Company Formation in Costa Rica
Fast incorporation in Costa Rica with full legal and compliance services. Your Costa Rica offshore company in just 1 week.
- 0% tax on profits generated outside of Costa Rica
- Shareholders do not appear on public records
- Very reputable and stable jurisdiction
- Possibility of opening a local bank account
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
Certified ACAMS consultant with 5+ years experience in compliance and FinTech regulations.
Packages & Costs - Company Formation in Costa Rica
Choose a package that suits your needs for a Costa Rica company registration.
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
+44 20 4577 0974
Certified ACAMS consultant with 5+ years experience in compliance and FinTech regulations.
+44 20 4577 0974
Free 30 minutes consultation with an expert, to advise on your project in Costa Rica.
-
Initial consultation with a professional
-
Due diligence procedure
-
Incorporation in Costa Rica
-
Company contact person
-
Fully remote process
-
Registered legal address for 1 year
-
Accounting requirements for 1 year
-
Local shareholder for 1 year
-
Local director for 1 year
-
Delivery of a full set of corporate documents (certified/notarized and translated into English)
-
Corporate card opening assistance
Get your project started in Costa Rica with our basic package for incorporation.
-
Initial consultation with a professional
-
Due diligence procedure
-
Incorporation in Costa Rica
-
Company contact person
-
Fully remote process
-
Registered legal address for 1 year
-
Accounting requirements for 1 year
-
Local shareholder for 1 year
-
Local director for 1 year
-
Delivery of a full set of corporate documents (certified/notarized and translated into English)
-
Corporate card opening assistance
Full turnkey company formation and support in all necessary aspects. Nominees available.
-
Initial consultation with a professional
-
Due diligence procedure
-
Incorporation in Costa Rica
-
Company contact person
-
Fully remote process
-
Registered legal address for 1 year
-
Accounting requirements for 1 year
-
Local shareholder for 1 year
-
Local director for 1 year
-
Delivery of a full set of corporate documents (certified/notarized and translated into English)
-
Corporate card opening assistance
Getting started with company registration in Costa Rica
In Latin America, Costa Rica is one of the most business friendly countries that provides quick and easy access to the major American markets. The government of the country creates and maintains the best conditions that allow foreign entrepreneurs to grow and develop business successfully. The country complies with international laws and is working hard to create a safe business environment to attract foreign investments.
Company formation in Costa Rica is a simple and transparent process that requires only a few business days to complete. If you choose to set up a company in this offshore jurisdiction, you will be able to enjoy a lot of benefits including the ease of doing business, excellent reputation and a favorable tax environment.
- No Taxation
- Fast Set-up
- Prestigious offshore jurisdiction
- No financial reporting
- Part of the Hague Convention
Taxation of companies in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a positive investment climate and favorable tax legislation that make it possible for your business to develop rapidly and reach its potential within a short period of time. The government of Costa Rica treats offshore and onshore companies in the same way, imposing no tax on the income they generate outside of the country.
Costa Rica provides a lot of tax incentives for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. It is a country with a territorial tax system that divides income into foreign and domestic. According to this system, entrepreneurs and business owners do not pay taxes for the profit they receive beyond the borders of Costa Rica.
However, you have a legal obligation to pay income taxes if you make profit from selling goods or services to the local population. In this case, your income tax rates can range between 5 and 30%. If you are looking for an offshore jurisdiction that offers unique opportunities, Costa Rica is the location you need. It is a progressive country that enables you to reduce taxes and diversify your business in order to achieve financial success.
Fast incorporation of a company in Costa Rica
Company formation in Costa Rica does not usually require much time. In most cases, several days would be enough to set up a company. However, the time you may need depends on various factors including the type of business model you prefer for your company and any other specific circumstances.
A smooth and quick company registration is the advantage that attracts so many business owners to Costa Rica. You do not have to wait for months until your company registration is complete. A rapid company formation can be critical for ensuring that your company complies with current Costa Rica regulations. Plus, a quick company registration will give you an opportunity to open a bank account without any delays. Fast set up is also important in terms of tax optimization and asset protection.
