Grow your business in a stable business environment like Costa Rica with Enterworld. We have supported over 454 entrepreneurs in the country. Contact us today for worry-free company registration in Costa Rica. Business setup, tax filing, compliances- all under one roof.
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Enterworld offers a simplified and straightforward process for Costa Rica company registration.
2 to 4 Weeks
CCompany Registration
No
Travel Required
100%
Foreign Ownership
Yes
Local Representative
Special offer
The stock corporation is the most common commercial entity used by foreign entrepreneurs in Costa Rica. For this legal entity, you will need at least three directors who must be individuals. You will also need a minimum of two shareholders. The non-resident stock corporation will have to appoint a local representative who must be vested with the power of attorney. The benefits of this entity are limited liability and 100% foreign ownership. Company registration in Costa Rica as a limited liability company will need at least one director and two shareholders. Costa Rica’s LLC must be registered with the National Registry (Registro Nacional) and Tax Administration (Dirección General de Tributación). This legal entity is subject to corporate income tax but only on income generated within Costa Rica. The advantage of an LLC is limited liability protection and a simple business setup. A limited partnership in Costa Rica, locally known as Sociedad en Comandita, is a commercial entity that includes both general partners with unlimited liability, who manage the day-to-day business operations and limited partners with limited liability, often referred to as the silent business partner. In a limited partnership, the capital is divided among the partners, and the shares are transferable with the board of directors’ approval. A general partnership in Costa Rica is locally known as Sociedad en Nombre Colectivo. This commercial entity requires two or more partners who will jointly manage the business. The partners will also share profits, capital and losses. In a general partnership, your personal assets are at risk, and the partners will be equally liable for the company’s debts. A partnership agreement will outline the contributions and distributions for this structure. Company registration in Costa Rica for foreigners is simplified through the branch legal entity. This commercial entity allows foreign companies to establish a presence in Costa Rica. However, foreign companies will need a local representative to communicate on their behalf. For a branch office in Costa Rica, you will need to submit a legalized certificate of good standing by the appropriate Costa Rican consulate. Costa Rica is an excellent and attractive jurisdiction that offers various opportunities, making the country a top choice for company registration in Costa Rica: Costa Rica operates in a territorial tax system, reducing the tax burden as the foreign-earned income is not taxed locally, making it ideal for global business trade. The company registration in Costa Rica is a quick process, which can be completed remotely without having to travel. This quick setup is driven by a digitalized and efficient process. Costa Rica has a business-friendly environment, such as political stability, tax incentives and a skilled and educated workforce, attracting many entrepreneurs to the country. Costa Rica is a growing country with a high-tech hub, political stability and numerous opportunities for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. The other key benefits of company formation in Costa Rica are: +1k Customers Costa Rica is recognized for its long-standing political stability and a strong democratic system. The country has also implemented fiscal reforms, which help create a resilient economy for investors and businesses. Costa Rica has a territorial taxation system in which only the income earned within its borders is subject to income tax. Income generated from international trade will not be taxed, beneficial for global operations. Costa Rica has a robust and well-developed infrastructure that supports business activities. The country offers reliable electricity, good internet speed and road networks, helping businesses operate efficiently. The country offers access to new markets with a dynamic customer base of Central America, including North America, South America and the Caribbean. The location allows you to explore new customer bases. Costa Rica has signed multiple trade agreements with major countries like Canada, the US, and Mexico. This reduces the trade barriers and boosts international trade, including lower import and export costs. Costa Rica has an economic stability which is thriving, supported by diverse industries and an investor-friendly environment. This economic stability allows entrepreneurs and businesses to grow exponentially. The country offers complete foreign ownership without any restrictions on most sectors. Foreign investors in Costa Rica have the same rights as local business owners. However, you will need a local representative. Online company registration in Costa Rica is quick and streamlined through the National Registry (Registro Nacional) portal. This ease of company registration in Costa Rica makes Costa Rica an attractive jurisdiction for new entrepreneurs.
Supporting Business Doers like You
Business Entities in Costa Rica
Stock Corporation (Sociedad Anonima)
Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)
Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita)
General Partnership (Sociedad en Nombre Colectivo)
The Costa Rica Branch (Sucursal)
Set up a business in Costa Rica
Why is Company Registration in Costa Rica a Top Choice for Entrepreneurs?
Tax Benefits
Quick Setup
Business-Friendly Environment
What are the Benefits of Company Formation in Costa Rica?
Stable Political Environment
Territorial Taxation
Robust Infrastructure
Access to New Markets
Trade Agreements
Economic Stability
Foreign Ownership
Streamlined Company Registration
Documents Required
What are the Mandatory Documents for Online Company Registration in Costa Rica?
The process to set up a business in Costa Rica is as follows: The 13% tax for businesses in Costa Rica is the standard rate for VAT (Value Added Tax), which replaced the old sales tax in 2019. This 13% VAT is applied to most goods and services in the country. It covers both tangible and intangible products, such as digital services, whether they are domestic or imported. The process to register a company in Costa Rica can take between a few days and a few weeks. The overall process can sometimes take around 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the business type and the complexity of the process, the exact timeline will vary, including the approval process. Yes, in Costa Rica, all foreigners are allowed to start a business. Foreign entrepreneurs and non-resident companies in Costa Rica have the same regulations and requirements as those in the country, including 100% foreign ownership. To open a business bank account, you can follow the steps listed below: The basic requirements for company formation in Costa Rica include at least one shareholder, one director, a legally registered office and annual accounting requirements. The taxes imposed in Costa Rica are listed below: The exact cost for company registration in Costa Rica will vary depending on the business type and industry-specific requirements. However, the overall cost will include government and registry fees, which include the National Registry fee of CRC 50,000 - 100,000, name reservation will cost CRC 20,000, and the notary will be $100-$200+. Yes, Costa Rica is a strategic location for business, and it is a smart decision to invest in this beautiful and thriving Central American country. The country has a stable political climate, modern infrastructure and excellent investment opportunities. Yes, a registered address is a mandatory requirement for businesses looking to register a company in Costa Rica. However, a physical address is not compulsory, as you can even use a virtual address. Yes, a single individual can register a company in Costa Rica. As a single individual, you can choose the commercial entity that allows one shareholder. However, non-residents will need to appoint a local representative who must be a resident of Costa Rica.
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FAQs on Company Registration in Costa Rica for Foreigners
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