Investing in Costa Rica in 2026
Latin America & Caribbean
60
Score
Moderate Investment Destination
Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios
Costa Rica earns an investment score of 60/100, placing it in the moderate category for global investors. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. The country's standout dimensions are political stability (68/100) and business climate (62/100), with overall GDP of $70.5B and per-capita output of $13,200. Growth is running at 3.8% with 4.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 1.8%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Technology (sector score 72/100, currently growing), which represents 7% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 65% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Costa Rica is with the global economy.
How Costa Rica's investment score has evolved over time
Technology
7% of GDP, growing
Tourism
8.5% of GDP, growing
Medical Devices
6% of GDP, growing
Agriculture
5.5% of GDP, stable
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Costa Rica a safe country to invest in?
Costa Rica carries a moderate risk rating with an overall investment score of 60/100. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. Sub-scores: economic health 58/100, political stability 68/100, business climate 62/100, financial strength 52/100, growth potential 55/100.
What is Costa Rica's sovereign credit rating?
Costa Rica holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Costa Rica?
The top investment sectors in Costa Rica are Technology, Tourism, Medical Devices. Technology leads with a sector score of 72/100 and represents 7% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Costa Rica's GDP growth rate?
Costa Rica's most recent GDP growth was 3.8%, with total GDP of $70.5B and GDP per capita of $13,200. Inflation is running at 1.8% and the current account balance is -2.5% of GDP.
How does Costa Rica score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Costa Rica scores: political stability 0.5, rule of law 0.4, corruption control 0.5, and regulatory quality 0.5.
Can foreigners invest in Costa Rica?
Most industries in Costa Rica are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Costa Rica?
Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica runs at 4.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 65%. These figures show how integrated Costa Rica is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's government debt stands at 62% of GDP. This is within range for advanced economies but worth monitoring.