COSTA RICA
Company Formation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a strong option for international founders seeking a stable, business-friendly jurisdiction with a high quality of life, strong international reputation, and practical structures for cross-border operations.
Why founders choose Costa Rica
Costa Rica is popular with remote workers and entrepreneurs looking for a balanced base for online services, regional support operations, and international business activity.
- Attractive for founders serving clients primarily outside Costa Rica
- Stable legal and operational environment
- Bilingual talent pool (Spanish / English) in many sectors
- Can be structured and coordinated remotely with local support
Who Costa Rica is a strong fit for
We typically position Costa Rica for founders who want a professional, internationally respected jurisdiction and need a practical setup path with local support.
Online Services Businesses
Consulting, digital services, agencies, and remote-first operations serving international clients.
Holding / Regional Structures
Founders looking for a stable jurisdiction for regional support functions or strategic holding structures.
Tourism & Hospitality Projects
Costa Rica can also be attractive for tourism-related and local market projects, depending on licensing and tax treatment.
Practical considerations for international founders
Costa Rica is commonly marketed for its territorial-source tax framework, which is often attractive when revenue is generated abroad. Final treatment always depends on the actual business activity, source rules, substance, and tax residency of the founder/company.
Territorial Principle
Costa Rica generally taxes Costa Rican-source income, while foreign-source income may be treated differently depending on the nature of the income and applicable rules.
Corporate Tax
Standard corporate income tax may apply up to 30%, with special/progressive treatment possible for smaller companies under applicable thresholds.
Special Regimes
Costa Rica (via PROCOMER) administers special regimes, including Free Zone-related incentives for qualifying projects.
Founder Tax Residency
The company setup is only one part of the planning. Founders should also evaluate personal tax residency obligations in their home country.
* Tax, legal, and compliance outcomes depend on facts and may change. We coordinate with local professionals and recommend case-specific advice before acting.
A simple, supported setup process
Initial Consultation
We review your business model, target markets, and whether Costa Rica is the right fit for your goals.
Scope & Entity Planning
We outline the proposed structure (e.g., SRL or SA), documentation, timeline, and key next steps.
KYC & Incorporation Prep
We collect owner/director documents and coordinate the incorporation package with local counsel/notary support.
Formation & Follow-Through
We guide the process through completion and support you with post-formation next steps and operational planning.
Required documents
To begin the process, we typically start with owner/shareholder/director KYC documents and basic company setup information.
Main owner / shareholders / directors
- Passport copy(clear scan/photo of valid passport)
- Proof of address(utility bill or bank statement, typically recent)
- Contact details for onboarding and coordination
Business setup information
- Proposed company name(s)
- Business activity / short description of services
- Shareholder and director structure
- Preferred timeline and any urgency considerations
Important note
Depending on the structure and banking/compliance requirements, additional documents may be requested (e.g., source of funds, business plan summary, proof of business activity, or corporate documents for entity shareholders).
Professional support for cross-border founders
We focus on clear communication, practical execution, and a modern client experience from first call to final delivery.
Clear Onboarding
Structured intake, document checklists, and a smooth process built to reduce friction and delays.
International Founder Focus
Designed for clients operating across jurisdictions who need practical, execution-oriented support.
Responsive Coordination
Hands-on support and coordination with local providers to keep the process moving efficiently.
Costa Rica company formation questions
Can foreigners own a Costa Rican company?
In many cases, yes — foreign founders can own Costa Rican companies. The exact setup depends on the entity structure and compliance requirements.
Do I need to be physically present in Costa Rica to start?
Often, much of the process can be coordinated remotely through local professionals, powers of attorney, and notarial support, depending on the scope.
Is Costa Rica a good option for digital nomads and remote founders?
It can be a strong option for certain international business models, especially when paired with proper tax and operational planning.
Will BMEX provide tax/legal advice?
We support the setup process and coordinate with local professionals. Tax and legal conclusions should always be confirmed with qualified advisors based on your specific facts.
Let’s plan your Costa Rica setup
Tell us about your business model, where your clients are located, and your preferred timeline. We’ll help you assess fit, define the scope, and move forward with a clear process.
