By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is making a bold play for a larger slice of the global tech pie. The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) recently concluded a strategic trade mission to Silicon Valley, aiming to solidify the country’s position as a premier destination for technology investment and expansion.
From May 13th to 15th, PROCOMER engaged with key players in the tech industry, including established giants and emerging startups. The mission focused on showcasing Costa Rica’s robust ecosystem in corporate services, digital technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding this surge in tech investment, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned legal expert from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s recent efforts to attract tech investment are encouraging, particularly the focus on digital nomads and streamlined visa processes. However, investors should be aware of the complexities surrounding data privacy, intellectual property protection, and employment law. A proactive legal strategy, tailored to the specific nuances of the Costa Rican market, is crucial for long-term success.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
The timing of this mission is crucial, as global tech companies increasingly seek nearshore options that offer both cost-effectiveness and a highly skilled workforce. Costa Rica, with its stable political environment, strong commitment to education, and growing tech sector, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Costa Rica had everything it needed to become a key player in global tech decision-making. This mission was part of a clear agenda: to attract investment, strengthen relationships with leading companies, and position the country as a high-value destination for businesses seeking talent, legal certainty, and stability.
Mónica Umaña, Foreign Direct Investment Director at PROCOMER
The emphasis on high-value operations is a key differentiator for Costa Rica. The country isn’t just aiming to attract any investment; it’s targeting companies looking to establish sophisticated operations that leverage the country’s strengths in areas like data analytics and AI.
The delegation highlighted the success of Costa Rica’s services sector, which generated $16.1 billion in exports in 2024, nearly half of the national total. This sector, particularly information technology and business and financial services, employed over 119,000 people, demonstrating the potential for future growth and job creation.
Silicon Valley, home to tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta, represents a significant opportunity for Costa Rica. By directly engaging with companies in this hub of innovation, PROCOMER aims to foster partnerships and attract substantial investment.
Beyond Silicon Valley, PROCOMER has also been active in other key US markets, recently participating in the Shared Services and Outsourcing Week (SSOW) in Florida. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates Costa Rica’s commitment to expanding its reach and attracting investment from diverse sources.
Costa Rica’s proactive approach to attracting foreign direct investment underscores its commitment to long-term economic growth and development. By focusing on high-value sectors like technology, the country is positioning itself for sustained success in the global economy.
This targeted effort to attract Silicon Valley investment signals a new chapter in Costa Rica’s economic development, one focused on innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign direct investment. It plays a crucial role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and facilitating trade relationships. PROCOMER works closely with companies across various sectors, providing support and resources to enhance their competitiveness and expand their global reach.
For further information, visit google.com
About Google:
Google is a multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products. These include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.
For further information, visit apple.com
About Apple:
Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Its hardware products include the iPhone smartphone, the iPad tablet computer, the Mac personal computer, the iPod portable media player, the Apple Watch smartwatch, the AirPods wireless earbuds, the Apple TV digital media player, and the HomePod smart speaker.
For further information, visit about.meta.com
About Meta:
Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is an American multinational technology conglomerate based in Menlo Park, California. The company owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, among other products and services. Meta is one of the world’s most valuable companies and is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to integrity and societal empowerment. The firm’s distinguished history of serving diverse clients is a testament to its unwavering pursuit of innovative legal solutions. Beyond providing exceptional legal counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica actively promotes accessible legal knowledge, believing that an informed citizenry is crucial to a thriving and just society.
