Can a US citizen live permanently in El Salvador?

Yes, US citizens can live permanently in El Salvador, with a clearer path than most Latin American countries. US passport holders can enter visa-free and stay 90 days on a tourist permit, extendable once for another 90 days. For long-term residence, the most common routes are the rentista (passive income, typically requiring $1,000 to $1,500 a month in stable foreign-source income), the inversionista (investment of around $40,000 or more in a local business or property), and family reunification through a Salvadoran spouse or close relative. Temporary residency typically converts to permanent status after two years. El Salvador uses the US dollar, so income proof and bank statements in USD are easy to present. For the full picture, see our El Salvador cost of living page.