This section presents an overview of the evolution of Costa Rica's One-Stop Shop for Investment, and the problems it aims to solve at the public policy level in terms of promoting investment and foreign trade. It examines the history of the VUI in terms of Costa Rica's performance in both foreign trade and the implementation of regulatory policy. Finally, a summary of the methodology used by the window to simplify and digitise procedures is presented, as well as a summary of its regulatory framework and the main milestones in the window's history.
Review of Costa Rica’s One‑Stop Shop for Investment
Abstract
Costa Rica's One-Stop Shop for Investment (VUI) is an inter-institutional effort led by PROCOMER to simplify, digitise and centralise the procedures required to set up a business in the country. The initiative began as a project focused on free trade zone-related procedures, since these were considered to have the greatest impact on the country's investments. The success of the work to map and simplify procedures evolved into a window that would focus on setting up any type of company in the country.
Investment decisions take into account elements such as the potential benefits (sometimes in terms of incentives), infrastructure, human resources, cost of services, legal certainty and security, time frames for completing procedures, and the costs of complying with regulations. Therefore, the VUI aims to make a positive impact on the country's competitiveness by eliminating unnecessary requirements, reducing response times and associated costs, implementing digitalisation and the use of digital tools, and improving traceability, transparency and legal certainty for investors.
When it started to create the VUI, PROCOMER struggled to identify all the agencies and procedures that were necessary to set up and operate a company in Costa Rica. Private entities and institutions, as well as public-private organisations such as the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE), had an idea of the process and the procedures required to set up a company. However, there was no certainty that the whole process was clear. This initial mapping was used to determine the average time it took to start a business in Costa Rica and thus the process to develop the VUI as an inter-institutional mechanism began, with agencies seeing the VUI as an efficient mechanism to improve their processes and procedures.
In exceptional cases, PROCOMER can cater to the needs of central government, in its capacity as a technical entity. Currently, the VUI is facing over-demand both in relation to procedures for setting up a company and requests for other types of procedures, rather than serving exclusively as a digital window to facilitate setting up and operating a business.
Since it was set up, the window has emerged as a public policy that aims to work with the country's different public institutions, both to simplify and improve processes, and to digitalise the most relevant procedures and processes for positioning investments. The window's objective during the first stage, from 2017 to 2018, was to raise awareness and develop an institutional training programme. PROCOMER's strategy for building capacity among officials from the different agencies was to reach agreements with strategic and operational managers to align expectations and raise awareness of the window's problems and objectives. The training strategy included management tools, simplification methodologies, and process re-engineering, including Business Process Management (BPM), Lean and Six Sigma.1,2,3
The stage from 2019 to 2020 focused on mapping and streamlining the identified procedures. During this stage, the VUI was institutionalised through the publication of Decree 42081 (Presidente de la República, n.d.[1]), which establishes the regulations for the operation and use of the VUI system, and work began to establish interoperability. The final stage, which is still under way, produced procedures for setting up a company and obtaining a business licence at the end of 2020. This stage formally started in 2021 and has comprised automating the process for setting up a company by region. This final stage has marked the start of the process of signing agreements with municipalities, building the technological architecture and implementing digital files. Figure 1.1 presents the roadmap for building the VUI.
Source: Prepared by (PROCOMER, 2023[2]). "Ventanilla Única de Inversión de Costa Rica" [Costa Rica's One-Stop Shop for Investment]. San José.
The Costa Rican economy is mixed, with an emphasis on the service sector, where tourism is a key driver, although since the 1980s the country has made the decision to diversify its exports and attract foreign direct investment. Technology and financial services also play a crucial role in the economy, with a focus on sustainability and attract ng foreign investment. The country is committed to innovation and sustainable development as key elements to boost its economy.
Costa Rica is a small country in terms of population; in 2022, the country's population was around 5 180 829 million people and has an annual growth rate of around 0.5%, which is one of the lowest in Latin America.
