In a significant move within the financial sector, BLP provided comprehensive legal counsel to Banco Davivienda during the acquisition and integration of Scotiabank’s operations in Costa Rica. This transaction, encompassing banking, insurance, and leasing businesses, highlights BLP’s expertise in navigating complex mergers and acquisitions in the region. This agreement is part of Davivienda’s strategic expansion…
Category Archives: Blog
Blog, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Labor & Employment, News, Nicaragua
2025 Labor Holiday Calendar: An Essential Resource for Business Planning
08
Jan
Jan
Effectively managing labor holidays is critical for any organization, especially when operating in multiple countries across Central America. For this reason, the Labor & Employment team at BLP has prepared the 2025 Labor Holiday Calendar, a comprehensive document that consolidates the official holidays for Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This resource is…
Analysis, Blog, Costa Rica, Environment, Health & Safety
New Regulation strengthens prevention and response to chemical accidents in Costa Rica
20
Dec
Dec
Author https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Articulo-Hidrogeno-Verde_FOTO.png Luis Palacios Director Costa Rica E-mail Until recently, chemical accidents were treated in the same way as other types of accidents, a problematic approach since the authorities must adapt any response to the specific threat involved. In the case of chemical substances, it is essential to have precise knowledge of the products handled…
Blog, Costa Rica, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), News
The Blue Fund: A Key Boost for Marine Conservation in Costa Rica
19
Dec
Dec
To preserve marine biodiversity and meet global conservation goals, the Costa Rica Forever Association has established the Blue Fund, an innovative financial trust, that marks a turning point in the protection of Costa Rica’s marine ecosystems. This project is supported by BLP’s legal advisory, which played a key role in the development and structuring of…
Blog, Business Law, Costa Rica, News
Important Changes for Companies and Contract Signing in Costa Rica
18
Dec
Dec
Companies must have an email address for notifications and stamp tax for contracts is no longer required. Law 10597: Mandatory Electronic Notifications for Companies Published in Supplement 195 of La Gaceta on December 3, this reform changes the way a commercial company receives notifications: New company: New company bylaws must include a valid email address…
Banking & Finance, Blog, Honduras, News
New Regulatory Reform in Honduras: What You Need to Know About Credit and Debit Card Transactions
18
Dec
Dec
The National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) has introduced significant changes to Articles 5 and 20 of the Minimum Guidelines for the Prevention of Unrecognized Transactions involving debit cards, credit cards, and financing products. These reforms aim to strengthen security and transparency in financial transactions. Key Highlights of the Reform 1.Notification to Cardholders Financial institutions…
17
Dec
Dec
On November 15, 2024, Legislative Decree No. 144, which contains the Law for the Protection of Personal Data, was published in the Official Gazette. Purpose and scope of application The purpose of the law is the protection of personal data, establishing the essential requirements for its legitimate and informed treatment, and guaranteeing the right to…
Blog, Cybersecurity & Data Protection, El Salvador, News
Cybersecurity and Information Security Law in El Salvador
17
Dec
Dec
On November 15, 2024, Legislative Decree number 113 was published in the Official Gazette, which contains the Cybersecurity and Information Security Law. The purpose of the law is to establish the guiding principles and the legal framework to structure, regulate, and supervise the cybersecurity and information security measures of the information systems of the entities…
Analysis, Blog, Costa Rica, Free Trade Zones
The importance of advancing toward a paperless cross-border trade in Costa Rica
11
Dec
Dec
Author https://blplegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Articulo-Comercio-sin-papeles_FOTO.png Jocelyn Vargas Customs Consultant Costa Rica E-mail Costa Rica has made significant strides in pursuing a paperless cross-border e-commerce system driven by market demands and its inherent benefits. The paperless cross-border trade initiative established under the framework of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement aims, among other objectives, to digitalize the…
06
Dec
Dec
On December 3, 2024, Executive Decree No. 44772-H was published, updating the income tax brackets applicable for the 2025 fiscal period, as detailed below: Salary Tax Gross salary from: To Rate $0.0 ₡922.000,00 ($1,814.00 Approx.) 0% ₡922.000,00 ($1,814.00 Approx.) ₡1.352.000,00 ($2,660.00 Approx.) 10% ₡1.352.000,00 ($2,660.00 Approx.) ₡2.373.000,00 ($4,668.00 Approx.) 15% ₡2.373.000,00 ($4,668.00 Approx.) ₡4.745.000,00 ($9,334,00…