LIGHT MANUFACTURING
SECTOR
Costa Rica: Competitive Production with International Standards
A reliable and competitive destination, with a skilled talent, legal certainty, and a sustainable vision that drives the light manufacturing industry toward global success. The country is moving toward a sophisticated productive transformation based on this sector.
Why Costa Rica?
Talent and Stability
Qualified and innovative workforce, supported by a strong democracy and high social investment.
Legal Certainty and Stability
A strong democratic environment provides long-term confidence.
Market access
Connected to both oceans and a network of 18 free trade agreements that facilitate preferential access to major global markets.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Optimized processes under international standards, supported by competitive tax incentives.
Strategic Location
Ideal for nearshoring, with a competitive and resilient environment for investment.
Key Facts
Competitive Advantages
- A diverse business ecosystem that is attractive for supply chains and a circular economy.
- More than 99% of electricity from renewable sources.
- Investment of approximately 5% of GDP in education.
- Investment of 7% of GDP in health care.
Tax incentives of the Free Trade Zone Regime
- 100% exemption from import and export duties.
- Exemption from withholding tax on outbound remittances.
- Reduction of social security contributions outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM).
- Exemption from the real estate transfer tax (up to 10 years).
- Exemption from municipal taxes (up to 10 years).
Light Manufacturing Capabilities
Personal care
Plastic
Textiles
Minerals
Packaging
Adhesives
Labels
Chemicals
Glass
Ceramics
Building materials
Paint
Recycling
Network of free trade agreements with preferential access to the main global markets
CAFTA-DR
Canada
CARICOM
Central America
Chile
China
Colombia
South Korea
Ecuador
Mexico
Panama
Peru
United Kingdom (AACRU)
Dominican Republic
Singapore
European Union (AACUE)
United Arab Emirates
European Free Trade Association (AELC)
Stability and the Rule of Law
Political Stability
Ranked 2nd in Latin America for political stability.
Stability of Rule of Law
Second place in Latin America (World Justice Project).
Peace and Stability
77 years without an army, a reflection of institutional stability and focus on economic development.
Democracy
Ranked 2nd in Latin America
The Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Intellectual Property Protection
Ranked 3rd in Latin America in the International Property Rights Index (Property Rights Alliance, 2024).
Free Zones
Tax and operational incentives regime for manufacturing companies.
WHY INVEST
IN THIS SECTOR?
Skilled talent, competitive infrastructure, 99% renewable energy, and Free Trade Zone Regime incentives make the country an efficient platform for lightweight manufacturing from day one.
