Starting June 4, 2025, a key reform will take effect that directly impacts corporations, foundations, associations, and cooperatives in Costa Rica: the obligation to register an official email address with the National Registry of Legal Entities.
Law No. 10.597 and Directive DPJ-002-2025
Who does this apply to?
This requirement affects:
- Corporations (S.A.)
- Limited Liability Companies (S.R.L.)
- Individual Limited Liability Enterprises (E.I.R.L.)
- Foundations
- Associations
- Cooperatives
If your company is registered in Costa Rica, this law applies to you.
Why is this important?
As of the effective date, all legal and administrative notifications will be sent to the registered official email address. These notifications will be considered legally received upon being sent, regardless of whether or not they are opened.
Failure to comply with this requirement may have serious consequences:
- Rejection of any registration procedures
- Loss of procedural deadlines
- Fines, sanctions, or other legal consequences
- Risk of losing lawsuits or administrative processes due to missed notifications
How to register the email address
New Legal Entities (from June 4, 2025)
The official email address must be included in the incorporation deed submitted via platforms such as TrĆ”miteYa (RACSA) or the National Registryās Digital Portal.
If not included, the Registry will reject the registration.
Existing Legal Entities
They have until June 5, 2026 to comply with this requirement. Two methods are available:
- Public deed before a notary by the legal representative or general attorney
- Notarized shareholdersā meeting minutes, in which the email is approved
ā ļø In both cases, a notice must be published in the Official Gazette (La Gaceta).
Entities in the Process of Registration
They may complete the process under the regulations in effect at the time of submission, but must later register the email using one of the two mechanisms above.
Costs
- The registration is exempt from stamps, duties, and taxes if no other changes are made.
- If used to make additional amendments, applicable taxes and duties will apply.
Responsibility for the Email
- The Registry will record the email exactly as it appears in the notarized document.
- The applicant is responsible for ensuring the email is active and monitored.
End of the Resident Agent
The reform eliminates the figure of the resident agent. As of June 4, 2025, including a resident agent in a filing will be considered a registration defect.
What happens if you donāt comply?
As of June 5, 2026, the National Registry of Legal Entities will reject all filings from companies that have not registered their official email.
Possible consequences:
- Blocked filings: appointments, dismissals, amendments, registration of powers
- Legal issues and sanctions due to missed notifications
- Fines or loss of procedural rights
How We Can Help
At Across Borders Legal, we help businesses, foundations, and cooperatives comply with this requirement efficiently and securely.
We offer:
- Drafting and notarization of deeds or meeting minutes
- Publication in the Official Gazette
- Compliance verification with the National Registry
Contact us today:
š§ info@AcrossBordersLegal.com
