Costa Rica is a well-known center for online gambling operators, offering a cryptocurrency-friendly environment, minimal taxes and a simple and clear regulatory framework. Although Costa Rica is not part of the European Union, its favorable international status and cost-effective setup make it an attractive jurisdiction for both startups and established companies. Despite its many advantages, Costa Rica's licensing process can be complex and may require the insight of local legal professionals.
Rengang Yongsheng provides professional guidance at every step of the licensing process to help you obtain a Costa Rican gaming license in just 6-8 weeks. From legal structure to government liaison, you'll receive tailored support to ensure full compliance and a smooth start-up.
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Costa Rica Gaming Licence -2025 Overview
Costa Rica is a sovereign jurisdiction in Central America known for its flexible regulatory environment and legal autonomy in areas such as corporate structure, taxation and online gambling. Although Costa Rica does not issue traditional gaming licenses, it allows companies to operate gaming-related businesses under the "data processing" company registration. This model has attracted numerous online gambling startups and established operators due to its regulatory clarity, cost-effectiveness and cryptocurrency-friendly stance.
The online gambling business in Costa Rica has been managed since the early 2000 s and is mainly regulated by the General Direcci of Taxation (General de Tributaci). While the numbers have fluctuated, hundreds of companies have chosen this jurisdiction because of its ease of incorporation and no restrictions on gambling or cryptocurrency trading. Although Costa Rica is not a formal licensing system in the traditional sense, its model is widely recognized in the industry and is usually the actual entry point for international gaming companies.
Why choose Costa Rica for a gaming license?
■ Global market access
Register your gaming business in Costa Rica and target international markets, including the United States and EU countries. Without the taint of offshore identity, you can attract players around the world with a variety of gaming experiences-online casinos, poker, slots and sports betting.
■ Economic and political stability
Costa Rica has a stable economic and political environment that is ideal for start-up and established gaming companies. Regulation in this jurisdiction is predictable, so your plan will not be disrupted by policy changes.
■ Low regulatory requirements
Costa Rica does not proactively regulate online gambling sites and does not require a strict reporting system. Your business is free and flexible to focus on growth, development and customer acquisition.
■ Cryptocurrency Friendly Environment
Costa Rica allows the use of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum for betting and bonus payments and is therefore an ideal jurisdiction for crypto betting businesses. This is a clear competitive advantage over traditional fiat-based gaming operators.
■ tax preference
Companies earning income outside Costa Rica are exempt from local income and corporate taxes, thereby reducing operating costs. Costa Rica has agreements to prevent double taxation with Germany, Mexico and Spain.
Types of Gaming Licenses in Costa Rica
Costa Rica does not issue a special "gaming licence". Instead, the gaming industry operates under a general "data processing license" issued by the local municipality. This license allows
■ Data processing and related digital operations
■ Operating an online gambling platform
■ Offers a wide range of gaming services including casinos, poker, roulette, betting platforms, slot machines, bingo and more
■ Hosting a gaming server within the jurisdiction of Costa Rica
Requirements for operating the gaming industry in Costa Rica
■ Key Compliance Requirements
Costa Rica does not issue traditional gaming licenses, but provides settings for gaming operators through data processing licenses, allowing international gaming operations. To operate a successful and compliant online gambling business in Costa Rica, you must comply with certain key regular requirements.
■ AML/KYC regulations
Operators must implement strong anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) policies in accordance with Costa Rican law (Law 9449). This means keeping detailed customer identification records and transaction documents, monitoring suspicious activity and reporting to the authorities in accordance with best international practice.
■ Bookkeeping and Financial Reporting
According to Costa Rican commercial regulations, companies are required to keep local accounting records in Spanish. Mandatory records include shareholder registers, accounting books, minutes of meetings and inventories for compliance and audit purposes.
■ Local Representatives and Offices
A local Costa Rican registered address and official representative are required. The representative will communicate with local authorities and monitor compliance with local procedures.
■ Internal controls and player record keeping
Detailed records of player transactions must be kept for at least 5 years. Systems and software must be transparent to allow for external audits when requested by authorities.
■ Restrictions on local operation
Operators cannot provide gaming services to Costa Rican citizens/residents and therefore must implement an IP-blocking system to prevent access by local users.
■ Other business registration requirements include
Incorporation in the appropriate legal form (company or limited liability company).
Office lease agreement documents.
Employees are registered with the Costa Rican Social Security Agency (Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social).
Employee insurance verification to ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Local municipal inspection and compliance documents.
At Rengang Yongsheng, we ensure full compliance with all these requirements. Our professional guidance clearly outlines expectations, responsibilities and requirements, so your operational setup is not only compliant with regulations, but also allows your business to thrive in an enabling environment in Costa Rica.
