Question 1

What is the process for registering a company in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Simple and straightforward. Choose your package, complete the application form, and upload the required documents. Once you have completed ID verification and submitted your application, We Form Online takes care of the rest.

Question 2

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Costa Rican company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreigners can fully own a Costa Rican company. There is no requirement for a Costa Rican citizen to hold shares or participate in the business.

Question 3

Can I be the sole owner of my Costa Rica S.R.L.?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can hold 100% beneficial ownership of your Costa Rica S.R.L. Get in touch with our team and we will structure it for you.

Question 4

What is the difference between a Costa Rica S.R.L. and an S.A.?

Accepted Answer

The S.R.L. (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada) and the S.A. (Sociedad Anónima) are the two main company types in Costa Rica. The S.R.L. has a simpler structure with quota holders and managers, while the S.A. has a formal board of directors and is better suited to larger or more complex operations. For most international entrepreneurs, the S.R.L. is the more practical and cost-efficient choice.

Question 5

Can the same person be both a quota holder and a manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the same individual can hold both roles at the same time.

Question 6

What is the minimum share capital required for a Costa Rica S.R.L.?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed minimum quota capital. The amount is set by the founders in the company's constitutional documents and must be fully subscribed at the time of incorporation.

Question 7

Does the share capital need to be deposited into a Costa Rican bank account?

Accepted Answer

No. Costa Rica does not require a capital deposit into a local bank account as a condition of incorporation.

Question 8

What documents do I need to provide to incorporate a company in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Just two documents to get started:
Passport copy
Utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months

Question 9

What documents will I receive after incorporation?

Accepted Answer

Once your company is registered with the Registro Nacional (National Registry), you will receive a full set of certified corporate documents, including your Certificate of Incorporation and your company's legal entity identification number (Cédula Jurídica), delivered directly to your WeForm dashboard.

Question 10

Can a Costa Rica S.R.L. have a company name in English?

Accepted Answer

Corporate names in Costa Rica are registered in Spanish. The company can, however, operate under a brand or trade name in English for its commercial activities.

Question 11

What corporate services are available after incorporation?

Accepted Answer

Beyond incorporation, We Form Online provides ongoing corporate services including Certificates of Good Standing, Incumbency Certificates, document notarisation and apostille, certified copies of corporate documents, and business payment account application support. We also assist with changes to the corporate structure and the preparation of financial accounts.

Question 12

How do I renew and maintain my Costa Rica company?

Accepted Answer

Renewal is completed annually through payment of the applicable corporate tax and maintenance of the registered office. We Form Online manages the renewal process for you, so your company stays in good standing without the hassle.

Question 13

What annual taxes does a Costa Rica S.R.L. have to pay?

Accepted Answer

All Costa Rican companies are subject to the annual Corporate Legal Entities Tax (Impuesto a las Personas Jurídicas). The amount currently starts from approximately USD 120 and can reach USD 380 or more depending on the company's tax status and gross income. The amounts are reviewed and adjusted periodically, so it is worth planning for the upper end.
This annual tax is separate from corporate income tax and applies regardless of whether the company generates taxable income in Costa Rica.

Question 14

How does Costa Rica's corporate tax system work?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica operates a territorial tax system. As a general rule, income generated from Costa Rican sources is subject to Costa Rican income tax, while income that is genuinely foreign-source may fall outside its scope.
One important note: having foreign clients or receiving payments from abroad does not automatically mean the income is classified as foreign-source. The nature of the company's activities and where they are carried out also matters.

Question 15

Is a Costa Rica S.R.L. with international clients subject to corporate income tax?

Accepted Answer

A Costa Rica S.R.L. is subject to corporate income tax on taxable Costa Rican-source income. Income that is genuinely foreign-source is generally exempt, as it may fall outside the scope of Costa Rican income tax under the territorial taxation principle.
That said, even a company that does not generate taxable Costa Rican-source income remains subject to the annual Corporate Legal Entities Tax, beneficial ownership reporting, and other applicable compliance obligations.

Question 16

Does forming a Costa Rica S.R.L. automatically create an income tax liability?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Incorporating in Costa Rica does not mean all worldwide income is automatically taxed. Costa Rica taxes income based on the territoriality principle, so what matters is the source and nature of the company's income and activities.

Question 17

Does a Costa Rica S.R.L. need to file an annual tax return?

Accepted Answer

Annual compliance obligations apply to all Costa Rican companies, regardless of whether they conduct business locally. These include payment of the annual Corporate Legal Entities Tax and compliance with beneficial ownership reporting requirements (RTBF).
Whether tax registration or tax return filing is required depends on the company's specific activities, tax status, and source of income. A company should not assume it has no filing obligations simply because its business or clients are located outside Costa Rica. We Form Online will help you understand exactly what applies to your situation.

Question 18

Does a Costa Rica S.R.L. need to disclose its Ultimate Beneficial Owners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Costa Rica has a mandatory beneficial ownership reporting regime known as the Registro de Transparencia y Beneficiarios Finales (RTBF). Companies must report information on their ultimate beneficial owners and keep it updated whenever changes occur. Failure to comply can result in financial penalties and other legal consequences. We Form Online manages this as part of our annual compliance service.

Question 19

Does a Costa Rica S.R.L. need a Resident Agent?

Accepted Answer

A Resident Agent is required where the persons authorised to represent the company are not domiciled in Costa Rica, which is typically the case for internationally managed companies. We Form Online has got you covered.

Question 20

Does a Costa Rica S.R.L. need to maintain a registered office?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a registered office address in Costa Rica is required by law. This is included in every plan we offer.

