Start-up Costs for a Company in El Salvador
Registry fees for a S.A. de C.V.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration of the incorporation deed ($0.57 per $100 of capital) | $11.43 |
| Registration of the company in the commercial register (matrícula) | $91.43 |
| Registration of the business premises | $34.29 |
| Filing the opening balance sheet | $17.14 |
| Tax identification number (NIT), first issue | Free |
| Total | $154.29 |
Source: INVEST: Investor Guide El Salvador, 2025 edition (PDF, in Spanish)1
The deed fee rises with the capital, up to $11,428.57. The commercial register fee is renewed every year and rises with the company’s assets; see company registration fees.6,7
Figures checked November 2026. A guide only, not tax, legal or financial advice.
Sources for the calculator
- CNR: services of the Registro de Comercio and fees (in Spanish)
- CNR: Sociedades por Acciones Simplificadas (in Spanish)
- INVEST: Investor guide 2025 (PDF, in Spanish)
- Legislative Assembly: free S.A.S. registration extended to 2026, November 2025 (in Spanish)
- Banco Agrícola: deposit accounts (in Spanish)
Other company forms
- S.A.S.: no registry fees for incorporation and the first business licence until 31 December 2026. In November 2026 the government proposed keeping registration free until 2027; the Legislative Assembly had not approved it by 8 November 2026. A S.A.S. can start with $1 of capital.
- Branch of a foreign company: the CNR charges $1 per $100 of capital, up to $12,000, to authorise the branch. With the minimum branch capital of $12,000 that is $120, plus the yearly register fee.
Source: Legislative Assembly: free S.A.S. registration extended to 2026, November 2025; Infobae: proposal to keep S.A.S. registration free until 2027, November 2026; National Registry Centre (CNR): Registry of Commerce services and fees; National Registry Centre (CNR): simplified joint-stock companies2,3,6,8
Costs that are not set by law
- Notary: the deed of incorporation is signed before a Salvadoran notary, whose fee is agreed privately.
- Bank account: Banco Agrícola asks for at least $300 to open a company current account; other banks set their own minimums.
- Premises: office, warehouse or free zone rent, usually with a deposit; see the rent guides below.
- Municipal licence and permits: fees vary by municipality and activity; see permit costs.
Source: PwC: Doing Business in El Salvador 2026; Banco Agrícola: deposit accounts; Historic Centre of San Salvador: one-stop office4,5,9
From the first hire, the employer pays 7.5% ISSS on salaries up to $1,000 a month and 8.75% AFP on the total salary, plus the year-end bonus and paid holiday. See minimum wages by sector.1,10
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in El Salvador?
INVEST puts the registry fees for a S.A. de C.V. with the minimum capital of $2,000 at $154.29. A simplified joint-stock company (S.A.S.) can be registered free of charge until 31 December 2026.
What is the minimum capital of a S.A. de C.V.?
$2,000, with 5% paid in at incorporation.
What are the larger start-up costs?
Usually the notary, the minimum capital paid in, rent and the first payroll.
Sources
- INVEST: Investor Guide El Salvador, 2025 edition (PDF, in Spanish)
- Legislative Assembly: free S.A.S. registration extended to 2026, November 2025 (in Spanish)
- Infobae: proposal to keep S.A.S. registration free until 2027, November 2026 (in Spanish)
- PwC: Doing Business in El Salvador 2026 (PDF)
- Banco Agrícola: deposit accounts (in Spanish)
- National Registry Centre (CNR): Registry of Commerce services and fees (in Spanish)
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: El Salvador, other taxes
- National Registry Centre (CNR): simplified joint-stock companies (in Spanish)
- Historic Centre of San Salvador: one-stop office (in Spanish)
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries: El Salvador, significant developments
Figures checked 8 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.
