ARTICLES
What does trademark registration in Costa Rica entail?
What is the process like, what is the validity and when must the renewal be carried out. All the information you need to know in the following article.When talking about trademark registration, both commercial and service trademarks, one of the most frequently asked...
Residence, naturalization and citizenship: keys to understanding them
In this article we tell you the difference between these three legal concepts. Their importance lies in the fact that they refer to different immigration statuses, which entail different foreign rights in the country. Although at first glance they seem to be...
The importance of signing an employment contract in Costa Rica
It is a key instrument for the operation and success of the company. It allows you to avoid risks that can cause everything from legal sanctions to financial fines. In the following article we tell you more about its relevance. In the business field, it is essential...
We celebrate our 12th anniversary: a trajectory marked by business excellence
A path characterized by achievements, obstacles and learning. A journey based on growth and the constant commitment to teamwork to achieve the highest standards. Time for joy, gratitude and looking to the future for continuous improvement and to continue writing our...
Buying property in Costa Rica: a new benefit for foreigners
Investing in real estate, with successful results, can be a crucial decision for many people. If you are a foreigner and are interested in purchasing property, stay until the end of the article and find out about the new benefit. Without a doubt, investing in property...
Equal marriage, civil union, rights and obligations.
What are the particularities and differences that characterize both legal figures. What recognition is like in Costa Rica and why May 2020 is a key date. In this article we tell you everything you need to know. Brief history of civil union and equal marriage in Costa...
Everything you need to know about the expiration of the Inactive Companies Declaration
What it is about, what are the aspects that must be taken into account when submitting it, and how non-compliance can lead to different sanctions including million-dollar fines. Key aspects of the Declaration of Inactive Companies The particularity of this type of...
International Women’s Day: stories that inspire
Every March 8 is a special date to commemorate, honor and raise our voices on behalf of all women. Today we want to share stories of references who serve as testimonies to continue writing this collective legacy. March is women's month par excellence. At ERP Lawyers...
Risks of buying property in Costa Rica
We tell you how to achieve successful results when investing in the country's real estate market and what aspects you need to pay attention to. Continue reading until the end of the article to find out what to do in case the property title is not registered in the...
All the requirements that must be met when starting a business
When starting a company many doubts may arise. In this article we tell you what are the basic aspects to take into account to operate correctly. Continue to the end of the text to find out about a benefit that we know will interest you. Along with the initial...
Free zones: the key impetus for the arrival of multinationals to Costa Rica
Evolution Free Zone represents a before and after in the way of developing business in the country thanks to the free zone regime and its multiple benefits. 2023 became a crucial year for Costa Rica thanks to Evolution Free Zone, the evolution business park of the...
Why Jacó is One of the Best Places to Invest in Central America
From being practically an uninhabited and difficult-to-access location to transforming, in just a few decades, into a dreamy and prosperous destination thanks to tourism and foreign investment. The success story of Jacó could be summarized from its past as a forgotten...
Corporate Income Tax: Everything You Need to Know
The deadline for compliance with this important tax for the 2024 calendar is January 31. Failure to pay can result in fines and penalties. What is it, and who must comply with this obligation? The tax year begins with the payment of the Corporate Income Tax in...
First in the world ranking of retirement destinations.
If we had to think of an ideal place for this stage of life, we would surely want it to perfectly combine tropical beaches, spring-like weather, natural charm, tax advantages, and an affordable cost of living. Far from remaining a mere desire for fulfillment and...
Bidding contracts as a means to expand the business: the case of Café Britt.
How bidding contracts become potential business opportunities for companies aiming at constant growth both domestically and internationally: the case of Café Britt. Café Britt: Strategic Bidding for Expansion The renowned Café Britt, a Costa Rican company founded in...
Costa Rica: the ideal destination to say goodbye to the year
New Year's Eve is synonymous with celebration. From the best paradisiacal beaches to traditional spectacles, Costa Rica offers the perfect plan as a good omen for the next 365 days. Costa Rica has everything one seeks when celebrating the end of the year: a wide range...
The importance of complying with legal obligations in the upcoming year.
