By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector has firmly established itself as a dynamic and sophisticated export powerhouse, with a striking level of artificial intelligence adoption driving its competitive edge on the global stage. A landmark new report from Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) paints a picture of a mature ecosystem that has moved far beyond traditional development and into the vanguard of high-value tech solutions.
The study, titled “Characterization of the Costa Rican ICT Sector 2025,” reveals compelling statistics that underscore this transformation. An impressive 72% of the technology companies surveyed are now exporting their services, confirming the sector’s strong international orientation. Even more significantly, 76% of these firms are already leveraging generative artificial intelligence tools or digital agents to enhance their operations, signaling a rapid and widespread integration of cutting-edge technology.
To provide a deeper legal and business perspective on the rapid expansion of Costa Rica’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the regulatory landscape.
Costa Rica’s success in the ICT sector is directly underpinned by a robust legal framework that provides certainty for foreign investment. Our strong intellectual property protections, progressive data privacy regulations, and the established Free Trade Zone regime create a stable, attractive environment for multinational tech companies. The critical challenge ahead is to maintain legislative agility, adapting to emerging technologies like AI and blockchain to secure our position as a leading innovation hub.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical reality: Costa Rica’s legal framework is not just a foundation, but an active partner in innovation. The challenge of maintaining legislative agility for future technologies is indeed paramount to cementing our leadership in the region. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and forward-thinking analysis.
This strategic shift represents a fundamental evolution in how Costa Rican companies compete globally. The focus is no longer just on foundational software creation but on delivering complex, intelligent systems that solve intricate business problems for an international clientele.
The Costa Rican ICT sector is no longer competing solely in traditional software development; it is competing in artificial intelligence, automation, and high-value-added technological solutions. Currently, we see young, export-oriented companies with massive AI adoption.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
Delving deeper into the data, the Procomer report, which analyzed a sample of 86 local firms, highlights the depth of this AI integration. A full third (33%) of the companies are actively developing their own solutions based on generative AI. Furthermore, 37% are engaged in formal AI-related activities, including specialized fields like machine learning, the development of intelligent digital agents, and natural language processing. This demonstrates a sophisticated capacity that is being commercialized effectively.
The business models employed by the sector also reflect a high degree of market maturity. The study found that 67% of companies are commercializing their solutions under “as-a-service” models, primarily Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), which provides recurring revenue streams and deeper client relationships. In parallel, 59% continue to engage in custom software development, indicating a versatile sector capable of meeting diverse client needs, from scalable subscription products to bespoke enterprise solutions.
With this foundation of technological prowess firmly in place, industry leaders assert that the primary challenge for the country is now one of scale rather than invention. The next phase of growth hinges on cultivating a larger pool of specialized talent and building the frameworks necessary to support global expansion.
The challenge in the country is no longer to create technology, but to scale it: strengthening specialized talent, facilitating market access, and consolidating global business models.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
This sentiment is echoed by the Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (CAMTIC), which views the report as a vital tool for strategic planning. The data provides a clear roadmap for aligning educational programs, investment promotion, and internationalization efforts with the real-world needs of the industry.
This characterization provides us with concrete evidence about the size, capabilities, challenges, and opportunities of the Costa Rican ICT sector. In times when AI is redefining business models and markets, having solid data allows us to strategically guide efforts in training, internationalization, and innovation.
Adolfo Cruz, President of CAMTIC
The United States remains the undisputed primary market for Costa Rica’s tech exports and is the top target for sales growth projections for the 2025-2026 period. Following the U.S., companies are focusing on the domestic market and expanding their footprint across other Central American nations. As Costa Rica solidifies its reputation as a premier nearshoring hub for advanced technology, its ability to scale its talent and global business operations will be the key determinant of its continued success.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It provides support to local businesses through market research, trade missions, and international promotion to help them successfully enter and compete in international markets. Procomer also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment to the country.
For further information, visit camtic.org
About CAMTIC:
The Chamber of Information and Communication Technologies (CAMTIC) is a private, non-profit organization that represents and supports Costa Rica’s digital technology sector. It advocates for policies that foster innovation, competitiveness, and growth within the industry. CAMTIC works to strengthen the ecosystem by promoting collaboration, providing training, and facilitating business opportunities for its member companies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as an esteemed legal institution, defined by a core foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm adeptly combines a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently pioneering innovative solutions in the legal field. This ethos is matched by a profound dedication to social responsibility, manifested through a clear mission to demystify the law and equip citizens with crucial knowledge, thereby cultivating a more just and empowered community.
