Legal Services for Foreigners · El Salvador 2026
Legal Services in El Salvador for Foreigners and Expats
You have property to protect, a business to register, or an inheritance to claim. But the Salvadoran legal system operates in Spanish, follows civil law tradition, and involves government agencies you have never heard of. Guillén & Guillén Asociados handles all of it for you, in English, with fixed fees and no travel required.
Guillén & Guillén Asociados provides legal services in English for foreigners across El Salvador. Real estate from $800, business formation from $1,200, immigration from $500, inheritance from $800. Fixed fees, 100% remote, free initial consultation.
Our attorneys are licensed by the Supreme Court of Justice of El Salvador and hold current notarial authorization. We serve clients from the United States, Canada, Europe, and worldwide. Every case can be managed remotely through a Power of Attorney ($250). We communicate exclusively in English with our international clients.
35+
Years of experience
EN/ES
Bilingual legal team
14
Departments covered
100%
Remote service available
Which Legal Service Do You Need?
Most foreign clients fall into one of three categories. Find yours below to see exactly what we can do for you.
🏠
Buying or Selling Property
Title search, due diligence, deed transfer, and CNR registration. Legal fees from $800.
🏢
Starting or Managing a Business
Company formation, tax registration, contracts, and free trade zone applications. From $1,200.
📜
Inheritance, Family, or Documents
Estate claims, divorce, custody, powers of attorney, apostilles, and notarial services. From $120.
Not sure which service you need? That is completely normal. Send us a WhatsApp message describing your situation in plain English. We will tell you exactly which legal process applies, what it costs, and how long it takes. No charge for the initial consultation.
Do You Need Help Buying Property in El Salvador?
Foreigners have the same property rights as Salvadoran citizens under Article 109 of the Constitution. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership. However, the purchase process involves multiple agencies and legal requirements that only a local attorney can navigate safely.
What We Handle
- Due diligence and title search: We verify legal status at the CNR (Centro Nacional de Registros), check for liens, encumbrances, and unpaid taxes. This is the single most important step.
- Purchase transactions: Drafting the purchase agreement (promesa de venta), preparing the deed (escritura de compraventa), notarization, and CNR registration.
- Title corrections: Fixing defects, missing registrations, or outdated records at the registry.
- Property disputes: Boundary disputes, adverse possession, co-ownership conflicts, and evictions.
Property purchase costs: Legal fees from $800. Transfer tax (ITBR): 3% of declared value. CNR registration: $100–$300. Notary fees included. For a $100,000 property, total closing costs run approximately $4,200–$4,800. The entire process takes 30 to 60 days and can be completed remotely.
For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, see: How to Buy Property in El Salvador as a Foreigner.
How Do You Start a Business in El Salvador?
El Salvador is one of the easiest countries in Central America for foreign business owners. The Investment Law (D.L. N° 732) guarantees equal treatment, allows 100% foreign ownership, and permits full profit repatriation. No local partner required.
What We Handle
- Company formation: S.A. de C.V. (corporation), S. de R.L. (LLC), branch offices, and sole proprietorships. Name reservation, articles of incorporation, notarization, and registration.
- Tax registration: NIT (tax ID) and NRC (VAT registration) from the Ministry of Finance.
- Contracts: Supply agreements, distribution contracts, joint ventures, and licensing deals.
- Compliance: Annual filings, shareholder meetings, capital changes, and corporate modifications.
- Free trade zones: Applications for tax incentives under D.L. N° 405 (up to 20 years of exemptions).
Business formation takes 15 to 30 business days and costs from $1,200 in legal fees plus $300–$500 in government fees. There is no minimum capital requirement for an S.A. de C.V. since 2023. Corporate tax: 25%–30%. IVA: 13%. Free trade zone companies: 0% tax for up to 20 years.
Full guide: How to Start a Business in El Salvador as a Foreigner.
How Do You Get Residency in El Salvador?
Several residency pathways exist depending on your situation. You do not need residency to own property or a business, but it is required for long-term stays and local employment.
Residency Options
- Temporary Residency: Valid 1 year, renewable. For employees, students, or those exploring long-term options. From $500.
- Permanent Residency: After 1–3 years of temporary residency. Indefinite stay and work rights. From $800.
- Investor Residency: For foreign nationals investing $50,000+. Expedited processing. From $1,000.
- Retiree Residency (Rentista): For retirees with $1,000+/month in proven income. Popular with American and Canadian retirees. From $500.
Temporary residency takes 60–90 days to process. Permanent residency is available after 1–3 years. All applications are filed at the DGME (immigration office). We handle document preparation, translation, and government filings. Immigration is the one service that may require at least one in-person visit for biometrics.
How Does Inheritance Work in El Salvador?
Cross-border inheritance is one of the most complex areas for foreigners with Salvadoran assets. Whether you are an heir living in the US or a property owner planning your estate, expert guidance prevents costly delays.
What We Handle
- Inheritance claims (Sucesión): Notarial proceedings (when heirs agree) or judicial proceedings (when there is conflict or minors involved).
- Cross-border estates: Coordinating with attorneys in the US or Canada for multi-jurisdiction cases.
- Wills and estate planning: Drafting wills (testamentos) compliant with Salvadoran law.
- Property transfer: Registering inherited property at the CNR and updating title deeds.
Notarial proceedings take 3 to 6 months (from $800). Judicial proceedings take 8 to 24 months (from $1,200). Governed by Arts. 988+ of the Civil Code. El Salvador has no inheritance tax. Heirs receive assets without estate taxes. The entire process can be managed remotely through a Power of Attorney.
Free Consultation
US Attorneys Charge $300–$500 Per Hour. We Charge Fixed Fees.
Tell us what you need. We will quote a flat fee before any work begins. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Do You Handle Divorce and Family Law?