In 2022, Costa Rica's GDP was estimated at around USD 69.2 billion (current prices) (Banco Mundial, 2024[3])4 and GDP per capita in 2022 was USD 13 365. In 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at USD 3 921 million. FDI increased by 24% over the previous year, according to data from the BCCR and PROCOMER. Approximately 61% of total FDI in 2023 corresponds to investments in the free trade zone regime (PROCOMER, 2024[4]). Likewise, exports in 2023 totalled USD 19.2 billion, i.e. 14% more than in 2022 (PROCOMER, 2024[5]).
Figure 1.2 shows FDI for the period 2013-23. On average for this period, FDI was USD 2.79 billion. In 2021, FDI rose significantly over previous years, averaging USD 2.6 billion in the 2013–19 period, while the 2021–23 average is approximately 30% higher, at USD 3.4 billion.
2013–23, USD billion
Source: (COMEX, 2022[6]). "Estadísticas: Inversión Extranjera Directa" [Statistics: Foreign Direct Investment]. San José. https://www.comex.go.cr/estad%C3%ADsticas-y-estudios/inversi%C3%B3n-extranjera-directa/.
Figure 1.3 shows the relationship between GDP and FDI between 2007 and 2021. On average, during the period shown in the graph, this ratio was 5%. This metric may be useful as the window evolves and matures over the years.
Costa Rica, 2007–21
Source: (COMEX, 2022[6]). "Estadísticas: Inversión Extranjera Directa" [Statistics: Foreign Direct Investment]. San José. https://www.comex.go.cr/estad%C3%ADsticas-y-estudios/inversi%C3%B3n-extranjera-directa/.
Costa Rica operates under a Presidential Republic. The president is democratically elected every four years and may not be re-elected for consecutive terms. In the absence of an absolute majority, i.e. at least 40% of all votes, there is a second round of presidential elections. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which has a constitutional ranking and independence similar to that of a fourth branch of government, is in charge of supervising elections. A president must: be over 30 years of age; be a member of a legally registered political party; have previously played a significant role, such as deputy, mayor or minister; and have a clean record in terms of ethics and conduct.
The executive branch, headed by the president, consists of 18 ministries attached to the central administration; 34 autonomous institutions, including the BCCR; nine semi-autonomous institutions; 17 state-owned public enterprises; nine non-state-owned public enterprises; and 54 non-state-owned public entities. PROCOMER is one of these 54 non-state-owned public entities. The next level of government is the regional decentralised administration, which is made up of seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. These seven provinces are sub-divided into 84 municipalities or cantons (Ministerio de Planificación nacional y Política Económica, n.d.[7]).
This government organisational structure has enabled the VUI to integrate the municipalities and their procedures more efficiently. As it is not a federal country, citizens encounter procedural formalities at the national and municipal levels of government.
The single-chamber Legislative Assembly is composed of 57 deputies, elected by the population of each province. The term of office for a deputy is four years and there is no possibility of re-election for successive terms. As mentioned, the election is held by province and by district, so each year the Civil Registry renews the proportion of seats corresponding to each district based on population (Observatorio del poder legislativo de América Latina, n.d.[8]).
The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Justice. The judges are elected by the Legislative Assembly and their term of office is eight years. In order to be elected by the Legislative Assembly, candidates who apply to be appointed as justices of the Supreme Court of Justice must have the vote of two-thirds of the total number of members (Poder Judicial de la República de Costa Rica, 2024[9]).
The VUI is located within the structure of PROCOMER, which is a non-state-owned public institution that promotes trade and investment. As a non-state-owned public entity, it is subject to public law but is outside the national framework, which means that its board of directors sets its operating rules. Its funding may come from (Procurador Adjunto, 2007[10]):
an initial contribution from the State
contributions from the import and export sectors
the payment of fees for the use of the free trade zone regime and
contributions from loans, donations (pre-approved by the board of directors) or bequests.
However, the window is not currently financed by government contributions, loans, donations or bequests.
