El Salvador aims to promote and protect foreign investments by providing a harmonious legal framework and competitive incentives for all foreign local and foreign investors looking for an attractive business climate with financial freedom.
PROESA, El Salvador’s agency that promotes investments and exports, is mandated to serve and advise investors on streamlining government and baking procedures, making it a quick and straightforward process.
Foreign and local investors have the same rights and obligations without being able to apply unjustified or discriminatory measures that hinder the establishment, administration, use, extension, sale, and liquidation of their investments.
Foreign investors are guaranteed their right to transfer funds related to their investment abroad without delay and the freedom to convert their currency through the banking market.
El Salvador’s Constitution recognizes and guarantees the protection of national and foreign investors’ property and the right to dispose of their assets freely.
El Salvador’s International Services Law provides tax incentives to companies that offer services to foreign clients. Companies may locate themselves in parks or service centers to enjoy these benefits.
With the International Services Law, El Salvador promotes the following activities:
?Software design and development
?Computer systems and applications
?Call centers, BPO, technological equipment repair, research & development, etc.
✅Exemption from customs duties and other taxes on the import of machinery, equipment, tools, spare parts, accessories, furniture, and other necessary goods for the execution of the activity.
✅Total income tax exemption for incomes from incentivized activity while having their operations in the country.
✅Total municipal taxes exemption from the company’s assets while operating in the country.
Delimited areas in which companies dedicated to providing international services are established and operate and that receive the tax benefits of this law.
When a company with an eligible activity –previously specified in the law– cannot locate itself within a service park (for physical or technical reasons), it may be authorized to operate outside as a service center and enjoy the benefits of this law.