SEMICONDUCTORS
SECTOR
Costa Rica: A Reliable and Resilient Destination for Semiconductors
With over 25 years of experience in advanced manufacturing and the development of a National Semiconductor Strategy, the country has positioned itself as a reliable platform for the growth of this industry in the region.
Why Costa Rica?
Specialized Talent
A highly skilled workforce, backed by universities and programs aligned with the tech industry’s needs.
Tax Incentives
Benefits under the Free Trade Zone Regime, including exemptions from income tax, customs duties, and VAT.
Specialized Ecosystem
A national roadmap for the sector’s development, focused on areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and systems design.
Sustainability and Stability
Operations backed by a 97% renewable energy matrix and a stable political environment in the region.
Key Facts
Ideal Location
- A member of the OECD and the WTO, and aligned with international standards.
- Time zones compatible with America and Europe for real-time operations.
- Strategic location just a few hours from the United States.
- Access to highly qualified talent in technical fields.
- A network of 18 free trade agreements, including with the USA and the European Union.
Talent Development and R+D
- An expanding high-tech R+D ecosystem with early investment opportunities.
- Strategic alliances with local and international universities (ASU, Texas Tech, Purdue) strengthening the development of advanced talent.
- A steady flow of highly qualified STEM professionals for high-value operations.
- Growth in systems design and the generation of intellectual property with the presence of companies such as Teradyne, Rydev, and Advantest.
Semiconductor Ecosystem
- Over 25 years of experience assembling and testing advanced components.
- Specialized infrastructure and world-class technical capabilities.
- The involvement of local engineers in advanced design for companies such as Teradyne, Advantest, and Intel.
- An expanding the ecosystem with new investments, e.g., Applied Materials in 2025.
- A consolidated network of suppliers in advanced manufacturing, metrology, automation, and specialized logistics.
Leading Companies
Stability and the Rule of Law
Political Stability
Ranked 2nd in Latin America for overall political stability.
Rule of Law
Secured the #2 spot in Latin America (World Justice Project).
Peace and Stability
77 years without a standing army—a testament to our institutional stability and unwavering 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 companies in advanced manufacturing.
WHY INVEST
IN THIS SECTOR?
Over two decades of experience assembling, testing, and designing advanced components, backed by specialized talent and a consolidated ecosystem, positions the country as a trustworthy hub for the semiconductor industry.