From your first legal question to your first hire, this section walks you through exactly what it takes to establish nearshore operations in Costa Rica — whether you’re opening a small service delivery team or a full-scale manufacturing facility.
Getting Started
Most companies follow a 90–180 day timeline from decision to operational: legal entity formation (30–45 days), banking setup (30–60 days), office/facility securing (30–90 days), and initial hiring (60–120 days). FTZ approval adds 60–90 days if applicable.
Working With CINDE
CINDE (Costa Rica’s investment promotion agency) offers free concierge services to qualifying investors — including regulatory navigation, site selection, recruitment support, and introductions to service providers. Engaging CINDE early significantly accelerates setup.