Business Set Up Checklist for a Costa Rica Business Start Up
Starting a business in Costa Rica is not that different than any ohter place in the world. After setting up your Costa Rica Corporation, and getting your Costa Rica business license you are set to go, and that is why we are here, to help you through the process of starting that business opportunity in Costa Rica. Our expert business attorneys will provide the best legal advisor for your business needs.
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The Rules | Decide on the type of legal entity
General Explanation: The Costa Rican Code of Commerce in its article 8 establishes, "foreigners will be allowed to conduct business once they have obtained a residency status for more than ten years." Having said that, it is common knowledge that thousands of foreigners are currently involved in business start up in Costa Rica, the way to do it is very easy just incorporate a Costa Rican company and conduct business through it with all the advantages of a limited liability corporation (LLC).
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The 2 main choices of corporations for a Costa Rica business start up:
Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): The most commonly used limited liability corporation in Costa Rica business start up. It is normally formed by a Board of Directors made by: President, Secretary and Auditor, with a Treasurer outside of it.
Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L): With the advantages of a limited liability corporation but designed perhaps for a smaller less formal Costa Rica business start up, presents advantages of a "one-man" Board of Directors which facilitates formalities and could be formed in such a way in which all the shareholders would have to approve the admission of a new shareholder.
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The Costa Rica Business License for your Start Up
General Explanation: Once the corporation is formed, any business activity that has an "open office" in Costa Rica requires to apply before the Municipalidad (local government), where the business will be located, for a Patente Municipal (Business License).
The main steps involved are:
Step 1: Before you sign any Lease or Property Purchase Agreement, make sure that the specific zoning regulations allow the desired activity.
Step 2: Sign Lease or Property Purchase Agreement in order to initiate the application process before the authorities.
Step 3: Register the corporation before the Tax Authority.
Step 4: Acquire Work Risk Insurance for Employees before the INS (local insurance agency)
Step 5: Register the corporation as an employer in the CCSS (Social Security Institution)
Step 6: After the Zoning Permit is approved the corporation can now apply for the Health Permit before the Ministry of Health.
Step 7: Finally apply for the Business License once the Health Permit is issued.
General Explanation: As it was mentioned before the corporation has to be registered as a contributor before the Dirección General de Tributación Directa (Tax Authority) as a specific business. The Corporate Tax will range from 10% to 30% on profit depending on the volume of total revenue.
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The Costa Rica Business Office Set Up
General Explanation: The idea is to find an ideal location that will be cost effective and at the same time consider its convenience for the desired target segment of customers and provide easy access, parking space, ambiance, etc.
Local and offshore Bank Accounts
Trademarks
Insurance
Cell Phone Lines
Moving and storage
