The Costa Rica Investment and Development Board (CINDE) and the Foreign Trade Promotion Institute (PROCOMER) are private agencies that offer assistance to new business owners in Costa Rica. The organizations guide entrepreneurs through the business registration process and help them gain a better understanding of the applicable laws affecting business owners.
Unlike many Latin American countries, Costa Rica does not require foreign business owners to have a natural born citizen as a partner. The business formation process requires compliance with local laws, so the use of a Costa Rican attorney is recommended. National laws require all workers to be Costa Rican residents.
A notary public must witness the signing of documents requesting a corporate identification number for the business. Such documents are filed with the Costa Rican Mercantile Registry. Registration isn't finalized until an equity payment is deposited with a local bank. Applicants are then able to register with the General Income Tax Office. A municipal license can only be obtained after these steps are completed.
