Business accounts: Costa Rica

Updated 7 October 2026

An honest assessment before work starts, the quote is fixed in writing.

A company account in Costa Rica is opened at a Costa Rican bank supervised by the country's banking regulator. The bank works with a company registered in the National Registry and, before opening, checks that it is in good standing with the state: whether the beneficial ownership return has been filed and the annual legal entity tax paid.

What the bank checks before opening

• A certificate of the legal entity and powers from the National Registry: who the legal representative is and what they may sign.
• The beneficial ownership return. Companies file owner details every April with the transparency register at the Central Bank, according to the tax authority. Without it an account is hard to open.
• The legal entity tax. Arrears on the annual tax are grounds for refusal and registry problems. The amount depends on activity and turnover, from ₡69,330 (about $155) in 2025 for a company not registered for income tax, and three unpaid periods lead to dissolution.
• Activity and source of funds. A business description, clients, payment countries, expected turnover.

What documents you need

Constitutional documents and the registry certificate, the company's legal ID, passports and proof of address of the legal representative, shareholders and beneficial owners, a resolution to open the account, the bank's know-your-customer form and proof of source of funds. Documents issued abroad are apostilled and translated into Spanish.

Taxes the bank will look at

The standard corporate income tax rate in Costa Rica is 30%, small companies pay on a tiered scale, and Costa Rican-source income is taxed. The bank matches account turnover against the declared activity and the company's tax status.

Deposit protection

Deposits of individuals and companies at participating banks are protected by the guarantee fund up to CRC 6 million per person at each bank, about $13,170 at the Central Bank of Costa Rica rate of about CRC 456 per dollar, regardless of the deposit currency, according to the Central Bank of Costa Rica. The guarantee covers the principal, not interest.

If the legal representative lives abroad

The bank will open an account for a company with a non-resident representative, but it will check that the company has a registered agent and an address in Costa Rica, and that signatures and powers are confirmed by registry documents. If there is no company yet, it is easier to build it with the account in mind: the form, the agent and annual payments are covered on our company formation in Costa Rica page.

How opening works

1. Registry standing. We check the beneficial ownership return and legal entity tax and settle any arrears.
2. Choosing a bank. We match a bank in San José or another city to the activity and currencies: colones or dollars.
3. Compliance file. Documents, business description and source of funds.
4. Meeting the bank. The legal representative usually attends in person.
5. The bank's decision. Timing depends on the bank and the ownership structure.

Why banks refuse

• No beneficial ownership return, or legal entity tax arrears.
• A company with no activity in the country and no clear reason to bank in Costa Rica.
• A nominee structure without disclosure of the real owners.
• Source of funds not proven.

What we do

Murblz specialists bring the company into good standing with the registry and tax authority, match a bank, prepare the compliance file and handle communication with the bank until it decides. The decision always rests with the bank. The fee depends on the bank and the structure; we will quote it after a short consultation.

What we do

• Corporate account - opening assistance

See also

Company formation · Personal account · Investment property · Country taxes · All country programs

FAQ