Own your piece of paradise
Foreigners can own titled property outright — no residency required. Here's how to buy safely, step by step.
Foreigners get full ownership rights
Costa Rica grants foreign buyers the same property rights as its own citizens. You can own titled, fee-simple property outright — no residency, citizenship or special visa is required to buy.
That open-door policy is a big reason the country is so popular for investing in Costa Rica and moving to Costa Rica. If you plan to relocate, a property purchase can also support an investor visa application.
How to buy, step by step
A typical foreign purchase follows the same six stages from budget to registered deed.
Set your budget & region
Get your finances clear and pick a region — Central Valley, Guanacaste or the Central Pacific — before you start viewing.
Hire your own attorney
Work with a reputable agent and engage your OWN independent attorney. Never rely solely on the seller's lawyer.
Make an offer
Negotiate price and terms, then sign an option-to-purchase agreement that locks in the deal while you do due diligence.
Do due diligence
Verify clear registered title (Folio Real) in the National Registry, check for liens, confirm the survey, taxes and any HOA dues.
Use licensed escrow
Move all funds through a licensed escrow service — never hand money directly to the seller before closing.
Close & register
Transfer the deed before a notary public, pay the taxes and stamps, and register the property in your name.
Typical buyer costs
Closing costs are usually shared by custom or negotiation. Use these general ranges to plan — confirm exact figures with your attorney.
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax | ~1.5% of price |
| Legal & notary fees | ~1–2% of price |
| Registration stamps | ~0.5–0.8% of price |
| Escrow fee | Varies by provider |
| Total closing costs | ~4–5.5% of price |
Risks to avoid
Costa Rica is foreign-buyer friendly, but a few specific risks deserve your attention before you sign.
Title fraud
Always work with an independent attorney and a licensed escrow service, and verify the registered title yourself before any money moves.
Maritime zone & concession land
The first 200 meters from the high-tide line is mostly concession land — not fee-simple ownership — with special rules. Understand the difference before buying beachfront.
Condo & HOA fees
Gated communities and condos carry monthly HOA dues and rules. Review the budget, reserves and bylaws so there are no surprises.
Financing limits
Local mortgages for foreigners typically need ~40–50% down at higher rates, so many buyers purchase in cash. Plan your funding early.
Can it be a good investment?
With foreign-ownership-friendly law and millions of annual visitors, well-located property can deliver strong returns.
- Strong vacation-rental yields in Guanacaste and the Central Pacific.
- Full foreign-ownership rights — the same as local citizens.
- A stable democracy and a deep, growing tourism market.
Want the full numbers? Read our guide to investing in Costa Rica and browse Costa Rica destinations to find your region.
This page is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Property law, taxes and fees change and vary by case — always consult a licensed Costa Rican attorney and qualified professionals before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners buy property in Costa Rica?+
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens and can own titled (fee-simple) property outright in their own name or through a company.
Do I need residency to buy property in Costa Rica?+
No. You do not need residency, citizenship or any special visa to buy property in Costa Rica. Ownership rights are the same whether or not you live there.
What are the closing costs when buying in Costa Rica?+
Plan for roughly 4–5.5% of the purchase price in total, covering the ~1.5% transfer tax, legal and notary fees, registration stamps and escrow. Exact figures vary by property and provider.
What is maritime zone / concession land?+
The first 200 meters inland from the high-tide line is the maritime zone. Most of it is concession land — a long-term right to use the land granted by the local municipality, not outright fee-simple ownership — and it comes with special rules for foreign buyers.
Can foreigners get a mortgage in Costa Rica?+
It is possible but harder. Local banks typically require larger down payments (often 40–50%) and charge higher interest rates to non-residents, so a large share of foreign buyers purchase in cash.
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