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💼 Starting a Business in Costa Rica: Opportunities, Sectors, and Advantages for Foreigners

Posted by Team Costa Rica on 23/06/2025
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In recent years, Costa Rica has become one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for those wishing to start a business or relocate their existing operations.
Thanks to a stable political environment, a growing economy, and a high quality of life, the country represents a strategic destination for foreign entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and international investors.

🇨🇷 Can a Foreigner Start a Business in Costa Rica?
The answer is: yes, absolutely.

In Costa Rica, there are no restrictions preventing foreigners from founding or owning a company. It is possible to:

  • Incorporate a company (either a sociedad anónima or an SRL)

  • Purchase commercial or residential real estate

  • Register a business under your own name or through a legal entity

  • Be the sole partner or have local/foreign partners

Important note: To work actively inside the business (e.g., serving customers, managing daily operations), a specific residence permit is required. However, you can own and manage the business remotely or through local staff from the start.

📊 Promising Sectors to Start a Business in Costa Rica
Here are the most interesting and profitable sectors for the local, tourist, and international markets:

  1. Tourism & Hospitality
    With millions of tourists every year, tourism is the country’s strongest sector.

Recommended activities:

  • Boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts

  • Restaurants, bars, cafes

  • Tour agencies and excursions

  • Vehicle rentals, surf shops, tour operators

  • Wellness centers and yoga/meditation retreats

  1. Real Estate & Construction
    The real estate boom continues, especially in coastal areas and tourist cities like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Manuel Antonio, and Jacó.

Opportunities include:

  • Buying and reselling properties

  • Vacation rentals (Airbnb-style)

  • Development of residential or commercial projects

  • Investment in eco-lodges or sustainable communities

  1. Food Service & Artisan Products
    Demand for international cuisine and gourmet products is growing, especially in areas with high expat populations.

Growing businesses:

  • Pizzerias, bakeries, artisan ice cream shops

  • Health food, vegan, or farm-to-table venues

  • Production of coffee, craft beer, jams, chocolate

  1. Digital Services & Tech
    An increasing number of foreigners work online from Costa Rica, creating growing demand for:

  • Coworking spaces

  • Marketing, branding, IT services

  • App or software development

  • E-commerce (local or international)

  1. Natural Cosmetics, Health & Wellness
    With rising attention to sustainability and natural wellbeing, sectors linked to:

  • Natural cosmetics and organic products

  • Holistic centers

  • Yoga and meditation schools

  • Biotechnology and innovative natural products

🏛️ Types of Companies in Costa Rica
The most common forms to register a business are:

  • Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) – similar to a corporation (Inc.)

  • Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.) – similar to a limited liability company (LLC)

Both are accessible to foreigners and allow asset protection, flexible management, and corporate bank accounts.

⚙️ Requirements to Establish a Business
What you need to start:

  • Lawyer or notary to legally incorporate the company (common and quick service)

  • Company registration with the National Registry

  • Business license from the municipality (patente municipal)

  • Tax registration (RUT) with the Ministry of Finance

  • Corporate bank account opening

👉 On average, the process takes 2 to 4 weeks with support from an experienced law firm.

📈 Tax Benefits and Opportunities

  • Territorial taxation: taxes are paid only on income generated inside Costa Rica

  • Incentivized sectors (sustainable tourism, technology, renewable energy)

  • Ability to create companies in free trade zones with tax benefits

  • Lower operating costs compared to Europe and North America

🌍 Living and Working in Costa Rica: An Attractive Lifestyle
Besides business advantages, Costa Rica offers:

  • High-level public and private healthcare

  • International education for families with children

  • Safety and political stability

  • Nature, tropical climate, and a slower, healthier pace of life

Many entrepreneurs decide not only to invest but also to relocate permanently to enjoy the country’s exceptional quality of life.

📌 Conclusion
Today, Costa Rica is one of the most interesting destinations for those wanting to start a business in a dynamic, welcoming, and sustainable environment.
With a simple setup process, no restrictions for foreigners, favorable taxation, and a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, the country represents a true opportunity for personal and professional growth.

If you’re looking for a place to do business and live well, Costa Rica could be your next big step.

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