Interview with Carlos from The bitcoin association in El Salvador

Carlos: The Guiding Light for Bitcoin Enthusiasts Relocating to El Salvador
In the sun-drenched landscapes of El Salvador, where volcanoes rise like ancient sentinels and Bitcoin flows as freely as the Pacific waves, one name stands out among the pioneers building "Bitcoin Country." Carlos, a dedicated member of the Bitcoin Association in El Salvador, has become the go-to advisor for global nomads, crypto entrepreneurs, and Bitcoin maximalists dreaming of a new life in this innovative nation. With his deep expertise in immigration law, unwavering passion for decentralization, and hands-on approach to relocation, Carlos is helping hundreds navigate the complexities of visas, residency, and legal hurdles—turning El Salvador's bold Bitcoin vision into a reality for newcomers.
The Bitcoin Revolution Calls: Why El Salvador?
El Salvador's transformation into the world's first Bitcoin nation began in June 2021, when President Nayib Bukele declared the cryptocurrency legal tender alongside the U.S. dollar. This wasn't just a financial experiment; it was a declaration of sovereignty, attracting innovators, investors, and freedom-seekers from around the globe. Fast-forward to 2025, and the country has rolled out groundbreaking programs like the Freedom Visa, which allows crypto holders to secure lifelong residency—and even expedited citizenship—through investments as low as $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT. Other pathways, such as the Investor Visa for entrepreneurs starting businesses or the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, make relocation more accessible than ever.
But for all its promise, moving to El Salvador comes with bureaucratic mazes: apostilled documents, criminal background checks, proof of financial solvency, and navigating the Centro Nacional de Registros (CNR). Enter Carlos. As a key figure in the Bitcoin Association—a nonprofit driving grassroots adoption and education—he's bridged the gap between policy and practice, offering free consultations, personalized guidance, and a network of local experts to ensure smooth transitions.
Carlos's Journey: From Local Advocate to Global Relocation Guru
Carlos's story is as rooted in El Salvador's volcanic soil as it is inspired by Bitcoin's disruptive ethos. A San Salvador native with a background in international law, he first encountered Bitcoin during the 2021 adoption frenzy, when everyday transactions at pupuserías and surf shops began accepting sats. "Bitcoin isn't just money; it's freedom," Carlos often says in his Zoom calls with prospective movers. Joining the Bitcoin Association early on, he quickly shifted from organizing community meetups to tackling the human side of adoption: helping expats build lives here.
Today, Carlos operates as an informal ambassador, collaborating with entities like the Bitcoin Office and Asobitcoin (the Salvadoran Bitcoin Association). His services are comprehensive and crypto-native—fees paid in BTC, advice tailored to blockchain builders, and a focus on family-inclusive applications. Whether it's registering a company for the Investor Visa (requiring just $10,000 in equity) or preparing for the Freedom Visa's KYC process, Carlos demystifies it all. He's assisted families from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, from tech founders launching DAOs to retirees seeking tax havens with zero capital gains on foreign income.
One client, a U.S.-based developer, shared: "Carlos walked me through the apostille nightmare for my marriage certificate and kids' birth docs. Without him, I'd still be stuck in paperwork purgatory. Now, we're surfing at El Zonte and paying rent in Lightning Network."
Hands-On Help at Bitcoin Historico: Where Dreams Meet Documentation
If Carlos's office hours are a lifeline for remote applicants, his presence at Bitcoin Historico is legendary—a whirlwind of high-fives, laser-eyed selfies, and on-the-spot visa Q&A. Bitcoin Historico, the annual flagship conference organized by the Bitcoin Office and directed by Stacy Herbert, draws thousands to San Salvador each November. It's part TED Talk, part block party: panels on nation-state adoption, volcano-powered mining, and the future of money, all under the shadow of Bukele's pro-Bitcoin reforms.
In 2024, as attendees from 50 countries flooded the venue, Carlos set up a "Relocation Hub" booth in collaboration with the Bitcoin Association. Armed with stacks of application forms, a portable Lightning wallet for instant payments, and his trademark enthusiasm, he fielded queries from dawn till dusk. "First-timers would arrive hyped on Bukele's keynote, then panic about residency timelines," recalls Carlos. "I'd pull them aside, scan their passports on my phone, and outline a three-month plan to permanent residency."
By the event's close, over 150 leads had converted to full applications, including a cohort of Argentine Bitcoiners fleeing inflation and a group of European devs eyeing El Salvador's zero foreign income tax. Carlos didn't just hand out brochures; he connected people—pairing investors with local realtors, nomads with co-living spaces in Bitcoin Beach, and families with bilingual schools. His booth became the unofficial afterparty hub, where stories of successful moves fueled late-night discussions on Nostr and Ordinals.
This year, as Bitcoin Historico gears up for November 2025, Carlos is expanding the hub into a full-day workshop. "We're expecting 5,000 attendees," he teases. "If you're serious about stacking sats and a new passport, come find me. We'll get your Freedom Visa deposit in before the closing ceremony."
Navigating the Legal Landscape: Carlos's Top Tips for Movers
Drawing from years of guiding relocations, Carlos emphasizes preparation and patience. Here's a snapshot of his essential advice:
Start with the Freedom Visa if You're a High-Net-Worth Holder: A $999 BTC deposit kicks off the process, crediting toward the $1M investment. No physical presence required post-approval, and families qualify collectively. Processing: 4-6 weeks.
Investor Visa for Entrepreneurs: Invest $10,000 in a Salvadoran company (yours or another's) and employ yourself. Renewable annually, leading to citizenship after five years (or one for LatAm/Spanish nationals).
Digital Nomad or Rentista Visa: Prove $1,450/month passive income (crypto counts!) for remote workers. Ideal for testing the waters before committing.
Pro Tips from Carlos:
Get documents apostilled before arriving—U.S. State Department, Hague Convention certified.
Use Bitcoin for fees: Government accepts it natively, saving on conversions.
Budget for the CNR visit: In-person biometrics in San Salvador, but Carlos can pre-schedule.
Join the Bitcoin Association's Telegram for peer support—Carlos lurks there 24/7.
Challenges? Sure—evolving IMF pressures have tweaked Bitcoin's legal tender status, but core programs remain rock-solid. Carlos stays ahead, updating clients via his newsletter.
A Beacon for Bitcoin's Future
Carlos isn't just processing papers; he's forging a community. In a country where homicide rates have plummeted 98% under Bukele's security push, and Bitcoin ATMs dot the capital, his work embodies El Salvador's mantra: "Adopting El Salvador." As one relocatee put it, "Carlos didn't sell me on the country; he welcomed me home."
For those eyeing a move, reach out via the Bitcoin Association's channels or catch him at Bitcoin Historico. In the land of volcanoes and visions, Carlos is the steady hand guiding Bitcoin's boldest believers to their new frontier. LFG, Salvadorans—and future ones.