Key

Sectors

Known for our stunning landscapes and biodiversity, Costa Rica also hosts over 400 multinational companies that span a variety of sectors, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, light manufacturing, digital technologies, global services, as well as the food and the agri-food industries. These companies converge in a unique and collaborative ecosystem in this vibrant country.

Agri-food Industry

Costa Rica's agri-food sector offers strategic advantages for businesses, comprising primary production and food processing. The country's rich agricultural history, global leadership in export products like coffee, pineapples, and bananas, a robust infrastructure makes it an exceptional hub.

Additionally, the food processing industry benefits from Costa Rica's Free Trade Zone Regime , featuring a 0% corporate tax rate and exemptions on input purchases. Companies may optimize global operations with free trade agreements and strategic ports, using Costa Rica as a central point for value addition and distribution to major markets.

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Costa Rica is the leading exporter of golden pineapples.
It is the third-largest banana exporter in the world.
Costa Rica has free trade agreements with over 70% of the world's GDP.
It is a pioneer in gold coffee exports with over 200 years of experience.
It is the world's top orange juice exporter.
Costa Rica possesses 6.5% of the world's biodiversity.

Advanced Manufacturing

Contact in charge of this sector:

Carolina Sánchez

The advanced manufacturing sector in Costa Rica covers a broad spectrum of areas. The diversity of the sector has allowed our country to consolidate its regional leadership in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) supported by exceptional human capital.

Subsectors:

Aerospace
Automobile
Contract manufacturing
Electronics
Engineering and repair
Metalwork and metal mechanics
Telecommunications

Costa Rica prevails as the leader with the most dynamic percentage of export growth in America in 2022 (PROCOMER & ITC Trade Map, 2022)
We rank #2 in the adoption of investment in emerging technologies in LATAM (Network Readiness Index 2022)
Costa Rica is the #1 exporter in LATAM of high technology goods. (WIPO 2022)
The country holds a Dynamic Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem and a robust local supplier base that meet the needs of the industry.
Through the CHIPS and Science Act, the U.S. Department of State and Costa Rica are partnering to boost the worldwide semiconductor ecosystem.

Services

Contact in charge of this sector:

Michelle Corriols

The services sector comprehends Foreign Investment projects related to Corporate Services (e.g., SSO, BPO, Customer Management) and Digital Technologies (e.g., App Dev, Software Maintenance, Q&A, Tech Support, Data Analytics, Engineering and Design, Cybersecurity, Cloud).

62% of total services exports are knowledge-based activities.
26% of exports are ICT services, the most highly specialized technology services.
43% of total exports are services, a higher percentage in comparison to the OECD average.
Services have grown driven by trade openness, access to new technologies, and human talent specialization.

Special Projects

The special projects sector oversees all the Foreign Investment projects related to light manufacturing, logistics, retail, academic institutions, the film industry, Free Trade Zone administrators, and mergers acquisitions.

In 2022, exports from the light manufacturing sector accounted for 20% of Costa Rica's total exports.
Costa Rica boasts a diverse business ecosystem, appealing for fostering linkages and circular economy.
Approximately 6.4% of the GDP is invested in education in Costa Rica (2022).
The film industry, academia, and retail are emerging sectors attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with significant opportunities yet to be developed.

Semiconductors

Contact in charge of this sector:

In the field of semiconductors, Costa Rica has emerged as a dynamic ecosystem, attracting industrial giants like Intel, Qorvo, and Teradyne. All of them have chosen our idyllic landscapes as the nurturing ground for their enterprises. Costa Rica stands out with its comprehensive and highly competitive supply chain. Our semiconductor ecosystem covers the entire spectrum of semiconductor development, from manufacturing to silicon testing, validation, research and development, design, distribution, packaging, and beyond! In a development that promises boundless potential, the US. State Department is embarking on a joint endeavor with the Government of Costa Rica to elevate the global semiconductor industry. This partnership will forge a path towards a more transparent, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain. Distinguished by its comprehensive and highly competitive supply chain, our semiconductor ecosystem encapsulates the entire spectrum of semiconductor development – from manufacturing to silicon testing, validation, research and development, design, distribution, packaging and more! In a development that promises boundless potential, the United States State Department, in collaboration with the Government of Costa Rica, is embarking on a joint endeavor to elevate the global semiconductor industry. This partnership will forge a path towards a more transparent, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain. Learn More

