International Removals UK to El Salvador

It takes 42 days for international removals from the UK to El Salvador. This is the time it takes from London Gateway to the port of Acajutla. You’ll need to factor in the time it takes to collect your items in the UK, to pack and for final delivery.

Returning El Salvador citizens can import household goods and personal effects duty-free if they are used and have been owned for at least 6 months before entering. If you are a returning resident who has lived abroad for 3 years, you can also import your personal items and household goods duty-free. Foreign citizens and residents are subject to customs duties of up to 20% depending on the item’s condition and value. A VAT of 13% is also to be paid on top of this.

To ship your personal belongings to El Salvador, we will need you to provide us with the following documents:

• A copy of your passport including the visa page
• A valid residence or work permit
• A Bill of Lading which is issued by 1st Move International and highlights the contents of the shipment
• An inventory list
• Customs declaration form
• Proof of accommodation in El Salvador

All documents can be uploaded via our secure document transfer page.

There are a range of visas on offer for foreigners moving to El Salvador. There is a short-term visa valid for up to 90 days available for tourists or those carrying out business on a short-term basis. For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll have to apply for a Temporary Residence Visa.

Work Visa

The Work Visa is for those who have employment in place in El Salvador. It’s typically valid for the length of your employment contract but can vary.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months beyond stay
• A completed Work Visa application form from the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners or the Salvadoran consulate
• A signed employment contract with an employer in El Salvador that’s approved by the Ministry of Labour
• A letter from the employer to prove sponsorship
• Proof of qualifications
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of accommodation

You can find the full requirements on the Globalization Partners website .

Temporary Residency

If you need to stay in El Salvador for longer than 90 days but don’t plan on moving permanently, the temporary residence is for you.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months beyond stay
• A completed Temporary Residence Visa application form from El Salvador's consulate or embassy or the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners
• Provide proof of the purpose of your stay (e.g., employment, family, etc.)
• Proof of financial stability
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical clearance certificate
• Proof of residence in El Salvador

You can find all types of Temporary Residence Visa on the El Salvador law website .

Permanent Residency Visa

You can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa after living in the country for a certain time or through family ties, investment or retirement.

• A UK passport valid for 6 months beyond the application date
• A complete Permanent Residency Visa application form from the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners or a Salvadoran consulate
• Proof of living in El Salvador or a temporary residence between 1-5 years depending on circumstances
• A police clearance certificate from the UK or the country you’ve lived in for the last 5 years and translated into Spanish
• A medical clearance certificate

You can find the full requirements on the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration website .

Yes, you can take your pet to El Salvador with you if you can provide the following requirements:

• Health Certificate: You’ll need to get a Health Certificate issued by a UK vet that’s endorsed by a government agency within 30 days before you travel.
• Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must have their rabies vaccination 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months before entry.
• Parasite Treatment: Your pet must be treated for pests internally and externally and listed on the health certificate.
• Import Permit: In some situations, you may have to get a pet Import Permit. This can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Microchips aren’t a requirement, but always recommended for the safety of your pet.

Our free shipping container tracking tool lets you live track your order from the UK to the port in El Salvador. Once the shipment has left the UK, we’ll send you your unique tracking code to enter into the tool.

In 2024, the cost of living in El Salvador is 43% lower than in the UK, with rent, groceries and restaurant prices all much lower. It’s recommended to budget £1,813 ($2,266.25) a month for living costs for a family of four living in El Salvador, not including rent. To rent a 3-bedroom apartment in the city, it’ll cost £794.13 ($1,042.50) per month, which is 54.8% cheaper than in the UK. Basic utilities are more affordable at 72% lower and transportation is 86% cheaper in El Salvador. The average monthly salary is much lower than in the UK, which explains why basic services and amenities are lower than in the UK.

El Salvador’s public healthcare system provides free healthcare services to all citizens of El Salvador. The system is funded by employee’s contributions to the Social Security Institution. Many ex-pats use private healthcare in El Salvador and have private health insurance, but services are more affordable compared to other countries. You can expect to pay between $3- and $50 per month for individual healthcare insurance. Public hospitals tend to be overcrowded with long waiting items, but access to pharmacies and availability of medication is good.

Compulsory education begins at age 7 in El Salvador with primary school and ends in secondary school at age 15. Children can either continue their studies in secondary school until age 17, enter vocational training or the workforce. There are private British schools in El Salvador that cater to British expat families and follow the British educational system. The British School of El Salvador, the International School of San Salvador and the British International School are a few notable schools.

The current job market in El Salvador offers many opportunities for expats, with English language teaching in international schools and private tutoring in demand. The main sectors of employment in the county are garment manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and IT. El Salvador faces unemployment issues and a skills gap at present. For expats looking to work in El Salvador, it’s recommended to develop your skills and search for current opportunities on websites like Indeed .