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El SalvadorWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Residencia temporal con autorización para trabajar

temporary residence with work authorisation, form F-03

Foreign nationals who will work in El Salvador apply to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) for temporary residence with permission to work. The request is normally filed by the future employer. The Ministry of Labour gives a favourable report as part of the process. Depending on the subcategory, residence is granted for up to one or two years and can be extended.

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1 entry rule for El Salvador based on recent travel

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Life in El Salvador

Money

3

Currency

US Dollar

USD

US Dollar

Cost of living

47

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10–30%

Income tax (national)

VAT (IVA) 13%

Annual income up to about USD 4,064 exempt; 30% above about USD 22,857.

Official rates, 2025 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.6

#35 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Migrant workers (employed or self-employed), professional athletes, academics and teachers, scientists and specialists, transferred managers and technical staff, and people serving public-interest projects for a public institution.

Eligibility

  • Covered subcategories

    This permit covers six work-related subcategories listed in Art. 109 of the Ley Especial de Migración y de Extranjería.

    • Numerals 7, 8, 12, 16, 17 and 23 of Art. 109 apply
    • Includes professional athletes, migrant workers and their dependants
    • Includes academics, teachers, scientists and specialised staff
    • Also covers transferred directors, technical or admin staff, and people serving a public institution
    Official wording

    Art. 109 numerals 7, 8, 12, 16, 17 and 23 of the Ley Especial de Migración y de Extranjería: professional athletes, migrant workers and dependants, academics/teachers, scientists and specialised staff, transferred directors/technical/admin staff, and people serving a public institution.

  • Employer commitment

    Most subcategories need an original employer commitment letter (carta compromiso) with legalised signatures. The application form is completed by the future employer and asks for residence 'subject to a favourable report from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare'.

  • Self-employed workers

    A sworn statement before a Salvadoran notary describing activities, address, business location, start date and projected monthly income, plus any municipal or state permits needed.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementClean record
  • Document checklistApplication signed by the foreigner, legal representative, attorney or employer
  • FeesTemporary resident - non-Central American, up to 1 year

The full requirements are for members

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 6 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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