In this article, we review the relatively new Freedom Passport program launched by the Government of El Salvador in late 2023. This initiative is a direct citizenship-by-investment scheme that allows investors and their family members to obtain full Salvadoran citizenship in a short period of up to two months. Citizenship is granted in exchange for a non-refundable contribution of USD 1 million. Applicants must meet the government-approved financial threshold of USD 1 million in Bitcoin (BTC) or USDT. Successful applicants receive Salvadoran citizenship and a Salvadoran passport.
The program is intended to attract individuals capable of contributing to the development of El Salvador as a global hub for technology, economic freedom, Bitcoin-based financial markets, and peer-to-peer innovation. Eligibility criteria are therefore aimed at high-net-worth individuals or investors interested in supporting the creation of a “Bitcoin country.”
Family Members
The Freedom Passport program allows families to apply together. One spouse may act as the main applicant, while the other spouse and all children under 18 may be included in the same application.
Benefits
A contribution of USD 1 million provides several tangible benefits. A Salvadoran passport is a relatively strong travel document, providing visa-free entry to 135 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area and Russia. El Salvador is a politically neutral country, which generally facilitates opening bank accounts in reputable international financial institutions. Applicants may also value the option to relocate to El Salvador at any time, as citizenship grants the right to live and reside in the country permanently.
Citizenship by Investment – Step-by-Step Process
Starting the Evaluation Process Register your application through the online portal. To begin the evaluation, submit a non-refundable registration fee of USD 999 in BTC or USDT. Your application will then undergo a detailed review.
Post-Approval Actions Once your application has been successfully evaluated, you will receive an official approval notice by email. You must then follow the instructions in your account to complete the remaining payment of USD 999,001 in BTC or USDT. An administrative fee of USD 999 in BTC or USDT applies for each additional family member included in the application. Once submitted, your payment will be verified.
Obtaining Salvadoran Citizenship After all payments have been confirmed, the naturalization process begins. Successful applicants receive their Salvadoran passport shortly after approval. Passports may be collected in person in El Salvador or at the nearest Salvadoran embassy or consulate.
Timeframe
Completing the initial online form takes only a few minutes. After submission, the processing time may vary; however, approval generally takes up to six weeks. During this period, all information submitted is reviewed to ensure compliance with program requirements.
El Salvadoran Citizenship – FAQ
Is This a Government Program?
Yes. The program was created to support the economic and social development of El Salvador. It is particularly attractive for Bitcoin holders, entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in living in a country promoting economic freedom. The USD 1 million contribution supports economic development initiatives, cultural and social programs, and broader revitalization efforts. Successful applicants receive Salvadoran passports promptly following approval.
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a digital currency - also known as a cryptocurrency - created and stored electronically. It operates on a decentralized network without a central authority such as a bank or government. Bitcoin can be used for transactions in El Salvador. Its underlying technology, blockchain, ensures transparency and security by recording all transactions in a public ledger.
Professional Services
Elma Capital assists clients with citizenship applications and offers comprehensive, end-to-end support. In addition to El Salvador, we also work with several other jurisdictions offering citizenship-by-investment programs, including Türkiye, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, and the five Caribbean states.