HomeNewsWho Should Open a Company in Costa Rica? Entrepreneurs, Investors & Digital Nomads

Who Should Open a Company in Costa Rica? Entrepreneurs, Investors & Digital Nomads

Introduction

Costa Rica has become one of the most attractive jurisdictions in Latin America for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and internationally oriented business owners. Known for its long-standing political stability, transparent legal system, territorial taxation model, and highly educated workforce, Costa Rica offers a reliable and respected environment for establishing and operating a company. Unlike many offshore jurisdictions that may raise compliance concerns, Costa Rica provides both international credibility and operational flexibility.

But while Costa Rica offers many advantages, it is particularly well suited to certain types of business owners and structures. Entrepreneurs launching startups, digital nomads managing remote businesses, investors structuring international holdings, and exporters targeting global markets can all benefit significantly from Costa Rica company formation.

This guide explains who benefits most from opening a company in Costa Rica, why it is an ideal jurisdiction for specific profiles, and how different business models can leverage its legal and tax framework.

➡️ For an overview, see our guide: Costa Rica Comany Formation: The Definitive Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Investors
➡️ For formation steps, see Blog: How to Set Up a Company in Costa Rica: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners.

Entrepreneurs Seeking a Stable Business Environment

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Costa Rica

Entrepreneurs value predictability, legal protection, and operational stability. Costa Rica offers all of these benefits through its strong democratic institutions and well-established corporate laws. The country has maintained political stability for decades, with no standing army and a consistent focus on economic development and foreign investment.

Costa Rica’s corporate legal framework is clear and transparent, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to establish companies with confidence. The country also has a secure and reputable banking system, which supports international transactions and business growth.

In addition, Costa Rica offers access to a skilled and educated workforce. Many professionals are bilingual, particularly in English and Spanish, making it easier for international businesses to operate efficiently.

Entrepreneurs can successfully establish companies in sectors such as:

Technology and software development
Consulting and professional services
Import and export businesses
E-commerce operations
Marketing and creative services

Key Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Costa Rica provides several practical advantages that simplify company formation and management:

Straightforward incorporation procedures
Flexible corporate structures such as SRL (LLC equivalent), SA (corporation), and branch offices
No requirement for owners to be physically present during incorporation
Ability to hire local or international staff
Access to global markets through multiple Free Trade Agreements

➡️ Learn more key benefit, see Blog: Why Open a Company in Costa Rica? Key Benefits for Foreign Entrepreneurs

These advantages make Costa Rica an ideal location for entrepreneurs seeking a stable, compliant, and internationally respected business base.

Digital Nomads and Remote Business Owners

Why Costa Rica Appeals to Digital Nomads

Digital nomads and remote entrepreneurs increasingly require flexible corporate structures that allow them to operate globally while maintaining legal and tax efficiency. Costa Rica offers a modern infrastructure and business-friendly environment that supports remote business ownership.

The country provides:

Reliable telecommunications and internet connectivity
Modern coworking spaces and business facilities
Excellent quality of life, healthcare, and safety
A welcoming environment for international professionals

Costa Rica’s lifestyle benefits, combined with its corporate flexibility, make it especially attractive for location-independent entrepreneurs.

Business Advantages for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads can incorporate a Costa Rica company even if they live abroad. This allows them to operate legally, invoice clients internationally, and manage business finances efficiently.

Key advantages include:

Ability to own and operate a company remotely
Access to international corporate banking solutions
Legal structure for invoicing global clients
Territorial tax system, where foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed locally

Many digital nomads prefer the SRL structure due to its simplicity, flexibility, and ease of management.

Costa Rica allows remote business owners to create a professional and compliant corporate structure while maintaining full geographic flexibility.

Investors and Holding Companies

Costa Rica is an increasingly popular jurisdiction for international investors and high-net-worth individuals who require stable and compliant holding structures.

Why Investors Choose Costa Rica

Investors benefit from Costa Rica’s territorial taxation system, which allows companies to manage foreign-sourced income efficiently. The country also offers strong legal protections for corporate ownership, contracts, and intellectual property.

Costa Rican corporate entities are widely recognized and respected internationally, making them suitable for holding assets and managing investments.

Additional advantages include:

Flexible corporate structures suitable for holding companies
Reliable legal and banking infrastructure
Transparent corporate registry
International credibility and compliance with global standards

Common Use Cases

Investors frequently use Costa Rica companies for:

Holding shares in international businesses
Managing real estate investments
Holding intellectual property rights
Structuring international consulting or service operations

➡️ See Blog: Taxation of Costa Rica Companies: What Foreign Owners Must Know

Costa Rica provides an effective balance between operational flexibility and international compliance.

