AG Legal · Costa Rican Law Firm · Serving International Clients Since 2000
Lawyers in Costa Rica for Investors, Expats and International Companies
AG Legal is a full-service Costa Rican law firm advising foreign investors, expats, retirees and international companies on immigration, corporate structuring, labor law, intellectual property, personal injury, crypto regulation and gaming licenses. We combine deep local expertise with international standards and bilingual service in English and Spanish.
Schedule a Free Initial ConsultationWhy Hire a Lawyer in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s most attractive jurisdictions for foreign investment, residency and business — but its legal system has specific procedures, deadlines and registries that are not obvious to outsiders. Whether you are obtaining residency, structuring a company, hiring local staff, protecting a trademark, recovering from an accident, launching a crypto business or applying for a gaming license, a Costa Rican attorney protects your interests, ensures compliance and prevents costly mistakes.
At AG Legal we work with international clients every day, so we know how to translate Costa Rican law into clear, actionable advice — in your language and on your timeline.
Our Core Practice Areas
Seven areas where AG Legal delivers strategic, integrated legal counsel.
Immigration & Residency
Residency by investment, pensionado, rentista, digital nomad, work permits, family reunification and naturalization. End-to-end filing and follow-up with the immigration authority.
Discuss your case →Corporate & Compliance
Company formation, shareholder structures, contracts, corporate governance, UBO reporting, ongoing compliance and cross-border structuring for international groups.
Talk to corporate counsel →Labor & Employment
Employment contracts, payroll and social security (CCSS), terminations, severance, internal policies, workplace disputes and labor compliance for local and remote teams.
Get labor advice →Intellectual Property
Trademark registration and renewal, brand protection, copyright, licensing agreements, IP enforcement and dispute resolution before the Costa Rican Registry.
Protect your IP →Personal Injury
Tourist and resident accident claims, traffic incidents, medical and recovery coordination, insurance negotiation and compensation claims in Costa Rica.
Start a claim →Crypto & Fintech (VASP)
Costa Rica’s new Law No. 10961: VASP registration analysis, SUGEF compliance, AML/KYC policies, cross-border structuring and crypto tax review.
Review your model →Gaming & Online Betting
Costa Rica gambling license setup, corporate structuring, banking strategy, AML considerations and regulatory analysis for online gaming and betting operations.
Structure your operation →How We Work With International Clients
Free initial consultation
We listen, scope the matter and tell you upfront whether you actually need a lawyer and what it will involve.
Clear written proposal
Scope, timeline, deliverables and fees in plain English — no hourly surprises.
Execution with updates
Direct contact with a senior attorney. We move filings forward and keep you informed at every milestone.
Ongoing legal partner
We stay available for the follow-up work most foreigners need: renewals, compliance, contracts, new ventures.
Useful Official Resources for Foreigners in Costa Rica
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería — official immigration authority.
- Registro Nacional Digital — property, vehicle and corporate records.
- Marchamo (Vehicle Tax) — Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS).
- Ministerio de Hacienda — Costa Rican tax authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find a trusted lawyer in Costa Rica as a foreigner?
- Look for a firm registered with the Colegio de Abogados de Costa Rica, with senior attorneys (not interns), bilingual service, transparent fees and a clear track record advising international clients. AG Legal meets these standards and has served foreign investors, expats and companies since 2000.
- Do I need a Costa Rican lawyer if I already have one in my home country?
- Yes. Costa Rican real estate, immigration, corporate, labor, IP and tax matters are governed by Costa Rican law and registries; only a licensed Costa Rican attorney can file and execute most procedures locally. We routinely coordinate with U.S., Canadian and European counsel.
- How much does a lawyer cost in Costa Rica?
- Fees depend on the matter. Some services follow the official tariff of the Colegio de Abogados (notarial acts, real estate, etc.); others are quoted as flat fees or hourly. AG Legal always provides a written proposal with fixed scope so you know the cost upfront.
- Can a foreigner own property and start a business in Costa Rica?
- Yes. Foreigners can own property in their own name or through a Costa Rican company, and can incorporate and operate businesses on equal footing with citizens, subject to a few specific restrictions (e.g., maritime zone properties). A lawyer ensures the structure fits your tax, residency and asset protection goals.
- What residency options exist for foreigners in Costa Rica?
- The most common are pensionado (retirees with stable pension), rentista (proven recurring income), investor (qualifying investment in the country), digital nomad, work permits and family-based residency. AG Legal handles end-to-end filing and follow-up.
- Can AG Legal help with crypto, fintech or gaming businesses?
- Yes. We advise on Costa Rica’s new VASP framework under Law No. 10961 (SUGEF registration, AML/KYC, crypto tax) and on gambling licenses and gaming operations in Costa Rica.
- Does AG Legal work with clients outside Costa Rica?
- Yes. We work daily with clients in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and across Latin America. Consultations and documents are handled remotely; only steps that legally require physical presence are scheduled in person.
About AG Legal & our Managing Partner (click to expand)
AG Legal was founded in 2000 by Gonzalo Gutiérrez Acevedo, Managing Partner and certified Notary Public. With more than three decades of practice, the firm has built a reputation advising international investors, expats and companies across corporate, tax, real estate, immigration, IP, labor and litigation matters in Costa Rica.
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Tell us about your case and we will respond with a clear next step — usually within one business day.
Contact AG LegalAG Legal — Costa Rican law firm. This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every matter should be reviewed individually.