Intel Corporation's presence in Costa Rica since 1996 and its recent $1.2 billion investment in 2023 underpin the country's growing prominence in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Costa Rica is a recognized strategic partner for the United States in securing the semiconductor supply chain, following the CHIPS Act's goals of strengthening global manufacturing and supply chain security.
Costa Rica's semiconductor ecosystem will benefit from the ITSI Fund, part of the CHIPS Act, with a $500 million allocation over five years starting in 2023. This investment aims to expand semiconductor manufacturing and enhance supply chain security.
Costa Rica's attractive geographical location and political stability have lured prominent semiconductor industry players from across the globe, consolidating its status as an appealing destination for companies seeking a robust presence in the region.

Life Sciences Sector

Contact in charge of this sector:

Carolina Sánchez

The Life Sciences sector in Costa Rica is dedicated to the development and production of a wide range of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, combination products, and cutting-edge technologies that serve various purposes: from diagnosis and treatment to patient monitoring and disease prevention. Costa Rica has proved to be an ideal location for Medical Technology operations. Over the last 30 years, the country has hosted important medical device manufacturing and high value-added services operations for worldwide leaders like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Philips, and Bayer, among others. Learn more about Med-Tech investment opportunities in Costa Rica!

7 of the World's Largest Medical Devices companies are present in Costa Rica.
Medical devices are the #1 export product of Costa Rica, comprising almost 40% of the total exports of goods.
Medical and precision equipment have grown 15% per year (CAGR 2000-2022)
Almost 100 MedTech companies have established manufacturing operations in 14 different subsectors.
Costa Rica has a solid ecosystem of validated healthcare suppliers.
In recent years, the Costa Rican medical devices industry has diversified and advanced to include more complex processes and boost innovation.

Tourism Infrastructure

Contact in charge of this sector:

Mariana Fournier

The tourism infrastructure sector in Costa Rica plays a key role in the development and promotion of the tourism industry nationwide. This sector is focused on providing the necessary support in order for tourism companies, whether new to the market or established, to grow and thrive in the competitive Costa Rican tourism market. The following are some of the key functions of the tourism infrastructure sector: Project development: Provides the process of establishing new tourism enterprises in the country, from initial planning to implementation and execution of tourism projects. This may include identifying strategic locations, developing business plans, securing permits and licenses, and coordinating with other government and private entities. Management of tourist destinations: Collaborates in the management and maintenance of tourist destinations nationwide. Thus, guaranteeing that quality and sustainability standards are met, as well as preserving the country's natural and cultural resources for future generations. In summary, the tourism infrastructure sector in Costa Rica plays a critical role in the development and promotion of the tourism industry. They provide the necessary support allowing tourism businesses to thrive and contribute to the economic growth and sustainable development of the country. Costa Rica offers a wide range of experiences for visitors to enjoy as a truly diverse tourist destination. From the stunning beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to the lush rainforest-covered mountains, there is something for every taste and preference. For those interested in establishing tourism projects, Costa Rica provides an environment suitable for growth and success. With a government committed to sustainability and responsible tourism development, as well as a well-developed tourism infrastructure, the country provides a welcoming environment for investment and collaboration in the tourism industry.
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We are a sustainable tourism destination.

Preservation: 30% of the country's territory is protected.
Wildlife: 6.5% of the world's biodiversity.
Nature: 59% of our territory is forested area.
Adventure: +150 protected wilderness areas across the country for beach and mountain enjoyment.
By 2022: 99% of our energy was obtained from renewable sources.

