To keep any commercial business active in Costa Rica, it is necessary to have up-to-date commercial patents and meet the special requirements stipulated by each municipal government.
When commercial patents are transferred within the same municipality, the procedures are usually simpler and faster. However, when they involve different cities, the requirements vary according to the regulations of each local government.
What is a Commercial Patent?
A commercial patent is a tax obligation that must be met by any natural or legal person who carries out lucrative activities. This obligation requires prior approval of the required land use and permission from the Ministry of Health.
Requirements to Obtain a Commercial Patent in Costa Rica
Note: These steps must be carried out after you have the personnel, the product, and the establishment.
Other municipal requirements
It should be noted that each municipality operates differently. Generally, the aforementioned requirements are the most commonly requested. For instance, the Municipality of San José requires applicants to fill out the “Patent Application for Non-Domiciled Activities” form.
Additional requirements include proof of current payment of taxes, fees, and special contributions to the municipality.
Keep in mind that certain commercial activities may require specific verifications. You can find more information on these requirements here.
It is important to clearly state the name of the commercial activity that will be conducted and to ensure consistency across all applications to avoid rejection in any process, which could cause delays in the opening.
Lumberth Chacón, Nativu Commercial Advisor If you need more information related to patents in Costa Rica, do not hesitate to visit the website of the Municipality of San José. Alternatively, you can contact our advisors to ensure a successful process for investing in your own business!
