Anyone is allowed to open a bank account in Costa Rica. You will need your passport or residency card. Tourists are not prohibited from opening an account, but most banks require a current utility bill as proof of your address and residency.

Banks are subject to many of the 'Know your customer' reporting requirements to prevent money laundering, including the $10,000 transaction reporting limit.

However, banking secrecy laws are in effect, so no government (or private) agency may get access to your specific account information without a court order. This offers a choice for foreigners who like to keep their assets protected from frivolous civil litigation in their home country.

Costa Rica's financial sector includes the Central Bank, 3 state-owned commercial banks, 12 private commercial banks, 1 workers' bank, 1 state-owned mortgage bank and 3 mutual house-building companies, 9 private finance companies and 28 savings and loans cooperatives. In addition, there are 2 money exchange houses, 30 investment and retirement funds or trusts run by both state and private commercial banks and the state insurance company.

Some banks give between 5 and 7% interests on deposited short term certificates. Banking secrecy in Costa Rica is not an idle word.

Some financial aspects of Costa Rica in nutshell: no fortune taxes, no capital gain taxes in Costa Rica, no inheritance taxes, registration fees of properties are below 4%, anonymous shareholdership; low property taxes, ... Very democratic and protected legal system. Contact us and be advised by our fluently English speaking lawyers in Costa Rica.

Translation Spanish -English: Due to local jurisprudence it is recommandable to have all your translation done in Costa Rica. You'll save money and time doing you translations in Costa Rica.

Accountancy Costa Rica : no obligation in registering your corporation or company in the Ministry of Finance: there is only a declaration obligation in case of realizing commercial activity. Buying real estate is not a commercial activity, so there is no need to spend money on an  accountant in a first instance.

Contact us and we'll take care of your municipal tax payments. There is a new yearly tax on $200,000 properties. Contact us.

Obtain your driving licence in Costa Rica in less than 2 hours : passport, valid driving licence from your country, photographs, medical certificate (we obtain it).

Be advised by English speaking lawyers, attorneys and Notary Public in Costa Rica.