ARTICLES
Why invest in Real Estate in Costa Rica?
Investing in real estate in Costa Rica has become an attractive option for foreigners seeking a blend of stability, quality of life, and long-term investment opportunities. Here below, we explore the factors that make our country an ideal destination, and how ERP...
What makes Costa Rica the perfect destination for your investment?
Investing in Costa Rica is a safe bet for those seeking stability, growth, and sustainability. With a consolidated democratic tradition and a solid rule of law, the country has become a reference point in Latin America as an investment destination. But what makes...
Changes and updates on the Transparency and Final Beneficiaries Registry (RTBF)
The Transparency and Final Beneficiaries Registry (RTBF) is an essential obligation for all legal entities and trusts in Costa Rica. Recently, important changes have been implemented through resolution MH-DGT-RES-0016-2024, which will affect the filing of the RTBF...
Retirement: Why Emigrate to Costa Rica at This Stage of Life?
Retirement is a stage of life that invites you to explore new horizons. Increasingly, foreign retirees are choosing Costa Rica as their new home. This beautiful Central American country not only offers a stunning natural environment but also an exceptional quality of...
Be a Rentier Resident in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known not only for its stunning natural beauty and high quality of life but also for offering unique opportunities for those looking to settle in a peaceful and biodiverse country. If you have stable income from investments or rental properties, the...
Why Costa Rica is the Ideal Destination for Digital Nomads
If you are looking for a place where you can work remotely without sacrificing quality of life, Costa Rica offers much more than stunning landscapes. This Central American country has positioned itself as a preferred destination for digital nomads who value both work...
Strategic Transformation: ERP Lawyers Reinvents Itself to Meet Your Needs
At ERP Lawyers, our team operates in perfect coordination, following a strategic plan that is constantly reviewed and adapted. This detailed planning is crucial for making informed decisions, managing resources optimally, adapting to changes, and achieving our goals,...
Costa Rica: A Prime Destination for Living and Investing
Costa Rica, the tropical paradise in Central America, has become one of the top destinations for those seeking a high quality of life and investment opportunities. With a warm climate, unparalleled biodiversity, and a robust healthcare system, Costa Rica offers a safe...
Telework in Costa Rica
In recent years, telework has emerged as a key work modality in Costa Rica, driven by both technological advancements and a legal framework designed to encourage its adoption. Law 9738, passed in September 2019, regulates and promotes telework in the country,...
Costa Rica: The #1 Destination for Retirement
In the recent 2024 Global Retirement Index (GRI) compiled by International Living, Costa Rica has been ranked as the best retirement destination in the world. This small Central American country is not only famous for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant "Pura...
Real Estate in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is emerging as a prominent destination for real estate investment, with an expanding market and a solid legal framework that protects the rights of foreign investors. With a significant growth projection, the residential real estate market in Costa Rica is...
Free Zones in Costa Rica: Engines of Growth and Economic Development, According to Procomer’s Report
Free Zones have proven to be a vital economic driver for Costa Rica, as confirmed by the 2018-2022 Procomer report. Let's delve into some key data to better understand their impact on the national economy. Growth in the Number of Companies in the Free Zone Regime...
Work While You Travel: Everything You Need to Know About Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Law
Working while traveling is a dream for many, and Costa Rica has made it even easier for digital nomads. Law No. 10008, also known as the "Digital Nomads Law," was created to attract international workers and service providers who wish to work from Costa Rica. But why...
Work While You Travel in Costa Rica! Everything You Need to Know About the Digital Nomad Law
Working while traveling is a dream for many, and Costa Rica has made it even easier for digital nomads. Law No. 10008, also known as the “Digital Nomads Law,” was created to attract international workers and service providers who wish to work from Costa Rica. But why...
Costa Rica: The Paradise for Living That Captivates Celebrities
Costa Rica, more specifically the western region, has become attractive to many celebrities who choose to own properties for personal use or as future investments. Actors and actresses from film and television, singers, and other figures from the entertainment and...
Coyol Free Zone: The Best Free Zone in Latin America is in Costa Rica
Coyol Free Zone, located in Alajuela, is the leading medical device export park. For the fourth consecutive year, it was recognized by the European Global Awards as the Best Free Zone in Latin America. Additionally, it is ranked in the Top 10 globally. Its distinctive...
Extended stay for foreigners in Costa Rica: What you need to know.
Following the enactment of Decree 44187-MGP in June this year, the duration of stay for foreigners in the country has been extended from 90 to 180 days, with some important considerations. Changes in the Visa Regulation Articles 7.1 and 8 of the Regulation for...
The International Adoption Process in Costa Rica
International adoption in Costa Rica, managed by the National Adoption Board (PANI), is a meticulously structured process designed to ensure the well-being of minors. Below, we analyze the main challenges and recommendations for adoptive families, as well as recent...
Losing Control: Cases of Founders Who Were Fired from Their Own Company
In the business world, it's common for founders to face unexpected challenges when their companies begin to grow and attract investor attention. The intervention of these investors, who often prioritize profitability and strategic management over the founder's...
Company Registration with the Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners
To facilitate the legal hiring of foreign workers, the Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) has created a registration mechanism for companies that wish to benefit from easier foreign hiring. Below are the reasons and benefits of this registration,...
Life Sciences in Free Trade Zone
Costa Rica is establishing itself as a strategic epicenter for innovation and growth in the Life Sciences sector, thanks to its robust legal ecosystem, highly qualified human talent, and an environment conducive to innovation. Its privileged location in the heart of...
The Challenges of Artificial Intelligence: A Call for Regulation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world at a rapid pace, driving advances in sectors such as medicine, transportation, and manufacturing. However, this rapid progress also raises questions and concerns about its potential adverse effects. In this...
Living in Costa Rica as a Rentista
The migratory category known as "rentista" allows you to legally reside in Costa Rica by demonstrating stable income, whether from rents, interests, or dividends. It is a perfect option for enjoying Costa Rican quality of life without needing to work in the country....
Franchises: Are They a Good Investment Opportunity?
The franchise sector in Costa Rica has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting a strong acceptance of this business model. With a stable economy and increasing consumption, the country offers great opportunities for both national and international franchisors....
Understanding Biodiversity and Real Estate in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is globally renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity. This natural richness is not only invaluable from an aesthetic and recreational perspective but also crucial for sustaining life. The Costa Rican government has implemented various policies and...
New Regulation of the Transparency and Ultimate Beneficiary Registry (RTBF): Complete Guide
The new Regulation of the Transparency and Ultimate Beneficiary Registry published last Friday, March 8th, has undoubtedly sparked a flurry of inquiries, complaints, and legal offices have been pondering how to proceed with the declaration for this 2024....
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...
How to proceed when the assets are registered in the name of a company
In Costa Rica, inheritance can take certain forms, which will depend on the nature of the individual or entity that receives the assets. It can be: for natural persons, legal entities or inactive companies. In this article we tell you how to act in the case of a...
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...