The fastest turnaround in the Americas

Only a few years ago El Salvador appeared in the rankings for its homicide rate. Today it is one of the safest countries in the western hemisphere — a change with no parallel in the region, and one that has transformed the business environment as well. The government achieved it by hard means, and the debate about the price of that continues, but the effect on everyday life is not in doubt.

The economy has been dollarised since 2001, so there is no exchange-rate risk and no local-currency inflation. Bitcoin was legal tender from 2021 to 2025; since January 2025 it no longer is, following the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, though it can still be used voluntarily and the state holds reserves in cryptocurrency.

What El Salvador offers

• A dollarised economy with no exchange-rate risk.
• One of the lowest violent crime rates in the Americas.
• A welcoming residence policy and fast company formation.
• Growing tourism and coastal property that is still cheap.

What to watch

This is a small economy — about a quarter the size of Czechia — and the domestic market is limited. Doing business here makes more sense with the region or exports in view than with local sales. Public debt and the commitments to the IMF are worth keeping an eye on.

We help with residence, with setting up a company and with checking out a specific property or investment plan.