Costa Rica's foreign trade policy is a fundamental pillar for boosting economic growth, promoting global integration and diversifying the country's export supply. The window is therefore presented as a fundamental initiative for this purpose, in addition to being key to the growth of local and foreign investments.
COMEX is an executive branch department which is mainly responsible for defining foreign trade policy in Costa Rica, as well as attracting foreign direct investment. COMEX plays a crucial role in co-ordinating trade strategies. In addition to these policies, COMEX's general objectives consist of harmonising actions with key entities and joining international organisations as a member (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica, n.d.[11]).
As a non-state-owned public entity promoting foreign trade, PROCOMER is notable for its focus on boosting exports and attracting investment in the country. Based on this approach, the VUCE was created to focus on foreign trade procedures for companies inside and outside free trade zones. Its work ranges from identifying opportunities in international markets to advising local companies on expanding their operations.
Costa Rican Regulatory Improvement Policy is based on Law 8220,5 specifically its Article 16, as amended by Law 100726 of November 2021. This article sets out a comprehensive approach that encompasses guidelines and objectives for developing regulations at all levels of government and regulatory bodies. The policy's objectives include progressing towards more-efficient and more-competitive regulations, promoting regulatory quality and citizen participation, applying regulatory impact analysis, adequately informing the public, promoting regulatory consistency and promoting the development of capacities for quality regulatory management.
From a legal perspective, the policy is supported by Article 16 of Law 8220 (Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica, 2023[12]), which establishes the guidelines, and by Executive Decree No. 40910-MP-MEIC (Presidencia de la República and Ministerio de Economía, 2017[13]), known as the General Framework for Regulatory Policy. These legal tools provide the framework for implementing and evaluating regulatory improvement.
Implementation plans are in the process of being defined, but the Regulatory Planning Agenda, linked to the “Le dejamos trabajar” [“We Let You Work”] initiative (Ministerio de Economía, 2024[14]) within the National Development and Public Investment Plan 2023–26,7 is already in action. The “We Let You Work” initiative is an MEIC initiative that seeks to identify the main bottlenecks in the productive sectors related to trade, industry, construction, tourism, foreign trade, foreign investment, agriculture and technology. The initiative focuses on procedures that do not require a law, but can be resolved by means of guidelines or executive decrees. To date, 140 bottlenecks have been resolved, according to the President of the Republic. PROCOMER helped resolve six of the bottlenecks that were identified.
The Directorate for Regulatory Improvement,8 which is part of the MEIC, is in charge of supervising these initiatives. This entity leads efforts to promote a clear regulatory framework that provides legal certainty and efficient government services. One of its objectives is to simplify procedures throughout the public administration. Therefore, proper co-ordination with PROCOMER regarding VUI processes is essential.
The Directorate for Regulatory Improvement is responsible for the regulatory improvement plans9 and specific projects and programmes defined by public institutions, in accordance with Article 11 of Law 8220 (Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica, 2023[12]). These regulatory improvement plans, which public administration agencies must produce annually, help to identify, prioritise and implement improvements in procedures and services for the respective period. The Directorate for Regulatory Improvement provides the agencies with feedback on improving the plans' content.
In response to the need to simplify, centralise and digitalise the procedures required for setting up and operating a company in Costa Rica, the VUI emerged as an key initiative, initially for free trade zone companies, and then for all types of companies. The VUI is supported by the Free Trade Zone Regime Law, specifically Article 4, paragraph l, based on which the window aims to streamline and make the processes related to investment more efficient, in direct response to the challenging paperwork for investors that is currently required under the free trade zone regime.
The VUI System Regulation establishes objectives such as the centralisation, streamlining and simplification of procedures, the promotion of regional offices outside the metropolitan area and the implementation of mechanisms to carry out procedures electronically. It also seeks to disseminate information on requirements and procedures, facilitate the inclusion of different sectors and simplify migration procedures during the process of setting up and operating companies.
