Costa Rica Small Business Registry Doubles in 4 Years

More than 36,000 small business owners in Costa Rica are now part of the official economy, nearly double the number from just four years ago.

Costa Rica's Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce reported that its small business registry grew 97% between May 2022 and May 2026, jumping from 18,301 to 36,098 registered businesses. The Entrepreneur Registry also expanded by 72%, rising from 6,982 to 12,050 registered entrepreneurs during the same period.

The numbers matter because small and medium businesses make up roughly 98% of Costa Rica's entire business sector. These companies drive employment, spark innovation, and keep local economies running.

Registration opens doors that stay closed to informal businesses. Registered entrepreneurs can access training programs, technical assistance, financing through the Development Banking System, and exemptions from certain government fees and taxes.

Over the past year alone, nearly 5,900 people participated in government courses covering digital transformation, artificial intelligence, business management, and how to reach new markets. Digital skills have become essential as Costa Rican entrepreneurs compete for customers both at home and internationally.

The growth reflects Costa Rica's broader push to bring businesses out of the informal economy. Registration gives entrepreneurs legal certainty, better access to credit, and opens opportunities to bid on government contracts.

Costa Rica had an estimated 494,564 household microenterprises operating in 2025, up 13.5% from the previous year. Despite the registry's growth, many businesses still operate outside the official system, often because owners don't know about the requirements or benefits of formalizing.

The Ripple Effect

When businesses move from informal to formal status, the benefits extend beyond individual owners. Formal companies are better positioned to obtain financing for expansion, which can lead to hiring more employees and creating stable jobs. They contribute to tax revenues that fund public services. And they gain legal protections that help them weather economic challenges.

The training programs are helping level the playing field too. Small business owners learning about digital tools and AI can compete more effectively with larger companies, both locally and in international markets.

Government officials say increasing the number of registered businesses remains a priority because formalization strengthens the entire economy, one entrepreneur at a time.