Crypto License in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not impose a specific licensing regime for VASPs. Activities such as crypto trading, token issuance, and blockchain development are legal and governed by general financial and commercial laws, enabling fast market entry with minimal regulatory friction.

Crypto businesses that operate outside of Costa Rica enjoy full exemption from corporate tax on international income. This territorial tax system makes Costa Rica especially attractive for startups and established players targeting global markets.

There are no restrictions on the nationality or residency of shareholders or directors. You can establish and manage your Costa Rican crypto company remotely, without the need for a local office or physical presence.

Company formation typically takes 5 to 10 business days. With streamlined legal procedures, support from a registered agent, and no excessive bureaucracy, setting up your crypto business is both efficient and straightforward.

Costa Rica is one of the most stable democracies in Latin America, with a strong legal system and a reputation for supporting innovation. Its transparent institutions and investor-friendly climate provide a reliable base for long-term operations.

Local authorities do not require crypto companies to implement AML or KYC protocols. While voluntary compliance is recommended (especially if serving clients in regulated markets), businesses enjoy full autonomy over how they manage user onboarding and due diligence.

Costa Rican companies benefit from access to a growing network of international banking and fintech partners. While local banking can be limited for crypto, offshore and digital banking options are available for companies seeking operational accounts.

A Costa Rican company must have at least one director, who can be a foreign national. There are no restrictions on residency or citizenship, meaning the company can be fully controlled and managed from abroad. Directors are responsible for representing the company and ensuring it operates in accordance with Costa Rican laws.

You’ll need a minimum of two shareholders to incorporate a company. These can be natural persons or legal entities, and there are no nationality or residency requirements. Shareholders hold ownership in the company and have voting rights, depending on the structure defined in the Articles of Incorporation.

A physical legal address in Costa Rica is required for official correspondence and legal compliance. This does not need to be a commercial office — a virtual registered address is sufficient. We provide this as part of our service package to ensure your company remains compliant with the local registry.

If none of the directors or shareholders reside in Costa Rica, the company must appoint a local registered agent to act as a formal point of contact with government authorities. The registered agent also assists in ensuring that the company complies with any procedural or legal requirements.

This foundational legal document outlines the company’s structure, business activities, management roles, and other operational details. It must be submitted to the Costa Rican National Registry. We assist in drafting and filing the Articles of Incorporation in accordance with your crypto-related business goals.

Costa Rica does not impose a minimum share capital requirement. However, the amount and structure of share capital must still be defined in the incorporation documents. You are free to determine the capital based on your operational and financial needs.

Every Costa Rican company must undergo a yearly renewal process to maintain its good standing. We handle all required filings, government fees, and updates to ensure your entity remains compliant and legally recognized.

We assist with the preparation, notarization, and delivery of essential corporate documents, including certificates of incumbency, shareholder registers, board resolutions, and power of attorney — all tailored to support your business needs and third-party requests.

While Costa Rica has limited domestic banking options for crypto-related businesses, we can support your application with vetted international banks or fintech institutions that accept offshore companies. This includes preparation of the necessary compliance documents and introduction to banking partners.

If your business structure or banking strategy requires a local representative, we can appoint a professional director to strengthen your corporate presence in Costa Rica. These appointments are available with or without signatory rights.

Our team can help you create professionally structured business plans, internal AML procedures, and operational policies — especially useful if you’re seeking banking relationships, investment, or planning future regulatory expansion.

We offer tailored secretarial support, including board meeting minutes, statutory filings, shareholder meeting coordination, and registry updates, so your company remains organized and fully compliant year-round.

In the European Union, companies dealing with digital assets must comply with the MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) framework, which includes complex licensing, reporting, and operational obligations. Costa Rica, by contrast, does not require a dedicated crypto license — allowing businesses to start faster, scale globally, and operate with greater agility.

Both Costa Rica and Panama offer crypto-friendly environments with no dedicated VASP regulation. While Panama is known for its complete lack of tax on foreign income and high privacy, Costa Rica provides added institutional stability, a more transparent legal system, and direct access to international banking partnerships — making it especially attractive for founders who prioritize compliance readiness and long-term growth.

SVG has become a well-known jurisdiction for crypto startups due to its light regulatory touch. However, it lacks the legal infrastructure and international reputation of Costa Rica. Costa Rica combines flexibility with legitimacy, benefiting from its strong rule of law, democratic governance, and global business recognition — a safer long-term base for serious ventures.