Buying a shelf company in Costa Rica is an alternative to starting a business from scratch. Should you be interested in the former option, you can rely on our local specialists for assistance during and after the purchase.
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Can I buy a shelf company in Costa Rica if I am a foreigner?
Yes. In fact, ready-made companies are designed to suit the needs of foreign investors.
What are the features of shelf companies in Costa Rica?
The main advantage of such entities is that they are already registered with the Companies House in Costa Rica. Also, they are specifically designed to be sold. A ready-made company will come with an existing name and its statutory documents containing the names of the shareholders and directors.
Aged companies in Costa Rica are also registered with the tax authorities and, as a result, have a tax identification number to enable them to begin doing business right away. Additionally, they have a business bank account. Optionally, they can also be registered for VAT purposes.
What types of shelf companies are available for sale in Costa Rica?
From a legal status, most of them are registered as private limited liability companies. By age, they are categorized as:
- new companies: they are usually registered in the past year;
- aged companies: they are 3 years old or older.
What is the procedure for buying a shelf company in Costa Rica?
You need to go through the following steps:
- check a few providers and several ready-made companies to make a comparison;
- once you have decided on the best option for you, get in touch with the seller to establish the details of the acquisition;
- prepare your documents for the purchase;
- travel to Costa Rica (in which case you need to check the visa formalities) or appoint one of our company formation agents to represent you.
What documents must I prepare for purchasing a Costa Rican shelf company?
Your passport. If you work with us, we will also need a power of attorney to represent you.
Note! You can send a copy of your passport via email, and we will handle the drafting of the power of attorney.
What does a Costa Rican shelf company come with?
- A trading name (if registered before 2025) or an identification number (if registered after 2025);
- The Articles of Association;
- The tax identification code;
- A nominee shareholder and director.
Are there any changes that I need to make after buying a shelf company in Costa Rica?
Yes, you need to change the name of the old shareholder to yours and appoint a new director (if you want to). The changes must be reported to the Trade Register.
How long does it take to buy a shelf company in Costa Rica?
A few days, usually 2 or 3.
How much does a Costa Rican shelf company cost?
The price depends on the age of the company and its features (entities with bank accounts and VAT numbers are more expensive).
If you are interested in Costa Rican shelf companies for purchase or you want to open a company in Costa Rica, feel free to contact us.