Costa Rica Gambling Licence
Offshore corporate wrapper for operators who already hold a primary licence elsewhere.
What this licence covers
Costa Rica does not issue a dedicated gambling licence but allows companies to operate remote gaming under a general data processing permit. This makes it a corporate wrapper option rather than a substantive regulatory licence. Operators typically hold a primary licence elsewhere and use Costa Rica for operational structuring.
Pros
- Lowest ongoing costs among all jurisdictions
- Quick setup for corporate structuring
- Stable political environment
- Favourable tax treatment for offshore operations
- Good banking infrastructure for offshore companies
Cons
- Not a substantive gambling licence - not recognised as such
- Will not satisfy most payment providers or game studios alone
- Usually requires a primary licence elsewhere
- Not accepted in UK, EU, US, Canada
Who should consider this licence
Operators who need a corporate wrapper alongside a primary licence in a different jurisdiction.
How to obtain a Costa Rica licence
Phased process for the Costa Rica under Ministry of Finance (indirect). Typical timeline: 1 to 2 months.
-
Phase 1 01
Business model assessment
Confirm Costa Rica data processing permit is appropriate as a corporate wrapper alongside the operator's primary substantive licence in another jurisdiction.
-
Phase 2 02
Sociedad Anonima incorporation
Costa Rican S.A. incorporated with local registered agent and legal representative. Articles of incorporation registered with the National Registry.
-
Phase 3 03
Data processing permit application
Ministry of Finance data processing permit filed. Company bylaws, director identification and business description submitted.
-
Phase 4 04
Banking and operational setup
Corporate bank account opened with a Costa Rican or offshore bank. Operational infrastructure connected to the primary-jurisdiction licence entity.
-
Phase 5 05
Permit issued and operations structured
Data processing permit granted. Corporate structure linking Costa Rica entity to primary licence jurisdiction finalised and operations routed accordingly.
Costa Rica licence questions
- Is Costa Rica a real gambling licence?
- No - Costa Rica issues a general data processing permit, not a gambling-specific licence. It functions as a corporate wrapper for operators who hold a substantive licence elsewhere.
- Can I use Costa Rica as my only licence?
- In practice, a Costa Rica permit alone will not satisfy most payment providers, game studios or major market access requirements. It is typically paired with a Curacao or other primary licence.
- How quickly can I get a Costa Rica data processing permit?
- Corporate setup and permit can be completed in 1 to 2 months, making it the fastest jurisdiction on this list.
We handle the paperwork. You handle the product.
Application support, corporate structuring, compliance setup and platform integration in one package. Scoped roadmap within 48 hours.