More than 1,000 Salvadoran diaspora families have taken advantage of the Transitional Law of Incentives and Preferential Treatments for Repatriation, which was initially approved in 2023 and later extended for another year at the end of 2024. This law grants returning Salvadorans a tax exemption of up to $70,000 on personal household goods.
Benjamín Mayorga, Director of Customs, shared this update during an interview with Salvadoran Ambassador to the United States, Milena Mayorga. He highlighted that the law has benefited thousands of individuals, as applications are typically submitted by the head of each family.
The law allows Salvadorans returning home to import family cars, household items, and furniture for personal use, easing their reintegration process. Additionally, recent reforms have introduced digital applications, electronic signatures, and legal representative requests, making the process more efficient.
Customs authorities and immigration officials are assisting returnees arriving by land and sea, ensuring a smooth transition. The process is handled exclusively at the San Bartolo Customs Office in Ilopango, with an estimated delivery time of three days once goods enter the system.
Mayorga also emphasized that El Salvador is experiencing a rare global phenomenon—reverse migration. He attributed this to the country’s ongoing transformations under President Nayib Bukele, which have encouraged many Salvadorans to return to reunite with family, invest, and even retire in their homeland.
“El Salvador’s diaspora remains deeply connected. Unlike in many other countries, our people are choosing to come back,” Mayorga stated.
With the law’s extension through 2024, the government continues to support Salvadorans abroad who wish to return and contribute to the nation’s growth.