The number of micro, small and medium-sized businesses registered with Costa Rica’s Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce has nearly doubled over the past four years, reflecting a steady rise in business formalization across the country. The official PyME Registry grew 97% between May 2022 and May 2026, increasing from 18,301 registered businesses to 36,098. During the same period, the Entrepreneur Registry expanded by 72%, rising from 6,982 to 12,050 registered entrepreneurs.
The figures were highlighted as part of International Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, observed annually on June 27. The growth suggests that more entrepreneurs are seeking to operate within the formal economy and gain access to programs designed to support business development.
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises account for roughly 98% of Costa Rica’s business sector and play a major role in employment, innovation and local economic activity. Businesses registered with the ministry may qualify for training, technical assistance, financing opportunities through the Development Banking System and exemptions from certain government fees and taxes.
The government has also expanded its training programs for entrepreneurs. Over the past year, nearly 5,900 people participated in courses covering digital transformation, artificial intelligence, business management, access to markets and the formalization process. Digital skills have become an increasing priority as small Costa Rican businesses compete for customers both locally and abroad.
The growth of the registry comes as Costa Rica continues efforts to move more businesses from the informal economy into the formal sector. Registration can improve access to credit, government contracts and business support services while giving entrepreneurs greater legal certainty.
Separate national data points to continued growth in small-scale entrepreneurship. Costa Rica had an estimated 494,564 household microenterprises operating in 2025, an increase of 13.5% from the previous year. Despite the rise in registrations, a large number of businesses still operate outside the official system. Lack of information about requirements and available benefits remains one of the main barriers preventing entrepreneurs from formalizing their operations.
Government officials say increasing the number of registered businesses remains a priority because formal companies are generally better positioned to obtain financing, invest in expansion and create more stable employment.
