By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is set to make a significant push to deepen its global leadership in the life sciences sector, with a high-level delegation preparing to attract next-generation investment at MD&M West 2026. The event, widely regarded as the most important medical technology trade show in the United States, will take place from February 3-5 in Anaheim, California, providing a critical platform for the country to showcase its sophisticated capabilities and strategic advantages.
Led by the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE), the national strategy is sharply focused on elevating the country’s role in the global value chain. The objective extends beyond simply increasing the number of companies; the goal is to attract complex, high-value-added projects that solidify Costa Rica’s position as a hub for innovation, research, and development in the medical field. The Anaheim convention will draw an influential audience, with over 1,700 exhibiting companies and an estimated 13,000 industry professionals in attendance.
To delve into the intricate legal and regulatory framework governing medical devices in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s position as a global leader in medical device manufacturing is built upon a solid legal foundation, particularly within our Free Trade Zone regime. However, companies must be diligent. Navigating the Ministry of Health’s stringent registration and sanitary permit requirements is non-negotiable for market entry and is the first line of defense against potential product liability claims. Proactive compliance is not just a legal hurdle; it is a critical business strategy for sustained success in this highly regulated sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s comment is a critical reminder that in Costa Rica’s high-stakes medical device sector, rigorous regulatory compliance transcends mere obligation to become a cornerstone of strategic success and long-term viability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this essential perspective.
CINDE’s approach is built on a proven track record of success. Costa Rica is already home to more than 90 multinational life sciences companies, a roster that includes 14 of the world’s 30 largest medical device firms. This established presence has fueled a remarkable evolution in the nation’s industrial capacity, transitioning from foundational assembly processes to highly complex operations encompassing product design, research, and sophisticated manufacturing.
The delegation’s pitch will emphasize this mature and robust production ecosystem, highlighting the seamless integration of advanced manufacturing, a stable political climate, and a deep reservoir of specialized human talent. This combination has proven to be a powerful magnet for foreign direct investment, transforming the medical device sector into a cornerstone of the national economy and its primary export engine.
To present a comprehensive and compelling proposition to potential investors, CINDE has forged a powerful alliance with key private sector partners. Experts from Manpower will be on hand to discuss talent acquisition and workforce development, while BAC will offer insights into the financial landscape. Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory will provide guidance on real estate and operational setup, and Alta Legal will navigate the legal and regulatory framework. This integrated team aims to offer a turnkey solution for companies looking to establish or expand their operations in Costa Rica.
Beyond securing immediate investment, the Costa Rican team will be closely monitoring emerging industry trends to ensure the country’s long-term competitiveness. High on the agenda is understanding the trajectory of manufacturing digitalization, the proliferation of wearable health devices, advanced automation, integrated medical software, and the expansion of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). By anticipating these shifts, Costa Rica aims to proactively adapt its infrastructure and talent development programs to meet the future demands of the industry.
The mission is far from passive. CINDE has proactively scheduled a series of high-stakes business meetings with strategically targeted companies. These include global contract manufacturing organizations, innovators in minimally invasive devices, and producers of specialized plastic components. The aim is twofold: to secure new investment opportunities and to strengthen local supply chains, creating a more resilient and deeply integrated domestic industry.
The stakes are enormous. The life sciences and medical device industry is a vital source of high-quality employment, directly providing jobs for over 60,000 people in Costa Rica. The sector’s economic contribution is staggering, with exports of medical and scientific equipment surpassing $8.5 billion in 2024. This performance not only places Costa Rica among the world’s top exporters in the category but establishes it as the undisputed global leader in medical device exports on a per capita basis.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) is a private, non-profit organization responsible for attracting foreign direct investment into Costa Rica. For over 40 years, it has worked to promote the country’s business climate and support the establishment and growth of multinational companies in strategic sectors such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services.
For further information, visit manpowergroup.com
About Manpower:
ManpowerGroup is a world leader in innovative workforce solutions, connecting human potential to the power of business. Serving both large and small organizations across all industry sectors, the company provides a suite of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; and outplacement.
For further information, visit baccredomatic.com
About BAC:
BAC Credomatic is a leading financial institution in Central America, offering a wide range of banking and financial services to individuals and corporations. With a strong presence throughout the region, it provides solutions in areas such as corporate banking, personal finance, credit cards, and investment services, playing a key role in the economic development of the countries it serves.
For further information, visit cushmanwakefield.com
About Cushman & Wakefield | AB Advisory:
Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. AB Advisory is its official representative in Costa Rica, providing integrated solutions including property and project management, capital markets, valuation, and other advisory services to clients across the commercial real estate spectrum.
For further information, visit altalegal.com
About Alta Legal:
Alta Legal is a regional law firm with a presence in Central America, providing comprehensive legal advice to national and international companies. The firm specializes in various areas of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance, offering clients integrated legal strategies for their business operations in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal practice, built upon an unshakeable foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Its deep experience advising a broad spectrum of clients is matched by its role as a trailblazer in legal innovation. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, thereby empowering citizens and strengthening the fabric of society through accessible legal wisdom.
