Simple Legal Consulting – Experts in Immigration, Investment & Business Law
Founded by Herman Duarte, Simple Legal Consulting (SLC) provides specialized legal services in immigration, real estate, commercial law, and arbitration in Costa Rica. Our firm is committed to simplifying complex legal processes, ensuring clear guidance, strategic solutions, and results-driven representation.
SIMPLE
EASY
NO COMPLICATIONS
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Having a selected group of clients, from whom we learn and feel proud, and who give us the financial freedom to continue promoting human rights, the rule of law and innovative issues, creating a positive impact on society.
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Provide high-quality legal and consulting services that allow our clients to have clarity to make decisions, giving them the confidence and peace of mind that their matters are in the best hands, simplifying their business and personal complications.
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Availability: If we do take a case, we do so by always giving our best effort, and we try to be available 24/7.
Empathy: We are empathic with our customers and suppliers. We are fully committed and holistically supportive, personally and professionally, in and out of business.
Respect: We assume that our suppliers, clients and counterparts deserve respectful treatment, without surprises or insults.
Simplicity: At our core is to make everything simple, helping to navigate the complexities of life.
Academic: We are curious about knowledge, we love learning about our clients, their industries and the law. We are constantly learning.
Honesty: We do not lie about the possible results, nor do we violate the law, we do not do illegal acts, nor do anything that can keep us awake at night.
Generosity: We are generous with our time and contacts.
Transparency: We keep our clients updated about their cases and always act honest.
Expert Legal Solutions for Corporations, Investors & Expats in Costa Rica
At Simple Legal Consulting (SLC), we provide high-quality legal counsel tailored to the needs of corporations, investors, and expats in Costa Rica. Our approach goes beyond traditional legal advice—we integrate strategic, commercial, and human perspectives to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure optimal results.
Business & Corporate Law – Helping companies navigate Costa Rica’s legal landscape with clarity and confidence
Immigration & Expat Services – Residency, visas, and relocation solutions for seamless transitions.
Real Estate & Investment Law – Secure property transactions and investment structuring with expert guidance, download out practical guide.
Arbitration & Dispute Resolution – Strategic advocacy to resolve disputes efficiently.
With a commitment to personalized legal support, SLC ensures clear solutions, proactive strategy, and trusted guidance every step of the way.
A Results-Driven Law Firm with a Client-First Approach
At Simple Legal Consulting (SLC), we prioritize efficiency, transparency, and problem-solving. Our client-centric approach ensures:
Fast & Responsive Service – Legal matters deserve urgency, and we act accordingly.
Fed Pricing – No Hourly Fees – Clear, upfront costs with no surprises.
Solution-Oriented Strategy – We focus on resolving issues, not prolonging them.
Respectful, Timely & Transparent Treatment – Every client receives the attention and clarity they deserve.
With over 14 years as a license attorney in Costa Rica, Herman Duarte and his team at SLC navigate complex legal challenges with precision and strategic insight, ensuring consistent, successful results.
📍 Expert Guidance for Costa Rican Immigration
We specialize in Costa Rican immigration law, representing both companies and individuals before the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME).
✅Residency Applications: We assist with temporary and permanent residency under the following categories:
Investor – $150,000+ investment in real estate, securities, or business.
Rentista – Proof of $2,500/month income or a $60,000 deposit in a Costa Rican bank.
Pensionado – Pension income of $1,000+ per month.
COMEX Residency – For executives working in multinational companies.
Company Manager – Business owners setting up operations in Costa Rica.
✅ Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers earning $3,000+ per month, offering tax exemptions and ease of doing business while working from Costa Rica.
With clear guidance and strategic support, we simplify the complexities of immigration law, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.
📩 Request a Consultation – Let’s Begin Your Residency Process
📍 Exclusive Legal Services for Investors & Businesses in Costa Rica
At Simple Legal Consulting (SLC), we specialize in protecting and empowering investors by providing high-level corporate and investment legal solutions.
✅ Company Formation & Corporate Structuring – We establish Costa Rican corporations tailored to your business needs.
✅ Due Diligence for Investments & Real Estate – Comprehensive legal risk assessments before purchasing property or companies (Download Our Free Practical Guide).
✅ Free Trade Zone Authorization – We handle applications for tax-exempt operations under the Free Trade Zone regime.
✅ Ongoing Legal Advisory – Dedicated support in commercial, labor, and tax matters to ensure smooth business operations.
✅ Fixed-Fee Legal Subscription – Enjoy predictable legal costs with our monthly-renewable corporate legal packages—tailored for businesses that value stability and efficiency.
With exclusive, personalized legal counsel, we protect your investments, minimize risks, and ensure long-term success in Costa Rica.
📩 Request a Consultation – Secure Your Business & Investments Today
⚖️ High-Level Legal Representation – Arbitration, Litigation & Human Rights Advocacy
At Simple Legal Consulting (SLC), we provide elite legal representation for clients who require discreet, strategic, and results-driven advocacy in high-stakes disputes.
