Doing Business in Indonesia VS El Salvador – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors often face a tough decision when choosing the ideal destination for their business ventures. Indonesia and El Salvador are two countries that offer unique opportunities, each with its own set of advantages. While Indonesia is known for its competitive landscape, high quality of life, and lower costs for setting up smaller businesses, El Salvador has gained recognition for its innovative approaches to business, including its embrace of cryptocurrency. This article explores the key factors to help you make an informed decision.
Key Comparison Points
Business Environment
- Indonesia: Indonesia boasts political stability and a growing economy backed by government support for foreign investments.
- El Salvador: El Salvador has made headlines with its progressive policies, such as adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, but its political and economic stability can be unpredictable.
Taxation
- Indonesia: Indonesia offers a corporate tax rate of 22%, with tax incentives for certain industries and regions to attract foreign investors.
- El Salvador: El Salvador has a competitive corporate tax rate of 30%, but it also provides tax exemptions for technology and innovation-based businesses.
Ease of Company Incorporation
- Indonesia: Indonesia has streamlined its incorporation process with digital platforms, but regulatory compliance can still be complex for foreign investors.
- El Salvador: El Salvador offers a relatively straightforward incorporation process, especially for small businesses, but digital infrastructure is less developed compared to Indonesia.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
- Indonesia: Indonesia is known for its affordable operational costs, including office space and living expenses, making it attractive for startups and SMEs.
- El Salvador: El Salvador’s costs are also relatively low, but infrastructure and business resources may be more limited compared to Indonesia.
Access to Markets
- Indonesia: Indonesia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides excellent access to regional and global markets, supported by various trade agreements.
- El Salvador: El Salvador benefits from its proximity to the U.S. market and is part of trade agreements like CAFTA-DR, but its global connectivity is less extensive than Indonesia’s.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference:
Factor |
Indonesia |
El Salvador |
Business Environment |
Stable with growing government support for foreign investments |
Progressive policies but with some political and economic unpredictability |
Corporate Tax Rate |
22% |
30% |
Capital Gains Tax |
Varies, with exemptions for certain investments |
Exemptions for cryptocurrency-related gains |
Ease of Incorporation |
Streamlined but with complex regulations for foreigners |
Simpler process but less developed digital infrastructure |
Business Costs |
Affordable operational and living costs |
Low costs but fewer resources and infrastructure |
Market Access |
Excellent regional and global connectivity |
Strong U.S. market access but limited global reach |

Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
Whether you’re looking to register a company in Indonesia or start a business in Indonesia, 3E Accounting offers unparalleled expertise and support. From seamless incorporation to comprehensive business solutions, our team ensures a hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs and investors.
Explore our Indonesia company incorporation services package to understand how we can assist you. For more guidance, check out our guide on registering a company in Indonesia. Ready to take the next step? 3E Accounting is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The process for starting a business in Indonesia begins with selecting your business structure, registering through the OSS system, securing the necessary licenses, and setting up tax compliance.
Indonesia provides a digital, reform-driven process while El Salvador offers a simpler structure for small businesses but with less developed online systems. You can refer to this company registration in Indonesia guide for full details.
Yes. Company incorporation in Indonesia is cost-effective thanks to affordable labor, rent, and regulatory incentives available for certain sectors and regions.
To get started with professional support, contact 3E Accounting and request a personalized company setup consultation.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.