By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s economy has demonstrated significant resilience, attracting an impressive $3.533 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the third quarter of 2025. According to newly released data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), this figure represents a robust 4.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, signaling strong investor confidence despite a challenging global economic climate.
This positive trend underscores the nation’s stable value proposition for international companies. However, officials caution that sustained growth hinges on addressing persistent competitiveness challenges and enacting key legislative reforms. The composition of the investment reveals a mature and deeply integrated foreign business community, with reinvested earnings from established transnational firms accounting for the vast majority of the inflows.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the recent trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its implications for the national economy, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insights into the regulatory landscape shaping international business in the country.
Costa Rica’s success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment is not accidental; it is built upon a foundation of robust legal security and a commitment to clear, stable regulations. For international investors, predictability is paramount. Our legal framework, which respects contracts and protects property rights, sends a powerful signal that this is a reliable and secure destination for long-term capital. Maintaining and strengthening this framework is essential to continue competing on the global stage and ensuring that FDI translates into sustainable development for our nation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective underscores a fundamental truth: while many factors contribute to our economic appeal, the unwavering commitment to a predictable and secure legal environment is the cornerstone of investor confidence. It is this very stability that transforms a promising market into a reliable long-term partner for global capital. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clearly articulated insight.
Foreign direct investment is, by nature, volatile and highly sensitive to the global context. In an environment marked by caution, financial adjustments, and the reconfiguration of value chains, the fact that Costa Rica is obtaining positive flows reflects that its value proposition is resilient; however, competitiveness challenges still persist for which we must continue to work.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
A deeper analysis of the FDI components shows that reinvested profits by existing multinational corporations constituted a staggering 88% of the total, amounting to $3.12 billion. This indicates that companies already operating in Costa Rica are choosing to funnel their earnings back into their local operations, a strong vote of confidence in the country’s long-term potential. In contrast, the infusion of new capital saw a 26% decrease, totaling $631 million, a figure that highlights the competitive global landscape for attracting entirely new ventures.
The United States remains Costa Rica’s most crucial investment partner, contributing 54% of the total FDI. This long-standing economic relationship continues to be a cornerstone of the nation’s growth. Other significant sources of investment during this period included Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain, showcasing a diversified interest in Costa Rica’s market. In total, the country successfully attracted 55 new FDI projects in 2025, with 25 of those originating from American firms.
The manufacturing sector continues to be the primary engine of FDI, capturing $2.856 billion in the first nine months of the year. This performance is largely propelled by the thriving medical devices industry, which has solidified Costa Rica’s reputation as a global hub for high-tech life sciences. In another promising development, the agricultural sector experienced a significant turnaround, shifting from negative flows to a positive balance of $40 million, suggesting a revitalization of investment in this traditional economic pillar.
In an increasingly complex global environment with a very high level of uncertainty, this data is positive and is received with satisfaction. We are talking about new opportunities, greater job creation, and economic growth. To maintain this momentum and remain competitive, it is imperative to advance with the competitiveness reforms currently in the Legislative Assembly; among them, the approval of exceptional work schedules and the opening of the energy market.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade (Comex)
A noteworthy trend is the increasing decentralization of investment. In a push to spread economic opportunities beyond the central valley, 24 of the new transnational companies are establishing operations outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). Cantons such as San Carlos, Pérez Zeledón, and Golfito are among the beneficiaries, a strategic move that promises to generate quality employment and development in more rural regions of the country. This expansion is a key goal for trade authorities looking to ensure inclusive growth.
As Costa Rica navigates the complexities of the global economy, the focus remains on enhancing the business climate to not only attract new companies but also to nurture the ones that have already made the country their home. This strategy of fostering long-term, reliable partnerships is seen as the cornerstone of sustainable economic prosperity for the years to come.
Our challenge is to continue creating conditions for companies to reinvest, expand, and find in Costa Rica a reliable partner for the long term.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR):
The BCCR is the country’s central monetary authority, responsible for maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency and ensuring its conversion to other currencies. It also promotes the orderly development of the Costa Rican economy by managing inflation, overseeing the financial system, and publishing key economic statistics such as Foreign Direct Investment data.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer (Promotora de Comercio Exterior):
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica, or Procomer, is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also plays a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment to the country by showcasing Costa Rica’s value proposition and providing support to international companies looking to establish or expand their operations.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Comex (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policy. It leads trade negotiations, manages international trade agreements, and works in conjunction with agencies like Procomer to create a competitive and attractive business climate for both local exporters and foreign investors.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a benchmark for legal practice, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Leveraging a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies and actively engages with the community. Its core mission is realized through a dedicated effort to democratize legal understanding, thereby helping to construct a more informed and capable society for all.