Family law cases become especially complex when they cross international borders. We represent Salvadorans living abroad, foreigners married to Salvadoran nationals, and parents in cross-border custody disputes.
- Mutual consent divorce: 30–60 days, from $600.
- Contested divorce: 6–18 months, from $1,200.
- Child custody: Arrangements, modifications, and enforcement of foreign orders. From $800.
- Child support: Establishing, modifying, or enforcing obligations (Art. 34 Constitution). From $400.
- Prenuptial agreements: Marital property agreements (capitulaciones matrimoniales).
For Salvadorans in the US: We handle divorce, custody, and child support proceedings remotely through a Power of Attorney. You do not need to travel to El Salvador for court hearings. Your attorney appears on your behalf.
What Notarial Services Do You Offer?
A Salvadoran notary (notario) is a licensed attorney with Supreme Court authorization to create legally binding instruments. Unlike US notaries who simply verify identity, a Salvadoran notary authenticates documents and certifies legal facts. Many transactions require notarization to be valid.
- Power of Attorney: General ($120) or special ($250). Essential for remote clients.
- Document authentication: Certified copies, signatures, and translations. From $50.
- Apostille preparation: Documents for international use under the Hague Convention. From $75.
- Contracts: Sales, leases, loans, and partnership agreements. From $200.
How Much Do Legal Services Cost?
| Service | Legal Fees (USD) | Timeline | Remote? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property purchase (due diligence + deed) | From $800 | 30–60 days | Yes |
| Business formation (S.A. de C.V.) | From $1,200 | 15–30 days | Yes |
| Temporary residency | From $500 | 60–90 days | Partial |
| Permanent residency | From $800 | 90–180 days | Partial |
| Inheritance (notarial) | From $800 | 3–6 months | Yes |
| Inheritance (judicial) | From $1,200 | 8–24 months | Yes |
| Divorce (mutual consent) | From $600 | 30–60 days | Yes |
| Divorce (contested) | From $1,200 | 6–18 months | Yes |
| Power of Attorney (special) | $250 | 3–5 days | Yes |
| Document authentication | From $50 | 1–3 days | Yes |
All fees are fixed, not hourly. We provide a written fee quote before any work begins. No hidden charges. The initial consultation is always free. Payment via bank transfer, Western Union, Zelle, or wire transfer. We do not charge until you approve the scope of work.
How Do Legal Costs Compare to the United States?
| Service | United States | El Salvador (G&G) |
|---|---|---|
| Property closing costs | $8,000–$15,000 | From $800 |
| Annual property tax | 1%–3% of value | ~0.1% |
| Inheritance/estate tax | Up to 40% | 0% |
| Business formation | $3,000–$10,000 | From $1,200 |
| Billing model | $300–$500/hour | Fixed fee, no hourly |
| Currency | US Dollar | US Dollar |
The cost advantage is significant. A property transaction that costs $10,000+ in US legal fees runs under $1,000 with our firm. There is no inheritance tax in El Salvador (compared to up to 40% in the US). And because both countries use the US dollar, there is zero currency risk on your investment.
Can Everything Be Done Remotely?
Our process is built for clients who cannot visit El Salvador. Here is what to expect:
Step 1: Free Consultation
Contact us via WhatsApp, email, or video call. We listen, explain the legal process, and provide a fee estimate. Takes 15–30 minutes. No charge.
Step 2: Power of Attorney
We prepare a POA so our attorneys can act on your behalf. Sign it at a US notary (with apostille) or at the nearest Salvadoran consulate (~$40).
Step 3: We Handle Everything
Document preparation, government filings, court appearances, and follow-up with agencies. We update you at every milestone via WhatsApp or email.
Step 4: You Receive Your Documents
Certified copies via DHL or FedEx, plus a clear summary of results and next steps.
Working with international clients is our specialty. We communicate in English via WhatsApp, email, and video calls. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM CST (GMT-6). We respond within 2 hours during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you speak English fluently?
Yes. Our team communicates fluently in English and Spanish. All consultations, updates, and explanations are in English. Legal documents required in Spanish are accompanied by English summaries so you understand exactly what you are signing.
Can everything be done remotely without traveling?
For most services, yes. Property purchases, business formation, inheritance claims, divorces, and notarial services can all be handled 100% remotely through a Power of Attorney ($250). Immigration may require one in-person visit to DGME for biometrics, but we handle all paperwork and accompany you to the appointment.
What geographic areas do you cover?
We serve clients across all 14 departments of El Salvador. Our office is in San Ignacio, Chalatenango, but we handle cases in San Salvador, La Libertad, Santa Ana, San Miguel, and every other department. We appear at any court in the country.
How do I pay from the United States?
We accept international wire transfers, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Zelle. Payment structure: 50% upfront, 50% upon completion. For large projects, milestone-based payments are available. All fees are quoted and charged in US dollars.
Do you accept Bitcoin?
Yes. Bitcoin is legal tender in El Salvador (D.L. N° 57, 2021). We accept Bitcoin via Lightning Network or on-chain. The fee is calculated in US dollars at the exchange rate at the time of payment.
Can you represent me in court?
Yes. Our attorneys are licensed to appear before all courts in El Salvador, including civil, family, and commercial courts. For matters requiring court proceedings, we provide full representation under Power of Attorney. You do not need to be present.
What time zone are you in?
Central Standard Time (CST, GMT-6). Same as Chicago and Houston. No daylight saving time. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. We respond within 2 hours during business hours, within 24 hours on weekends.
Explore Our Detailed Guides
Free Consultation in English
Tell Us What You Need. We Will Handle the Rest.
WhatsApp us today. Free consultation, fixed fees, no travel required. We respond within 2 hours.
+503 7251-2390 · Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM CST