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 99% renewable energy matrix and a stable political environment in the region.

Key Facts

Ideal time zones for the Americas and Europe

18 Free Trade Agreements, including with the USA and the EU.

Only three hours from the USA

Access to the best human talent

A member of the OECD and the WTO

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.