In order to register a company in Costa Rica, you have to choose the company type, its name, prepare all the necessary documents, register your company as a taxpayer and get your tax identification number. Once the process of registration is complete, you can open a bank account.
Prestige of a company in Costa Rica
The advantageous location, thriving economy, favorable business environment and multiple investment opportunities make Costa Rica a truly prestigious offshore jurisdiction. Choosing this marvelous country to establish and incorporate an offshore company is definitely the right decision to make. You can hardly find a better place to set up a company and develop your business.
As you already know, Costa Rica enjoys a privileged location in Central America. No doubt, it is the location that makes this offshore jurisdiction special and unique. Costa Rica has access to the largest companies in North and Latin America.
The population of Costa Rica is mostly bilingual. The official language is Spanish. However, there are a lot of people who can speak English well. Taking into account the fact that English is the language of international business, technology, entertainment and science, this advantage is extremely important for foreign entrepreneurs. A welcoming atmosphere and a favorable economic environment of Costa Rica will help you establish a company without any obstacles and turn it into a prosperous business.
Accounting and auditing for a company registered in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a reputed offshore jurisdiction that attracts a lot of foreign entrepreneurs due to the financial advantages it provides. No doubt, the company you register in Costa Rica should comply with its laws and regulations. However, there is no legal requirement for offshore companies to file financial reporting. But you have to file an annual return.
Despite the fact that there are no compulsory accounting and audit requirements, you still should hire an internal auditor who will analyze the financial records, inspect tax documentation of the company to ensure the compliance with Costa Rican laws. An auditor can give you valuable recommendations on how to improve the processes within your company if that is really necessary.
Just like in any other country, laws and regulations in Costa Rica can change. If you plan to establish an offshore company in this popular jurisdiction, you should consult financial and legal professionals to be able to understand current requirements and obligations. It will help you set up and run your company successfully.
Apostille in Costa Rica
On December 14, 2011, Costa Rica became a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. The Convention makes the legalization of foreign documents much easier. No doubt, it is another advantage that makes Costa Rica an attractive jurisdiction for foreign entrepreneurs and business owners.
The Apostille is the method that certifies the authenticity of the documents. Once the document gets the apostille certificate, you can use it in a foreign country. The notarization of the foreign documents does not usually take much time. The Apostille system makes this process simple and quick. So, entrepreneurs can save much time and money if they choose to establish a company in Costa Rica.
Meet our clients, hear what they say about LegalBison
Very proactive, responsive, and able to provide solutions and advice. The firm is familiar with the new industry of blockchain and cryptocurrency
Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
Quick set-up and straightforward process. It was a smooth process, we are happy to have chosen LegalBison as our Partner for incorporations, globally.
We are happy to cooperate with LegalBison for more than 2 years and during this time they definitely secured a reputation of very professional and reliable partner. Great knowledge, competence and good attitude. Keep up the good work!
Popular Business Models in Costa Rica
Cryptocurrency company in Costa Rica
It’s legal to start and run a cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica. However, a business has to comply with the specific laws. If you want to open a cryptocurrency company in Costa Rica, you have to provide all the necessary documents and systems to protect your team as well as clients.
The procedure of opening a cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica consists of several stages. The first step that you need to take is to come up with a trading name idea for your cryptocurrency company. Make sure that the trading name of your cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica is unique. In addition, it’s necessary to prepare the company’s Articles of Association. This document has to describe the crypto operations that your business is going to conduct in the country. Finally, you may open an offshore bank account and have to create tax registration for a cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica.
Gambling company in Costa Rica
It is possible to start a gambling business in Costa Rica. There is no legal regulation to open an account for a company that provides gambling services in Costa Rica. That means that you don’t need to have any specific license to provide gambling services in the country. According to the Costa Rica gaming law, you don’t need a license and don’t have to obtain any additional permits to run an online gambling business.
