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Costa Rica is a rising star for nearshore software development. Though it’s one of the smallest countries in Latin America, it has an impressive IT outsourcing presence. In fact, it’s the #1 exporter of IT services per capita in LatAm.
Nearshore software development in Costa Rica achieves excellence through:
- Top technology infrastructure
- A stable business environment
- Well-educated and career-driven tech talent
- Affordable developer rates
- …and more!
Find out why this country is becoming a go-to destination in our expert guide. We’ll analyze Costa Rica software outsourcing, including the talent profile, key advantages, feature comparisons, case studies and more.
Content Overview
Overview of Nearshore Software Development in Costa Rica
Nearshoring to Costa Rica is a world-class option. The IT outsourcing market here is thriving, with $215.40 million in revenue this year and an annual growth rate of 9.41%.
Overall, you can choose from 70,000 remote tech specialists located in hubs including San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela and more. Here you’ll find mature infrastructure, a pro-business economy and truly first-rate talent.
In addition, nearshore software development in Costa Rica stands out due to:
- Ranking 51st globally for outsourcing readiness
- Achieving the #1 valued-added IT services in LatAm
- Hosting dozens of Fortune 100 companies
Why Choose Costa Rica for Nearshore Software Development?
Nearshore software development in Costa Rica is booming because of the following key features.
1. Highly Skilled Talent Pool
Costa Rica tech talent is some of the most educated in the world. To give you an idea, this country spends 6+% of its GDP on education. Developers here aren’t just well-trained, they also have high-ranking English skills, appearing 38th globally on the EF EPI test.
Plus, software developers in Costa Rica are known for low turnover rates, showing their preference for long-term career growth.
2. Top Infrastructure
Costa Rica's advanced infrastructure and numerous tech parks have caught the eye of major corporations such as IBM, Microsoft and Amazon. In sum, this country has a local budding technology scene comprised of:
- 98 Costa Rica-based startups
- 92 IT outsourcing companies
- 119 multinationals with Costa Rican offices
- An ease of doing business score of 74/190
Additionally, the government has a hand in promoting STEM education and backing initiatives such as innovation incentives, educational programs, startup incubators and more.
3. Cultural Alignment & Communication
Nearshoring to Costa Rica unlocks aligned cultural values. Located in Central America, this country is geographically close to the U.S. Software developers in Costa Rica are well-versed in U.S. workplace practices, including communication styles, expectations, quality standards, etc. With top English, these professionals are able to establish seamless collaboration, too.
4. Stable Political & Economic Environment
Costa Rica software outsourcing offers reliability for North American businesses. Besides a steady economy and political climate, Costa Rica is known for its security. Specifically, it has a high democracy index (8.29/10) and disbanded its army in 1948.
5. Proximity & Time Zone Compatibility With the U.S.
Costa Rica is well-positioned for flawless collaboration. It shares overlapping working hours with the U.S., bringing together nearshore teams for top partnership. At the same time, this country is geographically close, which means it’s a short flight away for in-person visits.
6. Cost Efficiency
Nearshore software development in Costa Rica is cost-effective. Generally speaking, rates here are 40-50% lower compared to the U.S. The exact price will also depend on your scope of work and tech stack (see above).
Comparing Costa Rica to Other Nearshore Software Development Destinations
Costa Rica is a superb destination for nearshore software development. As you can see from the summary above, this country has some key advantages compared to other LatAm locations.
Pros of Nearshoring to Costa Rica
- Developers with excellent education, English proficiency and focus on career growth
- A stable, rapidly growing business environment
- State-of-the-art infrastructure
Cons of Nearshoring to Costa Rica
- A limited talent pool
- Talent not as highly ranked on skills tests
Interested in learning more about Costa Rica software outsourcing? Check out our expert report here!
Case Studies: Success Stories of Nearshore Software Development in Costa Rica
Nearshore software development in Costa Rica has a proven track record of success. North American businesses often choose this hidden gem for its talent and reliability. Just consider that big names such as IBM, Microsoft, Amazon, Citrix and NI have set up shop in Costa Rica.
Yet, the true value of Costa Rica software outsourcing is the niche tech firms offering excellent expertise at cost-effective rates. Get to know a sample of these businesses driving nearshore success in Costa Rica. Recently case studies include:
- Modernizing Acentra Health’s mental health app (via DNAMIC)
- Building an AI model to classify scrap metal via photos (via Software Mind)
- Creating a fan-friendly mobile app for Finish Line (via Gorilla Logic)
- Redesigning PayPal.com to align with SME business needs (via 10Pearls)
- Setting up a scalable data platform for a gaming app (via Effective Soft)
Discover even more success stories by checking out Clutch’s best Costa Rican software outsourcing firms here.
The Top Technologies Used by Software Developers in Costa Rica
Software developers in Costa Rica have a reputation for knowing diverse programming languages and next-gen technologies. Specifically, talent here tends to specialize in the following areas:
- Top languages: JavaScript, Java, C#, Python, .NET and C++.
- Popular tech areas: Cloud, cybersecurity, AI, big data and R&D.
- Key services: Mobile app development, web development, IT strategy consulting, IT managed services, web design and IT staff augmentation.
- Industries: Financial services, IT, medical, ecommerce, business services and education.
Of course, every nearshore software partner in Costa Rica will have their own core skills and technologies. Check with potential providers during your selection process, as they may vary widely.
Connect With Costa Rica Tech Talent Via TECLA
Nearshore software development in Costa Rica is a top-notch choice for accessing unparalleled talent at affordable rates. It’s also a dependable destination, with a stable business climate and state-of-the-art tech infrastructure.
Now that you know all about Costa Rica software outsourcing, it’s time to search for your ideal developers. At TECLA, we bring strategic recruitment expertise and an impressive talent network to the table. We have leading Costa Rica tech professionals ready to achieve exceptional outcomes for your business. Get in touch with our nearshore hiring specialists today!
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