Costa Rica boasts one of the most stable democratic governments in all of Latin America, and an economy that has long attracted foreign investors. Multinational corporations with branches in Costa Rica include Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Monsanto, and Pfizer. All the baseballs used in the Major Leagues are swen by hand in a small Costa Rican town called Turrialba, and even Wonderbras are assembled here.

The United States is Costa Rica’s most important trade partner, and the government here offers generous incentives to foreign businesses, including tax breaks and exemptions from some export tariffs. Big and small companies come to Costa Rica because of the solid telecommunications network, a very educated workforce, and a high standard of living.

It’s easy for a foreigner to start a business here–you can do it even if you only have a tourist visa.

Many expats work successfully in the burgeoning tourist sector, starting restaurants, hotels, and tour companies. Many say that although there are of course regulations to learn about and follow, in general there exist fewer constraints on businesses here than in their home countries.