Good news first: in Costa Rica, foreigners can buy and own titled property with the same rights as Costa Rican citizens. You do not need residency, and you can buy in your own name or through a local company. Here is how a typical purchase works.
1. Choose the area and visit
Costa Rica’s regions are very different: Central Valley cities, Pacific surf towns, the Caribbean coast or the remote south. Visit before you decide, ideally in both the dry and the rainy season. Our area guides are a good starting point.
2. Make an offer and sign a purchase agreement
Once a price is agreed, buyer and seller sign an option or purchase agreement that sets the price, the deposit, the due-diligence period and the closing date. The deposit (often around 10%) should be held by a registered escrow company, never paid directly to the seller.
3. Due diligence by your lawyer
- Title search at the National Registry (Registro Nacional): owner, liens, mortgages and easements.
- Survey plan (plano catastrado) that matches the land and the registry.
- Legal access, water availability letter, electricity and zoning.
- Maritime zone or environmental restrictions (rivers, slopes, protected areas).
- Municipal property taxes and utilities paid up to date.
4. Closing before a notary
In Costa Rica, the transfer deed (escritura) is signed before a notary public, who is always a lawyer. The notary then registers the deed at the National Registry. Transfer taxes, registry fees and notary fees are paid at closing — see our guide on closing costs.
5. After the purchase
Update the property with the municipality, transfer the utilities and keep your property tax declaration current. Banks will ask for documentation on the origin of the funds you transfer, so prepare it early.
Ready to start? Contact Costa República and we will guide you from the first visit to the keys.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and amounts change: always confirm with an independent Costa Rican lawyer before you buy.
