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Investment & Legal Framework
ACCESS tO LAND
Property of rural land cannot be acquired by
foreigners whose countries of origin do not grant the
same right to Salvadorans, exept land for industrial
establishments.
The maximum extension of land belonging to one
individual, whether a person or corporation, cannot
exceed two hundred and forty-five hectares. This
limitation is not applicable to cooperative associations
or peasant communities that are subject to special
treatment.
The subsoil belongs to the State, which can grant
use concessions.
Administrative process can be seen at
http://elsalvador.e-regulations.org/
BUSINESS CULTURE
IN EL SALVADOR
El Salvador is one of the countries in Central
American with more opportunities for economic
investment.
Direct foreign investment of the private sector is the
growth engine of the country.
The country’s specific focalization is centered on the
agro-industry, manufacturing, capital markets and
private infrastructure.
Entrepreneurs who wish to establish business
relationships with El Salvador must consider the
following:
• Business breakfasts and lunches are common
activities in the entrepreneur’s agenda. Work
breakfasts usually start at 7:00 a.m. and luncheons
and dinners tend to last 2 to 3 hours, so it is very
important not to program a tight agenda around
these hours.
• It is necessary to make appointments in advance
and it is expected to arrive within an acceptable
margin of punctuality. Any unforeseen delays must
be relayed to the other party as soon as possible.
• The use of business cards is important at the
moment of attending a business meeting that begins
with their exchange.
• It is customary for men and women to greet with a
handshake; although, women often kiss each other
and men on the cheek.
• It is convenient to bring samples of your products
with you to facilitate the presentation of their
features.
• Regarding dress code, at business events it is
customary to wear a suit and tie; although, it is not
necessary in some areas.
• Cultivation of interpersonal relationships is
important in the Salvadoran culture, and greatly
facilitates businesses. In such a small country as
this one, everybody knows each other and one is
evaluated according to whom he/she knows.
Companies aNd Institutions
To Turn To To Ask For
Assistance
CONSORTIUM CENTRO AMÉRICA ABOGADOS
(CENTRAL AMERICAN CONSORTIUM OF
LAWYERS)
Aquiles Delgado
President in El Salvador and Vice-President at
Regional level
67 Av. Sur, Pasaje 2 - 26,
Col. Escalón, San Salvador
Tel: (+503) 2209 1600
Fax: (+503) 2298 3939
adelgado@consortiumlegal.com
www.consortiumlegal.com
Activity: Legal
Date of Foundation: 1991
Employees: 270
Founded in 1991 under the name of Delgado
Brizuela & Asociados, They changed their name
in 1998 to Bufete Delgado & Cevallos when three
founding partners joined: Aquiles A. Delgado,
Ricardo A. Cevallos and Jose Eduardo Tomasino;
later they joined the regional group Consortium.
Centro America Abogados Consortium was born
in 2005 to service a new reality. Consolidated
and stimulated by the approval of the Free Trade
Agreement with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras,
Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and
obtained the status of resident. Foreign investors are
granted residency if their investments are superior to
four thousand minimum monthly salaries.
Foreign companies that establish themselves in El
Salvador must hire a 90% Salvadoran and Central
American workforce. The executive personnel of the
company are not included in this percentage.