Crypto License in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is rapidly emerging as a leading destination for launching crypto companies, offering a highly flexible legal framework, attractive tax benefits, and a streamlined company formation process that ensures ease of entry for entrepreneurs.

Register your crypto company in Costa Rica from €3000.

Start the process of setting up your crypto company in Costa Rica today.

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Fast and Efficient Licensing

Benefit from approval timelines as short as 6 weeks, allowing you to launch operations swiftly. Costa Rica’s streamlined procedures minimize delays and reduce regulatory friction.

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Cost-Effective Market Entry

Enjoy low startup and operational costs, with favorable tax conditions that support long-term business growth. No local office requirement further simplifies your setup.

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Expert Legal Guidance

Navigate Costa Rica’s crypto and gambling regulations with confidence. Our team provides end-to-end licensing assistance, ensuring full compliance with local laws and a smooth application process.

Costa Rica crypto license – 2025 Overview

Costa Rica is an independent and politically stable country in Central America with full autonomy over its financial services regulation, company formation, and tax policies. Known for its favorable tax environment and progressive stance toward innovation, Costa Rica has become an appealing destination for crypto startups and blockchain-based businesses seeking regulatory flexibility, low operational costs, and minimal restrictions on digital asset activities.

As of 2025, Costa Rica does not have a formal licensing regime specific to cryptocurrency businesses, but such activities are permitted under existing commercial and financial laws. Oversight primarily falls under the Central Bank of Costa Rica and the General Directorate of Taxation, which monitor operations for compliance with anti-money laundering and tax obligations. A growing number of fintech and crypto-oriented companies operate under this framework, benefiting from clear legal boundaries without the burden of restrictive licensing. This legal clarity, combined with Costa Rica’s strong international business ties, makes it a credible and practical jurisdiction for crypto ventures targeting regional or global markets.

Why Choose Costa Rica for Your Crypto Company?

At Adam Smith, we support entrepreneurs in establishing cryptocurrency companies in Costa Rica — a jurisdiction known for its favorable business environment, clear legal framework and forward-thinking approach to blockchain innovation. Costa Rica stands out as a crypto-friendly destination offering several strategic advantages:
Crypto-Friendly Legal Environment

Costa Rica doesn’t have a specific licensing regime for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). However, crypto-related activities such as trading, token issuance, and blockchain development are fully legal and can be carried out freely.

0% Tax on Foreign-Sourced Income

If your crypto business targets clients or operations outside of the country, income earned abroad is not subject to local corporate tax. This makes Costa Rica an attractive jurisdiction for global operations.

No AML/KYC Requirements:

Costa Rican authorities do not require crypto companies to implement AML or KYC procedures, giving you full freedom to operate. However, we highly recommend adopting internal compliance practices in line with the regulations of the jurisdictions where your clients are based.

Incorporate with Ease

Setting up a company in Costa Rica is a smooth process that usually takes just a few weeks. There are no requirements for directors or shareholders to be residents or citizens, which makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs from all around the world.

Political and Economic Stability

With one of the most stable democracies in Latin America and a strong commitment to economic freedom, Costa Rica provides a secure base for long-term business growth.

Our Crypto Company Formation Packages



We offer three comprehensive company formation packages to suit a variety of business needs and objectives.
  • Essential Package
    3 900
    • Company registration in Costa Rica
    • Registered legal address
    • Registered Agent
    • Payment of all state and registry fees
  • Standard Package
    5 900
    • All services from the Essential Package
    • Apostilled incorporation documents
    • Legal opinion on your crypto activities
  • Premium Package
    7 900
    • All services from the Standard Package
    • Assistance with bank account opening
    • Post-incorporation compliance support

Requirements in Costa Rica

Process of incorporation of a crypto company in Costa Rica is fast and efficient. The key requirements include:
Minimum of One Director

Only one director is required to form a company, and they can be a foreign national. There are no residency or nationality restrictions.

Minimum of Two Shareholders

A minimum of two shareholders is needed. These can be individuals or corporate entities.