PROCOMER was a pioneer in establishing the VUCE. The VUCE is the window focused on issues related to foreign trade (imports and exports). Therefore, by applying the experience it had acquired with the VUCE, PROCOMER identified the need to expand the improvement in procedures and internal processes to include the processes for setting up and operating a company in the country via the VUI. This was initially for free trade zones, before expanding to companies inside and outside the Greater Metropolitan Area. This project, which started in 2017, adopted a disruptive approach; its objective is not only to reduce current red tape, but to overhaul administrative efficiency to attract investment in Costa Rica. The Free Trade Zone Regime Law was reformed to provide PROCOMER with legal backing in its administration of the VUI.
Organisational structure of the VUI
The window's organisational structure is broken down into different hierarchical levels and functions, both at the managerial and operational levels. The VUI Steering Committee is the highest political body; it leads decision-making, passes resolutions and approves the direction of the window. The VUI Steering Committee is made up of representatives from government institutions and the minister or vice-minister of the following ministries:
Ministry of the Presidency
Ministry of Foreign Trade
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Environment and Energy
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce
Ministry of Interior and Police
Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements
Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications
Ministry of Public Works and Transportation
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship
Ministry of Justice and Peace
The General Management of PROCOMER
The Administrative Management of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund.
As well as representatives from the private sector:
The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE)
The Costa Rican Association of Free Trade Zone Companies (AZOFRAS)
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP)
The Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters (CADEXCO)
The Costa Rican Chamber of Industries
The Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce
The National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness
The Costa Rican American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM)
The Council for the Promotion of Competitiveness
The Costa Rican Chamber of Construction.
The following may participate if they so wish. They have the right to speak but not to vote:
The Municipal Development and Advisory Institute (IFAM)
The National Insurance Institute (INS)
The Costa Rican Tourism Board
The Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (INCOPESCA)
The Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA)
The National Union of Local Governments.
Figure 1.4 provides a general overview of how the administration and co-ordination of the VUI works.
Source: Prepared by PROCOMER.
Likewise, Figure 1.5 shows PROCOMER's internal administration for managing the VUI.
Source: Prepared by PROCOMER.
PROCOMER’s managing entity is its board of directors, which is its highest governing body. This board, chaired by COMEX, has representatives from the government and the productive and export sectors. The management structure comprises a General Management team and a Deputy General Management team that oversees the institution's management and directorates.
PROCOMER's Trade and Investment Facilitation Department is directly responsible for the design, management and operation of the VUI. It reports directly to the General Management team. The VUI Directorate, which is responsible for meeting the window's goals and objectives, reports to the Trade and Investment Facilitation Department. The VUI Directorate has 12 people who work directly on developing the window. In addition, the window is linked to various internal and external suppliers, who are in charge of software development, digital transformation and process improvement.
Financing the VUI
Since its inception, the window has been financed with resources from PROCOMER's own budget. In 2022, Law No. 10234 approved the option to charge a fee for each procedure in order to finance the costs associated with implementation, continuous improvement and governance of the VUI's digital platform. This fee is based on the principle of "service at cost" to ensure the window is stable and can continue its work.
The VUI's methodology
The VUI project was planned in phases, incorporating a strategy called "FENIX" in Spanish [Strengthen, Standardise, Normalise, Implement and Excel in English]. This strategy was designed to bring together the tools and methodologies needed to simplify the procedures used by public institutions and to define the technological basis of the window.
The project has had the necessary political and administrative backing since 2017, notably through decrees such as Decree No. 40035-MP-COMEX, which declares the VUI to be a project of public interest. Furthermore, the VUI Steering Committee, with representatives from 25 public and private institutions, was established by virtue of Decree No. 40103-MP-COMEX-H-S-MINAE-MAG-MGP-MEIC (Poder Ejecutivo, 2018[15]). With the support of more than 38 public entities, more than 60 municipalities and the private sector, the VUI is making progress towards consolidating itself as a comprehensive tool that streamlines procedures for investing in Costa Rica and makes them more efficient. These decrees have been fundamental in establishing a solid foundation and obtaining the necessary governmental and private support.
Source: Prepared by PROCOMER.
