Residence as a Shareholder or Legal Representative in El Salvador
Who qualifies
| Category | Requirement | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Founder or shareholder | Has formed a Salvadoran company and subscribed and paid at least $10,000 in shares | Art. 109.13, Reglamento Art. 173 |
| Individual merchant | Owns a commercial business with at least $2,500 in assets | Art. 109.14, Reglamento Art. 174 |
| Business person | Needs more time than a visit allows; files the company’s commercial registration and, if holding a post, a work certificate | Art. 109.2, Reglamento Art. 163 |
| Legal representative | Represents the local company or branch of an investor with investor status | Investment Law Art. 11 |
Source: Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); Jurisprudencia: Regulations of the Special Migration and Aliens Law, Executive Decree 35 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); INVEST: Investment Law of El Salvador, English translation1,2,4
A shareholder who will also be employed by the company, with a salary, may need the work permit route as well. Check this with a Salvadoran lawyer before filing.1
Documents for form F11
- The general documents for temporary residence: signed application, passport copies, criminal record for the last 2 years and, where needed, the National Civil Police solvencia.
- A certified copy of the public deed forming the company, registered at the Commercial Registry, showing the subscription of at least $10,000 in shares, or the share certificate that proves it.
- Individual merchants use form F12 instead and file a sworn statement before a Salvadoran notary on the activity, address and start date, with a certified balance sheet showing the assets.
- Foreign documents apostilled or legalised and translated into Spanish.
Source: Jurisprudencia: Regulations of the Special Migration and Aliens Law, Executive Decree 35 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31, form F11 for shareholders2,3
Order of steps
- Form the company before a notary and register it at the Commercial Registry of the CNR; the S.A.S. and S.A. de C.V. are the usual forms.
- Pay in the shares and keep the bank evidence.
- Register the foreign investment with the ONI if you also want the investor route or its benefits.
- File form F11 at the DGME Gerencia de Extranjería and pay the payment order: $140 for 1 year or $260 for 2 years.
- Renew within the 30 days before the card expires, for a total of up to 5 years, then apply for definitive residence.
Source: Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish); DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31, form F11 for shareholders1,3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get residence by owning a company in El Salvador?
Yes. A foreigner who founds a Salvadoran company and subscribes and pays at least $10,000 in its shares can get temporary residence for up to 2 years.
Which DGME form is used for shareholder residence?
Form F11, built around the company deed registered at the Commercial Registry.
Is there a route for individual merchants?
Yes. An individual merchant whose business has assets of at least $2,500 has a separate category.
Sources
- Asamblea Legislativa: Special Migration and Aliens Law, Decree 286 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)
- Jurisprudencia: Regulations of the Special Migration and Aliens Law, Executive Decree 35 of 2019 (PDF, in Spanish)
- DGME: temporary residence procedures and forms F1 to F31, form F11 for shareholders (in Spanish)
- INVEST: Investment Law of El Salvador, English translation (PDF)
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.