With a tropical climate, developing economy, and use of the US dollar as currency, El Salvador is an attractive location for companies looking to establish a presence in the region. However, there are challenges to global expansion, including how to get a work visa and permit in for all international employees
Types of work visas in El Salvador
All individuals from other countries who enter El Salvador need to obtain a visa depending on their citizenship and type of passport. The country has a variety of visa types, and entering El Salvador for business purposes may require a consular visa, a consulted visa, or a special entry permit. Those that are visa-exempt may enter El Salvador for business purposes and stay up to 180 days.
As permissões de trabalho são combinadas com permissões de residência temporária. Both are valid for 1 to 2 years but can be extended for up to 5 years. Citizens from Central American countries can apply directly for permanent residency in El Salvador, and individuals from Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking countries can obtain permanent residence after 1 year of holding a temporary residence permit. All other nationals can apply for permanent residence after renewing the temporary residence permit 3 consecutive times.
Requirements to obtain El Salvador work visas
Applying for a work visa in El Salvador requires a passport that’s valid for at least 6 more months, proof of a yellow fever vaccine, and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay. Employees may also need a letter from the employer inviting them to work in the country.
Uma permissão de trabalho e uma permissão de residência temporária têm alguns dos mesmos requisitos, incluindo:
- Police clearance certificates from El Salvador, the applicant’s country of residence, and their home country.
- A medical certificate.
- Proof of experience or a university degree.
- Copy of passport pages with visa/entries stamped.
- Copy of the applicant’s last utility bill.
- A registration form.
- A provisional residence card.
- A residency request form.
- An employment contract.
- A personal data form.
- A letter requesting residency.
Processo de aplicação
International employees should apply for their visa at the El Salvadorian embassy in their country of residence. They should take the required documents enlisted above to their appointment and also pay the official visa fees, which will vary based on where they apply. After entering El Salvador, an individual can apply for their temporary residence and work permit.
The approximate time for obtaining a work permit after filing the application ranges from 3 to 4 months. However, it may be worth considering that after the application is filed, a receipt may be obtained which can be used as a temporary permit until final approval is received.
Outras considerações importantes
Family members (spouse and children) of work permit holders may qualify for dependent visas, allowing them to reside in El Salvador during the applicant’s work permit duration. Dependents must apply for visas separately and provide documentation proving their relationship to the primary applicant.
Dependents must prove that they receive income from the main applicant or that they can cover their living expenses.
Requirements for dependents are amended frequently in El Salvador; therefore, you should consult the General Direction of Immigration and Foreigner Issues.
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