Forming Simplified Joint Stock Companies (SAS) in El Salvador
On December 6, 2023, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved reforms to the Commercial Code, allowing the formation of Simplified Joint Stock Companies (SAS) in El Salvador.
The legal foundation is established in the reform of the Commercial Code of El Salvador, which includes 11 articles and introduces 28 sections, including a dedicated chapter with all the regulations for SAS in El Salvador. This aims to provide more options for establishing new businesses in the country, with SAS belonging to the category of capital-based commercial societies, as specified in Article 18 of the Commercial Code of El Salvador.
The choice of company type in El Salvador will depend on the business model and the intentions of the shareholders.
A SAS is ideal if you don’t have additional partners or capital investors but want to contribute through labor or minimal investment (as low as US$1). It is particularly suited for reducing compliance costs with commercial obligations.
Additionally, SAS is the recommended option if the sole administrator wishes to manage the company remotely from abroad, as it can be established directly without formalities or third-party intervention. Electronic signatures are accepted, and the company can be dissolved, liquidated, or transformed through a simple form.