The VUI has had a five-phase development process, using the FENIX strategy. This flexible methodology aims for continuous improvement; its initial phase, Strengthen, includes alignment with and awareness-raising among senior executives in institutions, process mapping and defining the baseline. The second phase, Standardise, incorporates process re-engineering, highlighting technical requirements for digitisation and aiming for continuous improvement. The Normalise phase addresses legal reforms, if necessary, while technological Implementation focuses on all the elements required to digitise the process, including software development, testing and user training. The Excel phase promotes continuous improvement and identifying new opportunities. Figure 1.6. above shows the phases represented by each letter of the FENIX strategy.
The Lean, or Kaizen, philosophy is applied in the VUI project as a parallel methodology, focusing on the continuous improvement of processes to simplify procedures and eliminate waste elements. In addition, Six Sigma is used to improve efficiency by reducing variability and ensuring that customers have defined deadlines.
These tools have been applied in an orderly manner throughout the construction of the VUI in project cycles called DMAIC. Figure 1.7. visually represents each element of the DMAIC tool.
Source: Prepared by PROCOMER.
The DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) model guides improvement projects: the problem is defined, variability is measured, causes are analysed, improvements are implemented and controls are established to maintain the changes. These tools have proved essential for calibrating and continuously improving processes in the public sector, thereby making the country more efficient and competitive.
VUI regulatory framework
The window is based on a robust regulatory framework made up of various legal instruments and decrees that serve as the legal basis for establishing and operating the system. Article 4, paragraph L of Law No. 7210 (Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica, 2022[16]) grants PROCOMER the authority to administer this system that centralises the procedures and licences required for companies wishing to establish themselves in the country.
Executive Decree No. 40035-MP-COMEX (Presidente de la República, Ministerio de la Presidencia and Ministerio de Comercio Exterior, 2018[17]) declared the VUI a project of public and national interest for promoting collaboration between public and private entities. In addition, Executive Decree No. 43940-MP-COMEX-H-MAG-MEIC-MICITT-MGP-MINAE-JP-S-MIVAH (Poder Ejecutivo de la República de Costa Rica, 2023[18]) establishes the regulations governing the operation and use of the VUI system, outlining crucial guidelines for interested companies.
In May 2022, the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly approved Law No. 10234, also known as the Law for Strengthening Territorial Competitiveness (Asamblea Legislativa de la República de Costa Rica, 2022[19]), introducing provisions that strengthen the regulatory framework of the VUI, whose objective is to encourage investments outside the Costa Rica Greater Metropolitan Area.
Governance of the window is supported by the Regulation on the VUI System, established by Executive Decree No.40103-MP-COMEX-H-S-MINAE-MAG-MGP-MEIC (Poder Ejecutivo, 2018[15]). The VUI Steering Committee was established by virtue of these regulations and is made up of representatives from government and private sector institutions, forming an integral decision-making body. The following section details the evolution of the window's regulatory framework.
Evolution of the VUI regulatory framework
In 2010, the Legislative Assembly approved an amendment to Law No. 7210 (Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica, 2022[16]), in which it empowered PROCOMER to manage a VUI system that centralises the procedures and licence requirements that companies wishing to establish themselves and operate in the country must comply with.
Subsequently, in November 2016, the VUI project (Presidente de la República, Ministerio de la Presidencia and Ministerio de Comercio Exterior, 2018[17]) was declared of public and national interest. The central and decentralised administrations were urged to provide – within their remit and in strict compliance with the legal system – all facilities and co-operation necessary to ensure the correct, successful and streamlined implementation of the activities.
In 2018, the Regulation on the VUI System (Poder Ejecutivo, 2018[15]) came into force. One of its objectives was to establish the VUI Steering Committee, composed of senior government executives, public institutions and representatives from the private sector. This regulation was reformed to strengthen the committee's operational power. The reform has already been approved by the executive branch and is in the process of being published for its subsequent entry into force.
