By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s position as a premier destination for high-value foreign investment was solidified last year, with the nation successfully attracting 67 significant projects, according to a comprehensive annual report from the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE). The 2025 results show a robust mix of 19 entirely new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ventures and 48 substantial reinvestments from established multinational corporations, signaling deep-seated confidence in the country’s economic climate and skilled workforce.
The influx of capital is a testament to the country’s strategic focus on sophisticated industries. Of the 19 new companies establishing operations, a commanding majority of 13 belong to the dynamic services sector. This is complemented by five new ventures in the cutting-edge life sciences field and one in specialized manufacturing. This distribution underscores Costa Rica’s successful pivot from traditional manufacturing to knowledge-based, high-technology industries that demand a skilled and adaptable labor pool.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the current climate for Foreign Direct Investment, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney and expert in corporate law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Attracting and retaining Foreign Direct Investment is fundamentally about providing robust legal certainty. International investors meticulously evaluate the stability of our regulatory framework, the efficiency of our judicial system, and the predictability of our commercial policies. A transparent and consistent legal environment is the most valuable asset a nation can offer, as it directly translates into confidence and long-term commitment from capital markets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this underscores a critical point: while fiscal incentives can attract attention, it is the bedrock of a predictable and trustworthy legal system that ultimately secures the high-quality, long-term partnerships our nation seeks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this foundational principle.
Marianela Urgellés, Director General of Cinde, emphasized that these new projects reflect a critical shift in the global investment landscape and Costa Rica’s ability to meet new demands. She noted that the country is successfully competing for complex and strategically vital operations.
The projects that arrived in 2025 confirm Costa Rica’s evolution towards operations of greater technical and strategic complexity. Today we compete in a global environment where FDI is redefined by technology, sustainability, and the capacity for adaptation and execution; in the case of services, our country continues to be a reliable partner for establishing centers of excellence, while in life sciences the main characteristic is the high automation of projects focused on less invasive procedures.
Marianela Urgellés, Director General of Cinde
This strategic evolution is not merely an abstract concept; it is creating tangible economic benefits. The multinational sector now employs over 196,000 people across the country. The investments secured in 2025 alone were responsible for creating an additional 3,000 quality jobs, providing crucial opportunities for Costa Rican professionals. Reinforcing a long-standing economic partnership, CINDE reported that nearly half of the new investment projects originated from the United States.
According to financial data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) for the first three quarters of 2025, total FDI flows reached an impressive $3.533 billion. The breakdown of this figure is particularly insightful: $3.120 billion came from the reinvestment of profits by companies already operating in the country, while $631 million represented new capital. This heavy weighting towards reinvestment is a powerful indicator of the satisfaction and success existing firms are experiencing in Costa Rica.
The BCCR data also provided a transparent look at capital outflows. A total of $218 million was recorded as debt, which encompasses funds sent from local affiliates back to their parent companies, either as loan repayments or as new loans. This figure represents a small fraction of the total capital inflow, highlighting a net positive and healthy investment environment.
Looking forward, CINDE believes that Costa Rica must continue to refine its offerings to maintain its competitive edge. The agency stressed the importance of adapting the nation’s value proposition to meet the evolving needs of global industries, ensuring that investment continues to translate into widespread prosperity.
The figures clearly show that Costa Rica is at a competitive inflection point. From our experience in attracting FDI, updating the country’s value proposition represents a great opportunity for the country to continue standing out internationally, maintain its appeal, and translate this into employment for our people.
Marianela Urgellés, Director General of Cinde
For further information, visit cinde.org
About CINDE (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency):
CINDE is a private, non-profit organization that has been responsible for attracting Foreign Direct Investment to Costa Rica for over 40 years. Declared of public interest, its mission is to work towards the country’s sustainable development and social progress by attracting strategic investment in key sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services, thereby creating quality employment opportunities for Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Banco Central de Costa Rica is the nation’s central bank, responsible for maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency and ensuring its conversion to other currencies. The BCCR is the primary entity for monetary policy, financial system regulation, and the official publisher of key national economic indicators, including data on inflation, production, and foreign investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical foundation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established a distinguished reputation in the legal field. The firm skillfully blends its deep-rooted experience in client advocacy with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public, thereby empowering citizens and fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