When registering a gambling company in Costa Rica, shareholders have to provide their passports as well as statutory documents and have power of attorney. The government may also require you to provide the additional information during the gambling company formation in Costa Rica.
The owners of a gambling business in Costa Rica may face some challenges when registering a company. For example, you will need a server if you offer services like bets, lotteries, poker rooms and slot machines on a website. According to the law, you need a license to operate a server in Costa Rica.
Holding company in Costa Rica
A holding company is an entity owning shares of other companies and controls them. In Costa Rica, you can use holding companies for tax planning, probate avoidance and asset protection. Costa Rica holdings are often found as umbrella corporations under which are nested licensed entities, forming the legal structure of a FinTech company operating worldwide.
Holding companies often use trusts as part of their structure for various purposes including tax efficiency optimization. Keep in mind that there are different types of trusts in Costa Rica. And only some certain trusts can offer tax benefits. In fact, a holding company gives you more control over your assets, while a trust provides you with limited control only. If you still have some questions, you should seek professional help to make sure that you really understand how a holding company works in Costa Rica and how you can benefit from it.
Online services company in Costa Rica
Due to the technological advancements and availability of Internet access, e-commerce has become one of the fastest growing sectors in Costa Rica. A lot of people from around the world find it extremely convenient to buy goods and services online. They choose e-commerce platforms for that purpose.
The development of an e-commerce industry has encouraged the creation of so many businesses in Costa Rica. If you want to launch an e-commerce business in this progressive country, you will have to take several steps. First and foremost, you should do market research in order to understand who your customers are. Then it is necessary to select the appropriate business model and develop a business plan. Company registration is the next thing you should do. Make sure that your business complies with the existing Costa Rican laws and regulations. Obviously, you will have to choose an e-commerce platform and build a website to be able to start selling goods and services online.
As a foreign entrepreneur or business owner, you should know that Costa Rica has a territorial taxation system. According to this system you will have to pay income taxes only if you sell goods and services to the local population. The government of the country does not impose taxes on income you generate outside of Costa Rica.
Asset management in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, asset management plays an extremely important role in helping business owners and their companies manage and grow finances in order to achieve new goals. Financial asset management includes the development of investment strategies with a client’s financial goals in mind. Asset managers help investors minimize their risks by implementing effective risk management strategies.
The government of Costa Rica has also developed strategies to protect intellectual property ownership and rights. Intellectual property asset management involves analyzing, managing and protecting the company’s IP assets. Keep in mind that you should register your company in compliance with Costa Rican laws and regulations to be able to get intellectual property protection.
- Cryptocurrency business
- Gambling services
- Holding Companies
- Online services
- Asset management
Cryptocurrency company in Costa Rica
It’s legal to start and run a cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica. However, a business has to comply with the specific laws. If you want to open a cryptocurrency company in Costa Rica, you have to provide all the necessary documents and systems to protect your team as well as clients.
The procedure of opening a cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica consists of several stages. The first step that you need to take is to come up with a trading name idea for your cryptocurrency company. Make sure that the trading name of your cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica is unique. In addition, it’s necessary to prepare the company’s Articles of Association. This document has to describe the crypto operations that your business is going to conduct in the country. Finally, you may open an offshore bank account and have to create tax registration for a cryptocurrency business in Costa Rica.
Gambling company in Costa Rica
It is possible to start a gambling business in Costa Rica. There is no legal regulation to open an account for a company that provides gambling services in Costa Rica. That means that you don’t need to have any specific license to provide gambling services in the country. According to the Costa Rica gaming law, you don’t need a license and don’t have to obtain any additional permits to run an online gambling business.
When registering a gambling company in Costa Rica, shareholders have to provide their passports as well as statutory documents and have power of attorney. The government may also require you to provide the additional information during the gambling company formation in Costa Rica.
