• El Salvador's tourist industry has not flourished due to the country's high crime rate.Plage Salvador image by foxytoul from Fotolia.com
  
  Although El Salvador remains relatively dangerous since the end of its civil war in 1992, the country has made strong economic reforms resulting in long-term economic growth. Many El Salvador residents fled during and after the civil war. However, better social conditions and inviting investment opportunities after the country adopted the U.S. dollar as its currency have led to an increase in immigration to El Salvador. El Salvador's relaxed entry requirements differ from many other countries, but immigrants must still apply for residence permits if they wish to work, study or retire there.
  
  

Investors

• El Salvador's rebuilding economy offers investors many opportunities, particularly since the adoption of the Central America Free Trade Agreement. If you are an investor wishing to immigrate to El Salvador you may apply for a temporary residence permit. You must provide a passport and your birth certificate and visit a doctor upon arrival to ensure you are free of infectious diseases. Additionally, adults must provide a two-year criminal history from their country of origin and a copy of their investor tax identification card, obtained from the National Office of Investment.
  
  

Missionaries

• El Salvador's government requires different applications for Catholic and Evangelical missionaries who wish to obtain residence permits. If you are a missionary desiring residence in El Salvador, you must provide standard documents such as your passport, birth certificate and criminal history. In addition to a medical exam, you must prove financial support in the country with supporting documents including tax returns, income and sources of income.
  
  

Retirees

• El Salvador welcomes retirees receiving pensions for temporary residence. If you wish to retire in El Salvador, you must provide standard documentation including a physical. Additionally, you must provide evidence of your pension and the bank in El Salvador that receives monthly transfers from a bank abroad. After residing in El Salvador for five years, retirees and other temporary permit holders may apply for permanent residence.
  
  

Students

• If you are planning on traveling to El Salvador in order to study or perform research, you may apply for a temporary residence permit. Your application should include standard documentation including a physical, proof of college enrollment and proof of support while you are in El Salvador. Similar to other temporary residence permits, student temporary residence permits are valid for one year and may be extended on a case-by-case basis.