Costa Rica
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Costa Rica.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Costa Rica welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- Foreign founders can incorporate locally or operate through PE models
- Costa Rica applies a territorial tax baseline with defined foreign-passive-income rules
- Corporate tax baseline is 30% with reduced bands for qualifying small entities
- VAT standard rate is 13%
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Note
National registry and immigration portal extraction had access constraints in the fact sheet; verify operational details before filing.
Tax at a glance
Costa Rica Tax Overview
30% general (with reduced small-company bands)
Corporate income tax
PwC Costa Rica corporate taxes
13% standard
VAT
PwC Costa Rica other taxes
0.25% annual
Property tax
PwC Costa Rica other taxes
1.5%
Real-estate transfer tax
PwC Costa Rica other taxes
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
Territorial tax baseline is attractive for many international business models
Clear tax authority framework and published policy channels
Strong reputation for regional service and export-oriented operations
Considerations
Portal access constraints mean some process details need direct verification
Municipal and sector-specific overlays add practical setup complexity
Recurring VAT and labor compliance requires structured operations early
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Select legal presence
Complete incorporation and registry
Register with tax authority
Set up invoicing and payroll controls
Register municipal obligations
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Costa Rica setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Costa Rica. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Nacional | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and compliance dependent • Varies by institution • Institution dependent • Entity records, tax registration, ownership and activity documentation |
| Banco de Costa Rica | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and compliance dependent • Varies by institution • Institution dependent • Entity records, tax registration, ownership and activity documentation |
| BAC Credomatic | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Institution and compliance dependent • Varies by institution • Institution dependent • Entity records, tax registration, ownership and activity documentation |
| Digital providers vary by service profile | Fintech | High (Remote) | Institution and compliance dependent • Varies by institution • Institution dependent • Entity records, tax registration, ownership and activity documentation |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
VAT administration | Ongoing | Maintain VAT filings and digital invoicing obligations. |
Corporate tax filings | Ongoing | Apply annual and periodic filings under territorial framework rules. |
Payroll/social remittances | Ongoing | Meet social-security and labor remittance schedules when employing staff. |
Municipal obligations | Ongoing | Maintain municipality-level licensing and tax duties for operating locations. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Costa Rica specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.