Moving To El Salvador

Located in Central America El Salvador is the smallest country in Latin America. However, the country is known for its beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and Mayan ruins. Naturally, El Salvador has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from its indigenous roots as well as Spanish colonialism. The tropical weather all year round makes it a bustling tourist destination where entertainment options are many. The official language is Spanish and the currency is the U.S. dollar making it easier for the tourists or the expats when they are moving to El Salvador from the USA.

However, the country has faced challenges, including poverty and high crime rates, but it has also made significant progress in recent years. El Salvador is a popular destination for tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure. Overall, it is a fascinating and vibrant country to explore. If you are planning to move to El Salvador for more than 90 days you will need to have a proper planning in place. In the next few sections we are going to guide you on the requirements for moving to El Salvador from the USA.

Moving to El Salvador from USA

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to El Salvador

Whether you are moving to El Salvador from the USA for a short term stay or for a longer term we are here talking about an international relocation. A move where you are uprooting your life and taking it to settle in an entirely new geography! This requires proper planning. At International Sea & Air Shipping we understand what all are involved in an international relocation and we tailor our services to suit your requirements.

An international relocation is challenging not only because of the numerous steps to follow but also the cost and time involved in it. The packing of your household goods and move those safely to your new home, advising you on the process of obtaining proper documentation, helping you on choosing the right freight – we do these all and with professional precision. Added advantage is we are affordable!

At International Sea & Air Shipping we have extensive experience and expertise to move you and your household goods across different continents. In your move to El Salvador from the USA our team of relocation experts will handle A to Z of the move, from the origin country to the destination. So, you can look forward to a smooth relocation to El Salvador from the USA with us by your side. You can start considering the post move settling down to-do lists at this point.

About El Salvador

Literally meaning Republic of The Savior, El Salvador has undergone rapid industrialization in recent years. Located in Central America, El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country. In Spanish, El Salvador is known as “The land of proud and arrogant volcanoes.”

El Salvador is affectionately called “the Tom Thumb of the Americas.” With more than 300 rivers in El Salvador, Rio Lempais the most important. It originates in Guatemala and leads to the Pacific Ocean. El Salvador’s largest natural lake is Lake Guija. Tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons is the climatic condition of El Salvador.

The culture of El Salvador resembles mostly the culture of Central America while the European influences are seen in the architecture of colonial churches, museums and theatres. Football is the main sport of El Salvador followed by basketball and Volleyball.

Even though El Salvador is the smallest country geographically, it has the third largest economy in the region. The export and import partners of El Salvador are US, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and China. Hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum and arable land are the natural resources of El Salvador.

Customs Regulations for El Salvador

  • Passport (copy)
  • Visa (copy)
  • Inventory (valued)
  • Customs Declaration
  • Residence and Work Permit or Business Visa
  • Letter from employer confirming employment
  • Confirmation to return articles like works of art, household machinery, electronics, etc.
  • Power of Attorney

Free import by persons over 18 years of age:

  • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
  • Up to two (2) liters of alcoholic beverages
  • Up to six (6) units of perfume
  • Other articles up to a value of 500 USD
  • Works of art, antiques, coins and precious jewelry must have original receipts Firearms
  • For all firearms and ammunition a permit is required from the Ministry of Defense
  • Illegal drugs
  • Pornographic material
  • Unauthorized weapons

Documents required:

  • Title of Ownership
  • Original invoice
  • Passport
  • Certificate from repair shop at origin showing emission control requirements for gases, smoke and particles obtained no more than 60 days prior to arrival

Import permit required, fee of 9.04 USD, which can be obtained on (or prior to) arrival at the Animal Quarantine Dept. at the airport Applications must be accompanied by:

  • Health certificate issued no more than 15 days prior to arrival
  • Vaccination certificate
  • Export permit obtained at point of origin

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

How to prepare for your international move to El Salvador from the USA?

El Salvador may be a small country but not the list of your moving to-do list! Moving to El Salvador from the USA requires thorough planning and preparation. You can start by researching visa requirements, the cost of living, housing options, cultural practices and also learning a few day-to-day phrases in Spanish.

For the process of documentation you can contact the Embassy of El Salvador and inquire the steps to obtain the necessary visa and immigration information. You will also need to delve into the healthcare system and insurance options to ensure your medical needs are covered. Learning about the cultural differences and local language, which is Spanish, will ease your transition and build connections with locals.

Finally, notify your financial institutions, update your address, and inform family and friends of your move. At this point consider hiring an international moving company to assist with the logistics of shipping your belongings to El Salvador from the USA.

Visa process to move to El Salvador

El Salvador is the smallest Latin American country and there is a small expat community. However, if you have planned to move to El Salvador from the USA to stay there for more than what a tourist visa will allow, you will have to start by collecting all the information on the documents and processes to obtain long stay visa and residency options in El Salvador.

Don’t worry, we are here to assist you in this.

Work Permit

You can move to El Salvador from the USA for work. You will need to secure a job in El Salvador and the employer has to apply for your work permit. Here is list of the steps that are generally followed in order to obtain a work permit –

  • Application completed by the local El Salvador company, which is hiring the applicant. The application should state wages, and also the duration of the employee services.
  • Apostille birth certificate that needs to be translated into Spanish, as per the Salvadoran regulations.
  • Apostille police records that need to be translated into Spanish, as per the Salvadoran regulations.
  • The records presented to the El Salvador authority should reflect the residence of the applicant for a duration of the past two years in the country where the applicant lived.
  • Medical report validated by a Salvadoran physician which needs to state that the applicant doesn’t suffer from any contagious diseases.
  • Two copies of the applicant’s passport.
  • Two copies of the hiring company’s constitution (deed) with whatever modifications the company has experienced.
  • A complete application for the Salvadoran Labor Department.
  • A fee, which will depend on the type of residence.

Work Permit for Family Reunification

If you are moving to El Salvador from the USA for family reunification purposes and want to work in the country, then there are some general requirements that you need to be aware of to obtain the work permit.

  • Application needs to be filled out by the interested party.
  • Apostille birth certificate that needs to be translated into Spanish, as per the Salvadoran regulations.
  • Apostille police records that need to be translated into Spanish, as per the Salvadoran regulations.
  • The records presented to the El Salvador authority should reflect the residence of the applicant for a duration of the past two years in the country where the applicant lived.
  • The applicant’s income proof or sworn statement provides proof that he/she has sufficient funds to assist the spouse economically for the duration of the stay.
  • A medical report from a valid and practicing Salvadoran physician stating that the applicant does not suffer from any contagious disease.
  • Two copies of the applicant’s passport.
  • A fee that depends on the type of residence the applicant.

Special note:

When you are moving to El Salvador from the USA as an American citizen, you should be aware that the documents like, birth certificate, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, police record checks, etc. you are presenting to the Salvadoran government (GOES) must be “Apostille” from the USA.

In addition, all types of documents must have been issued within the last sixty (60) days. Failing which these documents are considered invalid.

Before the international relocation to El Salvador from the USA as an expat, it is advisable that you collect all necessary information on the current socio-political state of this Latin American country, which will give you further insight for the move.