SMEs Steps to Open a Bank Account in Costa Rica
Setting up your business in Costa Rica will require a Bank Account, the process, as in any other country, will face some small challenges with the documents and culture.
Choose a bank:
Research the different banks in Costa Rica and find one that suits your needs.
For SMEs, we recommend BAC San José or Banco Promerica; both private banks are very secure and customer-oriented, with nearby branches close to us in Quepos or Pérez Zeledón. On the other hand, we will recommend Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, a public bank located in every small town; als; also, with excellent online services, both banks will work very well for International transfers.
Choose a bank
Prepared documents
Visit the Bank
Wait for Approval
- Gather your documents: You will need to provide the following documents:
Passport or ID
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or a letter from your embassy)
Proof of income (salary statement, tax return, or bank statements from your home country)
Visit the bank: Schedule an appointment with the bank and bring all the required documents with you. You may also need to bring a reference letter from a bank in your home country.
Fill out the application: The bank will provide an application form. Make sure to provide accurate information and answer all the questions.
Deposit funds: Most banks in Costa Rica require you to make an initial deposit to open the account. The amount may vary depending on the bank and your account type.
Wait for approval: The bank will review your application and may ask for additional information or documents. Once your account is approved, you will receive your bank card and other account details.
It's important to note that some banks in Costa Rica may require you to have a local address or phone number to open an account. It would be best if you also were prepared to communicate in Spanish, as many bank employees may not speak fluent English.