CENTRAL LAW
Latin America Guide 2026
CENTRAL LAW
www.central-law.comEmail address
[email protected]Contact number
+506 2224 7800Share profile
About
Chairman: Rafael Quirós
Number of partners worldwide: 27
Number of other lawyers worldwide: 100+
Firm Overview:
CENTRAL LAW is a full-service law firm advising local and multinational clients in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Dominican Republic. The firm offers the highest quality standards achieved by a team of lawyers whose experience goes beyond 30 years in regional and global markets.
Main Areas of Practice:
Corporate:
Advises local and foreign clients in corporate commercial and corporate M&A assisting them from the start of their business through their company’s daily operations and expansion in the region.
Energy & Environmental:
Extensive experience advising local and international clients in the region’s energy and environmental laws and regulations, as well as in the oil & gas and mining sectors across the region.
Infrastructure & PPPs:
Advises local and international clients participating in infrastructure projects supporting them during and after the bid process. Experience of the team includes tender processes for the construction and improvement of current airports, roads and ports infrastructure, and for the construction of public buildings, power plants made out of natural resources, projects structured under private agreements and PPP agreements.
Tourism – Construction & Real Estate:
Provides full assistance in the development of major new projects in the region as well as advising hospitality industry investors and operators specially with the review of existing and new agreements.
Agriculture & Agribusiness:
Agreements and permits to operate, import and export as well as Free Trade Zones and special regimes.
Arbitration & Litigation:
Assists and represents clients in civil, commercial, labour, tax dispute resolutions, including complex litigation, multijurisdictional conflicts and international arbitration. The firm was the first to initiate ICSID arbitration proceeding against one of the region’s governments, based on the DR-CAFTA.
Insurance & Reinsurance:
Advises domestic and global insurance Companies in their daily business operations in the region.
Tax:
Comprehensive advice for local and international companies to be tax compliant.
Telecommunications, Data Protection, Privacy and Technology:
Advises startups and companies in the permits to operate and agreements with providers, new technologies, data protection and regulatory framework across the region.
Labour & Employment:
Daily business operations and BPO and Payroll services are part of the comprehensive legal services provided to local and international companies.
Intellectual Property:
Advises clients in the registration of trademarks and patents through a strong team on IP litigation, health registrations and franchises.
Compliance and regulatory:
Advises individuals and companies to be compliant with legal, administrative and tax matters.
International Work:
Advises international clients in the establishment and development of their business in Central America, Panama and Dominican Republic according to current legal framework, free trade treaties, including DR-CAFTA, EU association with Central America and specific laws of free zones and regimes. Collaborates with prominent international law firms providing comprehensive legal and tax advice.
Languages: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese.
Clients:
CENTRAL LAW advises domestic and international clients in all areas of law. Some clients BT; Ed. Santillana; MABE; Microsoft; PriceSmart; Roche, Sencinet.
Ranked Offices
Provided by CENTRAL LAW
- San JoséAvenida10, calle 37 bis Barrio Los Yoses , San José, San José, Costa Rica
- Web: www.central-law.com
- Tel: +506 2224 7800
- San JoséAv. 10 St. 37 bis, Los Yoses, PO Box 10136-1000, San José, San José, Costa Rica
- San SalvadorEdificio INTERALIA, 2° Nivel, Blvd Santa Elena y Calle Alegría, Colonia Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlán, San Salvador, Area Metropolitana de San Salvador, El Salvador
- Guatemala City15 Ave 18-28 Zona 13, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Guatemala
- San Pedro SulaEdificio 504, Avenida Junior entre 5 y 6 calle, N.E, San Pedro Sula, Cortes, HondurasTegucigalpaTorre Alianza I piso 9, Lomas del Guijarro Sur, Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán, Honduras, 11101
- Panama CitySamuel Lewis Ave, Comosa Building, 21st Floor, P.O. Box 0831-01196, Panama City, Panama, Panama
CENTRAL LAW rankings
Articles, highlights and press releases
62 items provided by CENTRAL LAW
EL SALVADOR- Foreign Agents Law: Key Implications for NGOs and other entities
In May 2025, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved the Foreign Agents Law, a legal framework that establishes a new regulatory regime for natural or legal persons, whether national or foreign, who receive funds, goods, or services from abroad and carry out activities within the country.
HONDURAS- Smart Regulation for Smart Cities: The Role of Law in the Digital Urban Transformation
In the era of digital transformation, cities are no longer shaped solely by engineering or architecture, but increasingly by legal frameworks. In Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, the development of smart cities presents a challenge for current legal systems: how can we regulate t
HONDURAS - Can an employee be sanctioned or dismissed solely on the basis of the Labour code?
