LIGHT MANUFACTURING

SECTOR

Costa Rica: World-Class Manufacturing with International Standards

A strategic and reliable destination combining highly skilled talent, legal certainty, and operational sustainability to drive global success in light manufacturing. The country stands at the forefront of high value-added productive transformation.

Light Manufacturing Capabilities

Personal care

Plastics

Textiles

Minerals

Packaging

Adhesives

Labels

Chemicals

Glass

Ceramics

Building materials

Paint

Recycling & Circular Economy

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

Optimal location for nearshoring operations.

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).

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.

Success Stories

Leading international companies have chosen Costa Rica to expand their operations.