Costa Rica offers many flexible business practices along with beautiful weather and a rich cultural history. It is a favourable destination for starting a business for many reasons — including tax advantages, a high degree of privacy, local fluency in English in addition to a fast incorporation timeline.
Costa Rica is known for being one of the most developed nations in Latin America, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of $61.77 billion in 2019 (all figures in USD) and a Gross National Income (GNI) — considered a key indicator of general prosperity — which reached $11,700 per capita in 2019. (Placing the country as an upper-middle income nation, based on the World Bank standards.)
Despite its relatively small size, Costa Rica is a major recipient of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). Its multiple free trade agreements (FTAs) are giving a preferential access to major markets, such as Chile, China, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the United States. Its major exports include electrical machinery, bananas, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and plastic products.
If you are considering starting a business in Costa Rica and want to incorporate a company in the country, read on to understand the importance of an entity health check in the Central American country. Or go ahead and contact us now to discuss your business options.
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7 Benefits of Incorporating a Company in Costa Rica
1. Costa Rica is Bilingual
Although Spanish is the main language spoken and written in the country of Costa Rica, English is also widely used. This allows for your company name to be recorded in either Spanish or English.
2. Costa Rica is a Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
In recent years, Costa Rica has transformed from a predominantly agricultural economy to include many new incentives to promote other sectors of business and trade within the country. Becoming a member of the WTO has sped up this process.
3. Only 4 Individuals Are Required to Incorporate a Company in Costa Rica
There are only four members who are needed to form an S.A.: a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Controller. These Board directors will appear on the public record.
4. Privacy and Anonymity
Shareholders will not appear on public records. There are no accounting or reporting requirements imposed by the government on local companies.
5. Short Timescale of Incorporation in Costa Rica
It takes around 20 to 40 business days to incorporate a business in Costa Rica, allowing companies to begin commercial activities quicker than in other jurisdictions.
6. Low Taxation in Costa Rica
A company only pays taxes according to the income that it generates within Costa Rica due to the territorial taxation principle in place.
7. Free Trade
There are many Free Trade Agreements in Costa Rica in place with many countries including the U.S., Mexico, Chile, and Canada. This provides significant advantages for companies involved with the importation/exportation of goods. Agreements with other countries are also in the works.
Financial Freedom in Costa Rica for Your Business
A Sociedad Anonima is the most common form of business in Costa Rica and also one of the most beneficial for business owners. This kind of company allows shareholders to forfeit liability for the actions of the company. There are plenty of opportunities for financial freedom and flexibility within the business-friendly system in Costa Rica.
Incorporate a Company in Costa Rica with the Help of Biz Latin Hub?
If you would like more information or personalized advice, Biz Latin Hub has a group of experts that can offer you legal guidance for your business in Costa Rica. In addition to company formations and incorporations, we offer professional accounting, legal, and financial services tailored to you and your company’s needs.
Reach out to us now for personalized assistance or a free quote.
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The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.