LOGISTICS & DISTRIBUTION

SECTOR

Costa Rica: Connectivity Driving Global Trade

A strategic hub for nearshoring, with immediate connections to the globe and preferential access to several markets through 18 free trade agreements. Its prime location and the support of the Free Trade Zone Regime facilitate efficient logistics operations for distribution centers and international commercial platforms.

Why Costa Rica?

Logistics infrastructure

Juan Santamaría International Airport, Alajuela 17 km / 10 miles from San José

Daniel Oduber International Airport, Guanacaste 219 km / 136 miles from San José

JAPDEVA, Limón 160 km / 99 miles from San José

A key port in the Caribbean, in operation since the 80s, with infrastructure to handle international cargo.

Puerto Caldera, Puntarenas 90 km / 56 miles from San José

Main port of the Pacific, with strategic connections to the United States and Asia.

APM Terminals, Limón 158 km / 98 miles from San José

Moín Container Terminal (TCM, for its acronym in Spanish), one of the most advanced in Latin America, designed for efficient and sustainable operations.

Key Facts

Advantages in logistics and distribution

Strategic logistics hub for nearshoring operations.
Access to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Direct flights to the USA and Europe.
Time zones compatible with real-time trading on global markets.
Free Trade Zone Regime with tax benefits for logistics and trade enabling the highly efficient operation of distribution centers and international platforms.

Free Trade Zone Regime Incentives

100% exemption from customs duties (imports and exports).
Exemption from the remittance repatriation tax.
Reduction of social security contributions (outside the Greater Metropolitan Area).
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 (EFTA)

Stability and the Rule of Law

Political Stability

2nd in Latin America for overall political stability.

Rule of Law

2nd in Latin America (World Justice Project)

Peace and Stability

77 years without a military, reflecting institutional stability and a focus on economic development.

Democracy

“2nd in Latin America The Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)”

Free Trade Zone Regime

Tax and operational incentives regime for companies in manufacturing.

WHY INVEST IN THIS SECTOR?

Its strategic location between two oceans, along with its logistics infrastructure and operational stability, make the country an efficient hub for managing international supply and distribution chains.