Can Foreigners Buy Property in Costa Rica?
Yes — foreigners enjoy the same property ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens. This is one of the most attractive aspects of Costa Rica real estate for international buyers. Unlike many countries that restrict foreign ownership, Costa Rica welcomes it.
What You Can Own
- ✅ Titled property (fee simple) — full ownership, same as citizens
- ✅ Condominiums — individual ownership with shared common areas
- ✅ Agricultural land — no restrictions on size or use
- ✅ Commercial property — offices, retail, hotels
- ⚠️ Concession land (maritime zone) — long-term lease, not full ownership (see our concession land guide)
No Residency Required
You don't need to be a resident of Costa Rica to buy property. Tourists can purchase and own property freely. However, owning property does not automatically grant you residency — though the Inversionista (investor) visa requires a $150,000+ real estate investment.
How to Buy: Step by Step
- Find a property — use SIXPERCENT's free AI search to browse Costa Rica listings
- Hire a lawyer — essential for due diligence and closing
- Due diligence — title search at Registro Nacional, survey (plano catastrado), zoning check, lien search
- Sign purchase agreement — typically with 10% deposit in escrow
- Close through a notary — all CR real estate must close via notary (who is also a lawyer)
- Registration — property recorded at Registro Nacional
Holding Property: Personal Name vs. Corporation
Many buyers hold property through a Costa Rican corporation (Sociedad Anónima or SRL). Benefits include:
- Easier transfer (sell shares instead of property — avoids transfer tax)
- Privacy
- Simplified inheritance
- Liability protection
However, corporations have annual costs (~$100-200/year corporate tax + legal requirements). Discuss with your attorney which structure works best.