📌 Company Name in Costa Rica: What Changed in 2025?
Registering a company name in Costa Rica is no longer mandatory when incorporating a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) or a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.).
Law no. 10729 is applicable as of 30 May 2025, which has already been published.
This reform modifies the Commercial Code of Costa Rica. Instead of a name, the National Registry assigns a unique corporate identification number (cédula jurídica) as the official identifier.
✅ Why Was the Company Name Requirement Removed?
The company name in Costa Rica had become a formal step with limited value due to frequent name duplication, delays, and higher registration costs. Law 10729 was introduced to simplify the process and eliminate unnecessary steps.
🔄 Company Name in Costa Rica: Before vs. After the Reform
| 🔙 Before | 🔜 After |
|---|---|
| Registering a company name was optional. | Company name is no longer required for S.A. or S.R.L. |
| Name had to be unique and checked for duplicates. | Companies are identified by a corporate ID number. |
| Publication in La Gaceta was mandatory. | No edict publication is required. |
Now, instead of the name of your company, you must register your commercial name that works as a trademark, which is the correct way to protect your intellectual property before third parties, a process in which AG Legal has a specialised department.
📄 Can You Still Use a Company Name in Costa Rica?
Yes. Even though it’s not required, you can register a commercial name (nombre comercial) through the Intellectual Property Registry to protect your business identity legally and commercially.
Benefits of registering a commercial name:
- Protects your brand in the market
- Prevents third-party use of similar names
- Improves customer trust and recognition
- Enables legal enforcement of name rights
📰 Is Edict Publication Still Required?
No. According to Article 92 of the National Registry Regulation, when using a corporate ID number instead of a company name, no edict publication is required in La Gaceta.
⚠ Who Still Needs a Company Name?
- Entities regulated by special laws (e.g., banks, financial institutions)
- Foreign branches (Articles 226–233 of the Commercial Code)
📂 What About Companies Already in Process?
Companies with documents signed before May 30, 2025, may continue using the traditional format including a company name, until registration is finalized.
🖥 Updates to Online Platforms
Platforms such as Trámite Ya and CrearEmpresa are expected to update their systems. Check whether these forms still request a company name before submitting.
💬 Official Publication in La Gaceta Law 10729
Here is the official publication of Law 10729, see its scope of the day: Official Publication
🛡 Recommendations for Business Owners
- Register a commercial name with the Intellectual Property Registry
- Use “S.A.” or “S.R.L.” in all legal documents
- Verify if your sector requires a company name by law
- Avoid unnecessary publication costs in La Gaceta
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Company Name in Costa Rica
No. Since May 30, 2025, company names are no longer required for S.A. or S.R.L. registrations in Costa Rica. A corporate ID number is now used as the legal identifier.
Yes. You can still register a commercial name with the Intellectual Property Registry to protect your brand legally and strategically.
No. If you don’t use a company name, the edict publication is no longer required, saving time and money during incorporation.
Entities regulated by special laws (like banks) and branches of foreign companies must still include a legal company name under the Commercial Code.
Companies already in process before May 30, 2025, are governed by the previous law. No modifications are required unless the filing lapses or changes are made.
🤝 Need Help Navigating the Reform?
At AG Legal, we guide local and international clients through:
- Incorporating businesses under Law 10729
- Registering commercial names and trademarks
- Corporate compliance and legal due diligence