✅ Premier Arbitration & Litigation Counsel – We handle complex cases in criminal, commercial, labor, and constitutional law, ensuring aggressive and effective representation.
✅ Strategic Dispute Resolution – Our proactive, solution-oriented approach minimizes risks while securing favorable outcomes.
✅ International Human Rights Advocacy – We represent clients before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and United Nations expert mechanisms, ensuring their rights are upheld at the highest level.
✅ Exclusive Legal Representation – We selectively take on cases where our expertise delivers the strongest impact, ensuring personalized, dedicated attention to every client.
When the stakes are high, elite legal representation makes the difference.
📩 Request a Confidential Consultation – Protect Your Rights with Expert Counsel
Herman Duarte, founder of Simple Legal Consulting (SLC)
I am Herman Duarte, a Salvadoran-Swiss-Costa Rican attorney and the founder of Simple Legal Consulting (SLC).With over a decade of experience, I have built a reputation for delivering high-level legal strategy across multiple industries. Every case is an opportunity to innovate, and I approach my work with a deep commitment to precision, transparency, and problem-solving.
My Background & Expertise
I am licensed to practice law in El Salvador (2010) and Costa Rica (2013). My academic training includes an LL.B. from ESEN (El Salvador), a degree validation at UCR (Costa Rica), and two master’s degrees—an LL.M. from Stockholm University and an MSc. from the London School of Economics, earned through the prestigious Chevening Scholarship.
As a published author and thought leader, I have written two books and over 200 legal publications. My areas of expertise include constitutional and human rights law, immigration, corporate law, real estate, labor, criminal law, and dispute resolution, covering negotiation, litigation, and arbitration. I work across diverse industries, including agriculture, education, finance, fintech, gaming, real estate, retail, software, startups, tobacco, and technology.
My Approach – Precision, Strategy & Client Vision
I believe in more than just providing legal advice—I see each case as a chance to understand new industries and craft tailored legal solutions. I work closely with my clients, prioritizing communication, transparency, and trust, because I believe in their vision. I selectively take on cases where my expertise can create the most significant impact.
If you need expert legal guidance—whether for a specific case or ongoing business support—let’s talk.
📩 Request a Consultation – Let’s Find the Right Legal Strategy for You.
Presence in Media, News and Conferences
We can be your legal advisor for a specific assignment (investment advice, obtaining a digital nomad VISA or a residency to live in Costa Rica, setting up a company, or by representing you in a litigation, ) or become your permanent trusted legal advisor, by creating a true external legal department.
We are fortunate to work with prestigious clients such as ULACIT, no.1 private university in Costa Rica, or the regional group, Financia Credit.
We firmly believe that an attorney is defined by the moral quality of the clients they defend and that, in turn, a client is defined by the moral quality and values of the attorneys they hire.
"Simply Recommended"
Herman Duarte is recognised as an important player in both litigation and arbitration proceedings. He is admitted to practice in both Costa Rica and El Salvador.” Dispute Resolution: Costa Rica and Foreign Expertise in El Salvador - CHAMBERS & PARTNERS, Global Guide 2023-2018
“I recommend Herman Duarte 100%. A passionate attorney who truly wants to help people. Herman helped reunite my family in times of crisis. Thank you from my heart!”
Rebecca Clower, Real Estate Broker in Tamarindo
“I said it once and I'll say it again, working with you really means you exceed my expectations and anticipate every need. The name "Simple" fits perfectly with the way it makes the whole process feel. Your support and advice have been key to the success of my project! Thank you Herman Duarte !! "
Isabelle Laing Meason Laennec, empresaria franco-salvadoreña en Bolivia
“In the medical profession it is of great importance to maintain a legal order. The ethics and transparency with which it is handled is of the utmost importance.
In my career and trajectory as an aesthetic doctor I have had the collaboration of great professionals such as Mr. Herman Duarte who has been of great help as a guide and legal advice.
Thanks to his work, my business has had such transparency for my patients, to offer them a treatment with legal support and protect their integrity. I hope to continue counting on the help of a great professional and human being such as Mr. Duarte.”
—Doctora Jennire Gutiérrez, (@dr.fillers) cosmetic surgeon
“Herman with his clarity, affection, experience and pragmatism helped me to remember and get back on my way. He extended the hand I needed at that moment to see my options in detail and clarity, fill me with energy, find peace and clarify my ideas. His worldview, his ability to believe that there are no impossibilities, as well as his pragmatism, make him an excellent person for those seeking advice or clarity in decision-making. Sometimes all we need is to talk things over with a person with a clear mind to be able to decide, to be able to get out of this "freezing" state in which we sometimes fall because many things happen at the same time or because of the fear of giving a wrong step. In this sense, I must say that personally, Herman helped me a lot in my process and that I am convinced that he will be of use to anyone who asks for his help.”
—Elizabeth Jimenez Mora, Human rights lawyer
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