The owners of a gambling business in Costa Rica may face some challenges when registering a company. For example, you will need a server if you offer services like bets, lotteries, poker rooms and slot machines on a website. According to the law, you need a license to operate a server in Costa Rica.
Holding company in Costa Rica
A holding company is an entity owning shares of other companies and controls them. In Costa Rica, you can use holding companies for tax planning, probate avoidance and asset protection. Costa Rica holdings are often found as umbrella corporations under which are nested licensed entities, forming the legal structure of a FinTech company operating worldwide.
Holding companies often use trusts as part of their structure for various purposes including tax efficiency optimization. Keep in mind that there are different types of trusts in Costa Rica. And only some certain trusts can offer tax benefits. In fact, a holding company gives you more control over your assets, while a trust provides you with limited control only. If you still have some questions, you should seek professional help to make sure that you really understand how a holding company works in Costa Rica and how you can benefit from it.
Online services company in Costa Rica
Due to the technological advancements and availability of Internet access, e-commerce has become one of the fastest growing sectors in Costa Rica. A lot of people from around the world find it extremely convenient to buy goods and services online. They choose e-commerce platforms for that purpose.
The development of an e-commerce industry has encouraged the creation of so many businesses in Costa Rica. If you want to launch an e-commerce business in this progressive country, you will have to take several steps. First and foremost, you should do market research in order to understand who your customers are. Then it is necessary to select the appropriate business model and develop a business plan. Company registration is the next thing you should do. Make sure that your business complies with the existing Costa Rican laws and regulations. Obviously, you will have to choose an e-commerce platform and build a website to be able to start selling goods and services online.
As a foreign entrepreneur or business owner, you should know that Costa Rica has a territorial taxation system. According to this system you will have to pay income taxes only if you sell goods and services to the local population. The government of the country does not impose taxes on income you generate outside of Costa Rica.
Asset management in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, asset management plays an extremely important role in helping business owners and their companies manage and grow finances in order to achieve new goals. Financial asset management includes the development of investment strategies with a client’s financial goals in mind. Asset managers help investors minimize their risks by implementing effective risk management strategies.
The government of Costa Rica has also developed strategies to protect intellectual property ownership and rights. Intellectual property asset management involves analyzing, managing and protecting the company’s IP assets. Keep in mind that you should register your company in compliance with Costa Rican laws and regulations to be able to get intellectual property protection.
Full Process: Incorporation of a company in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a prestigious offshore jurisdiction that provides entrepreneurs and business owners with a wide range of benefits. Company formation in Costa Rica is a quick and straightforward process. Let’s dig deeper to find out what steps you should take to go through the registration process successfully.
PROJECT PLANNING
Costa Rica company formation begins with choosing the business structure that suits your business needs most. After that, think about the appropriate name for your company. Keep in mind that the name you prefer should be unique. In Costa Rica, there is the National Registry that can provide you with the information about the availability of the company name you prefer.
Prepare all the necessary documents and notarize them. To be able to conduct business transactions and pay taxes, you need to get a tax identification number. Depending on the type of business activity, you may also need to get some additional permits.
INCORPORATION OF THE COSTA RICA LTD COMPANY
No doubt, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy team that can give you advice on Costa Rica company formation and help you register your company successfully. With our professional experts the incorporation of your offshore company is a quick and smooth process.
Our specialists will send you updates and inform you about the progress. We will address any issues that may arise during the incorporation process.When the incorporation is over, you will get a set of legal documents.
OPENING OF A BANK ACCOUNT
Your brand new company in Costa Rica may require a bank account to finally start doing business. The process of opening a bank account for a company registered in Costa Rica can take up to four weeks and requires the provision of exact information to your dedicated LegalBison’s project manager. Our team undertakes the conversation and negotiation with a recognized network of banking institutions in Europe and all over the world, providing you with a turnkey solution.
Available: Shelf Companies On Request
In business, time is key to success.
