All obligated entities in Costa Rica must now file their 2026 Final Beneficiary Transparency Registry declaration. The filing window opened today on the Central Directo platform and will close on April 30, 2026. This annual requirement targets corporations, civil companies, trusts, and non-profit organizations operating within the country.
The process enforces the nation’s laws against money laundering and terrorist financing. By mandating the disclosure of ultimate controlling persons, authorities aim to peel back layers of corporate secrecy. The registry is a key tool for financial transparency.
“The platform is now active for all obligated subjects to comply with their declaration,” stated an official release from the authorities. [Translated from Spanish]
A significant procedural change accompanies this year’s filing period. Legal representatives who cannot file personally can no longer use a special power of attorney for the task. They must now grant a general power of attorney registered with the legal entities registry.
Court Ruling Eliminates Special Power Option
This shift results from a recent administrative court decision. The Costa Rican Bar Association had challenged the rule allowing only broad powers of attorney. Their request for a provisional measure was rejected on April 10, 2025.
The court’s resolution, 2025-003672, upheld the existing regulation. The rule states that a “generalissimo” power is required when a legal representative cannot act personally. This remains in effect until the underlying legal challenge is fully resolved.
Consequently, entities cannot use simpler, task-specific powers for this declaration. They must go through the more formal process. The appointed attorney must have broad authority duly recorded at the Costa Rica National Registry.
“Exceptional, duly justified cases may allow the legal representative to grant a general power for filing the RTBF declaration,” the regulation notes. [Translated from Spanish]
Officials emphasize this is a strict requirement. The goal is ensuring accountability and preventing the use of stand-ins with limited, unclear authority.
Non-Compliance Carries Severe Registration Penalty
The National Registry will enforce a strict penalty for missing the deadline. Starting May 1, 2026, it will refuse to register any documents for non-compliant entities. This creates a major operational blockade.
Affected organizations could not register changes in leadership, modify bylaws, or complete other essential legal acts. The legal basis is Article 34 of Executive Decree No. 44390-H. It mandates this verification duty for the registry.
Certifications of legal status will also be withheld. The only exceptions involve registering new information providers for the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Registry itself or appointing liquidators during dissolution.
This action effectively freezes an entity’s formal capacity to conduct business. It is designed to compel timely compliance with transparency rules.
Entities are urged to begin the filing process immediately. They should confirm their beneficiary information is accurate and current. Legal representatives must also verify their own availability to file or arrange for a general power well in advance.
The Central Directo platform at www.centraldirecto.fi.cr is the sole channel for submission. Experts advise against waiting until the final week of April. Potential system delays or procedural questions could then risk missing the cutoff.
Costa Rica continues strengthening its financial integrity framework. This enforcement push around beneficiary transparency signals a firm commitment to international standards. The coming weeks will test the compliance readiness of thousands of entities across the public and private sectors.