Steps to Get Costa Rica Gaming License
There are many advantages to having an online gambling business in Costa Rica because the country has a good regulatory environment and a strong economy. Costa Rica does not issue special gaming licenses, but facilitates gaming operations registered as data processing enterprises, so operators can legally provide services to foreign markets. To start and build your gaming business in Costa Rica, follow these structured steps:
■ Choice of legal structure
The first step is to choose the right corporate entity for your business needs. In Costa Rica, the most common and advantageous legal structures are corporations ("Sociedad anónima") and limited liability companies ("Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada"). Allowing 100 per cent foreign ownership and a flexible management structure, these entities are the best option for international operators.
■ Company Registration and Documents
Prepare the necessary company registration documents in Spanish, including articles of incorporation, shareholder agreement, power of attorney, identity of beneficiary, office lease agreement and approval from local authorities. It is highly recommended to hire a qualified lawyer to assist in this process.
■ Registration and Compliance Procedures
Register your entity in the National Registry of Costa Rica, obtain a tax identification number (NIT) from the Internal Revenue Service, and submit a Declaration of Ultimate Beneficial Owned Persons (UBO) to the Central Bank of Costa Rica. It is also required to register as an employer with the local social security institution (Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social).
■ Data processing license
Submit the required documents and applications to the local municipality to obtain a data processing license. This license allows you to process customer data and is a necessary step for the legal provision of online gambling activities in Costa Rica to the international market.
■ Company Bank Account
Traditional banking solutions in Costa Rica can be challenging due to strict banking regulations and the impact of the U. It is generally advisable to look for offshore or European financial institutions that are accustomed to the activities of the gaming industry.
■ Anti-Money Laundering/KYC and Regulatory Compliance
Implement strong anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) policies. Costa Rica requires strict compliance with anti-money-laundering/combating the financing of terrorism regulations, which means continuous monitoring of customer activities, verification of identity and reporting of suspicious activities in order to prevent financial crimes.
■ Local Server Hosting
If required, arrange secure server hosting in the country. Costa Rica's regulations require operators to block local residents from accessing gaming platforms through IP blocking.
At Rengang, our expertise in Costa Rica gaming compliance, company formation, licensing and banking solutions will guide you through the process from start to finish.
Cost of Applying for a Gaming License in Costa Rica
Transparent pricing for smooth business in Costa Rica
Required
$6 5003-4 weeks
Company registration (limited liability company or company limited by shares)
Application for data processing licence
Legal registered address
Local Registration Agent Service
Anti-Money Laundering/KYC Policy Preparation
Prepare and submit all necessary documents
Advice and support throughout the process
Advanced
$9 7504-6 weeks
All services provided by the basic service
Assistance in opening company bank accounts (outside Costa Rica)
Apply for tax number
Submit UBO Statement
Bookkeeping Settings Advisory
Registration of employment at the Costa Rican Social Security Agency
Office Lease Contract Assistance
Advanced
$14 5006-8 weeks
Premium Full Service
Tailored AML/CFT compliance training for employees * Annual accounting and bookkeeping services (including first year)
Implementation of risk management policy
Crypto Payment Integration Consulting
Business Structure Consulting (International Scale)
Expert legal support on demand (1 year)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Costa Rica issue a gaming license?
No, Costa Rica does not issue gaming licenses. The company operates under a data processing license and general business regulations.
How much is the initial cost?
The initial set-up costs about $6,500, including registration fees, licensing fees and legal work fees.
Can bookmakers in Costa Rica accept local players?
No, companies based in Costa Rica cannot provide gaming services to Costa Rican residents.
What are the tax benefits in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, international income generated outside the jurisdiction is exempt from corporate income tax and personal income tax.
how long will it take?
It takes about 3 weeks from the time the application is submitted to the time it is put into operation.
Are banks in Costa Rica gaming friendly?
Local banking is more conservative and offshore banking is recommended for smoother business.
Can we pay dividends to foreign shareholders?
Yes, dividends paid abroad are taxed at 15% on registered shares and 5% on bearer shares.
Is cryptocurrency betting allowed?
Yes, cryptocurrency payments (BTC, ETH, etc.) are allowed, which makes Costa Rica an ideal place for cryptocurrency games.
Double Taxation Treaty?
Costa Rica has double taxation agreements with Germany, Mexico and Spain.
Annual audit?
There are no mandatory gaming audits, but AML/KYC compliance checks and record keeping are strictly enforced.
What documents are needed to set up a company?
Articles of association, shareholder details, identity of directors, office lease agreement, anti-money laundering policy document.
FATF gray list or blacklist?
No, Costa Rica is not classified as a high-risk jurisdiction by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering.
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