Why Costa Rica Is Ideal for Nearshoring and Best Companies To Partner With

When you think about Costa Rica, you might picture gorgeous beaches, delectable coffee, or breathtaking treetop ziplines. But there’s more than just adventure and relaxation in the Central American wonderland.

Thanks to a stable government that supports economic growth and social development, nearshore outsourcing in Costa Rica has become an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.

This article examines the factors that make nearshoring in Costa Rica attractive and which roles can be successfully outsourced there. We’ll also review potential hiring partners to help you access Costa Rican talent.

What Makes Costa Rica a Great Place for Nearshoring?

Costa Rica has become an ideal location for nearshoring, the process of outsourcing work to third parties (companies or independent contractors) in nearby countries that share a border or are located within a similar time zone.

Nearshoring combines the cost effectiveness of offshoring with the additional benefits that geographic proximity and cultural alignment offer.

Here are five key advantages that have solidified Costa Rica’s standing as a popular nearshoring destination:

Time zone compatibility

Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (CST), making it an ideal location for North American businesses looking to coordinate in real time with an outsourced team during business hours. 

As one of the major competitive advantages of nearshoring, time zone alignment facilitates smoother communication and collaboration and immediate responses to any issues or needs that arise.

Booming IT services market

The market for IT services in Costa Rica has been showing consistent growth, thanks to its robust and developing tech sector. According to Statista, the market value is expected to grow to a new peak of over $625 million by 2029. 

This growth signifies the country’s expanding tech talent pool and IT services that international companies across industries can tap into.

English proficiency

Language barriers can create significant challenges in outsourcing. Costa Rica’s workforce has a high level of English proficiency, ranking third out of 20 Latin American (LatAm) countries. This proficiency facilitates seamless communication for business negotiations or complex projects.

Stable business environment

The Costa Rican government proactively promotes foreign investment and creates a favorable business environment. The country’s political stability, solid legal framework, and incentives for foreign companies contribute to an excellent climate for nearshoring.

The Costa Rican Investment Promotion (CINDE) is a private nonprofit that works to attract foreign investors and well-paying jobs to drive the sustainable development of Costa Rica’s economy. 

Educated workforce

Costa Rica, with its strong emphasis on education, has a high literacy rate and a highly skilled workforce. With numerous universities and technical institutes, the country has a constant influx of new skilled talent joining the workforce.

In addition to the five key advantages above, when nearshoring to Costa Rica, you can enjoy shorter travel times for business meetings, protections under trade agreements like the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), and cultural similarities that make business integration smoother.

What Roles Can You Outsource to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s growing economy and education opportunities have created a labor force capable of handling a variety of specialized roles. Here are some of the sectors that are ripe for nearshoring to Costa Rica:

• Information technology: With the IT services market flourishing in Costa Rica, you can outsource various technology-related tasks, including software development, mobile app development, cybersecurity, and IT support services.
• Customer service: Costa Ricans’ high level of English proficiency makes them excellent candidates for customer support roles. Companies often set up call centers or customer service hubs to cater to their US customer base.
• Digital marketing: You can benefit from the emerging pool of digital marketing professionals in Costa Rica who are adept at SEO, social media management, content creation, and data analysis to drive marketing campaigns.
• Engineering: Costa Rica has a well-represented engineering sector, including industrial, mechanical, and electrical engineering. 
• Design: Design services, including web and graphic design, also offer a growing field for outsourcing.
• Accounting and financial services: Financial processes such as accounting, bookkeeping, compliance, and tax preparations are commonly outsourced to Costa Rica due to the availability of skilled finance professionals.
• Human resources and administration: Efficiently managing HR and administrative tasks is possible with Costa Rica’s proficient administrative workforce.
• Research and development (R&D): Companies interested in innovation can tap into Costa Rica’s R&D capabilities, particularly in sectors like agribusiness, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.
• Legal services: Nearshoring legal processes like research, contract management, and compliance can offer cost savings while ensuring that the work is performed by qualified experts. 
• Healthcare services: Thanks to high standards in the region, outsourcing healthcare services, including back-office operations, medical transcription, and billing, is a growing sector.
• Supply chain and logistics: With its strategic location and strong trade agreements, Costa Rica has become a hub for managing supply chain activities, including procurement, inventory management, and distribution logistics.

Best Companies To Partner With When Nearshoring to Costa Rica

When selecting a partner for nearshoring in Costa Rica, look for companies with a strong local presence, deep experience in international collaboration, and a proven track record. 

Here are some of the top options (in no particular order):

Near

Yes, we’re putting ourselves first. At Near, we’ve established solid relationships with Costa Rican institutions and talented professionals to give our clients access to top-tier candidates across various industries. 

We pride ourselves on acting as a full-service staffing agency capable of sourcing, hiring, and onboarding high-quality talent for your business needs. 

Whether you require IT specialists, customer support teams, or skilled professionals in digital marketing, Near can seamlessly integrate skilled Costa Rican professionals with your operations, making them a part of your team in under 21 days.

TECLA

TECLA is a prominent recruitment company connecting businesses with top software developers and design talent in LatAm, including Costa Rica. 

Recognized for its ability to understand the specific technical needs of its clients, TECLA uses a thorough vetting process to ensure that companies receive skilled individuals and teams that are tailor-fit to their project requirements. 

With expertise in the tech industry and a commitment to providing quality candidates, TECLA is a go-to partner for firms looking to nearshore their development and design efforts.

Biz Latin Hub

Biz Latin Hub is a comprehensive business solutions provider that supports companies entering or expanding within the LatAm market. Offering a unique blend of bilingual legal, accounting, and back-office services, the firm excels in helping businesses navigate the local regulatory landscape and streamline their operations. 

By leveraging their local expertise and professional network, Biz Latin Hub ensures a smooth transition for companies looking to nearshore in Costa Rica, encompassing a wide range of professional needs, from legal compliance to tax advisory.

Final Thoughts

Nearshore outsourcing in Costa Rica blends stability, expertise, and strategic benefits. Whether you’re aiming to scale your tech team, enhance your customer service, or streamline your back-office operations, there’s undeniable value available. 

If you’re eager to explore the potential of this vibrant country and want to ensure you’re making the right moves, we’re here to help. From finding talent to devising competitive salary offers and even taking care of salary disbursements, Near can provide end-to-end remote recruitment support.

Many US companies are already reaping the rewards of nearshoring in Costa Rica. Book a no-commitment consultation call with Near to learn how you can, too. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the characteristics of hires from Costa Rica?

Remote workers from Costa Rica are typically well educated, are bilingual in Spanish and English, and possess strong technical expertise, particularly in IT and engineering. They also benefit from favorable time zone alignment with the US, helping facilitate real-time communication and collaboration.

What’s the expected cost when nearshoring to Costa Rica?

Nearshore outsourcing services in Costa Rica are cost effective compared with hiring domestically, though costs can vary depending on the specific role and level of expertise required.

Generally, you can expect competitive rates for highly skilled professionals due to the lower cost of living. Check out our full salary guide for role-specific estimates. 

What industries are leading when it comes to outsourcing to Costa Rica?

Leading industries outsourcing to Costa Rica include IT, customer service, digital marketing, engineering, financial services, and healthcare. The country’s growing tech sector and high level of English proficiency make it particularly attractive.