El Salvador offers various job opportunities for foreigners who wish to work in the country. However, it is essential to understand the requirements and the necessary process to obtain temporary residency that allows working in Salvadoran territory.

Daniela Deras, our associate from the Labor and Migration Department of our firm, provides valuable information on this matter.

Who can apply for temporary residency?

To work in El Salvador, foreigners must process temporary residency, issued by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Types of workers who can apply for this residency include:

1. Professional sports workers.
2. Migrant workers and their dependent family members.
3. Academics or teachers.
4. Scientists and specialized personnel engaged in academic, research, technical, or advisory activities.
5. Managers, technicians, and administrative staff transferred from abroad.
6. Foreign individuals providing services to a public institution for projects of public interest.

What should you consider to start the process?

When starting the process to obtain temporary residency in El Salvador, it is crucial to consider the following aspects:

1. Ensure you have all the required documents for the process.
2. The submitted documents must be authenticated or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
3. Each document must contain the name and surname as they appear on the passport or identification document.
4. Temporary residency can have a validity of one or two years.

Requirements to apply for temporary residency

The temporary residency application process includes the following general requirements:

1. Submit a residency application with authorization to work, which must be completed by the future employer, legal representative of the workplace, or proxy. If this application is not submitted in person, a legalized signature and presentation of the legal authority will be required. If it is a public institution, a signature and seal will be requested.
2. Photocopy of a valid and in good condition passport, including all used pages. The original passport will be required to verify the information.
3. Present an original document of criminal or police records from the country of origin or residence in the last years before entering El Salvador.
4. Provide a valid certificate from the National Civil Police of El Salvador if the person has stayed in Salvadoran territory for more than three months or has had more than two entries into the country in the last year.

“It is important to note that the deadline to receive a response to the application is 45 business days, provided that all requirements are met,” explains our lawyer.

What is the cost of the process?

The cost of the temporary residency application process may vary depending on the type of resident. Possible amounts are as follows:

• Temporary Central American Resident for one year: $70.00.
• Temporary Central American Resident for two years: $130.00.
• Temporary Non-Central American Resident for one year: $140.00.
• Temporary Non-Central American Resident for two years: $260.00.