To prevent errors or omissions, potential lawsuits, economic sanctions, and exhaustive audits, and to save time and resources, we share key insights on tax compliance. Hearing about legal obligations might spark endless concerns and doubts. Therefore, when discussing...
Real Estate Investment in Costa Rica: Can I or Can I Not List My Property on Airbnb?
Greater supply, high demand from those choosing the country to explore its most emblematic sites or those wishing to explore new non-urban areas, and affordability of prices. Three attributes that guarantee the success of investing in these lodging platforms. Year-end...
Modernization of public procurement: new procedures and the impact of new technologies
Public sector, tenders, and technology: key players in public procurement Undoubtedly, technology is an integral part of everyone's life and society at large. It's unthinkable to imagine any space or activity where technology isn't present, and the government is no...
Britney Spears and her conservatorship case.
How the release of her autobiographical book, 'The woman in me,' brought back memories of the years she spent under her father's legal conservatorship and reignited controversy regarding her situation and the management of her estate in the past. A new chapter in her...
ERP Lawyers & Associates received Recognition in Business Excellence at the Effective Level.
Received this award within the framework of the National Congress of Business Excellence for good practices, continuous improvements, and evolution in organizational performance. On November 24th, the Chamber of Industry of Costa Rica (CICR) celebrated the XXVI...
#Black Friday: how to make an offer or promotion in line with Costa Rican commercial law.
Five fundamental recommendations when joining commercial actions to avoid claims and litigation. Who hasn't been tempted by the offers in advertisements that mobilize all the senses? A bombardment of well-thought-out images with their play of colors, textures, and...
Costa Rica, exports, and the global context
How the global economy influences the country's commercial activity, what happens with the main exports, and what could happen in the near future due to external factors. The global situation has repercussions in various aspects that directly or indirectly affect...
What are the requirements to get married in Costa Rica?
To have a civil marriage in Costa Rica, the couple needs to provide certain information, documents, and witnesses for the union to take place smoothly. The requested requirements are: Full name, nationality, date, and place of birth Marital status Profession or...
The process of applying for a pension
At ERP Lawyers, we specialize in family law matters, aiming not just to guide clients through legal matters but also to serve as their guide, support, and compass throughout the process. What should be included in a demand for alimony? According to Costa Rican Alimony...
How is a divorce processed in Costa Rica?
Divorce by mutual consent can be requested when both spouses decide to end their union; it can be requested at any time after the marriage has taken place. To process a divorce by mutual consent, the spouses must submit the following information in a public document...
What are possessory informations and how are they managed?
ERP implements advisory services in possessory information when a property title isn't registered in the National Public Registry. According to Article 1 of the Possessory Information Law (No. 5.257): "The possessor of real estate lacking an inscribed or inscribable...
Concessions in maritime-terrestrial, restricted, and special zones
ERP Lawyers specializes in Law 6043, which governs property concessions on the beaches of Costa Rica. We become the right-hand support for individuals or legal entities - whether Costa Rican or foreign - planning to build a home, hotel, or tourist complex. This...
Types of Residency in Costa Rica
Permanent Residency: It's a migratory status allowing indefinite stay in Costa Rica with the possibility to work without issues. Those eligible for this residency include individuals whose parents or children are Costa Rican citizens, or foreigners who have had...
The importance of making a will
It is important that people, regardless of the assets they wish to bequeath, draft a will with their last wishes, indicating how they want these assets to be inherited and distributed once they pass away (successions). In the will, the testator can bequeath to family...
Merger or Acquisition of Companies
What is a merger or acquisition of companies and why are they carried out? Mergers and acquisitions are part of a business strategy in which two or more companies join together as one entity to grow, gain competitiveness in the market, and strengthen themselves. A...
What is a Franchise?
A franchise is a business model that has gained prominence in Costa Rica in recent years and can be utilized by small, large, or medium-sized entrepreneurs. Through franchising, the owner of a brand, service, or business, referred to as the franchisor, grants another...
Types of Companies in Costa Rica
The Corporation (Sociedad Anónima or S.A.) and the Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada or S.R.L. or LTDA.) are the most commonly used business entities in Costa Rica for investment or engaging in commercial activities. The Corporation...
