Author Archives: BLP

Services: The Other Side of Exports in the Free Trade Zone Regime and the Challenges Involved

In Costa Rica, we usually associate the free trade zone (FTZ) with the export of goods, most often medical devices. However, according to COMEX statistics, the country’s export of services has had an annual growth rate of 6%, reaching a staggering $11.79 billion in 2022, with a substantial portion of such exports centered on technology….

Corporate Shield: Protect Your Share Participation and your Society in Guatemala.

The corporate environment is complex, and shareholdings are one of a company’s most sensitive areas. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are unaware of legal risks that could undermine their corporate structure. One of these dangers, unfortunately on the rise, is the theft of shareholdings through falsified documents. In many cases, this fraudulent act can have devastating consequences…

BLP advises Grupo Unicomer on a syndicated loan for US$350 million

BLP, renowned for its prowess as legal counsel, has provided pivotal advice in a US$350 million loan transaction granted to Grupo Unicomer by a pool of syndicated banks, where several subsidiaries of Unicomer in LATAM and the Caribbean have acted as guarantors. Our legal guidance spanned the entire process, from negotiations to signing the credit…

Extension of the time of entry visa for tourist group 1

The General Directorate of Immigration and Foreign Affairs decrees* that visitors from the 60 countries corresponding to group 1 of tourist visas for entry to Costa Rica may have their stay time extended from 90 calendar days to 180 calendar days, as established by the following modification:  “Article 2—Modify article 8 of the Regulation for…

The Challenge of Port Investment in Guatemala: The Need for Legal Certainty

The port infrastructure of a country is undoubtedly one of the pillars that sustains and enhances its economy. In this context, Guatemala, with its strategic geographical position, has extensive potential to consolidate itself as an important international trade center. However, in recent years, we have faced a reality that contrasts with this vision: an evident…

BLP Receives Triple Honors at Latin Finance’s 2023 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards

In a thrilling evening held in New York, distinguished project sponsors, infrastructure investors, financiers, and advisors from Latin America and the Caribbean convened to bear witness to the prestigious 2023 Project & Infrastructure Finance Awards ceremony. These accolades, which celebrate the most remarkable transactions and institutions within a domain vital for the region’s economic advancement,…

Relocation of employees and expatriates to Guatemala: questions and answers for multinational companies

For multinational corporations eyeing expansion into the vibrant landscape of Central America, the transfer of employees and expatriates to Guatemala is an integral step. Yet, this process isn’t without its complexities, as it navigates through a maze of immigration regulations and requisites. In this comprehensive blog post, we aim to provide clarity and insight by…

Customs and Free Trade Zones Updates – Costa Rica

Import Customs Declaration Self-rectification Policy Project in public consultation. The General Directorate of Customs issued a policy on the self-rectification of import customs declarations due to the entry into force of article 82 of CAUCA IV, article 333 of RECAUCA IV, article 90 of the General Customs Law and articles 251, 252, 253, 254 of…

Exclusion of Costa Rica from the list of non cooperative jurisdictions of the European Union

On September 26, 2023, with the support of 38 legislators, the Legislative Assembly resealed Legislative Decree #10,381 (the Law), which seeks to reform the Income Tax Law, to ensure that the country is excluded from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions of the European Union.  In order to comply with the necessary requirements to leave the…