ARIAS served as legal counsel and technical advisor to Switchback Medical in the company’s expansion into Costa Rica, supporting the company as it began the process of setting up operations in the country. End-to-end assistance was provided, including support in identifying and evaluating the most suitable location for the new facility.

Switchback Medical, a U.S.-based company focused on the development and contract manufacturing of minimally invasive medical devices, chose Costa Rica as the site of its first international venture. This represents a significant contribution to Costa Rica's continuously growing Life Sciences cluster, which in recent years has become one of the country's leading sectors in terms of GDP contribution and a key driver of exports.

The Free Trade Zone team facilitated direct discussions between the company and both the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) and the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), providing support as Switchback Medical prepared to apply for the Free Trade Zone Regime and invest in the country.

The team also designed the strategy and structure for the company’s entry into the Free Trade Zone Regime in Costa Rica. This included advising on the optimal set-up to align with operational goals, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and maximizing the benefits available under the regime. Strategic guidance played an essential role in enabling the smooth and efficient establishment of the company’s manufacturing operations in the country.

The real estate team in Costa Rica played a key role by preparing a comprehensive RFP that highlighted the advantages of various Free Trade Zone Parks, carefully aligning each option with the company’s strategic and operational objectives. Guidance was also provided throughout the negotiation of lease agreements and potential purchase options for the selected property, as well as advice on local real estate regulations and industry standards.

The lawyers from ARIAS Costa Rica involved in this transaction were:

  • Carlos Camacho, Partner
  • Vivian Gazel, Senior Counsel
  • Laura Pérez, Government Affairs & Free Trade Zones Manager
  • Ariana Benavides, Paralegal

ARIAS thanks Switchback Medical for placing its trust in the firm during this important stage of international expansion. This collaboration reaffirms ARIAS’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel for strategic projects across the region.