Factoring or Discounting of invoices
Factoring: An Overview When a company accumulates numerous accounts receivable, such as invoices or promissory notes, it may turn to factoring, also known as invoice factoring or invoice discounting. Factoring becomes a highly viable option for a company in need of...
Electronic Invoice
The electronic invoice is a method used to generate, send, and store invoices electronically, reducing paper usage and simplifying accounting and taxation processes. The primary goal of electronic invoicing is to have more accurate control over the earnings of...
Copyright
"Copyright according to the National Registry: 'It is one of the branches that contemplates Intellectual Property, with the aim of protecting original intellectual creations (...) The protection of Copyright covers the expressions, creative, ingenious, original,...
Types of Employment Contracts
The employment contract may be verbal (Article 22 of the Labor Code) when it concerns: Agricultural or livestock tasks. This exception doesn't include industrial work carried out in the field. Domestic service. Accidental or temporary work lasting no more than 90...
Company Responsibilities in Salary Payment
With regard to remuneration to be paid in Costa Rica, it is important to note that 'every worker is entitled to receive a minimum wage that covers the normal needs of their household in material, moral, and cultural aspects. This wage will be periodically set, taking...
Internal Work Regulations and Codes of Conduct
Work regulations are crafted by employers following the recommendations of their legal advisors in labor law, taking into account laws, decrees, conventions, and labor contracts. A work regulation (Article 68 of the Labor Code) includes information such as: Rules of...
Types of Work Shifts
The Labor Code establishes three types of work shifts: Day shift: takes place between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. Night shift: occurs between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. "Mixed" shift: consists of up to 8 working hours, as long as the weekly work does not exceed 48 hours.
Registration of Assets and Real Estate
ERP implements advisory services in possessory information when a property title is not registered in the National Public Registry. According to Article 1 of the Possessory Information Law (No. 5,257): 'The possessor of real estate lacking a registered or registrable...
Due Diligence for Real Estate Investments
If you've made the decision to acquire land for development or a property with existing construction (be it a house, apartment, building, condominium, etc.), consider conducting legal and registry studies to ensure they aren't associated with any issues. Due diligence...
Concessions in Coastal and Terrestrial Maritime Zones
ERP Lawyers specializes in Law 6043, which governs property concessions on the beaches of Costa Rica. We become the right-hand support for individuals or legal entities—Costa Rican or foreign—who plan to build a home, hotel, or tourist complex. This service involves...
Judicial Collection
El cobro judicial es el proceso por el cual se exige el pago de una deuda líquida de cliente apoyada por documentos públicos y/o privados a través de un juicio de cobranza en el que un juez establece que la deuda debe ser saldada y emite un aviso al deudor. ¿Cómo son...
The Importance of Financing and Banking Law
A company with a solid financial structure will undoubtedly have better opportunities for growth and competitiveness in the market. For this reason, your business requires financing and other tools related to Banking Law. Banking Law is defined as a set of rules...
What is a Trust?
What is a trust? Trusts are legal and banking arrangements used to finance projects such as property purchases, constructions of houses, buildings, apartments, and more. In a trust, the bank, financial institution, or individual who lent the money ensures its eventual...
What is a Mortgage?
What is a mortgage? A person requests a mortgage loan from a bank, financial institution, or private individual, using a real estate asset (such as a house) as collateral. In exchange for the loan, the client will pay monthly installments and previously established...
What is the free trade zone regime (FTZ) in Costa Rica?
What is the Free Trade Zone Regime (FTZ) in Costa Rica? It's a set of incentives and benefits granted by the government to companies making new investments and meeting requirements specified by the Free Trade Zone Law No. 7210 and its regulations. Typically, companies...
Administrative Contracting
What is Administrative Contracting? The field of Public Procurement refers to the specific regulatory framework that allows certain private entities and Costa Rican public entities to obtain goods and services to achieve their goals and satisfy public and...
ERP Lawyers and their excellence in innovation
Under the standards of evolution and continuous improvement in line with our high-quality services, we are launching our new website: easy access, intuitive navigation, and new content. When we talk about innovation, we think about adapting and responding to the...