The regulation governing the operation and use of the VUI system (Poder Ejecutivo de la República de Costa Rica, 2023[18])came into force in 2021. It centralises the procedures and licences that companies wishing to establish themselves and operate in Costa Rica must comply with, and establishes the guidelines and provisions governing the use of the VUI digital platform. This regulation was recently reformed to include the provisions of Law No. 10234 (Asamblea Legislativa de la República de Costa Rica, 2022[19]). The reform has already been approved by the Executive Power and is in the process of being published for its subsequent entry into force.
In the same year, 2021, the regulation to formalise the VUI-01 process (Poder Ejecutivo de la República de Costa Rica, 2023[20]) came into force. This regulation proposed integrating the process for granting the free trade zone regime to companies and for becoming a public service customs agent (Auxiliar de la Función Pública Aduanera), in order to simplify the process with which any investor wishing to operate in Costa Rica under the free trade zone regime must comply.
In 2022, the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly approved Law No. 10234 (Asamblea Legislativa de la República de Costa Rica, 2022[19]), which creates a series of first-level incentives, including streamlined and simplified procedures to bring more investment and increase competitiveness beyond the Costa Rica Greater Metropolitan Area.
On 16 March 2023, the following regulations were published:
amendments to Articles 8, 9 and 11 of the Regulation on the VUI System, Executive Decree No. 40103 (Poder Ejecutivo, 2018[15])
regulation governing the operation and use of the VUI system, which centralises the procedures and licences with which companies wishing to establish themselves and operate in Costa Rica must comply.
The publication of these two regulations means the legal basis of important aspects of the window is substantially reinforced.
Relevant milestones of the VUI
Between the project launch in 2017 and 2023, significant progress was made in implementing the VUI. Throughout this period, several achievements stand out:
Alignment and awareness-raising activities were carried out among 38 public institutions and 60 municipalities.
More than 370 officials received training on Lean and Six Sigma improvement tools.
A total of 138 processes were mapped, identifying 125 procedures.
A total of 129 improvement projects were successfully implemented, with a further 66 projects in progress.
Twenty-five executive decrees were issued in support of the initiative.
A total of 46 procedures were digitalised and 80 web services were developed.
The start-up process for service companies was optimised, cutting the time from 406 days to 52.5 days.
For manufacturing companies, the process was improved from 406 days to 138 days.
Regarding the growth of the window over time:
Procedures, steps, streamlined processes and proposals to improve processes:
From 2016 to 2018, 10 improvement processes were carried out.
From 2019 to 2020, 51 improvement processes were developed.
In 2021, 38 improvement processes were developed.
In 2022, 26 improvement processes were developed.
To date, 129 improvement processes have been completed.
Procedures, steps and processes improved by digital technology and automated procedures:
In 2020, 7 procedures, steps or processes were digitised.
In 2021, a further 7 procedures, steps or processes were digitised.
In 2022, 32 procedures, steps or processes were digitised.
Currently, 46 procedures, steps or processes have been improved by using digital technology.
References
[12] Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica (2023), Ley de protección al ciudadano del exceso de requisitos y trámites administrativos, http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?nValor1=1&nValor2=48116 (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[16] Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica (2022), Ley de Régimen de Zonas Francas.
[19] Asamblea Legislativa de la República de Costa Rica (2022), Ley de Fortalecimiento de la COmpetitividad Territorial.
[3] Banco Mundial (2024), Costa Rica, https://datos.bancomundial.org/country/CR (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[6] COMEX (2022), Estadísticas de Inversión Extranjera Directa, COMEX, https://www.comex.go.cr/estad%C3%ADsticas-y-estudios/inversi%C3%B3n-extranjera-directa/ (accessed on 14 February 2024).
