Company registration in Costa Rica

Name of service Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Brilliant
Check and reserve of the company name Obtaining approval from the registrar for the company name
Company registration, including state fees Preparation of a full package of documents, depending on the chosen form of ownership, cooperation with the relevant authorities prior to obtaining information on company registration
Set of constituent documents Preparation of a complete package of constituent documents of a company of any form of ownership
Legal address for 1 year Provision of legal address for your company in a given jurisdiction, eliminating the need to purchase or rent real estate
Services of nominee director for 1 year Providing a resident director, which is necessary for registering a company and opening an account at a local bank
Services of nominee shareholder for 1 year Providing a resident shareholder, which is necessary for registering a company and opening an account at a local bank
Assistance in opening an account Collection, preparation and submission of the necessary documents for opening a corporate account
Assistance in opening a personal account Collecting, preparing and submitting the necessary documents for opening a personal account
Total cost
2300 USD 3250 USD 4000 USD On request On request
Annual renewal (paid from the second year)
1750 USD 2700 USD 3450 USD 3450 USD 3450 USD

Deal of the month

If you will register a company until 31 January,
opening a bank account is for FREE

6 easy steps to get started
  • 1

    Select your
    preferred jurisdiction

  • 2

    Choose a bank
    that meets your
    company's needs

  • 3

    Pay for our services
    using a convenient
    payment method

  • 4

    Receive all necessary
    corporate documents

  • 5

    Receive details
    for your newly opened
    bank account

  • 6

    We'll deliver the original
    documents directly
    to you

Costa Rica is the number one country in terms of happiness. But in addition to a favorable climate, it is also profitable to do business here. All conditions are created for this at the state level. The decision to incorporate a company in San Jose or any other city in the country is potentially profitable because of the following features, which are essential in commercial terms.

Why register a company in Costa Rica

The decision to incorporate or buy a business in Costa Rica has the following potential benefits:

  • strategic location in the Central American region;
  • stable political environment;
  • high level of economic development;
  • openness to foreign investment (non-residents are allowed 100% ownership of the company);
  • a large number of free trade agreements with many Latin American countries.

Organizational and legal forms in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, it is possible to open a business through one of several forms:

  • Limited Liability Company (SRL, analog of LLC) is the most popular legal form in which the liability of the participants is limited solely to their investments (quotas). At least 2 participants can find this company. Each participant has a priority right to purchase the quota. The legal form is suitable for small businesses.
  • Joint Stock Company (SA) - this type of company is suitable for medium and large businesses with the task of going public. Shareholders' liability will not exceed their shares' value under any circumstances. To establish this company, a minimum of 2 shareholders of any residency will be required. Forming a board of directors of 3 persons will also be necessary. Starting capital requirements may vary from industry to industry. Third parties can freely dispose of the shares of this company.

Registering a sole proprietorship, a branch, and a representative office in Costa Rica is also possible. If the company conducts its activities outside the country and receives income, it will not be subject to local taxes, and the company itself will be considered offshore.

How to start a company in Costa Rica

  1. You can register a company in Costa Rica after going through the following steps:
  2. Selection of the most acceptable organizational-legal form and formation of the list of activities in which the company plans to engage.
  3. Selection and reservation of a unique business name for the new legal entity.
  4. Legal registration of an official address for the new company.
  5. Claiming and executing all the documents on the shareholders, ultimate beneficiaries, as well as managers of the company.
  6. Drawing up and duly executing all constituent documents and application forms.
  7. Submission of the formed package of registration documents, including a bank statement on payment of the registration fee, for consideration. Entering information about the new company into the Commercial Register and issuing a certificate of registration.
  8. Registration of a new legal entity for mandatory tax and social payments.
  9. Opening of corporate bank accounts.

Legislation and regulatory environment

Costa Rica is open to foreign capital. The local legislation is relatively stable and provides transparent procedures for starting and doing business. The country has no restrictions on investment, reinvestment, and repatriation of profits. Also, there are no strict requirements for start-up capital, but in practice, it must be consistent with the types of activities and plans of the company. Some activities will still require a license or permit.

Taxation in Costa Rica

The decision to open a company in Costa Rica should be considered in parallel with the following nuances* of taxation that apply in the jurisdiction:

  • Income tax (for companies) - 30%
  • Income tax (for individuals) - 25%
  • VAT - 13%
  • Capital Gains Tax (for non-residents) - (1) dividends - 15% (2) interest - 5.5% or 15% (3) royalties - 25%
  • Capital Gains Tax - (1) for legal entities - 15% (2.5% under certain conditions), (2) for individuals - 15% (2.5% under certain conditions).

Taxation in Costa Rica is on a territorial basis. This means businesses will only be subject to the above taxes if they derive income from their activities in Costa Rica. When conducting business abroad, their activities will be fully exempt from taxation at the above rates, including income tax.

How Aotopay lawyers can assist

If you plan to start or buy a company in Costa Rica, Aotopay lawyers are ready to provide comprehensive legal support for implementing this business task. The experts have in their portfolio more than 11,000 successfully implemented projects. Provide input on the background and business challenges to launch another successful project.

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