Costa Rica: data-processing structures for online gaming
Costa Rica does not issue an online gambling license. International operators set up a Costa Rican company registered as a data-processing business with a municipal license, serving players outside Costa Rica, usually alongside a license from another jurisdiction.
- Best for
- Back-office and data-processing operations
- Who can be licensed
- No license issued yet
- Markets it serves
- Worldwide
Costa Rica does not issue an online gambling license. International operators use a Costa Rican company registered as a data-processing business with a municipal license, paying the Law 9050 tax and serving only players outside Costa Rica. The structure is used for back-office operations, customer support and development, alongside a gaming license from another jurisdiction such as Curaçao or Anjouan. Setup takes about 4–8 weeks. It is not a gambling license recognized by other regulators, banks or payment providers.
- Status
- No gambling license
- Regulator
- No gambling regulator for online gaming
- Legal basis
- Law 9050
- Status checked
- October 16, 2026
A back office, not a license
What you get
A Costa Rican company registered for electronic-betting data processing, with a municipal license, staff and offices.
What you do not get
A gambling license recognized by other regulators, banks or payment providers.
Restriction
Players in Costa Rica may not be served.
How operators use Costa Rica
Costa Rican operations
Customer support, payments operations, marketing and development run from Costa Rica.
Tax
The Costa Rican company pays the Law 9050 data-processing tax and normal taxes on its local activity.
What the regulator expects
- Costa Rican company (sociedad anónima or limitada)
- Municipal commercial license for data processing
- Tax registration as a data-processing business under Law 9050
- Local office and payroll registration for staff
How the setup runs
- 1CompanyCosta Rican corporation.
- 2PermitsMunicipal license and tax registration.
- 3OperationsOffice, staff and payroll set up.
Ongoing obligations
- Annual tax under Law 9050 and other applicable taxes
- No service to Costa Rican residents
- Labor and social security obligations for local staff
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Costa Rica gambling license?
No. The structure is a data-processing company, not a gambling license.
Can I serve Costa Rican players?
No. The framework applies only to international players.
Why use Costa Rica?
For back-office operations, support and development, alongside a gaming license from another jurisdiction.
Plan your route for Costa Rica.
Answer a few questions and get your roadmap. Our team replies within 24 hours.