Major Immigration Law Reforms in SV

Breaking News for Expats: Major Immigration Law Reforms in El Salvador (2025 Update)

By: César Arriaza / Immigration Specialist, Sept 25th, 2025

On May 5, 2025, the latest reforms to the Special Law on Migration and Foreigners (LEME) were published in the Official Journal of El Salvador. These changes represent one of the most significant updates to the country’s immigration framework in recent years. Below, we break down what you need to know.

1. Elimination of the Immigration Card Fee

Previously, Article 13(5) gave the Director General of Migration and Foreigners authority to issue an “Immigration Card,” a $12 fee that many visitors confused with a visa. This provision has been eliminated.

• What this means: Tourists from visa-exempt countries no longer need to pay the $12 immigration card fee upon entering El Salvador.

• Important note: This does not change visa requirements for countries in Category B or C, whose citizens must still apply for a tourist visa before traveling.

2. New Residency Pathway for Investors in Government Programs

Article 152(13) now allows foreigners to participate in government-promoted programs without first obtaining temporary residence. These individuals will be processed under a Special Procedure defined by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGMyE) and will be exempt from Article 154 requirements.

• The opportunity: This reform creates a new category of permanent residency for foreigners investing in government projects such as roads, public schools, hospitals, markets, parks, ports, and other infrastructure.

• Current status: As of now, the government has not yet published the official procedures, qualifying programs, or minimum investment amounts required.

• Requirements remain: Applicants will still need to present standard documentation like police clearances or certificates of good conduct from their country of origin (or where they’ve lived in the last two years).

• Big benefit: Residency under this new category removes the previous restriction that forced residents to return to El Salvador within two years to maintain status. Now, as long as your residency card is valid, you may stay abroad without losing your residency.

3. Removal of the Migration Card Tariff from DGMyE Revenues

Article 217(3) has been deleted, meaning the Migration Card tariff is no longer part of DGMyE’s income.

4. New Residency Fee Under the Investor Category

The old $12 Migration Card fee is gone. Instead, a new fee of $690 per year applies to foreigners seeking residency under the new investment category established in Article 152(13).

5. Deletion of Article 328

Article 328, which previously dealt with Migration Card tariffs, has also been removed.

Effective Date

These reforms came into effect eight days after publication, making them law since May 15, 2025. However, as of now, the updated text has not yet been incorporated into the online version of LEME on the DGMyE website.

Key Reminders

• Citizens from Category B and C countries still need to apply for a visa and pay the associated fees.

• Check if your country is listed here: https://www.migracion.gob.sv/servicios/listado-visa/

Why This Matters for You

If you’re considering relocating, investing, or doing business in El Salvador, these changes could significantly impact your options for residency. The removal of the Immigration Card fee and the introduction of a new investor residency category signal the government’s efforts to make immigration more attractive and transparent—especially for expats and foreign investors.

Bottom line:
El Salvador is opening new doors for investors and simplifying entry for tourists, but details on the new residency path are still pending. Stay tuned for official announcements so you can take full advantage of these changes.