Destinations
El Salvador
El Salvador runs the world’s only citizenship-by-investment programme paid in cryptocurrency: a 1,000,000 USD contribution in Bitcoin or Tether, fully remote, for a passport reaching about 130 countries including the Schengen area. The honest verdict: it is by far the most expensive CBI for that mobility, so it makes sense as an ideological, Bitcoin-forward choice, not as value per dollar against a Caribbean passport.
Key facts
- From
- $1 000 000≈ $1 335 000 — estimated total, family of four, fees included
- Processing time
- 2–4 months
- Physical presence
- None. There is no residency requirement, no language test and no interview; the process is fully remote.
Tax at a glance
- Territorial in effect, with foreign income and remittances untaxed since a 2024 reform
- Bitcoin is legal tender, and there is no capital gains tax on Bitcoin
- Local income is taxed up to 30%; VAT is 13%
- No wealth tax and no inheritance tax
- The passport does not by itself make you tax-resident
Frequently asked questions
Why is El Salvador’s citizenship so expensive?
At 1,000,000 USD in Bitcoin or Tether, it is by far the priciest citizenship-by-investment programme. The price reflects its brand as a Bitcoin-forward state, not the passport’s travel value — Caribbean options reach a similar or wider set of countries for a fraction of the cost.
Do I have to pay in Bitcoin?
The contribution is paid in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT). Paying in BTC means you carry crypto price-volatility until settlement, and disposing of BTC may be a taxable event in your home country.
Do I need to live in or visit El Salvador?
No. There is no residency requirement, no language test and no interview; the process is fully remote and the contribution is non-refundable. Applications are capped at 1,000 per year.