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El Salvador Expands Benefits for Its Diaspora
By Eproint
El Salvador has introduced a new regulatory framework to facilitate the return of its citizens living abroad and to encourage investment of diaspora resources in the domestic economy. The initiative, set out under Administrative Disposition General No. DGA 016-2025, grants significant customs exemptions to Salvadorans residing overseas who decide to reestablish domicile in the country.
The measure, administered by the Directorate General of Customs (DGA), allows returning nationals to import household goods valued at up to USD 100,000 without paying customs duties. Above that threshold, importers are subject only to value-added tax (IVA) on the excess amount. Eligible individuals may also import tools, machinery, and professional equipment up to the same value, either in a single shipment or over a period of one year following their return.
Additionally, beneficiaries may bring in two motor vehicles—electric, hybrid, or conventional—free of customs duties, provided the vehicles meet age limits and remain registered under the importer’s name for at least two years after entry. The policy applies to all Salvadorans by birth or naturalization, regardless of their previous immigration status abroad.
The initiative forms part of the Law for Benefits and Protection for the Diaspora and People in Human Mobility, which aims to facilitate reintegration, stimulate domestic demand, and strengthen ties with Salvadorans living overseas.
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In El Salvador, Practice Head Edy Guadalupe Portal is a partner at Eproint and has more than 25 years of experience in Intellectual Property. Since 1995, she has been recognized as the Salvadoran voice of Intellectual Property protection for always informing the IP community about changes to IP law and international treaties.
During her career, Mrs. Portal has helped numerous international law firms and in-house counsel with all facets of their IP matters in El Salvador and Central America. Her extensive practice includes work in trademarks, patents, industrial designs, utility models, copyrights, unfair competition, foreign investment, regulatory law/health registrations, licensing, franchising, appellations of origin, geographical indications, IP litigation, fashion law, new technologies, data privacy, cybersecurity, domain names, entertainment law, advertisement law, trade secrets, valuation of intangibles, and IP due diligence. She is also recognized for the great anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting results she has delivered for her clients. She also helps coordinate Latin America Intellectual Property Protection for the firm.