Costa Rica

Foreign companies established in this country.

Offshore finance

Economy, tax incentives & labor conditions

There are virtually no trade unions in the private sector, companie dismiss workers who try to join a trade union, and there are constant complaints to the Ministry of Labour regarding anti-union harassment in the few private companies where unions still exist.
(ITUC-CSI , Suisse , 01/12/2007 , Annual Survey of violations of trade union rights )

In Costa Rica, only income received in the country are taxed, foreign income is tax-exempt.
(Livre , 01/02/2006 , Le guide Chambost des paradis fiscaux )

Banks must keep a strict bank secrecy.
(Livre , 01/02/2006 , Le guide Chambost des paradis fiscaux )

Costa Rica has set up the followinf free trade zones: ALAJUELA, BES, CARTAGO, METROPOLITANA, MONTECILLOS, PUNTARENAS, Turrialba, ULTRAPACK, VALENCIA. The benefits extended to companies establishing in FTZs include the following: 100 percent exemption from import duties on raw materials, processed or semi-processed products, parts or components; 100 percent exemption from all export taxes associated with the export or re-export of products. The same exemption is granted for the re-export of equipment and machinery used in the production process; 100 percent exemption from sales and consumer taxes, and taxes levied on remittances abroad; 100 percent exemption from income tax for the first eight years of operations; and Credit for job creation in rural areas. In addition to these benefits, companies operating in FTZs enjoy simplified investment, trade, and customs procedures. According to the Free Zone Corporation, there were 200 companies in the Free Zones in 1997, an increase of 17 from 1996.
(US & Foreign Commercial Service , Etats-Unis , 01/01/2000 )

Global Park Parque Ind. y Zona Franca Parque Industrial El Guarco Zona Franca América Zona Franca BES Zona Franca Metropolitana Zona Franca Puntarenas (Saret) Zona Franca Saret Alajuela Zona Franca Ultrapark
(Entreprise , 01/01/1999 )