Legal

Costa Rica respects the rule of law. Throughout the years, the country has continued to strengthen its legal system in order to comply with international agreements and regulations. Furthermore, companies have no limitation of foreign ownership. Both nationals and foreigners can conduct business freely. The country has free capital movement and no foreign exchange controls.

Taxation

Costa Rica has a special program called the free trade zone regime, which grants a 100% exemption status to companies that meet minimum fixed-asset investment requirements and that are foreign-market oriented.

Free Trade Zone

Since the 80s, Costa Rica has actively sought promoting exports of its manufactured goods and services through the creation of special incentive regimes. To this respect, the establishment of the free trade zone regime led to the creation of the first free trade zones in 1982.

In Costa Rica, companies that meet minimum fixed-asset investment requirements and are primarily foreign-market oriented can apply to a very competitive tax incentive program called the Free Trade Zone Regime. This program grants the company 100% tax exemption for a number of years.

Companies that apply to the Free Trade Zone Incentive Program can set up operations at one of the privately-owned Free Trade Zone Industrial Parks. Most of these industrial parks are located within 20 miles from the main international airport.

Immigration

Costa Rica has a friendly and welcoming attitude towards the attraction of world-class talent, regardless of where the talent is to be found.

The General Directorate of Immigration authorized in May 2008 an expedited procedure for registered companies and their personnel. The purpose of the program is to lessen the burden of immigration red tape on both individuals and their employers.

Currently there are two types of status provided to foreign workers:

1. Temporary Working Visa (working in Costa Rica for one year or less).
2. Temporary Residents (working in Costa Rica for over one year).

Labor

Our people make the difference.

Costa Rica’s emphasis on education and healthcare is the pillar of its stability. With almost 96% literacy rate and a solid national healthcare system, companies will find a pool of highly motivated and educated workforce that will significantly contribute to their success.

There labor pool grows of 3.7% annually - an average of 60,000 people join the workforce each year - which allows companies to feel comfortable about the stability and growth of their operations through the years.

Furthermore, a union-free environment in the private sector allows companies to establish programs such as employer-sponsored associations that contribute to a better communication between employers and their workers.

For further information, please refer to the Download Center.