Getting a shelf companies, an already existing entity, registered in your name, is the fast track to incorporation in Costa Rica.
Inquire now about available companies for sale.
Costa Rica Company Formation in Details
The process of company formation in Costa Rica consists of several stages. First of all, you have to select the company type as well as the name of a company that you are registering (there are different company types such as a limited liability company, a corporation or a branch of a foreign company). You also need to prepare the documents which are required for registering a company in Costa Rica, including Articles of Incorporation and Application for Company Registration. It’s necessary to identify the company’s directors, representatives as well as shareholders during the formation process.
Taxation of companies in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a territorial tax system, which means that the government imposes taxes only on companies that generate income within the country.
Income generated worldwide (outside of Costa Rica) is not subject to tax.
Regarding tax treaties, individuals can check the list of non-double taxation agreements of Costa Rica on this page.
Registration process of a company in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, company incorporation is a simple and straightforward process that does not require too much time and effort.
Necessary documents
In order to register your company in Costa Rica, you need to prepare a set of documents. The articles of incorporation are legal documents that include your company’s business name, its purpose and business location. Keep in mind that it’s necessary to translate the documents into Spanish and notarize them. You should also provide passport copies of all founders and directors of the company.
If you appoint a person who will act on behalf of your company, you will have to provide a power of attorney as well. It’s worth mentioning that there are no minimum share capital requirements for companies in Costa Rica. However, it may depend on the type of company you are planning to set up and its business activities. In some cases, you will have to pay 1 USD or 4 USD.
Remote incorporation
If you have no opportunity to travel to Costa Rica in order to register a company, you can do it remotely. For a remote incorporation, you will have to prepare the necessary documents as well. Getting and notarizing a power of attorney is an important step you will have to take. In some cases, you will have to certify the power of attorney by apostille.
No doubt, remote incorporation provides a wide range of benefits. The fact that there is no need to travel abroad can save you time and money. With our experts a remote company formation in Costa Rica will be a simple and transparent process.
How to: registration company in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is definitely one of the best offshore jurisdictions you can prefer for your company registration. In Costa Rica, the process of company incorporation is usually quick and straightforward. Choosing the type of the company you want to set up and its business name is the first thing you will have to do. Then you should prepare and submit all the necessary documents including the article of incorporation, identification documents and the power of attorney if necessary.
Once the company registration is complete, you can open a bank account. You will have to prepare another set of documents for the bank and fill in the application form. After getting the approval, you will be able to start using your bank account.
Bookkeeping and audits for a company in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, there are no compulsory accounting requirements for offshore companies. However, you still have to file an annual tax return. This is included in our services, so you don’t have to worry about this obligation when the times come.
Auditing requirements
There is also no legal requirement to file a tax audit report in Costa Rica, but it is extremely important to have an internal auditor who will evaluate your company’s performance and analyze financial documents.
Registry of companies in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the National Registry keeps records of all legal entities including partnerships, corporations and limited liability companies.
Registry of directors in Costa Rica
According to Costa Rican laws and regulations, you have to register your offshore company with the National Registry. The registry contains the information about your company directors including their names, national identification numbers and addresses.
Registry of shareholders in Costa Rica
The National Registry of Costa Rica maintains the information about company shareholders. During the process of company registration, you have to provide the information about shareholders including their names, national identification numbers and addresses. You may also need to provide additional information as well. The information about shareholders is not public.
Are nominee services legal in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, nominee services are legal. However, you must make sure that the use of nominee services complies with the existing Costa Rican laws and regulations. The government of Costa Rica allows foreign investors to set up anonymous companies. Their owners do not have to provide their identity and explain their relationship with the company. Keep in mind that the use of nominee services should be transparent.
Local requirements for companies registered in Costa Rica
When it comes to offshore company formation in Costa Rica, there are some important requirements you should stick to.
