Requirements for a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Approval for Companies in the Manufacturing Sector

As a Regular Project:

1. New Investment (GMA being understood as the Greater Metropolitan Area of San Jose):

Inside an Industrial Park:

âś“ Within GMA: US$150K
âś“ Outside GMA: US$100K

Outside an Industrial Park:

âś“ Within GMA: US$2M
âś“ Outside GMA: US$250K

2. Not having had previous direct operations in the country.

3. Belonging to a Strategic Sector – only mandatory for companies located within the GMA. The definition of Strategic Sector for Manufacturing Companies is updated from time to time and it normally includes a list of industries defined as strategic by the government, including, among others, medical, high precision, semiconductors, electronic, etc.

4.  A monthly payment to PROCOMER for the use of the FTZ status (canon) corresponding to US$0.50 (outside an Industrial Park) or US$0.25 (inside an Industrial Park) per square meter of industrial area; with a minimum payment of US$200.00 per month. 

5. A minimum of US$5,000.00 refundable guaranty deposit.

As a Megaproject:

In addition to the requirements 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 for the Regular Project, Megaprojects need to comply with:

→ Within GMA – Investing US$10,000,000.00 in 8 years plan and having 100 permanent employees in the payroll will provide better benefits on the Income Tax Exemption. 

→  Outside GMA – Belonging to a Strategic Sector and having 100 permanent employees on the payroll will provide better benefits on the Income Tax Exemption. 

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