Honduran labor legislation does not authorize the employer to unilaterally impose disciplinary sanctions solely based on the Labor Code, as this legal framework does not regulate the internal disciplinary regime nor does it establish the specific procedures to be followed.
PANAMA - Tax- Are Latin American companies ready for global tax scrutiny?
Today, more than ever, companies must adopt a proactive stance in their cross-border tax compliance. This environment becomes even more challenging for those with commercial or corporate ties to the United States, where the IRS, FATCA, and other international regulations impose stricter controls ove
PANAMA- Legal guide: 10 Proactive Strategies to Avoid Labor Litigation
Labor conflicts often arise not so much from ignorance of the law, but from the lack of clear internal procedures, adequate documentation, or effective communication channels.
COSTA RICA - Reform to the Commercial Code: Corporate names disappear, trade names take center stage
As of June 2nd, 2025, Costa Rica is implementing a momentous reform to its Commercial Code, redefining the way in which new companies are legally identified before the National Registry.
HONDURAS - How is ESG regulated
Discussions and regulations related to ESG criteria in Honduras have increased significantly in recent years in response to the growing global recognition of the relevance of sustainability and corporate responsibility.
COSTA RICA - Provisional Measure and Update of Ultimate Beneficiaries
There is a precautionary measure presented by the Costa Rican Bar Association and until is resolved.
COSTA RICA - Consumer access to justice
It grants the National Consumer Commission (CNC) the authority to declare null and void any abusive clauses in adhesion contracts, except for contracts in the financial sector.
EL SALVADOR - Franchise market for economic growth
The franchise market, better known as “franchising,” is a business model which involves replicating a successful format under a recognized brand proven to be an effective strategy for business expansion and growth.
GUATEMALA- New credit card law Decree 2-2024
This is one of the regulations that Guatemala has been looking for improving the way consumers and credit card interact according to the current living era.
GUATEMALA- The importance of law 5082 and its impact on consumer's protection
It is now well understood through experience that demanding quality products and fostering competition is achieved through consumers educated in health, safety, and efficiency in their consumption relationships.
GUATEMALA- The importance of law 5082 and its impact on consumer's protection
It is now well understood through experience that demanding quality products and fostering competition is achieved through consumers educated in health, safety, and efficiency in their consumption relationships.
COSTA RICA - Some rights of women in the labor sphere
Considerable progress has been made in recent years to integrate women into the workforce and even achieve parity in terms of their earnings, positions of leadership in companies, maternity and breastfeeding breaks, non-discrimination based on gender, and other aspects in Costa Rica.
DOM REPUBLIC - Collaborative Synergy: A Legal and Strategic Analysis of Business Consortiums
Business consortiums have become essential for collaborative, temporary ventures in the Dominican Republic. The goal is to create a shared framework that strengthens the business capabilities of its members.
EL SALVADOR - The role of tehcnology and innovation
El Salvador has passed different laws to support the development of the country with technology and innovation initiatives. One of those laws created in 2023 offers extensive tax exemption for 15 years and that is attracting companies such as Google.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
COSTA RICA - Bylaws of the Law for Digital Nomads
The law that regulates the Law for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica is known as the Law 10.008 which includes the bylaws of the mentioned law.
COSTA RICA - Bylaws of the Law for Digital Nomads
The law that regulates the Law for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica is known as the Law 10.008 which includes the bylaws of the mentioned law.
COSTA RICA stands out as one of the best countries for digital nomads
The VisaGuide Index has positioned Costa Rica as country number 13 on the list of Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2024.
EL SALVADOR - How is ESG regulated
In El Salvador, the discussion on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is still at an incipient stage compared to other more advanced countries in this area.
EL SALVADOR - How is ESG regulated
In El Salvador, the discussion on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is still at an incipient stage compared to other more advanced countries in this area.
HONDURAS - Steps for customs integration between Honduras and El Salvador
This publication confirms the decision of the Government of Honduras to include the same in its internal legal system. In turn, the Customs Administration of Honduras (AAH), in order to ensure its effective implementation and enforcement, made publications in its networks and official channels.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
EL SALVADOR- Foreign Agents Law: Key Implications for NGOs and other entities
In May 2025, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved the Foreign Agents Law, a legal framework that establishes a new regulatory regime for natural or legal persons, whether national or foreign, who receive funds, goods, or services from abroad and carry out activities within the country.
HONDURAS- Smart Regulation for Smart Cities: The Role of Law in the Digital Urban Transformation
In the era of digital transformation, cities are no longer shaped solely by engineering or architecture, but increasingly by legal frameworks. In Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, the development of smart cities presents a challenge for current legal systems: how can we regulate t
HONDURAS - Can an employee be sanctioned or dismissed solely on the basis of the Labour code?
