Costa Rica: A Strategic Hub for High-Skilled Talent in the New Global Economy
By Herman Duarte, founder of Simple Legal Consulting -
Herman Duarte, is an immigrant from El Salvador who, after living in Costa Rica for 13 years, is now a proud Costa Rican. He holds master's degrees from Stockholm University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Passionate about writing and research, Herman is the author of 2 books and over 200 op-ed columns.
Widely recognized as one of the top lawyers in the region and a leading expert in investment and immigration law in Costa Rica, Herman has also played a pivotal role in advancing LGBT+ rights, including marriage equality. Drawing from his personal experience as an immigrant, he uniquely understands the challenges of navigating the immigration system and offers expertise across various residency categories, including Investor, Rentista, Pensionado, Company Manager, Worker with Specialized Knowledge, Family Link Residency, and Digital Nomad Visa.
Herman is dedicated to helping others successfully transition to life in Costa Rica while promoting equality and inclusion for all.
Contact: www.simplecr.com | hd@simple-legal.consulting
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation that reshapes how U.S. companies hire foreign professionals. One of the most notable measures is the introduction of a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B petitions filed for workers outside the United States. This decision is already prompting companies to rethink how and where they can access the skilled talent that drives innovation, particularly in the tech and services sectors.
For many firms, the immediate reaction may be concern. But in global business, every shift also opens new doors. For companies willing to explore alternatives, Costa Rica stands out as a strategic hub: close to the U.S., aligned in time zone, equipped with talent, supported by incentives, and strengthened by a stable and welcoming society.
Why Costa Rica?
1. Real-Time Collaboration in the Right Time Zone
Time zones matter more than ever. Costa Rica operates in the Central Time Zone (CST), which means teams here work the same hours as their counterparts in U.S. cities like Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and even overlapping conveniently with New York and Washington, D.C. Unlike Asia or Eastern Europe, where communication often requires early mornings or late nights, Costa Rica offers real-time collaboration without disruption.
2. A Proven Ecosystem of Skilled Talent
Costa Rica’s talent base is not theoretical — it is proven. For decades, global leaders such as Intel, HP, Amazon, IBM, and Procter & Gamble have invested in the country, developing an ecosystem of engineers, software developers, and bilingual service professionals.
The result is a mature workforce with technical expertise, English proficiency, and cultural alignment with North American business practices. The presence of international universities and a strong local education system continues to feed this pipeline, ensuring the talent pool grows year after year.
3. Fiscal Benefits Through the Free Trade Zone Regime
Operating costs are not only about salaries — they are also about the tax environment. Costa Rica’s Free Trade Zone regime provides one of the most competitive incentive packages in Latin America. Benefits include:
Corporate income tax exemptions (100% during the first 8 years, and 50% for the following 4 years, depending on activity and location).
Exemption from import duties on machinery, technology, and raw materials.
Exemptions from VAT, municipal taxes, and export duties.
For companies establishing high-skilled hubs, this regime transforms Costa Rica into a financially efficient base of operations.
4. Immigration Pathways That Protect Families
Talent does not move in isolation — professionals move with their families. Costa Rica’s immigration system recognizes this reality. By registering with the immigration authority (DGME), companies can secure approvals for foreign workers in approximately three months.
The framework extends protection to:
Spouses.
Children up to 25 years old.
Dependent parents over 65.
This inclusive approach provides stability, reduces attrition, and creates the conditions for professionals to relocate with confidence.
5. Stability and the Rule of Law
Costa Rica is widely recognized for its political stability, democratic tradition, and respect for the rule of law. For investors, this translates into predictability: contracts are enforceable, property is protected, and foreign investment is welcomed under clear frameworks. In a world of uncertainty, Costa Rica offers legal and institutional reliability.
6. Connectivity: Gateway to the Americas
Connectivity is one of Costa Rica’s strongest advantages. The country is served by two international airports — Juan Santamaría International (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International (LIR) in Liberia — offering direct flights to major U.S. cities daily.
From San José, you can fly directly to:
Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa.
Houston, Dallas, Austin.
New York, Newark, Washington, D.C., Boston.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte.
From Liberia, flights connect directly to Miami, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and other hubs.
For executives and teams, this means that Costa Rica is only a few hours away from the U.S., making business travel efficient and reliable. For global strategy, Costa Rica is not peripheral — it is connected at the center.
7. Quality of Life as a Talent Magnet
Professionals choose not only a job, but a lifestyle. Costa Rica consistently ranks among the happiest and healthiest countries in the world. With universal healthcare, international schools, modern infrastructure, and safe communities, the country offers an environment where professionals and their families can thrive.
For companies, this translates into an advantage in attracting and retaining global talent — a competitive edge in an era where skilled workers have options.
Potential Risks & Evolving U.S. Policies
While Costa Rica offers clear advantages, companies should remain mindful of evolving U.S. legislation. For example, the Keep Call Centers in America Act, currently under discussion, would require U.S. companies to notify authorities before relocating call center work abroad and could restrict access to certain federal contracts for firms that offshore these services.
As of today, this act has not been enacted, but it reflects the broader trend: U.S. policies on outsourcing and foreign operations may continue to evolve. Companies establishing hubs in Costa Rica should view this not as a deterrent, but as a factor to monitor closely with the right legal and strategic support.
How Simple Legal Consulting Can Help
At Simple Legal Consulting (SLC), we specialize in guiding companies through every step of establishing a presence in Costa Rica. Our services include:
Corporate Structuring: Setting up entities optimized for fiscal efficiency and Free Trade Zone eligibility.
Immigration Advisory: Registering with DGME, securing approvals for foreign professionals, and extending coverage to families.
Compliance & Permits: Navigating municipal, tax, labor, and health regulations with precision.
Ongoing Legal Support: Ensuring your operations remain secure, scalable, and aligned with both Costa Rican and international frameworks.
We don’t just provide legal services. We provide strategic partnership to help your company succeed in Costa Rica.
Conclusion: A Strategic Moment for Forward-Thinking Companies
The new H-1B fee has created a turning point in the global talent landscape. For some companies, it may feel like a barrier. For others, it is an opportunity to diversify, innovate, and establish a hub in a country that combines talent, fiscal efficiency, connectivity, and stability.
Costa Rica is not simply an alternative to the U.S. system. It is a strategic platform for growth in the Americas — where companies can access highly skilled professionals, benefit from world-class incentives, and build a future where their talent feels included, supported, and connected.
At SLC, we believe this is the moment to move. Companies that take action now will secure not only compliance but also a competitive advantage for the decade ahead.
📩 Contact us today to explore how Costa Rica can become your company’s high-skilled hub under the Free Trade Zone regime, with full immigration solutions for your professionals and their families.