Yes, an excellent lawyer will be indispensible to business operations in Costa Rica. Be sure to interview several, and find one with whom you have very little or no language barrier. Your lawyer will help you navigate every stage of starting and owning a business, and will be an integral piece to helping you maintain success.

The Costa Rican government provides incentives, usually in the form of tax exemption and grants, for business in the following industries: tourism, forestry, agriculture, and certain import/exports.

The major hurdle you’re likely to encounter is government red tape; expect more forms, lots of stamps, and longer wait times than you’re used to back home.

By law, your work force may be comprised of no more than 10% foreign employees. All foreign workers must have work permits and/or legal residency that allows them to work legally. 

Free trade zones, known locally as zona francas, help draw foreign investment to Costa Rica. To operate within a zona franca, your company must have fixed assets of at least $150,000. Tax exemptions include relief from import and export taxes, real estate transfer tax, capital tax (10 years), income taxes (100% for 8-12 years and 50% for the following 4-6 years), property tax, and selective consumption tax.