Honduran labor legislation does not authorize the employer to unilaterally impose disciplinary sanctions solely based on the Labor Code, as this legal framework does not regulate the internal disciplinary regime nor does it establish the specific procedures to be followed.
PANAMA - Tax- Are Latin American companies ready for global tax scrutiny?
Today, more than ever, companies must adopt a proactive stance in their cross-border tax compliance. This environment becomes even more challenging for those with commercial or corporate ties to the United States, where the IRS, FATCA, and other international regulations impose stricter controls ove
PANAMA- Legal guide: 10 Proactive Strategies to Avoid Labor Litigation
Labor conflicts often arise not so much from ignorance of the law, but from the lack of clear internal procedures, adequate documentation, or effective communication channels.
COSTA RICA - Reform to the Commercial Code: Corporate names disappear, trade names take center stage
As of June 2nd, 2025, Costa Rica is implementing a momentous reform to its Commercial Code, redefining the way in which new companies are legally identified before the National Registry.
HONDURAS - How is ESG regulated
Discussions and regulations related to ESG criteria in Honduras have increased significantly in recent years in response to the growing global recognition of the relevance of sustainability and corporate responsibility.
COSTA RICA - Provisional Measure and Update of Ultimate Beneficiaries
There is a precautionary measure presented by the Costa Rican Bar Association and until is resolved.
COSTA RICA - Consumer access to justice
It grants the National Consumer Commission (CNC) the authority to declare null and void any abusive clauses in adhesion contracts, except for contracts in the financial sector.
EL SALVADOR - Franchise market for economic growth
The franchise market, better known as “franchising,” is a business model which involves replicating a successful format under a recognized brand proven to be an effective strategy for business expansion and growth.
GUATEMALA- New credit card law Decree 2-2024
This is one of the regulations that Guatemala has been looking for improving the way consumers and credit card interact according to the current living era.
GUATEMALA- The importance of law 5082 and its impact on consumer's protection
It is now well understood through experience that demanding quality products and fostering competition is achieved through consumers educated in health, safety, and efficiency in their consumption relationships.
GUATEMALA- The importance of law 5082 and its impact on consumer's protection
It is now well understood through experience that demanding quality products and fostering competition is achieved through consumers educated in health, safety, and efficiency in their consumption relationships.
COSTA RICA - Some rights of women in the labor sphere
Considerable progress has been made in recent years to integrate women into the workforce and even achieve parity in terms of their earnings, positions of leadership in companies, maternity and breastfeeding breaks, non-discrimination based on gender, and other aspects in Costa Rica.
DOM REPUBLIC - Collaborative Synergy: A Legal and Strategic Analysis of Business Consortiums
Business consortiums have become essential for collaborative, temporary ventures in the Dominican Republic. The goal is to create a shared framework that strengthens the business capabilities of its members.
EL SALVADOR - The role of tehcnology and innovation
El Salvador has passed different laws to support the development of the country with technology and innovation initiatives. One of those laws created in 2023 offers extensive tax exemption for 15 years and that is attracting companies such as Google.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
EL SALVADOR - Effects of the arbitration agreement and arbitration clause
Establishing an arbitration agreement or arbitration clause entails a series of effects that require careful consideration by the parties involved.
COSTA RICA - Bylaws of the Law for Digital Nomads
The law that regulates the Law for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica is known as the Law 10.008 which includes the bylaws of the mentioned law.
COSTA RICA - Bylaws of the Law for Digital Nomads
The law that regulates the Law for Digital Nomads in Costa Rica is known as the Law 10.008 which includes the bylaws of the mentioned law.
COSTA RICA stands out as one of the best countries for digital nomads
The VisaGuide Index has positioned Costa Rica as country number 13 on the list of Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2024.
EL SALVADOR - How is ESG regulated
In El Salvador, the discussion on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is still at an incipient stage compared to other more advanced countries in this area.
EL SALVADOR - How is ESG regulated
In El Salvador, the discussion on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is still at an incipient stage compared to other more advanced countries in this area.
HONDURAS - Steps for customs integration between Honduras and El Salvador
This publication confirms the decision of the Government of Honduras to include the same in its internal legal system. In turn, the Customs Administration of Honduras (AAH), in order to ensure its effective implementation and enforcement, made publications in its networks and official channels.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.
HONDURAS - Special Law on Forest Carbon Transactions for Climate Justice
Honduras as a member of the United Nations and specifically the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 “Life of Terrestrial Ecosystems” has established internal policies for environmental protection and agroforestry development.