Author Archives: BLP

Update of the exemption cap for real estate tax

On January 30, 2023, Resolution RES-DGH-ONT-001-2023 was published, updating the requirements for exemption from real estate tax as follows: That the real property is unique, i.e., that such property is registered in the Real Estate Registry by the individual only. That the value of the property registered in the Municipality does not exceed ¢20,799,000. In…

New requirements for Dominican Republic citizens to enter Guatemala

As of February 9, 2023, citizens of the Dominican Republic must obtain a Visa from the Guatemalan Consulate to enter Guatemala. Exempt from this provision are citizens of the Dominican Republic who have a valid Visa granted by the United States of America, the United Mexican States, Canada or the European Union (Schengen Visa). This…

Update of the Salary and Income Tax Brackets and Tax Credits as of January 1, 2023

On December 23, 2022, Executive Decree No. 43852-H was published in the official newspaper La Gaceta setting forth the new brackets of the single tax on income received for personal dependent work or retirement or pension and other remuneration for personal services (Salary Tax), the tax credits for individuals with lucrative activities (Tax Credits) and…

Immigration: About the documentation process for foreigners in Costa Rica

All foreigners, whose MIGRATION CATEGORY IS APPROVED AND NOTIFIED AFTER OCTOBER 01, 2022, can request their appointment for the documentation process, however, the appointment will be granted as of January 2023. Important aspects: The appointment must be requested within 90 days after the notification of approval. The approval resolutions together with the appointment vouchers will…

Nicaragua advances with Fintech regulation

Federico Barrios Director Nicaragua [email protected] Nicaragua has been regulating the application of technological tools in financial activities since, and to the extent that the local market requires the implementation of advances that allow more efficient processes in conducting operations with money. We understand the Fintech concept as everything related to technologies that allow financial innovation,…

National Holiday in El Salvador for september 16th

On September 14, 2022, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador decreed paid leave for workers from the public and private sector for September 16, 2022. If an employee works on this date, the employer must pay a surcharge of 100% on his/her salary. BLP has ample experience advising national and international companies on labor matters…

Impact of the Mining Industry in Nicaragua

Favio Batres Director Mining Specialist Nicaragua [email protected] Mining is one of the strongest industries with the greatest growth potential in Nicaragua. According to Central America Data, gold exports in Central America reached an increase of 387% in 2021, and Nicaragua is in the lead with $1.534.3 billion from the United States, well above its peers…

New Public Procurement Law in Costa Rica

Francisco Obando Director Public Law, Public Procurement & Regulation Costa Rica [email protected] On December 1, 2022, the new General Public Procurement Law will enter into force, repealing the Administrative Contracting Law No. 7494 of 1996 and its Regulations. As a result, all bidding participants, companies, and public administrations must seriously prepare to address the changes…