Cultivation of plants for fresh consumption or other purposes such as fibers, energy sources, construction materials, raw materials for industrial products, and more.

Agricultural.

Raising animals, including aquaculture, as well as fishing for human consumption and the production of by-products like fibers, skins, and other resources.

Livestock.

Processing of agricultural and livestock raw materials or other sources to create food products, ingredients, flavors, or any other product meant for human consumption.

Food.

Actions aimed at generating new solutions, processes, and products in the agricultural, livestock, and food subsectors.

Research, Development, and Innovation,

Why Investing in This Sector?

Costa Rica stands out for its diverse geography with microclimates, fertile soils, and abundant water resources. With over 17,000 km2 of land ideal for agriculture. It also offers a highly skilled workforce in the agri-food sector and an attractive business environment with fiscal incentives and exemptions designed to stimulate investment and sustainable growth. This unique combination of resources, government support, our commitment to innovation and sustainability, along with our strong reputation in international markets, creates a favorable scenario for success in the agro-industrial sector.

Why Investing in This Sector?

Costa Rica has been fostering excellence throughout the presence of world-renowned leaders such as Intel, Qorvo, Zollner and Teradyne. Our value proposition based on the skillful talent of our population combined with competitive cost, a stable investment and a robust ecosystem of suppliers, make Costa Rica an outstanding destination for high-tech manufacturing.

Why Investing in This Sector?

Costa Rica is the leader in human capital in LATAM, being #1 in the human capital index, according to the World Economic Forum. Making it the one-stop shop for companies looking for a destination and ensuring value added skills and complex operations. Our talent offers multilingual capabilities in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Costa Rica has a strategic location, as well as a stable landscape for doing business.

Why Investing in This Sector?

Human talent, strategic location and business diversification developed in Costa Rica are an excellent opportunity for projects related to investment in academia, light manufacturing, retail commerce, logistics or even film industry.

Production of goods targeted at the end consumer. Industry includes manufacturing of shoes, clothes, furniture, packaging, and others.

Light manufacturing.

Logistics management is a component that holds the supply chain together. The resources managed in logistics may include tangible goods such as materials, equipment, and supplies, as well as food and other consumable items.

Logistics.

Retailers bring ready-to-consumer products to people and let them get everything they need for their living: convenience stores, supermarkets, drug store, etc.

Retail.

This industry is concerned with the pursuit of research and education.

Academia.

Technological and commercial institutions of filmmaking, i.e., film production companies, film studios, cinematography, animation, film production, screenwriting, pre-production, post-production, film festivals, distribution, and actors.

Film Industry.

Mergers and acquisitions may be completed to expand a company’s reach or gain market share to create shareholder value.

Mergers & Acquisitions.

These are companies dedicated to the management of parks destined for the installation of companies covered by the Free Trade Zone Regime.

Free Trade Zone Parks.

Why Investing in This Sector?

The country’s competitive tax incentives, strategic location, political stability, and highly qualified workforce make Costa Rica an ideal location to host Life Sciences operations.

Why invest in the sector?

The country’s competitive tax incentives, strategic location, political stability, and highly qualified workforce make Costa Rica an ideal location to host Life Sciences operations.

Success Stories from the Sector

“Costa Rica (CR) has fully met our expectations. Coloplast’s presence reaffirms the strength of the life science ecosystem in Costa Rica, which continues to strengthen its position as the natural choice for MedTech companies. The highly qualified workforce in Costa Rica is second to none. I remain impressed by the skill level and commitment of our CR employees. Costa Rica’s sustainability initiatives are in line with Coloplast’s in that approximately 95% of its energy comes from renewable resources, which fully aligns with our strategic initiatives. Establishing operations in Costa Rica has proven to be a good decision for Coloplast and will continue to be for years to come.”

James A. Schumer, Vice President of Global Operations, Americas

Coloplast