2025-11-14 –, English Workshop Language: English
This abstract outlines the legal considerations and strategic pathways for individuals and entities seeking to relocate to El Salvador by leveraging the country's Bitcoin-friendly regulatory framework.
This abstract outlines the legal considerations and strategic pathways for individuals and entities seeking to relocate to El Salvador by leveraging the country's Bitcoin-friendly regulatory framework. Since the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, El Salvador has positioned itself as a pioneering jurisdiction for cryptocurrency innovation, offering unique residency and investment opportunities tied to Bitcoin usage and ownership. This paper examines relevant Salvadoran laws, including the Bitcoin Law and associated migration incentives, such as the “Freedom Visa” and digital asset investor programs. It further explores corporate structuring options, tax residency implications, and compliance requirements for individuals establishing Bitcoin-centric operations or wealth management structures. The analysis emphasizes practical legal steps, risk mitigation, and due diligence considerations for lawful relocation, with the aim of facilitating a secure and transparent transition into El Salvador’s pro-Bitcoin ecosystem.
Daniel Leiva is an experienced lawyer with over 8 years of legal practice. Previously, he held the position of in-house counsel at El Salvador's largest commercial bank, where he played a pivotal role in transforming processes, services, and financial products. His focus was centered on modernization and adaptation to digital transformation within the institution.
During his time at the bank, Daniel was deeply involved in regulatory processes with the financial market supervisory body. He actively participated in critical areas such as deposit contract reviews, service model design, customer service channel optimization, and the conceptualization of new financial products.
In addition to his experience in the banking sector, Daniel has excelled as an advisor in complex financial transactions. He has worked closely with startups, Fintech companies, and project financing, providing strategic legal advice and contributing to the success of various financial operations.