El Salvador Opens Cryptocurrency Visa and Citizenship Program
El Salvador launches a groundbreaking residency-by-investment program, allowing participation via $1M in Bitcoin or USDT, with a $999 due diligence fee.
El Salvador has unveiled a groundbreaking program aimed at attracting global investors willing to contribute to the country’s economic and social development. In collaboration with Tether, the company behind the world’s first stablecoin, USDT, the Salvadoran government has launched the Adopting El Salvador Freedom Visa Program (Programa de visa libertad del Salvador). This initiative enables participants to secure residency by investing $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT.
Investors must first pay a non-refundable due diligence fee of $999 in Bitcoin or USDT.
Accepted applicants will undergo a mandatory identity verification process.
Upon meeting all requirements, investors become eligible to receive the “freedom visa” and may later qualify for Salvadoran citizenship.
The purpose: fueling national growth and advancing Bitcoin-friendly policies
According to government authorities, this pioneering initiative is designed to foster technological and social integration across the nation by attracting substantial financial inflows. If fully subscribed, the program could inject up to $1 billion into El Salvador’s economy.
President Nayib Bukele, who took office in 2021, has long championed cryptocurrency adoption; his administration made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021. Since then, the move has brought financial inclusion to roughly 70% of previously unbanked Salvadorans and positioned the nation for stronger economic expansion.
A compelling offer for investors—despite lingering concerns
The ‘freedom visa’ program is significantly pricier than comparable initiatives in neighboring countries—typically around $100,000—but offers distinct advantages:
Investors directly support the cultural, technological, and societal advancement of El Salvador.
From a tax perspective, El Salvador’s favorable regime is highly attractive to international investors.
However, persistent security challenges remain a consideration; although notable improvements have been recorded in recent years, enforcement methods pursued by the government—including measures criticized by organizations like Amnesty International—continue to draw debate.
Bitcoin is currently trading near €40,000.
How to apply for El Salvador’s ‘freedom visa’
Those interested in the Adopting El Salvador Freedom Visa Program can submit their applications online by completing the following steps:
Submit a non-refundable due diligence payment of $999 in Bitcoin or USDT.
Complete the government-provided application form with personal and identification details via the dedicated portal here.
Undergo identity verification and await government approval.
Upon approval, invest $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT to secure the ‘freedom visa’.
