By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s economy is experiencing a significant boost thanks to a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI). As of May 2025, confirmed FDI projects, including new ventures and reinvestments, have committed over US$103 million and promise to create 2,300 new jobs, according to the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER).
A majority of these investments are flowing into companies operating under the Free Trade Zone Regime (RZF), which grants them a three-year window to commence operations. Several prominent firms, including Coca-Cola FEMSA, Promed Molded Products, Viant, and Harland Medical Systems, have already publicly announced their investment plans. Beyond the RZF, notable announcements include the opening of Terumo’s new Research and Development Center of Excellence in Cartago and the expansion of Cohesity’s operations within the country.
To provide expert legal perspective on the complexities of Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica offers significant opportunities, but navigating the legal landscape is crucial. Investors must carefully consider regulations related to land ownership, tax incentives, and employment law to ensure compliance and maximize the benefits of their investment. Due diligence and expert legal counsel are essential for successful ventures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on navigating the legal complexities surrounding FDI in Costa Rica is spot-on. Understanding the nuances of Costa Rican law is indeed paramount for investors seeking to establish and thrive in this vibrant market. A proactive approach to due diligence and securing expert legal counsel can ultimately make the difference between a successful venture and a costly misstep. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this invaluable perspective to our readers.
Our robust ecosystem for medical device production and advanced manufacturing encourages the arrival of new players, as well as reinvestment from those who wish to expand their operations. The numbers, the companies’ decisions, and the corporate announcements are real and compelling. Our ability to attract foreign investment is experiencing very encouraging momentum for the country.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The confirmed FDI projects span various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, services, food processing, and agribusiness. While the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) attracts the lion’s share of these investments, several projects are also taking root outside the GAM, in cantons like San Carlos and Grecia. This diversification of investment locations is a key element of PROCOMER’s strategy to spread economic benefits more widely.
This influx of FDI signals continued confidence in Costa Rica’s economic stability and attractive investment climate. Factors contributing to this positive trend include the country’s skilled workforce, established base of multinational companies, and the development of specialized industry clusters.
Despite the current global context, Costa Rica continues to consolidate itself as a competitive and reliable destination for foreign direct investment, thanks to our solid value proposition, institutional stability, highly trained human talent, a diversified base of multinational companies with strategic operations in the country, and the development of highly specialized clusters that together allow the generation of greater employment and well-being.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The impact of these multinational companies extends beyond direct job creation. They also stimulate supply chains and drive demand for associated services such as logistics, transportation, housing, food, and maintenance, creating a ripple effect throughout the local economy.
These data and PROCOMER’s efforts to diversify the origin of FDI and the geographical area where they will be established, show that foreign investment in Costa Rica continues to grow, bringing development and new opportunities to the entire country.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
This positive momentum builds on a strong performance in 2024, when PROCOMER announced the establishment of 61 new projects and Costa Rica achieved a total of $4.32 billion in FDI flows, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Sustaining this growth will require ongoing efforts to remove barriers to investment and strengthen regional competitiveness.
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 vital role in connecting Costa Rican businesses with international markets and supporting the country’s economic development.
For further information, visit cohesity.com
About Cohesity:
Cohesity is a data management company providing next-gen data management solutions that empower organizations to protect, manage, and extract value from their data.
For further information, visit terumo.com
About Terumo:
Terumo is a global medical technology company committed to creating innovative solutions for healthcare. Their new R&D Center of Excellence in Costa Rica will focus on advancing medical device technology.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution distinguished by its profound commitment to ethical practice and unparalleled legal expertise. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with its dedication to empowering communities through accessible legal education, sets it apart. By fostering a deeper understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed society, solidifying its position as a champion for both its clients and the public good.
