How to buy property in Costa Rica as a foreigner
Costa Rica is one of the few countries where a foreigner can buy property on practically the same terms as a national. This legal certainty is one of the reasons so many investors choose the country. Even so, buying abroad involves rules and procedures worth understanding before you make an offer.
The same rights as a Costa Rican
The law does not distinguish between local and foreign buyers: you can own a house, a lot or a condo without living in the country. The main exception is the maritime-terrestrial zone, the coastal strip along the sea, which follows a concession system with its own rules. If you are interested in a beachfront property, this is the first thing to review.
In your name or through a company
The property can be registered in your own name or in the name of a company created for that purpose. The second option often makes management, asset protection and future succession easier. Which one suits you depends on your plans; we analyze it with you before the purchase.
The steps of the purchase
- Review and negotiation of the offer.
- Signing a purchase agreement that protects your deposit.
- Due diligence on the property.
- Closing, payment and registration of the title at the National Registry.
Before you sign
Most problems in a purchase can be detected before closing. That is why due diligence is not just another formality: it is when you learn exactly what you are buying. If you are thinking about investing in Costa Rica, let's talk before you make an offer.
