This section presents information about starting a business in Costa Rica and the processes that companies need to engage in order to conduct trade with Costa Rica.

You can own and manage a business and its assets in most industries except those that are Costa Rican government-owned and operated (i.e. petroleum, mineral resources, natural resources, beach front developments, telecommunications and insurance business).

Foreign individuals and companies can set up branches and wholly owned subsidiaries and own 100% of their company without appointing Costa Rican citizens as shareholders or members of the board of directors. A foreign citizen can be an officer, director, partner, trustee, or shareholder. A foreign citizen negotiate contracts and conduct activities legally while living outside Costa Rica.

Foreign investors who want to live outside of Costa Rica might consider appointing two representatives: one with a power of attorney to operate your company in Costa Rica; and a lawyer with a power of attorney to handle administrative and legal matter on your company's behalf.

There are four types of business organizations that can be formed in Costa Rica:

• Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or "S.A.")

• General Partnership (Sociedad en Nombre Colectivo)

• Limited Partnership (Sociedad en Comandita)

• Limited Liability Partnership (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)

Of these, the Sociedad Anónima, or S.A. is the most widely used commercial entity. It is the equivalent of a U.S. corporation.

Read more about Setting Up Your Corporation

Also Helpful:

Costa Rican Embassies

Foreign Embassies in Costa Rica

Consulates of Costa Rica