Costa Rica LLC Formation
Register a company in Costa Rica in 4 days with tax benefits, global credibility, and a smooth setup process.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica Offshore Company Registration
Costa Rica has become a trusted hub for international business in Central America, offering both credibility and flexibility to foreign investors. Many entrepreneurs choose to register a Costa Rica company because of its political stability, strategic location between two oceans, and a competitive tax environment. By registering a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L., equivalent to an LLC), investors gain access to limited liability, no restrictions on foreign ownership, and favorable treatment of offshore income.
Company formation in Costa Rica is efficient, with most registrations completed in about 4–5 working days. Non-residents are welcome to incorporate, and there are no currency controls, making it easy to engage in international trade and investment.
Privacy and asset protection remain central advantages of Costa Rica company registration. Although records are filed locally, ownership details of a Costa Rica offshore company are not publicly accessible and are only disclosed when required under international AML and KYC obligations.
For global entrepreneurs and investors, registering a Costa Rica company means combining business flexibility with legal security, access to respected financial services, and the benefits of operating from one of Latin America’s most reliable offshore jurisdictions.
Benefits
Register a Costa Rican Company
Favorable tax regime
Costa Rica company registration operates under a territorial tax system, so a Costa Rica offshore company pays no tax on profits earned abroad.
Quick incorporation
A Costa Rica S.R.L. can be formed in just 4–5 business days, making Costa Rica company registration both fast and efficient.
Business privacy
While corporate records are maintained locally, details of a Costa Rica offshore company remain private and disclosed only under AML/KYC rules.
Stable investment climate
Costa Rica is internationally recognized for its political stability and credibility, making Costa Rica company registration attractive for global investors.
Banking access
A Costa Rica offshore company can open multi-currency bank accounts both locally and internationally, supporting cross-border operations.
Modern legal framework
Costa Rica S.R.L.s are regulated by the Commercial Code, ensuring that Costa Rica company registration is backed by a secure and predictable legal system.
Features – Costa Rica S.R.L. (LLC)
Offshore Company Registration in Costa Rica
Incorporation in ~4–5 business days
100% foreign ownership permitted
No residency requirements for shareholders or managers
Ownership details remain private and only disclosed under AML/KYC rules
Ability to open bank accounts both locally and internationally
Limited Liability Company
Costa Rica Company Formation Packages
Basic
$1,790
Annual Renewal: USD 1350
Unlimited Name Availability Check: Ensure your chosen company name is unique and available.
Document Preparation and Filing: All necessary documentation is prepared and submitted on your behalf.
One Year of Secretarial Services: Comprehensive company secretarial support for one year.
All Government Fees Included for One Year: Covers all government-related fees for the first year.
Digital Corporate Documents: Receive all essential corporate documents in digital format.
This package provides all the necessary services for a foreigner to establish a new Costa Rica Company (LLC) from start to finish.
Standard
$1,900
Annual Renewal: USD 1350
All Core Services from the Basic Package Included: This package builds on the Basic tier and includes everything needed to successfully set up your Costa Rica LLC from start to finish.
One Bank Account Application Included: After your company is incorporated, we assist with one full application to a supported bank.
OVZA’s Service Fee Fully Covered: Our bank account opening support fee is included in this package—no additional OVZA charges.
Bank Introduction: We introduce your company to a reputable bank we work closely with and provide hands-on guidance throughout the application process.
Premium
$1,990
Annual Renewal: USD 1350
Everything in the Standard and Basic Packages Included: Includes full company formation, one initial bank application, and our standard bank account support.
Premium Bank Support – Up to 5 Applications: We apply to up to 5 different banks on your behalf, stopping as soon as the first approval is received.
All OVZA Application Fees Covered (Up to 5 Banks): Our bank account opening service fees are fully covered for each application—up to five total.
Bank Matched to Your Industry or Needs: We’ll recommend and apply to banks that best suit your business model, region, or niche industry requirements.
Fast Response Time: As a Premium client, you’ll usually receive a reply from our team within 30 minutes—including during evenings and weekends.
Frequent Progress Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way with regular updates on your bank applications and overall progress.
Refund Guarantee
We offer a full refund, no questions asked, if we have not yet started the company. Read our policy
Offshore Company Incorporation Process
Steps to Register an Costa Rica S.R.L. (LLC) Company
Step 1
Select Your Service Package
Begin your Costa Rica company registration by choosing the package that suits your needs. The Basic package covers incorporation only, the Standard package includes one international bank account, and the Premium package offers multiple accounts with priority handling. Every Costa Rica offshore company order is secured with 256-bit encryption and TLS/EV SSL.
Step 2
Complete Payment
Confirm your order through our secure checkout. We accept bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, mobile wallets, and cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, USDC, and 300+ other coins, so you can register a Costa Rica company from anywhere in the world.
Step 3
Submit and Verify Documents
Provide your passport and proof of address to satisfy compliance requirements. You can notarize them locally or use our 24/7 online notary network for instant processing. Once verified, your filing is prepared under Costa Rica’s Commercial Code for S.R.L. entities.
Step 4
Finalize Company Registration
Within approximately 4–5 business days, your Costa Rica offshore company is incorporated. You’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation and electronic company documents. If your package includes banking, we immediately proceed with account opening so your Costa Rica S.R.L. is ready to operate internationally.
Costa Rica KYC Requirements
To register a company in Costa Rica (S.R.L.), all Shareholders and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) must provide the following documentation.
All Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact Persons are required to submit the following documentation.