[11] Ministerio de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (n.d.), Política de comercio exterior e inversión de Costa Rica, https://www.comex.go.cr/media/7653/anexo-1-dm-pol-cei-pol%C3%ADtica-de-comercio-exterior-e-inversi%C3%B3n-de-costa-rica.pdf (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[14] Ministerio de Economía, I. (2024), Le dejamos trabajar, https://www.meic.go.cr/web/122/mejora-regulatoria/le-dejamos-trabajar.php (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[7] Ministerio de Planificación nacional y Política Económica (n.d.), Organización del sector público Costarricense, https://www.mideplan.go.cr/organizacion-del-sector-publico-costarricense (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[8] Observatorio del poder legislativo de América Latina (n.d.), Aspectos generales del poder legislativo de Costa Rica, Legislatina, Salamanca, http://americo.usal.es/oir/legislatina/base_de_datos_por_pais.htm (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[15] Poder Ejecutivo (2018), Reglamento del Sistema de Ventanilla Única de Inversión.
[18] Poder Ejecutivo de la República de Costa Rica (2023), Reglamento para el funcionamiento y la utilización del Sistema de ventanilla Única de Inversión.
[20] Poder Ejecutivo de la República de Costa Rica (2023), Reglamento para la oficialización del proceso VUI-01: Integración del proceso de otorgamiento del régimen de zonas francas y el proceso de otorgamiento del auxiliar de la función pública aduanera.
[9] Poder Judicial de la República de Costa Rica (2024), Corte Plena del Poder Judicial, https://pj.poder-judicial.go.cr/index.php/informacion-institucional/corte-plena (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[13] Presidencia de la República and I. Ministerio de Economía (2017), Marco General de la Política Regulatoria, Poder Ejecutivo, http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/Normas/nrm_texto_completo.aspx?param1=NRTC&nValor1=1&nValor2=86031&nValor3=111441&strTipM=TC (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[1] Presidente de la República (n.d.), Reglamento para el funcionamiento y la utilización del sistema de la Ventanilla Única de Inversión (VUI) que centraliza los trámites y permisos que deben cumplir las empresas que deseen establecerse y operar en Costa Rica, https://cicr.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03-reglamento-para-el-funcionamiento-y-la-utilizacio-n-vui-20221027.pdf (accessed on 13 February 2024).
[17] Presidente de la República, Ministerio de la Presidencia and Ministerio de Comercio Exterior (2018), Declaración de interés público y nacional del proyecto de Sistema de Ventanilla Única de Inversión, Poder Ejecutivo.
[4] PROCOMER (2024), COSTA RICA ROMPE RÉCORD DE INVERSIÓN EXTRANJERA DIRECTA EN EL 2023, https://www.procomer.com/noticia/costa-rica-rompe-record-de-inversion-extranjera-directa-en-el-2023/ (accessed on 16 April 2024).
[5] PROCOMER (2024), Portal Estadístico de Comercio Exterior - Exportaciones, https://sistemas.procomer.go.cr/estadisticas/inicio.aspx (accessed on 16 April 2024).
[2] PROCOMER (2023), Ventanilla Única de Inversión de Costa Rica.
[10] Procurador Adjunto (2007), C-252-2007, http://www.pgrweb.go.cr/scij/Busqueda/Normativa/pronunciamiento/pro_ficha.aspx?param1=PRD¶m6=1&nDictamen=14696&strTipM=T (accessed on 14 February 2024).
← 1. BPM is a structured approach to improving the processes that organisations use to get work done, serve their users and generate value. BPM uses various methods to improve a process, from analysing it, modelling how it works in different scenarios, implementing changes, monitoring the new process and continuously improving its ability to drive desired outcomes. BPM works with optimisation methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean management and Agile.
← 2. Lean management is a management model that seeks to optimise processes by using the minimum amount of resources.
← 3. Six Sigma is a process improvement method that aims to minimise the level of variation in a process, so that it becomes as standardised as possible.
← 4. World Bank data. https://data.worldbank.org/country/costa-rica.
← 5. Ley de Protección al ciudadano del exceso de requisitos y trámites administrativos [Law on the Protection of Citizens from Excessive Administrative Requirements and Procedures]. Latest version, April 2023.
← 6. Reforma de la ley 8220 [Amendment to Law 8220].