Nationality of El Salvador: all obtaining pathways
El Salvador requires five years of residence for the naturalization of non-Central-American foreigners, while those born in the rest of Central America access it through a privileged constitutional route. The Constitution also governs the renunciation and recovery of Salvadoran nationality.
1Naturalization (Central Americans)
Naturalization (Central Americans)
Requirements
- Being originally from any of the republics of Central America
- Proving good conduct
- They need not renounce their nationality of origin
- Constitution Art. 92: Central Americans have the right to naturalization with no minimum residence
Documentation
- Form F38 (Salvadoran by naturalization)
- Birth certificate from the Central American country of origin
- Valid identity document
- Criminal record certificate
2Naturalization (non-Central-American foreigners)
Naturalization (non-Central-American foreigners)
Requirements
- 5 years of continuous residence in El Salvador
- Being of legal age
- Proven good conduct
- Practicing a profession, industry or art
- Renouncing their nationality of origin
- Constitution Art. 92 and the Special Migration and Foreigners Law
Documentation
- Form F39 (Salvadoran by naturalization)
- Definitive-residence certification
- Legalised and translated birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate for El Salvador and the country of origin
- Valid passport
- Proof of work or profession
- Declaration of renunciation of the nationality of origin
3Renunciation of nationality
Renunciation of nationality
Requirements
- Being a Salvadoran by origin or by naturalization
- The voluntary wish to renounce the nationality
Documentation
- Form F40 (Renunciation of Nationality)
- Salvadoran identity documents
- Proof of acquisition of another nationality
4Recovery of nationality
Recovery of nationality
Requirements
- Having been Salvadoran by origin who lost the nationality
- Applying for recovery to the competent authority
Documentation
- Form F41 (Recovery of Nationality)
- Salvadoran birth certificate
- Identity document
- Proof of having been a Salvadoran national
5Naturalization by marriage to a Salvadoran
Naturalization by marriage to a Salvadoran
Requirements
- Prove 2 years of residence in the country, before or after the marriage (art. 92.4 Constitution)
- Marriage certificate with a Salvadoran
- Criminal record and valid identity document
Documentation
- Certified marriage certificate
- Residence and migratory movement certificate
6Naturalization for notable services to the Republic
Naturalization for notable services to the Republic
Requirements
- Notable services rendered to the Republic accredited before the Legislative Branch (art. 92.3 Constitution)
- Discretionary grant by legislative agreement
Documentation
- Record of services rendered
- Application before the Legislative Assembly
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of El Salvador
How many years of residence does El Salvador require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of El Salvador (Naturalization (Central Americans)), the term is 1 year of residence in the country for Spaniards and Hispanic Americans of origin (including Central Americans) (1983 Constitution, art. 92.1). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does El Salvador allow dual nationality?
They need not renounce their nationality of origin
Can the nationality of El Salvador be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage to a Salvadoran pathway (2 years of residence in the country, before or after the celebration of the marriage (1983 Constitution, art. 92.4)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in El Salvador require?
The Naturalization pathway requires: Form F38 (Salvadoran by naturalization); Birth certificate from the Central American country of origin; Valid identity document; Criminal record certificate.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of El Salvador?
El Salvador provides 6 pathways: Naturalization, Naturalization, Renunciation of nationality, Recovery of nationality, Naturalization by marriage to a Salvadoran, Naturalization for notable services to the Republic.
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