immigration Changes 2025-2026: What Actually Changed

Between 2025 and 2026 El Salvador's immigration law changed three times, and the summaries going around mix what is in force with what has expired. We checked each decree on the Legislative Assembly's website. This is what they say.

Legislative Decree 531 of 2026: the March amendment

Issued March 17th, 2026 and published in the Official Gazette on March 23rd (number 57, volume 450). It took effect eight days after publication. It amended four articles of the immigration law:

• Minimum stay (arts. 49 and 119). The new text says every temporary resident "must remain in Salvadoran territory a minimum of ninety calendar days within each year, whether consecutive or accumulated, unless there is an act of God or force majeure duly justified before the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería". Failing to comply is grounds for cancelling the residency.
• Children of naturalized citizens (art. 164). Minors under 18 born abroad before their parents became Salvadoran can be considered Salvadoran at the parents' request. At 18 they must state their wish to keep the nationality.
• Loss of citizenship by naturalization (art. 279). By residing more than two consecutive years in the country of origin or being away more than five consecutive years (unless permitted), or by a final conviction for serious intentional crimes, in which case it cannot be recovered.

Legislative Decree 286 of 2025: tourist card and direct permanent residency

Issued April 30th, 2025 and published May 5th, 2025 (Official Gazette 81, volume 447):

• It abolished the US$12 entry tourist card paid by those arriving by air or sea: it repealed article 328 and removed the fee from article 325. The edition of the law the DGME still links is from 2020 and still shows it.
• It created a direct permanent residency (art. 152, item 13) for "foreigners who join the programs promoted by the central government, of whatever kind, without first obtaining temporary residency", with a US$690 fee for up to one year. They are exempt from the absence limits of article 154. Each program's requirements are set by the DGME through a special procedure.

For returning Salvadorans: the Diaspora Law

Legislative Decree 375, published August 11th, 2025, created the Special Law on Benefits and Protection for the Diaspora and People in Human Mobility. It applies to Salvadorans by birth or naturalization living abroad, not to foreigners. Among other benefits: tax-exempt household goods, once, up to US$100,000 per family group; two tax-exempt light vehicles; and tax-exempt work equipment up to US$100,000 during the first year. Those benefits last five years from the law's entry into force.

What circulates but is not so

• "There is an express window for foreigners at the airport." The express window the DGME announced at the international airport in November 2025 is for emergency renewals of Salvadoran passports. For foreigners, a notice the same month announces a foreigners' window in Punta Roca for residency, extensions and certifications.
• "A rentista needs US$X", with any fixed figure. The law sets it in minimum wages: today that is US$1,635.20 a month, or US$2,452.80 with two or more dependents. If the minimum wage rises, the threshold rises.
• Temporary exemptions that have expired. The tax exemption on travelers' new goods up to US$3,000 (Decree 467) ran from December 1st, 2025 to January 31st, 2026. The immigration facilities in Decree 428 were only for a forum in November 2025. Neither is in force.

Frequently asked questions

What changed in El Salvador's immigration law in 2026?

Legislative Decree 531 (published March 23rd, 2026) requires temporary residents to stay at least 90 days a year in the country, regulates citizenship for minor children of naturalized parents and redefines the grounds for losing citizenship by naturalization.

Does El Salvador's US$12 tourist card still exist?

No. Legislative Decree 286 of 2025 abolished it, repealing article 328 of the immigration law and removing its fee.

What is the 2025 direct permanent residency?

The one in article 152, item 13: for foreigners who join programs promoted by the central government, with no prior temporary residency, and a US$690 fee. Each program's requirements are set by the DGME.