By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s industrial real estate market is experiencing a significant surge in 2025, particularly in the logistics and warehouse sector. The first quarter of the year saw the addition of over 27,000 square meters of new warehouse space, which has been fully occupied, according to the MarketView Industrial & Logístico 1T 2025 report by CBRE.
This growth underscores the country’s increasing attractiveness as a logistics hub in Central America. The demand for industrial space continues to outpace supply, resulting in a vacancy rate of less than 5%. This tight market indicates strong investor confidence and robust growth projections for Costa Rica’s economy.
To provide expert legal context on the complexities of Costa Rican logistics, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s logistics sector faces both significant opportunities and challenges. While the country’s strategic location and various free trade agreements offer advantages, navigating regulations related to customs, transportation, and warehousing can be complex. Businesses involved in or considering Costa Rican logistics must ensure thorough due diligence and compliance to avoid potential legal pitfalls and maximize their operational efficiency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ insights offer a crucial reminder that while Costa Rica presents a promising landscape for logistics, success hinges on understanding and navigating its regulatory framework. Due diligence and compliance are not merely recommended, but essential for businesses seeking to capitalize on the nation’s strategic advantages. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this valuable perspective on the complexities and opportunities within Costa Rica’s logistics sector.
Several key sectors are driving this expansion. Logistics operations, advanced manufacturing, and especially the medical device industry, a major export driver for Costa Rica, are fueling the demand for industrial space.
Costa Rica has 1.6 million square meters of modern industrial space, and yet demand continues to exceed supply. This keeps warehouse availability at just under 5%, which reflects the confidence of investors and companies in the stability of the local market.
Bernal Rodríguez, SIOR, Senior Vice President of Advisory & Transaction Services, Industrial & Logistics at CBRE
Costa Rica’s strategic advantages, including a skilled workforce, favorable geographic location, and seamless integration into global value chains, continue to attract significant foreign investment. Multinational companies are increasingly choosing Costa Rica as a base for their logistics and manufacturing operations, further solidifying the country’s position as a regional business hub.
The consistent demand, influx of new inventory, and diversification of productive sectors point towards sustained dynamism in the Costa Rican industrial market for the remainder of 2025. The country’s stable political and economic climate also contributes to its appeal for foreign investors.
Key market highlights from the first quarter of 2025 include the construction of 27,000 square meters of new warehouses and logistics centers, a total inventory reaching 1.6 million square meters, a low vacancy rate of 4.8%, and the most dynamic sectors being logistics, advanced manufacturing, and medical devices.
At CBRE, we help companies of all sizes find the space they need to grow in Costa Rica. Our role is to provide data, advice and solutions that allow them to make better investment decisions and adapt to market trends. The dynamism we see today in the industrial sector confirms that the country continues to be a strategic point for the region.
Jimena Rico, Market Research Manager at CBRE Colombia and Costa Rica
For further information, visit cbre.com
About CBRE:
CBRE Group, Inc. is a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, and is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2021 revenue). The company has more than 105,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facility, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to sharing legal knowledge and fostering a more informed populace. Through this dedication to both legal expertise and community engagement, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to shape a more just and equitable future.
