Risk signals are informational only. Verify with current government advisories and qualified legal counsel before making residency or incorporation decisions.
Dimension Breakdown
Tax
Costa Rica: 1000Panama: 100
Costa Rica100
Panama100
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Corp Tax Rate30%25%
Capital Gains15%10%
Crypto CGT0%0%
Territorial SystemYesYes
IP Box RegimeNoNo
Tax Treaties1217
VAT Rate13%7%
Funding
Costa Rica: 600Panama: 60
Costa Rica60
Panama60
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Gov GrantsYesYes
EU FundingNoNo
Active VCs812
Avg Seed Check$200K$300K
Visa
Costa Rica: 900Panama: 90
Costa Rica90
Panama90
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Startup VisaYesYes
E-ResidencyNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesYes
Path to PR3 yrs2 yrs
Processing Time45d30d
Residency
Costa Rica: 58-15Panama: 73
Costa Rica58
Panama73
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Citizenship (Naturalization)7 yrs5 yrs
Dual CitizenshipYesYes
CBI AvailableNoNo
Immigration Score7/108/10
Tax Res.
Costa Rica: 75-5Panama: 80
Costa Rica75
Panama80
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Tax Res Threshold-183 days
Worldwide TaxNoNo
Territorial TaxYesYes
Personal Tax Top Rate25%25%
Special RegimeNoNo
Exit TaxNoNo
Practical
Costa Rica: 78-3Panama: 81
Costa Rica78
Panama81
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Banking Difficultymoderatemoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYes
Formation Days14d5d
Formation Cost$1,000$1,500
Legal Systemcivil_lawcivil_law
Remote
Costa Rica: 84+16Panama: 68
Costa Rica84
Panama68
FieldCosta RicaPanama
DNV ExistsYesNo
DNV Min Income$3,000/mo-
Internet Speed60 Mbps50 Mbps
Coworking/mo$200$200
PE Risklowlow
Family
Costa Rica: 800Panama: 80
Costa Rica80
Panama80
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Safety Index5555
Intl SchoolsYesYes
Healthcare7568
Cost of Living5265
Family Budget/mo$3,500$5,000
Ecosystem
Costa Rica: 400Panama: 40
Costa Rica40
Panama40
FieldCosta RicaPanama
Unicorns00
Talent Pool4548
Avg Dev Salary$25,000/yr$42,000/yr
Coworking Densitymediummedium
Gov Pro-Startup5/105/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica or Panama better for startup founders?
Panama scores 77/100 overall versus Costa Rica at 75/100. The best choice depends on your industry, team structure, and personal tax situation. Review the dimension-by-dimension breakdown above to identify which jurisdiction fits your specific priorities.
What are the corporate tax rates in Costa Rica and Panama?
Costa Rica has a corporate tax score of 100/100 and Panama scores 100/100. See the Tax Breakdown section above for specific rates and conditions.
Which country has better startup visa options - Costa Rica or Panama?
Costa Rica scores 90/100 for visa options versus Panama at 90/100. Check the Visa section for specific programs, processing timelines, and requirements.
How do Costa Rica and Panama compare for family relocation?
Costa Rica scores 80/100 for family viability versus Panama at 80/100. Key factors include healthcare quality, international school availability, safety index, and cost of living.
Can I compare Costa Rica and Panama with other countries?
Yes. Use the interactive comparison tool at NomadSignal to compare up to 4 jurisdictions simultaneously. You can also view each country's full profile for deeper dimension-level analysis.
Data updated Q1 2026. Scores are based on publicly available information and may not reflect recent regulatory changes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Verify all details with a qualified professional before making relocation or incorporation decisions.