Proof of Identity
A notarized true copy of a valid passport, notarized within the last 3 months, provided as a scanned copy
Proof of Address
A notarized true copy (scanned) of a proof of address is required. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank reference letter or bank statement
- Utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.)
- Driver’s license
- Any other official document issued by a government or financial institution
The document must clearly show the holder’s full name and physical residential address in English. P.O. Box addresses are not accepted.
All documents must be dated within the last 3 months.
To verify the identity of a corporation or legal entity, company formation documents must be provided along with proof of identity for all relevant members.
Company Documents
The following certified true copies of company documents are required:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (or Constitution)
- Register of Directors
- Register of Shareholders or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
Company Members
All individuals associated with the corporation—including Directors, Shareholders, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)—are required to provide valid proof of identity and proof of address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register an offshore company in Costa Rica?
To register an offshore company in Costa Rica, you must choose a company name and appoint at least two quota holders (shareholders) and a manager. The most common structure is the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), equivalent to an LLC. Incorporation is typically completed in 4–5 business days, and OVZA provides full support with preparation, filing, and delivery of corporate documents.
What benefits do you get when you register a company in Costa Rica?
Registering a Costa Rica offshore company provides access to a territorial tax system, political stability, international credibility, and the ability to operate with no restrictions on currency or business activities abroad.
What types of offshore companies can be formed in Costa Rica?
The primary structure is the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), equivalent to a Limited Liability Company (LLC). It is favored by entrepreneurs and investors for its flexibility, limited liability protection, and straightforward management.
What documents are required to register a Costa Rica offshore company?
Only two documents are required: a valid passport and a proof of residential address (utility bill, bank statement, or official document dated within the last 3 months). These do not need to be notarized.
How long does it take to register a Costa Rica company?
Costa Rica company can usually be incorporated within 4–5 business days, provided KYC documents are submitted promptly. Electronic copies of the Certificate of Incorporation and company statutes are issued immediately after filing.
Do I need to visit Costa Rica to register a company?
No. The entire process can be completed remotely. Documents can be submitted electronically, and OVZA assists with all filings on your behalf.
Can foreigners own 100% of a Costa Rica company?
Yes. Costa Rica permits 100% foreign ownership of offshore companies without restrictions.
Do Costa Rica offshore companies pay taxes?
Costa Rica offshore companies are exempt from corporate income tax on profits earned outside Costa Rica. Only Costa Rican–source income is taxable.
What is Costa Rica’s tax system for corporations?
Costa Rica applies a territorial tax system. Income generated outside Costa Rica is not subject to taxation.
Is there VAT or sales tax on international transactions?
No. Costa Rica does not apply VAT, sales tax, or GST to offshore transactions. Local sales and services within Costa Rica may be subject to VAT.
Do I need to file tax returns for a Costa Rica offshore company?
If your Costa Rica S.R.L. only earns offshore income, no tax return is required. However, companies conducting business inside Costa Rica must file locally.
Are dividends from foreign income taxed in Costa Rica?
No. Dividends paid from foreign-source income are not subject to tax in Costa Rica.
Are there double taxation treaties in Costa Rica?
Yes. Costa Rica has signed several treaties to avoid double taxation, but these mostly apply to companies with domestic operations.
What annual tax applies to Costa Rica offshore companies?
All Costa Rica companies must pay an annual corporate tax, which is a flat fee set by law and adjusted annually (currently around USD 120–380 depending on activity status).
What annual fees apply to a Costa Rica company?
The main requirement is payment of the annual corporate tax and renewal of the registered office. OVZA handles renewals for clients to ensure compliance.
Are audits required for Costa Rica offshore companies?
No audit is required for companies with offshore income only.
Do Costa Rica companies need to file annual returns?
No tax filings are required if the company only holds offshore income. However, the company must maintain good standing by paying annual corporate tax.
How do I renew a Costa Rica company?
Renewal is done annually by paying the corporate tax and maintaining the registered office. OVZA manages this process for clients.
What happens if I don’t pay the annual corporate tax?
Failure to pay results in penalties and eventual suspension of the company from the Costa Rican corporate registry.
Do Costa Rica companies need to hold annual meetings?
Yes, quota holders should approve annual resolutions, but meetings can be held anywhere in the world and do not require physical presence in Costa Rica.
Can I change shareholders or managers after incorporation?
Yes. Changes to quota holders or managers can be filed at any time with the Costa Rican registry.
Can a Costa Rica company open an international bank account?
Yes. Costa Rica offshore companies are accepted by banks in Costa Rica, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
What documents are required for bank account opening?
Banks typically require the Certificate of Incorporation, company bylaws, quota holder/manager details, and KYC documents. OVZA assists with preparing and submitting all documents.
Does a Costa Rica company need a local bank account?
No. A Costa Rica offshore company may open accounts anywhere in the world, depending on client preference.
How strong is Costa Rica’s banking sector?
Costa Rica has a well-developed banking system with local and international banks offering multi-currency accounts, though many clients prefer offshore or European banks for international operations.
Can a Costa Rica company hold cryptocurrency accounts?
Yes. Many EMIs and international platforms that work with Costa Rica offshore companies accept crypto-related transactions.
Are there currency restrictions for Costa Rica companies?
No. Costa Rica has no currency controls, and offshore companies can transact freely in any currency worldwide.
How long does bank account opening take for a Costa Rica company?
Depending on the bank or jurisdiction, account opening usually takes 2–4 weeks once incorporation and compliance documents are completed.
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