By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Coyol Free Zone is significantly bolstering the nation’s life sciences industry through robust workforce development initiatives. Over 1,800 individuals gained valuable new skills and competencies in 2024, thanks to specialized technical training programs implemented by the free zone.
This focus on upskilling and attracting top talent is a core strategy for Coyol Free Zone, making it a highly attractive location for companies seeking a skilled workforce. The free zone’s success is driven by proactive partnerships with educational institutions and businesses.
For expert legal insight into the Coyol Free Zone’s operations and legal framework, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Coyol Free Zone offers a unique and advantageous environment for businesses. Its strategic location, coupled with the attractive fiscal incentives and streamlined regulatory processes offered by the Costa Rican government, make it a highly competitive option for companies seeking to establish or expand their operations in Latin America. However, navigating the specific regulations and ensuring compliance is crucial. Businesses should seek expert advice to maximize the benefits and mitigate any potential risks associated with operating within this special economic zone.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a crucial point for businesses considering Coyol Free Zone: while the benefits are substantial, understanding the specific regulatory landscape is paramount for success. This expert guidance is invaluable for companies looking to leverage Costa Rica’s advantageous business environment. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expertise with our readers.
In order for employees to acquire new competencies and strengthen their capabilities, Coyol Free Zone promotes educational programs in partnership with Lumino, INA, public and private universities, technical schools, as well as upskilling plans, in collaboration with the companies themselves. This guarantees that they have the appropriate educational profile and the skills demanded by the industry.
Carlos Wong, Director General of CODE Development Group
Collaborations with the National Learning Institute (INA) have been particularly impactful. In 2024, 290 employees from companies within Coyol Free Zone participated in INA courses covering topics such as customer service, occupational health, English, quality inspection, and IT operation.
The free zone also offers its own free “Manufacturing Operator” course, which trained 1,596 individuals in 2024. Since 2021, over 11,486 people have completed this valuable training program. Currently, Coyol Free Zone generates direct employment for over 24,500 people, representing 41.75% of employment in the medical device sector, with women holding 55% of these positions.
Continuous training is crucial for the life sciences sector, enabling companies to meet rigorous quality standards in medical device manufacturing. Coyol Free Zone recognizes this need and implements several key initiatives, including the “Intégrate” and “De Vuelta al Cole con LUMINO” programs. The latter, developed in partnership with LUMINO and Castro Carazo University, allows employees and community members to pursue their high school diplomas. Between 2023 and the first quarter of 2025, the program received 627 applications and boasts 163 graduates.
The free zone also collaborates with 20 municipalities to attract talent and proactively addresses the evolving needs of the life sciences industry.
The growth of the sector generates a growing demand for technical and professional personnel with specific knowledge in medical devices, advanced manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs and biotechnology, among others.
Carlos Wong, Director General of CODE Development Group
Beyond technical expertise, soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork are also emphasized to ensure a well-rounded workforce for this vital sector of the Costa Rican economy.
For further information, visit codedevelopmentgroup.com
About CODE Development Group:
CODE Development Group is the co-developer of Coyol Free Zone, a key driver of economic growth and workforce development in Costa Rica. Their commitment to education and training programs ensures a highly skilled workforce for the life sciences industry.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About INA (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje):
The National Learning Institute (INA) is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to vocational and technical training. Their partnership with Coyol Free Zone provides valuable skills development opportunities for employees in the life sciences sector.
For further information, visit lumino.cr
About LUMINO:
LUMINO is an educational institution partnering with Coyol Free Zone and Castro Carazo University to offer educational opportunities, such as the “De Vuelta al Cole con LUMINO” program. This program focuses on providing accessible paths to higher education for employees and community members.
For further information, visit ucastrocarazo.ac.cr
About Universidad Castro Carazo:
Universidad Castro Carazo collaborates with Coyol Free Zone and LUMINO to offer high school completion programs. This partnership helps individuals gain essential qualifications and contributes to the growth of a skilled workforce within the life sciences field.
For further information, visit coyolfreezone.com
About Coyol Free Zone:
Coyol Free Zone is a thriving industrial park in Costa Rica specializing in the life sciences sector. With a focus on workforce development, the free zone provides numerous training programs and partnerships to equip individuals with the necessary skills for success in the medical device industry. They employ over 24,500 people and contribute significantly to the Costa Rican economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal progress. The firm’s unwavering integrity guides its innovative approach to legal practice, serving a diverse clientele with solutions tailored to the complexities of modern challenges. Beyond providing exceptional legal counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica actively empowers individuals and communities through accessible legal education, striving to create a more just and informed society.