Economic substance in Costa Rica
To be able to establish an offshore company in Costa Rica, you need a physical address within the jurisdiction for administrative and legal purposes. Make sure that the legal address you prefer complies with legal requirements and can receive correspondence.
There is no legal obligation to hire local workers to register a company in Costa Rica. However, you can really benefit from doing so. The local people have the knowledge that can be very useful for your company. But even if you are not planning to hire Costa Rican workers, your company still should comply with current labor laws and regulations.
Residency requirements of shareholders and directors in Costa Rica
When it comes to establishing a company in Costa Rica, non-residents of the country have the same rights and obligations that residents and nationals usually have. According to the local laws and regulations, the directors and shareholders of an offshore company do not have to be residents of Costa Rica. That means that your company directors and shareholders can be from any country.
Opening a bank account for a company in Costa Rica
In order to be able to set up and run your activities from Costa Rica, you may need to open a bank account. You have an opportunity to choose a local bank or an international bank that operates on the territory of this jurisdiction. Once you decide which bank you would like to use, you will have to prepare a set of documents, submit them to the bank, fill in the application form and wait for approval.
Our experts are always happy to help you with opening a bank account for your company formation in Costa Rica. Feel free to contact us to get the answers to all your questions.
Alternatives to Costa Rica company registration
Company Formation in British Virgin Islands
from 1.320 €-
Top offshore jurisdiction
-
Tax-free, no reporting
-
High secrecy
Company Formation in Cayman Islands
from 2.915 €-
Complete tax exemption
-
Top for investing
Company Formation in Estonia
from 450 €-
Fast incorporation
-
0% tax on undistributed income
-
Entirely remote
Company Formation in Hong Kong
from 750 €-
Ideal offshore jurisdiction
-
Advantageous taxation
-
Fast and cheap process
Company Formation in Mauritius
from 1.900 €-
Very low taxation
-
Top choice for financial business
-
Business-friendly jurisdiction
About company registration in Costa Rica
1 USD has to be paid. The standard authorized capital is 2,500 CRC (around 4 USD). The shareholders of a Costa Rica LLC are company are liable up to the unpaid capital.
Costa Rica is one of the best offshore places to start and run a business, thanks to the absence of taxation, a good level of privacy and a very permissive business environment. Costa Rica is notorious for its gambling and crypto company industries.
No, Costa Rica has been removed from EU’s tax haven list in 2019.
With our experts, company formation in Costa Rica is a quick, smooth and straightforward process. To receive an exact quote for your project, get in touch with our consulting team. We will walk you through this process and help on every stage. Customer satisfaction is definitely our top priority.
A company registration in Costa Rica does not take much time. One business week is usually enough to complete this process. Our experts will accompany you during the incorporation making the whole procedure as smooth as possible.
Costa Rica is an extremely popular jurisdiction among those foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a gambling company. The Costa Rican government creates favorable conditions that allow gambling companies to flourish. If you find this business sector interesting, contact our experts for more detailed information, or consult our guide on the gambling license in Costa Rica.
Yes. It’s legal to gamble online in Costa Rica. More than 300 online gambling companies operate in the country these days. It’s profitable to run an online gambling business. However, you need to prepare for starting this type of business properly. It makes a lot of sense to consult with a legal expert on the project in advance.
Cryptocurrency is a profitable business sector in Costa Rica. Crypto companies that operate in the county make good money. If you want to set up a crypto company in Costa Rica, make sure that it complies with the local laws and regulations. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our experts for more information.
No, you don’t have to pay any taxes with cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrencies are virtual or intangible assets and that’s why they are not subject to taxes according to the tax authority in Costa Rica.
Contact Our Legal & Compliance Experts
Does the tax-free and permissive business environment of Costa Rica suit your project?
Let’s talk about it with our consulting team, for free.
Our team provides free guidance on request for entrepreneurs and companies considering incorporation in Costa Rica. Leave a request now for a callback within 24 business hours.
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
Certified ACAMS consultant with 5+ years experience in compliance and FinTech regulations.
