Costa Rica has emerged as one of the world’s top nearshore destinations — consistently ranked in global indices alongside much larger economies. Here’s why over 400 multinational companies have chosen Costa Rica for their nearshore operations.
Time Zone Alignment
Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (UTC-6) year-round with no daylight saving time. This gives US East Coast companies a 1–2 hour overlap and West Coast companies near-perfect alignment — a critical advantage over Asia-Pacific or Eastern European alternatives.
Workforce Quality
With a 98% literacy rate, over 50 universities, and a government-backed bilingual education initiative, Costa Rica produces 15,000+ university graduates annually across engineering, business, and technology disciplines.
Political & Economic Stability
Costa Rica has maintained uninterrupted democracy since 1949 — one of the longest democratic traditions in Latin America. It consistently ranks in the top tier for rule of law, investor protection, and political stability in the region.
Free Trade Zone Benefits
The Zona Franca regime offers foreign companies 10-year income tax exemptions (renewable), zero import duties on raw materials and equipment, and streamlined customs clearance. Over 400 companies currently operate under this regime.
CAFTA-DR Trade Agreement
The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement provides duty-free access for qualifying goods, strong intellectual property protections, and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms — significantly reducing risk for US and Canadian investors.