Investment Policy Monitor
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UNCTAD has been collecting information on changes in national foreign direct investment (FDI) policies on an annual basis since 1992. This collection has provided input to the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitors and the UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Measures.
In 2024, to further strengthen the quality of reporting, UNCTAD revised the methodology of monitoring investment policy measures. and revised the measures going back to 2012 accordingly.
The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with country-specific, up-to-date information about the latest developments in foreign investment policies.
Through its monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD offers cutting-edge and innovative contributions to investment policy discourse, and contributes to preparing the ground for future policymaking in the interest of making foreign investment work for sustainable development.
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The UNCTAD's Investment Policy Monitor database include official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting FDI (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures with a clear impact on foreign investment (FDI-related). The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases). The classification of measures as more or less favourable is based solely on their potential impact on investors.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
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- Costa Rica - Simplifies immigration procedures and provides tax incentives for foreign investors
Costa Rica
Simplifies immigration procedures and provides tax incentives for foreign investors
23 Feb 2023The Law 9996 Regulation was published in the Official Gazette on February 23, 2023, with the purpose of attracting foreign investment for economic, social, and cultural enrichment. The new regulation simplifies immigration procedures for foreign investors and establishes subcategories for investors, foreign income earners, and pensioners, each with specific requirements. Additionally, tax incentives are available, such as exemptions from income tax and import taxes, as well as eligibility for tax residency.
To qualify, applicants must have invested at least $150,000 in the country and demonstrate continuous maintenance of their investments.
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Type:
- Promotion and facilitation (Investment incentives, Other)
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Industry:
- Not industry specific
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Sources:
- Diario Oficial La Gaceta Costa Rica, ALCANCE NO 28 A LA GACETA NO 34 , https://www.imprentanacional.go.cr/pub/2023/02/23/ALCA28_23_02_2023.pdf, 23 Feb 2023
- JD Supra, Costa Rica: What you need to know about the new regulations to attract investors, foreign income earners (“Rentistas”) and retirees, https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/costa-rica-what-you-need-to-know-about-3255452/, 14 Mar 2023
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UNCTAD has been collecting information on changes in national foreign direct investment (FDI) policies on an annual basis since 1992. This collection has provided input to the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitors and the UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Measures.
In 2024, to further strengthen the quality of reporting, UNCTAD revised the methodology of monitoring investment policy measures. and revised the measures going back to 2012 accordingly.
The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with country-specific, up-to-date information about the latest developments in foreign investment policies.
Through its monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD offers cutting-edge and innovative contributions to investment policy discourse, and contributes to preparing the ground for future policymaking in the interest of making foreign investment work for sustainable development.
-
The UNCTAD's Investment Policy Monitor database include official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting FDI (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures with a clear impact on foreign investment (FDI-related). The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases). The classification of measures as more or less favourable is based solely on their potential impact on investors.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Share





Latest publications
