Remittances to El Salvador Have Increased by 8.4% in 2026, Fueled by U.S. Contributions

Remittances to El Salvador continue to boost the country’s economy so far this year. In February alone, Salvadorans abroad sent $765.3 million, a 4.8% increase—about $35 million more than the same month in 2025.

The upward trend is also reflected in cumulative figures, with the country receiving roughly $1.5 billion in the first two months of the year, a record compared to the same period over the past three years.

According to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR), remittance inflows thus far have increased by 8.4%, up $118.1 million from the same period in 2025.

The United States remains the largest source of remittances to El Salvador, contributing $1.4 billion so far in 2026—equivalent to 92.2% of the total.

Canada follows with $13.1 million (0.9%), while Spain ranks third with $11.7 million (0.8%) and Italy comes fourth with $10.7 million (0.7%).

Crypto Wallet Remittances to El Salvador

After a period of decline, the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) reports that remittances sent through cryptocurrency wallets have increased by 146.4% in the first two months of 2026.

Between January and February, crypto remittances reached $11.6 million, up from $4.7 million during the same period last year.

Despite the sharp increase, these transactions remain marginal, accounting for just 0.8% of total remittances. In 2025, they accounted for just 0.6% of total remittances.

Remittances by Department

As of February 2026, the San Salvador department leads the country in remittance inflows, receiving 18.6% of the national total, or $284.0 million.

Remittances to the San Salvador department have increased by 5.6%, compared to the same period in 2025—a $15.2 million increase.

On the other hand, Cuscatlán remains the department with the lowest share, accounting for 2.8% of total remittances, or $42.8 million.

1. San Salvador 284.0
2. San Miguel 168.8
3. La Libertad 131.0
4. Santa Ana 120.2
5. Usulután 113.9
6. La Unión 105.1
7. Chalatenango 91.9
8. Sonsonate 79.2
9. Cabañas 65.5
10. Morazán 65.5
11. La Paz 64.9
12. Ahuachapán 64.1
13. San Vicente 51.3
14. Cuscatlán 42.8

Remittances by Municipalities

The San Salvador Center municipality has received the highest volume of remittances so far this year, totaling $171.0 million, or 11.2% of the national figure, an increase of $10.8 million compared to the same period in 2025.

In contrast, the Sonsonate North municipality has recorded the lowest amount, receiving $6.9 million, or 0.4% of the total.

Top Five Municipalities

1. San Salvador Center 171.0
2. San Miguel Center 105.8
3. Usulután East 59.3
4. San Salvador East 58.3
5. La Unión North 55.7

Bottom Five Municipalities

40. San Salvador South 12.3
41. Chalatenango North 11.1
42. Santa Ana East 8.6
43. Ahuachapán North 7.9
44. Sonsonate North 6.9

Remittances sent to Salvadorans are pivotal in the nation’s economy, providing vital financial support to many families.

Data from the Multiple Purpose Household Survey (EHPM), published by the Salvadoran Ministry of Economy, indicates that 1.6 million Salvadorans benefit from remittances. Many of these people are in extreme poverty or relative poverty.

Remittances have increased steadily in the last decade; they are a big part of El Salvador’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.