Commercial License - Municipalidad de Desamparados

To operate any profit‑making business in the canton of Desamparados (for example a restaurant), you need the commercial license issued by the Municipalidad de Desamparados.

The new license process involves, in addition to the Municipalidad, other institutions whose permits are a prerequisite or must be obtained simultaneously:

• Ministerio de Salud (Health Permit for Operation).
• Ministerio de Hacienda (registration as taxpayer).
• CCSS (employer registration, if you have hired staff).
• INS (work risk insurance policy, if you have hired staff).
• Approved land use by the Municipalidad itself.

How to start the process:

• The Municipalidad de Desamparados offers a “Single Form for Simplified New License Process” through its online Services Platform.
• Payment for the license and, when applicable, for the Health Permit for Operation, can be made via the VUI platform or directly at the Municipalidad.

Contact:

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Phone: 2217-3500.
• Email: comunicacion@desamparados.go.cr
• Location: north side of Parque Centenario, Desamparados, San José.

Note: The official Municipalidad website does not publish a detailed checklist of documents for a new license (beyond directing you to the online form). Before you apply, download the official form from desamparados.go.cr or call the contact phone to confirm the exact current list of requirements, as it may vary depending on the type of business.