Question 21

Does a Costa Rica S.R.L. need to maintain corporate books and records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Costa Rican companies must maintain corporate books and records required by law, including records of quota holders and corporate resolutions. These should be kept up to date whenever ownership, management, or structure changes occur.

Question 22

Are accounting records required if the company only operates internationally?

Accepted Answer

Operating internationally does not remove the obligation to maintain appropriate accounting documentation. The company should keep adequate records of its transactions, income, expenses, and corporate activities.

Question 23

Can an inactive Costa Rica S.R.L. still have annual compliance obligations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A company that is not actively trading or generating income can still have ongoing obligations, including the annual Corporate Legal Entities Tax, beneficial ownership reporting, maintenance of corporate records, a registered office, and a Resident Agent. Being inactive does not mean being obligation-free.

Question 24

What happens if the quota holders, manager, or beneficial owners of the company change?

Accepted Answer

Any changes to the ownership, management, or corporate structure of the company should be properly documented and reported via your WeForm dashboard - our team will take care of the rest.

Question 25

Can a Costa Rica S.R.L. become non-compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Failure to meet annual tax obligations, beneficial ownership reporting, corporate record-keeping, registered office or Resident Agent requirements can result in penalties, restrictions, or loss of good standing. That is why We Form Online actively manages your compliance calendar and keeps you on track.

Question 26

What happens if the annual Corporate Legal Entities Tax is not paid on time?

Accepted Answer

Late payment can result in interest, penalties, and restrictions that prevent the company from completing filings or registrations with the Registro Nacional. In cases of prolonged non-payment, the company may ultimately be dissolved. We Form Online sends renewal reminders and handles payment on your behalf so this never becomes an issue.

Question 27

Is a Costa Rica S.R.L. required to conduct business in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

A Costa Rica S.R.L. can conduct international business and is not required to have customers or operations in Costa Rica.

Question 28

Is annual compliance required even if the company has no bank account in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether or not the company holds a Costa Rican bank account has no bearing on its compliance obligations. Companies operating exclusively through foreign accounts or international payment providers still need to meet all applicable Costa Rican requirements.

Question 29

What does annual maintenance for a Costa Rica S.R.L. typically involve?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your company's circumstances, annual maintenance will generally cover:
Payment of the annual Corporate Legal Entities Tax
Beneficial Ownership (UBO / RTBF) reporting
Maintenance of the registered office
Resident Agent services
Maintenance and updating of corporate books and records
Applicable tax filings and accounting obligations
Documentation of any changes to ownership, management, or structure
We Form Online manages all of this on your behalf, so you can focus on running your business.

Question 30

Can I open a business payment account for my Costa Rica company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Costa Rica S.R.L. can apply for a business payment account with eligible financial institutions. We Form Online works closely with reputable financial institutions that allow remote account opening and will support you through the entire application process.
Please note that final account approval is always at the sole discretion of the financial institution and depends on their KYC, AML, and risk assessment procedures.

Question 31

Do you provide payment account application support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every company incorporated with us receives a free account introduction to one of our vetted financial institutions. We assist with preparing your application, reviewing documentation, coordinating with the institution, and supporting you throughout the onboarding process. Final approval always rests with the bank or payment institution.

Question 32

How long does it take to open a business payment account?

Accepted Answer

Timeframes vary depending on the institution and the complexity of the application. WeForm clients typically open a payment account within one week of incorporating their company.

Question 33

Can my Costa Rica company send and receive international payments?

Accepted Answer

Once your payment account is approved, your Costa Rica S.R.L. can generally send and receive international payments, subject to the terms of the financial institution and applicable regulations.

Question 34

What documents are required to open a business payment account?

Accepted Answer

Most financial institutions will ask for:
Certificate of Incorporation
Shareholder and director information
Beneficial ownership details
Valid identification documents
Proof of residential address
Business description and website
Expected transaction volumes and source of funds
Additional documents may be required depending on the institution and the nature of the business.

Cost breakdown	WeForm Online	GSL Law & Consulting	Flag Theory / Mirr Asia	OVZA	LegalBison	CompaniesCRFull
Advertised base formation	$2,200	$3,500 Express$6,040 S.R.L.	$3,750 Flag Theory$4,500 Mirr Asia	$1,890 Basic	€2,350≈ $2,580	$700 Basic$1,450 Full
Notary deed & registry stamps	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included$200 value
Registered office · 12 months	Included	Included · S.R.L.+ $750 · Express	Included	Included	≈ $600	≈ $600 / yr
Licensed resident agent · 12 months	Included	Included · S.R.L.+ $600 · Express	Included	Included	Included	Included
Banking / EMI introduction	Included	+ $2,500¹	+ $300	+ $110	≈ $600	Not offered
Direct provider invoice · Year 1	$2,200	$6,000-$7,410	$4,050-$4,800	$2,000	$3,780	$2,050
E-signature software	IncludedWeForm Sign	+ $180 / yr²	+ $180 / yr²	+ $180 / yr²	+ $180 / yr²	+ $180 / yr²
Multi-currency invoicing	IncludedWeForm Invoice	+ $240 / yr²	+ $240 / yr²	+ $240 / yr²	+ $240 / yr²	+ $240 / yr²
Estimated total · Year 1	$2,200	$6,420-$7,830	$4,470-$5,220	$2,420	$4,200	$2,470
Renewal · Year 2 onwards	$1,200	$3,250	$3,100-$3,600	$1,400	≈ $2,400	$950
Estimated Year 1 savings	-	$4,220-$5,630	$2,270-$3,020	$220	$2,000	$270

Costa Rica Company Formation

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Why Choose Costa Rica?

Strategic Location

Established Legal Framework

Limited Liability Protection

100% Foreign Ownership

Flexible Corporate Structure

Regional Business Access & Infrastructure

FAQs

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