Export-Oriented Businesses and Free Trade Zone Companies

Costa Rica actively promotes export-oriented business activities through its Free Trade Zone (FTZ) program. This initiative offers substantial incentives to companies that export goods or services internationally.

Benefits for Exporters

Companies operating under the Free Trade Zone regime may qualify for:

Corporate tax exemptions or reductions
VAT exemptions on certain goods and services
Reduced payroll and import taxes
Simplified administrative procedures

These incentives make Costa Rica particularly attractive for businesses targeting international markets.

Ideal Business Models

The FTZ regime is especially suitable for:

Manufacturing and assembly companies
Technology and software exporters
International service providers
Shared service centers
Companies serving clients in North America, Latin America, and Europe

Costa Rica’s strategic geographic location and strong international trade relationships enhance its appeal for export-focused companies.

Entrepreneurs Seeking a Safe and Compliant Jurisdiction

Costa Rica offers a secure and compliant environment for legitimate international business operations. The country follows international financial transparency standards and cooperates with global regulatory frameworks.

This makes it ideal for businesses seeking:

Compliance with FATCA and CRS reporting requirements
Strong legal protection for contracts and assets
Transparent and regulated corporate structures
Access to reputable banking services

Costa Rica companies are suitable for businesses that require international credibility, including consulting firms, technology providers, and professional service companies.

Unlike some offshore jurisdictions, Costa Rica combines flexibility with strong regulatory compliance, enhancing long-term business sustainability.

Professionals Establishing Consultancy or Service Firms

Costa Rica is particularly well suited for professionals providing international services. Consultants and service providers benefit from simple incorporation procedures and flexible corporate structures.

Suitable Professionals Include:

IT consultants and software developers
Business and management consultants
Digital marketing agencies
Financial and legal service providers
Online service providers

Advantages for Service-Based Businesses

Service professionals benefit from:

Quick and efficient company formation
Low administrative burden
Ability to serve international clients
Access to skilled support staff if needed
Territorial taxation on foreign income

Costa Rica allows professionals to operate legally while maintaining efficient business structures.

Real Estate Investors and Property Developers

Costa Rica’s strong real estate market and growing tourism industry create attractive opportunities for international investors and developers.

Key Advantages for Real Estate Investors

Using a Costa Rica company to hold property offers several benefits:

Limited liability protection
Simplified ownership and transfer of property
Transparent property registration system
Efficient management of rental income and expenses
Enhanced privacy and asset protection

The SA corporate structure is commonly used for real estate holdings due to its flexibility and suitability for investment purposes.

Costa Rica’s stable property market and growing demand make it an attractive location for long-term real estate investment.

Who May Not Benefit from Costa Rica Company Formation

While Costa Rica offers many advantages, it may not be ideal for every type of business.

Companies that may find other jurisdictions more suitable include:

Businesses requiring heavy manufacturing outside Free Trade Zones without local presence
Entrepreneurs seeking extremely low-cost offshore structures without regulatory compliance
Individuals unwilling to meet international banking and reporting requirements

Costa Rica is best suited for legitimate, compliant business operations rather than anonymous or unregulated offshore structures.

Bris Group Support for Diverse Client Profiles

Bris Group provides comprehensive support to clients seeking to establish companies in Costa Rica. Our services are designed to assist entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals at every stage of the process.

We support:

Entrepreneurs launching new businesses
Digital nomads managing remote operations
Investors structuring international holdings
Real estate investors
Export-oriented businesses
International consultants and service providers

Our services include:

Jurisdiction and corporate structure selection
Company incorporation and registration
Bank account setup assistance. ➡️ Read also information in our blog Opening a Bank Account for a Costa Rica Company: A Complete Guide for Foreigners
Legal and tax compliance support
Ongoing corporate maintenance services

Our team ensures that clients establish compliant, efficient, and internationally recognised corporate structures.

Conclusion

Costa Rica company formation offers significant advantages for a wide range of business owners and investors. Its combination of political stability, transparent legal framework, territorial taxation system, and international credibility makes it an excellent jurisdiction for modern global business.

Costa Rica is particularly well suited for:

Entrepreneurs seeking a stable and respected business environment
Digital nomads managing international service businesses
Investors holding assets or expanding into Latin American markets
Export-oriented companies benefiting from Free Trade Zone incentives
Consultants and professionals serving global clients
Real estate investors structuring property ownership

With proper planning, professional guidance, and compliance, Costa Rica companies can provide a secure, flexible, and efficient foundation for international business operations.

Costa Rica continues to strengthen its position as one of the most reliable and attractive jurisdictions for global entrepreneurs and investors seeking long-term success.

If you wish to register a company in Costa Rica our team will be happy to help you there and provide you with more detailed information, please contact us

Who Should Open a Company in Costa Rica? Entrepreneurs, Investors & Digital Nomads