Open a Bank Account in Costa Rica

If you want to move to Costa Rica or set up a company here, you need to complete one essential step: open a bank account. This process is linked to most transactions you will complete here as a natural person or through your business.

Below, our local specialists explain the procedure and documents required toopen a bank account in Costa Rica in 2026. We are at your disposal with bank account setup solutions for both natural persons and companies, locals and foreigners.

Types of bank accounts you can open in Costa Rica

There are several types of bank accounts you can choose from in Costa Rica. They are roughly divided into accounts used for personal and corporate use. As a natural person, you can opt for:

• current accounts, which can be used for usual transactions, as well as to have your salary deposited in them;
• savings accounts.

Costa Rican companies can establish corporate and merchant accounts. The latter type is required for e-commerce businesses.

If you decide to register a business entity, you can rely on our company formation agents in Costa Rica. We can also help you open a business in Costa Rica, no matter its type.

How to open a personal bank account in Costa Rica in 2026

First of all, it is important to note that you can open a bank account in Costa Rica both as a resident and non-resident. However, not all banks allow the creation of accounts for persons who do not reside in Costa Rica. However, our immigration lawyers in Costa Rica can help you choose a bank with no restrictions.

Here are the documents you need to prepare as a Costa Rican citizen or resident:

• the ID, respectively the Costa Rican residence permit, which must be valid at the time of the application;
• in the case of foreigners, a recent utility bill on their name is also required as evidence of domicile;
• proof of income;
• the Know Your Client declaration;
• the application form supplied by the bank.

As a foreigner, you will need to provide a valid passport which must be stamped with a Costa Rican entry visa. In other words, only Costa Rican residents and foreign persons who obtained citizenship in Costa Rica can open bank accounts remotely. As a non-resident, you must come in person to Costa Rica. You will also need to bring proof of income, and in some cases, a bank reference from a financial institution in your country may be required.

You can rely on our agents for assistance in opening a Costa Rican bank account as a foreigner in 2026.

How to open a bank account as a non-resident in Costa Rica

Non-residents can also open Costa Rican bank accounts; however, they are advised to verify with several banks before choosing one, as each has its own regulations when it comes to foreign clients. Rules are simpler for American citizens who live in Costa Rica; however, there are options for other nationalities also.

In terms of documents, the following will be required:

• a valid passport with a visa;
• evidence on the source of funds;
• a tax identification code (if applicable);
• other documents, as requested by the chosen bank.

Generally speaking, one can choose between state-owned and private banks in Costa Rica. National banks may make it simpler for non-residents to open a bank account in Costa Rica. Private banks, on the other hand, frequently offer better customer service and lower wait times.

How to open a corporate bank account in Costa Rica

If you intend to open a company in Costa Rica, setting up a bank account is mandatory. For this purpose, you need to prepare the following documents:

• the company’s Certificate of Registration;
• good standing certificate(s) for its representative(s), alongside their personal information, functions in the company, and the duration of the appointment;
• a certificate indicating the social capital of the company;
• proof of sources of income;
• certified or audited financial statements in the case of existing companies;
• projected cash flow statement in the case of new companies.

The application and Know Your Client forms issued by the bank must be appended to the documents above.

Our Costa Rican company formation specialists can help you open a corporate bank account in Costa Rica to ensure a smooth setup process.

Development of the Costa Rican banking sector

The banking industry in Costa Rica is mainly made up of traditional banks, which generated USD 1,255.00 million in net interest income in 2025. The following period also looks good for this industry with a projected net interest income of USD 594.30 million by 2029. This is due to the increased demand for digital banking services to which most local banks respond with the creation of mobile banking apps and the possibility of concluding most transactions online.

If you want to open a bank account in Costa Rica in 2026, you can rely on our local consultants, so do not hesitate to contact us.