Registered Office

Your company must have a legal address in Costa Rica. We provide a registered office as part of our incorporation services.

Registered Agent

If your directors or shareholders are non-residents, a local agent is required. We offer this service to ensure compliance.

Articles of Incorporation

We will help to draft and submit the Articles of Incorporation to the Costa Rican National Registry to complete the company formation.

Process for Setting Up a Crypto Company in Costa Rica

Our step-by-step process is designed to help you establish your crypto company with ease and confidence. Here’s how it works:
Initial Consultation & KYC

We begin by collecting all necessary documentation from you, including details of shareholders, directors, and ultimate beneficial owners.

Company Name Reservation

We check the availability of your chosen name and reserve it with the Costa Rican authorities.

Articles of Incorporation & Company Registration

We prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Costa Rican National Registry. Once submitted, we complete the registration process, including the legal address setup and appointment of a local agent if required.

Final Submission

Once the documents are submitted and approved by the relevant authorities, your company will be officially registered within 5 to 10 business days.

Post-Incorporation Support

Once your company is registered, we provide full support to keep your business compliant and operational:
Annual renewal

We handle yearly company renewals and ensure that all mandatory filings with the Costa Rican authorities are submitted on time.

Document Management

We provide assistance with the preparation and issuance of essential corporate documents, such as certificates of incumbency, shareholder agreements, and other legal documents necessary for your company’s operations.

Optional Bank Account Setup

If needed, we assist with the opening of a corporate bank account either locally or with international banking partners.

Director services (if required)

We can appoint local persons to enhance your company structure.

Additional services

We offer a wide range of tailored solutions, from business plan development to corporate secretarial services, designed to meet the unique needs of your company.

Comparison with Other Jurisdictions

Costa Rica provides a favorable and flexible legal environment for crypto businesses, without the burdens of a formal licensing regime. For entrepreneurs looking to legally operate, issue tokens, or run blockchain-based services, Costa Rica offers a balanced combination of freedom, tax efficiency, and international accessibility. Here's how Costa Rica compares to other crypto-friendly jurisdictions:
Costa Rica vs. EU

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.

Costa Rica vs. Panama

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.

Costa Rica vs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)

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.

Decades of Combined Legal & Regulatory Experience

Our team consists of international business lawyers, fintech compliance experts, and local Costa Rican legal advisors. We specialize in crypto, gambling, and fintech licensing, combining global strategy with deep local insight. Whether you’re launching a DeFi protocol or building a payment gateway, our team ensures your business meets all regulatory standards while staying agile. We handle the complexities—so you can focus on growth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a specific crypto license required in Costa Rica?
No, Costa Rica does not require a special license for cryptocurrency businesses. Activities such as crypto trading, token issuance, and blockchain development are legal and regulated under general commercial law.
What types of crypto activities can I conduct with a company in Costa Rica?
You can engage in a wide range of activities including operating a crypto exchange, offering wallet services, issuing tokens, consulting on blockchain solutions, and developing DeFi platforms.
Are there tax benefits for crypto companies in Costa Rica?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages is that Costa Rica doesn’t tax income earned from outside the country. So if your crypto business works with international clients, you pay 0% corporate tax on that income.
Are there any privacy protections for company owners?
Yes, while shareholder and director information must be recorded in corporate documents, Costa Rica does not maintain a public register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), offering a level of privacy.
Do I need to follow AML/KYC procedures?
There are no mandatory AML/KYC regulations specifically for crypto companies in Costa Rica. However, we recommend implementing internal policies to comply with international standards and the regulations of the countries you operate in.
How long does it take to set up a company?
Once we receive your documents and complete the required steps, your company can be up and running in up to 7-10 business days.
Are there any limitations on foreign ownership or control of a company?
No, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership or management of Costa Rican companies.
Contact Us: Start Your Crypto Business in Costa Rica Today!

Looking to establish your crypto company in Costa Rica? Leave a request for a free consultation, and we'll guide you through each step of the process. With a favorable legal and tax environment, it is the perfect place for your crypto business to thrive.

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