Buying property in Costa Rica as a foreigner
What you can buy, how the property is checked, who is involved and what costs to expect.
Content under review by the agency. General guidance, not legal or tax advice.
Can a foreigner own property?
Yes. Costa Rica’s Constitution gives foreigners the same rights as citizens to own property, and you don’t need residency.
The exception is the maritime zone: the first 200 meters from the high-tide line. There you don’t buy the land; you get a concession from the municipality, with specific rules for foreigners. If the property is near the ocean, we explain this before any offer.
How the property is checked
Every property has a parcel number in the National Registry. Before signing, the title search shows who owns it, whether there are mortgages, liens or easements, and whether the survey plan matches what you see on the ground.
It’s also worth confirming with the municipality that property taxes are paid and what the zoning allows, especially for lots and farms.
Who is involved
The sale is formalized by a notary public, who drafts the deed and records it in the Registry. Buyer and seller can each have their own lawyer.
Payment usually goes through an escrow account at a regulated company: the money is released to the seller once the deed has been filed.
Under the anti-money-laundering law, the notary and the bank will ask for your ID and documents showing where the funds come from. Having them ready speeds up closing.
Costs to plan for
At closing you pay the transfer tax (1.5% of the value), registry stamps and fees, and the notary’s fees. Together they usually come to 3–4% of the price; who pays each part is agreed in the purchase option.
After that, the yearly property tax is 0.25% of the value registered with the municipality. High-value homes also pay the luxury home tax.
The steps, in order
1. Choose the property and make an offer. 2. Sign a purchase option with a deposit and a review period. 3. Check the registry, the survey plan and the municipality. 4. Sign the deed before the notary and pay. 5. Record the property in your name.
Your agent is with you at every step and can introduce you to trusted notaries and lawyers, in English or Spanish.