Free Trade Zones in Costa Rica: The Impact of Integrated Workspaces with Technology and Experience

According to CINDE, more than 402 multinational companies operate under this regime, generating more than 60% of national exports and more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. This regime has established itself as a key pillar of the country's economic growth. But, in an increasingly competitive environment, it is no longer enough to offer tax benefits: today, experience and technology in the workplace are decisive in attracting, retaining and consolidating these companies. The new standard: comprehensive workspaces Companies that arrive in the free zones require more than square meters; They are looking for comprehensive workspaces, designed to enhance productivity, innovation and wellbeing. This includes: 

• Architectural design adapted to each operation: offices, service centers, laboratories, collaborative spaces, among others.
• Technology incorporated from planning: real-time monitoring, high-quality connectivity, flexible infrastructure.
• User experience as a central axis: spaces that convey corporate identity, promote collaboration and improve the talent experience.
• Professional project management: ensuring that times, costs and risks are controlled under international standards. Technology and experience as a competitive advantage
   

The incorporation of technology in the planning and operation of workspaces in free zones allows companies to: 

• Reduce operating costs thanks to intelligent energy and air conditioning systems. 
• Increase efficiency by having real-time control and governance platforms. 
• To offer safe and sustainable environments, aligned with ESG criteria that are increasingly valued by investors and users. On the other hand, the comprehensive experience has a direct impact on attracting talent. In a country where competition for bilingual and specialized professionals is high, and where STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) talent is increasingly scarce, modern, collaborative, and healthy workspaces become a strategic differentiator. Sustainability and ESG as a differentiating axis Costa Rica leads Latin America in the adoption of sustainability standards in construction. More than 40% of new buildings in free zones seek international certifications such as LEED, EDGE and WELL. Parks such as Coyol Free Zone and La Lima Free Zone are clear examples of how sustainability has become a decisive criterion for investors and multinational companies seeking to operate in environments aligned with their ESG commitments. The role of specialized allies Firms such as JLL and its Project Management teams have positioned themselves in Costa Rica as key partners for the development of this type of project in free zones. 
   

Our proposal focuses on: 

• A single point of contact for multinational customers. 
• Optimization of resources and times in construction and adaptation of spaces. 
• Implementation of project management and risk control technology. 
• Experience in key free zone sectors: corporate, industrial, shared services, life sciences, health and technology. 
   

More than project managers, JLL enables the regional competitiveness of its clients, reducing market entry times, reducing expansion risks and ensuring scalable operations throughout LATAM. This makes the physical space not only a workplace, but a strategic asset for business operation. Sofía Rodriguez, from the Project and Development Services team at JLL Costa Rica, mentions: "The future of free zones in Costa Rica does not depend only on tax incentives, but on the country's ability to offer comprehensive workspaces, with first-class experience and technology. These environments are today a competitive advantage to attract investment, promote innovation and strengthen the human talent that sustains the knowledge economy." Costa Rica, with its expanding free zone ecosystem, is in a privileged position to lead in Latin America this transformation of corporate real estate towards spaces that combine efficiency, sustainability and experience