F5 business person residency in El Salvador

Who this category is for

For founders, managers or partners who will be active in a Salvadoran company. Buying an existing business does not grant residence by itself; the F5 application is separate and approval is conditional.

General requirements for every temporary residence

Article 161 of the Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law sets the common file for all temporary residence applications. The category-specific documents below are added to it.

1. Application signed by the foreign applicant or a legal representative; if not signed in person before the authority, the signature must be notarised. [Regulation art. 161 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
2. Copy of every used page of the valid passport, with the original presented for verification. [Regulation art. 161 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
3. Original criminal record or police clearance from the country of origin or from the country where you lived during the last two years. [Regulation art. 161 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
4. Salvadoran police (PNC) clearance where it applies: if you have been physically in El Salvador for more than three months or entered more than twice in the past year. The authority may check it electronically. [Regulation art. 161 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
5. An employment support letter or certified employment contract only where your residence basis allows you to work. [Regulation art. 161 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]

Category-specific requirements (F5)

1. Certified copy of the company's registration in the commercial registry. [Regulation art. 163 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]

Conditional requirements

1. If you also work in the company: a certificate stating your start date, position and salary. [Regulation art. 163 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
2. If the company has operated for at least one fiscal year: its income tax return for the preceding year. [Regulation art. 163 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]

Rules for foreign documents

1. Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalised and, where not in Spanish, officially translated into Spanish. [Regulation arts. 149–150 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
2. Documents without their own expiry date are generally accepted for up to one year from issue; employment letters for 30 days. [Regulation art. 151 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]
3. Government fees are non-refundable and paying them does not guarantee approval. [Regulation art. 152 — Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)]

How the application works

1. Identify the correct residence category for your situation; an entry visa is not the same as residence.
2. Download the official F form for that category and read its complete, current requirements, timelines and fees.
3. Gather the general and category-specific documents, with apostilles and Spanish translations.
4. Lodge the application with the DGME and pay the government fees.
5. The authority reviews documents and background; it may request more information.
6. Only if approved is the temporary residence card issued. Renewal conditions vary by category and must be met each time.

[DGME — How can I become a temporary resident in El Salvador?]

Frequently asked questions

Can I use F5 for a company I am still setting up?

The Regulation asks for the company's commercial registration, so the entity must exist and be registered. A newly formed company will not yet have a prior-year tax return, which is only required after a full fiscal year.

What is the difference between F5 and F11?

F5 is centred on carrying out business through a registered company. F11 is for foreigners who founded a Salvadoran company and subscribed and paid a minimum share capital; it relies on the registered deed or share certificate.

Does F5 let me work?

Work-related documents are only filed where your residence basis allows work. Confirm the scope of activity permitted with the DGME.

Government sources

• DGME — Official DGME form F5 (PDF)
• DGME — Temporary residences (list of official forms)
• DGME — How can I become a temporary resident in El Salvador?
• Regulation to the Migration and Foreigners Law (updated with D.L. 35 of 24 May 2019)
• eRegulations El Salvador — investor residence procedure
• Legislative Assembly — Legislative Decree No. 531 (2026)
• Legislative Decree No. 531 — official PDF text