By San José, Costa Rica — In a bold strategic move to court the world’s leading technology and semiconductor firms, Costa Rica has officially opened a new Investment Promotion Office (OPI) in the heart of Silicon Valley. The new outpost, managed by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), is located in Santa Clara County and aims to significantly accelerate the attraction of high-value foreign direct investment to the Central American nation.
The inauguration ceremony, led by Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, marks a pivotal moment in Costa Rica’s economic strategy. By establishing a permanent presence in one of the globe’s most influential innovation hubs, the country is proactively positioning itself as a premier destination for companies seeking to build resilient and efficient supply chains. The office will focus on key sectors where Costa Rica has already built a strong reputation: business services, medical devices, advanced manufacturing, and the burgeoning semiconductor industry.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding foreign investment in the country, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Foreign investment thrives on legal certainty. While Costa Rica offers a welcoming environment and significant opportunities, potential investors must prioritize comprehensive due diligence. This includes verifying property titles, understanding municipal regulations, and structuring the investment through the correct corporate vehicle to ensure compliance and safeguard their capital from the outset. Proactive legal counsel is not an expense, but a fundamental part of a successful investment strategy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully underscores a critical truth: a successful investment’s foundation is not merely financial, but legal. His point reframes due diligence and expert counsel not as a preliminary cost, but as the essential architecture for safeguarding capital and ensuring long-term success in Costa Rica’s promising market. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
This initiative is not just about attracting new companies; it’s a declaration of intent. Costa Rica is signaling to global markets that it is ready to compete at the highest level, offering a unique combination of political stability, a highly educated workforce, and a proven track record of hosting complex international operations. The move is a direct response to a shifting global landscape where proximity and reliability are prized commodities.
During the opening event, which was attended by executives from leading California-based firms, Minister Tovar emphasized the forward-looking nature of the strategy.
The opening of this office in Silicon Valley is a clear signal that Costa Rica is not waiting for the future, it is actively building it. We want to be closer to the innovators, investors, and strategic allies of the world’s most dynamic technological ecosystem. Our country offers highly qualified talent, democratic stability, and a competitive environment that positions us as a reliable partner to strengthen resilient supply chains and attract investment in semiconductors and advanced technologies.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The decision to set up shop in California is backed by compelling data. Over the past decade (2014–2024), Costa Rica attracted 101 investment projects originating from the Golden State alone. These projects have had a significant impact on the nation’s economy, with 63 service sector initiatives creating an estimated 13,300 jobs, and 26 advanced manufacturing projects generating approximately 5,900 jobs. This history of successful collaboration solidifies California as a priority market for Costa Rica’s growth plans.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER, detailed the office’s operational role, highlighting its function as a strategic bridge between Silicon Valley’s capital and innovation and Costa Rica’s talent and production capabilities. The office will serve as a one-stop shop for potential investors and existing partners.
This Investment Promotion Office is a reflection of PROCOMER’s vision as the country’s official investment attraction agency and as a strategic partner for projects seeking stability, talent, and a solid productive ecosystem. California concentrates some of the most dynamic business ecosystems in the world, and from here we will identify projects, support expansion processes, and accelerate the arrival of new investments that generate employment, knowledge transfer, and productive linkages for all our regions.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The new OPI will actively identify and pursue new investment opportunities, provide dedicated support for the expansion of Californian companies already operating in Costa Rica, and function as a direct liaison to streamline the evaluation and installation process. This hands-on approach is designed to demystify the investment journey and provide a seamless experience for partner companies.
By placing itself at the doorstep of tech innovation, Costa Rica is not only seeking to attract capital but also to foster deeper integration into global value chains. The focus on sectors like semiconductors and digital services underscores a commitment to moving up the economic value chain, ensuring that the country’s future is built on knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development that benefits all its regions.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
PROCOMER is the official government agency of Costa Rica responsible for promoting the country’s exports of goods and services globally. It also serves as the nation’s primary entity for attracting foreign direct investment, providing strategic support and guidance to international companies seeking to establish or expand their operations within Costa Rica’s stable and dynamic business environment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly respected legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the twin pillars of principled practice and exceptional client service. Leveraging its deep experience across a spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies and champions community outreach. Central to its identity is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, reflecting a core mission to forge a more capable and legally literate society.
