A Practical Guide to Avoid Penalties
The declaration of the Register of Transparency and Final Beneficiaries (RTBF) remains one of the most important compliance obligations for companies in Costa Rica. Each year, entities must update this information before the Central Bank of Costa Rica, ensuring that final beneficiaries are accurately reported.
For 2026, in addition to the general rules, new conditions apply that may prevent the filing if they are not met. Below, we explain the key aspects and share a practical guide to help you avoid delays and penalties.
Key RTBF Changes for 2026
One of the most important updates is that the person responsible for filing the RTBF must meet one of the following conditions:
- Hold a General Power of Attorney (Poder Generalísimo) duly registered before the National Registry, or
- Be the legal representative of the company with sufficient powers.
This power must be properly notarized and registered. In addition, it is mandatory to have a digital signature issued by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, which is only available to Costa Rican nationals or residents.
If the legal representative cannot obtain the digital signature, a General Power of Attorney with no monetary limit must be granted.
Important:
This power cannot be granted through a shareholders’ meeting. It must be granted directly by the individual who holds legal authority within the company, such as the Manager, President, or another authorized member of the Board of Directors.
What Happens If You Miss the RTBF Deadline?
The regular filing period for the RTBF 2026 is April 2026. At this time, no changes to this deadline have been announced.
Failure to file on time may result in:
- Fines ranging from 10 to 100 base salaries
(approximately USD 10,000 to USD 78,000) if the filing is not completed within three business days after formal notification. - Blocking of corporate certifications at the National Registry.
- Inability to carry out corporate or legal actions, such as amendments, transfers, or sales.
Key Recommendations to Ensure RTBF 2026 Compliance
To reduce risk and avoid sanctions, companies should:
- Verify whether the legal representative has or can obtain a Costa Rican digital signature.
- If a power of attorney is required, begin the process in January or February.
- Seek specialized legal advice to review the company’s final beneficiary structure.
- Confirm that the General Power of Attorney is valid, properly registered, and unrestricted.
Legal Support for RTBF Compliance
At GLC Legal, we support our clients every year to ensure timely and accurate compliance with RTBF obligations and other corporate requirements in Costa Rica and across the region.
If you would like to confirm whether your company is ready for RTBF 2026, feel free to contact us. Our team will gladly review your status and assist you in preparing everything required.
Author: Estefanía Brenes
