Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing for corporate use

Why should my company be licensed?

If your company's operations fall within the scope of attracting investments, exports, has export potential, or is related to Costa Rica foreign trade, and you seek to raise your company's standards of competitiveness at the national and international level.

esencial COSTA RICA is the tool that allows you to differentiate yourself on the market as a representative of the nation brand's five values.

What are the general benefits of a corporate license?

The main benefits of a corporate use license include a rise in your company's competitiveness standards and distinguished representation in the local and international market.

PROCOMER also provides the following benefits package:

  • Training.
  • PROCOMER discounts and services.
    • Three business agendas.
    • 50% discount on trade missions.
    • 30% discount at international fairs.
    • 50% discount on BTM.
  •  A microsite on the esencial COSTA RICA website.
  • Access to ICT's Sustainability Map.

What is the cost of licensing my company?

At PROCOMER, there are no associated costs such as memberships or annuities.

Companies only need to hire an external evaluation team from PROCOMER. See the list of options at the following link: evaluation team

How long does the country brand license last?

The duration of an esencial COSTA RICA corporate use license is 60 months from the day of the official award. However, a follow-up evaluation is required 30 months after initiation.

If my company is licensed and I expand my facilities and/or operations, will my status as a licensee change?

No, these changes must be reported during the follow-up evaluation carried out after the first 30 months.

If my company is licensed and I expand my line of products or services, will my additions be licensed too?

No. Every time your organization wishes to include a product, it must complete the product use license form, available at www.esencialcostarica.com. Once you have fulfilled the necessary requirements requested by PROCOMER, send your form by mail, or e-mail it to [email protected] (this e-mail also serves for questions or to request additional information).

If the company is merged or purchased, what happens to the nation brand license?

The merger or purchase must be reported and the case analyzed. Remember that companies must abide by what is stipulated in the Regulations for the Use of the Costa Rica Nation Brand, CHAPTER VII: Of the rights and duties of the licensee, Article 34: On the duties of the licensee, and Article 36: On the revocation of the license.

Download the Regulations for the Use of the Costa Rica Nation Brand here: Download

Can my company lose the license?

To learn how your company may lose the esencial COSTA RICA license, check the Regulations for the Use of the Costa Rica Nation Brand, CHAPTER VII: On the rights and duties of the licensee, Article 34: On the duties of the licensee, and Article 36: On the revocation of the license.

Download the Regulations for the Use of the Costa Rica Nation Brand here: Download

 

If I have a corporate use license and I hold an event or activity, will it be automatically licensed?

Yes, as long as the event or activity is specifically related to the company that holds the right to use the nation brand. Otherwise, the person responsible for the event or activity must apply for a license from PROCOMER for its specific use.

When and how do I renew my corporate use license?

Your license to use the Costa Rica Nation Brand will expire at the end of the specified term written on the certificate of use license issued to you by PROCOMER.

What are the implications if my company uses the We are esencial logo incorrectly?

The implications may include the revocation or suspension of your license. For information on the revocation or suspension process, see the Regulations for the Use of the Costa Rica Nation Brand, CHAPTER VII: On the rights and duties of the licensee, Article 34: On the duties of the licensee, and Article 36: On the revocation of the license.

What can I expect from PROCOMER once my company is licensed?

PROCOMER is your strategic business ally, and licensed companies enjoy personalized and preferential treatment.

  • Training.
  • PROCOMER discounts and services.
  • Three business agendas.
    • 50% discount on trade missions.
    • 30% discount at international fairs.
    • 50% discount on BTM.
  • A microsite on the esencial COSTA RICA website.
  • Access to ICT's Sustainability Map.

Licensing

Who has it? / What companies already have the nation brand?

The esencial COSTA RICA companies are those that fall within the following scope:

Article 10: Areas of expertise required for granting licenses related to investments and exports. The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is the executive agency responsible for the implementation, promotion, and application of the Nation Brand. In addition to issues related to attracting investments, exports, SME exporters (or those with export potential), foreign trade in general, and other areas related to the objectives and functions of PROCOMER.

To see what companies are licensed with the esencial COSTA RICA Nation Brand, please go to the following link

Can only export companies be licensed?

Article 10: Areas of expertise required for granting licenses related to investments and exports. The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is the executive agency responsible for the implementation, promotion, and application of the Nation Brand. In addition to issues related to attracting investments, exports, SME exporters (or those with export potential), foreign trade in general, and other areas related to the objectives and functions of PROCOMER.

Can only large companies be licensed? / What size does my company have to be?

Approximately 46% of companies that make up the licensing community are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Any company that complies with Article 10 is eligible. Article 10: Areas of expertise required to grant licenses related to investments and exports. The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is the executive agency responsible for the implementation, promotion, and application of the Nation Brand. In addition to issues related to attracting investments, exports, SME exporters (or those with export potential), foreign trade in general, and other areas related to the objectives and functions of PROCOMER.

Who issues the license?

Two institutions award the nation brand: PROCOMER, for companies working in foreign trade and foreign direct investment attraction; and the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) for companies in the tourism sector.

What is the license for? / What is the function of a nation brand?

The esencial COSTA RICA license allows companies to use the nation brand to distinguish the excellent quality of their products, services, corporate materials, advertising, and events, among others.

The objectives of nation brand licensing are to:

  • Strengthen the brand's positioning through inter-institutional dialogue and communication.
  • Raise and maintain the standards of licensed companies.
  • Generate business through incorporating competitive companies.
  • Fulfill the promise of the nation brand.

What types of licenses are there?

There are three types of license:

  • For corporate use: In institutional communications: websites, stationery, promotional material, and physical premises, among others.
  • For product use: Once the company acquires a corporate use license, it can use the logos on its product labels, containers, and packaging.
  • For use in events: Temporary use for country promotion events that comply with the brand's five values.

What are the steps to get a license?

Your company can have the nation brand by following three simple steps:

  1. Register and complete the self-assessment form.
  2. Hire an evaluation team.
  3. Send your request to PROCOMER.

Who will evaluate my application?

The external evaluation team is authorized by PROCOMER. For more information, visit the following link: Evaluation team

Do you need more detailed information?

Feel free to email us with your questions at [email protected]. We are happy to help!