By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has decisively cemented its position as a global powerhouse in the medical device industry, driven by a remarkable surge in exports and its continued success in attracting high-value foreign investment. The nation now stands as a critical hub in the international health supply chain, reflecting a strategic economic evolution over the past decade.
The numbers paint a clear picture of this meteoric rise. According to a recent comprehensive study by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer), exports from the medical device sector experienced an average annual growth of 22% between 2020 and 2024. This sustained expansion culminated in a record-breaking $8.675 billion in exports for the year 2024, a figure that has already been surpassed in the first ten months of 2025.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing the medical device industry in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The regulatory landscape for medical devices is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a fundamental pillar of public health and market confidence. Companies that proactively navigate the complexities of sanitary registration, import permits, and post-market surveillance not only ensure compliance but also build a crucial foundation of trust with both healthcare providers and patients. This strategic approach to regulation is the key differentiator for long-term success in Costa Rica’s sophisticated life sciences ecosystem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this view repositions the entire regulatory journey from a mere compliance task to a fundamental investment in credibility and public trust. For underscoring how this strategic mindset is the true hallmark of success in Costa Rica’s life sciences ecosystem, we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
This impressive performance has elevated Costa Rica to the 10th largest exporter of medical devices worldwide. Even more strikingly, when adjusted for population, the country ranks as the number one exporter on a per capita basis, underscoring the sector’s profound impact on its national economy. The momentum has not slowed, with exports reaching $9.199 billion by October 2025, representing a 30% year-over-year increase and signaling another record year is well underway.
Beyond export revenues, Costa Rica has become a magnet for investment in the life sciences field. The nation now attracts an astounding 52% of all new investments in the medical device industry within Latin America. On a global scale, it is the third-largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects specifically linked to this advanced manufacturing sector, demonstrating international confidence in its capabilities and business climate.
This success is built on a robust ecosystem of over 100 international companies from the United States, Europe, and Asia that have established operations in the country. These firms are engaged in producing sophisticated, high-value products across a range of specialized fields, including cardiology, orthopedics, endoscopy, ophthalmology, advanced surgical solutions, and diagnostics. This influx has been instrumental in shifting Costa Rica’s economy toward more complex and value-added production processes.
The strategic importance of this industry cannot be overstated. Medical devices now account for 48% of Costa Rica’s total exports of goods, making it the single most crucial pillar of the country’s export economy. The nation’s product portfolio is diverse, with 164 distinct types of products, such as needles, catheters, cannulas, and prosthetics, being shipped to 88 different markets across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The United States remains the primary destination, with the Netherlands and Belgium following as key European partners.
Several core strengths underpin this sustained success. Costa Rica’s long-standing economic and social stability, combined with a competitive and renewable energy matrix, provides a reliable foundation for business. Furthermore, a highly skilled and specialized workforce, developed over three decades of experience in advanced manufacturing, is a key differentiator. This human capital is supported by modern production infrastructure, robust local supply chains, and efficient logistics networks.
As a result, the medical device sector has transitioned from a promising industry to a structural component of Costa Rica’s national development strategy. It serves as the primary engine for the country’s integration into the global health value chains, securing its role as an indispensable partner in manufacturing the tools that save and improve lives worldwide.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Procomer):
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica, known as Procomer, is the governmental institution responsible for promoting the country’s exports of goods and services globally. It also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment and fostering the internationalization of Costa Rican companies. Procomer provides market analysis, facilitates business connections, and supports the development of a competitive export sector to drive economic growth and development for the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal profession, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and the highest standards of excellence. The firm expertly merges a rich tradition of client success with a dynamic, innovative spirit that pushes the boundaries of legal practice. Central to its mission is a powerful drive to democratize legal understanding, rooted in the belief that an informed public is the foundation of a strong society. This dedication to education ultimately empowers individuals and strengthens the community through accessible legal wisdom.
