Buying from abroad, guided every step.
From the first video call to the keys in your hand. A clear, remote-friendly process — designed for those choosing Costa Rica as their next chapter.
Buying across borders shouldn't feel like crossing a maze.
Costa Rica is one of Latin America's most open markets for foreign buyers — but the process still has its own language.
Foreigners have nearly the same property rights as nationals, except for specific restrictions in coastal and border zones. You don't need to be a resident, you don't need to live here, and you don't need a Costa Rican partner. We translate the legal framework, coordinate the structure that fits your situation and walk with you to closing — remotely if needed.
Eight steps. One single conversation.
From discovery to keys — fully remote-friendly when you can't travel, in person when you prefer.
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01
Discovery video call
We meet over Zoom, Google Meet or WhatsApp to understand what you're looking for, your budget, horizon, fiscal context and any tax or legal constraints from your home country.
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02
Search profile
We define together the zones that match your priorities — Pacific coast, Central Valley, Guanacaste or the Southern Zone. Lifestyle, climate, infrastructure and resale potential, with criterion.
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03
Property curation
We send you a short list of options with professional photos, video walk-throughs and preliminary legal documentation. Only properties that match your profile and have clean title.
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04
Corporate structure
We evaluate together — with your tax advisor — whether to buy personally or through a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.). Each option has implications for privacy, taxes, inheritance and exit strategy.
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05
Title due diligence
Cadastral map, registry annotations, liens, land use, ZMT concession status if coastal. We verify every property in the National Registry before signing any promise of sale.
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06
Power of attorney
If you can't travel for closing, we coordinate a specialized notary to draft a power of attorney that lets a trusted representative — or our legal team — sign on your behalf with full transparency.
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07
Closing in dollars or colones
We coordinate the international wire transfer, the notarial closing, the deed signing and the registry inscription. You receive everything documented, translated, and timed to your time zone.
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08
Post-closing support
Investor residency application, local bank account opening, property management for short-term rental, utility setup. The transition into Costa Rica doesn't end at the deed — and neither do we.
What buyers ask before they begin.
Can foreigners legally buy property in Costa Rica?
Yes — with nearly the same rights as Costa Rican citizens. You don't need residency or a local partner. The only significant restriction is the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (the first 200 meters from the high-tide line) and a 2 km strip along the borders with Nicaragua and Panama.
Do I need to visit Costa Rica to buy?
No. We've designed a fully remote-friendly process — video walk-throughs, digital due diligence reports, power of attorney for closing. That said, most clients prefer to visit at least once before final commitment, and we help coordinate that trip.
Should I buy personally or through a corporation?
Depends on your situation. A Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.) offers privacy, succession flexibility and easier title transfer — but adds annual maintenance cost. For smaller personal-use purchases, buying in your own name may be simpler. We evaluate this with you and your tax advisor before deciding.
What is investor residency and do I qualify?
Costa Rica grants temporary residency to foreigners who invest a minimum amount in real estate, registered businesses or qualifying securities. The threshold and requirements update periodically — we coordinate the application with specialized immigration counsel as part of post-closing support.
What's the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (ZMT)?
The first 50 meters from the high-tide line are public — you cannot own. The following 150 meters are restricted and held only through a municipal concession (not fee simple ownership), typically for 20 renewable years. If you're considering beachfront, we'll tell you upfront whether it's titled or concession — these are very different assets.
Can I get financing as a foreign buyer?
Yes, but the bar is higher. Local banks generally require established Costa Rican residency or income. International banks and private wealth divisions of certain Costa Rican institutions offer financing to foreign nationals with verifiable assets. We open the conversation with the right contact based on your profile.
What taxes will I pay as a foreign owner?
A property transfer tax at closing, annual property tax (a low percentage of registered value), and — if applicable — luxury home tax, rental income tax and capital gains on resale. Rates change. We refer you to a Costa Rican tax advisor to model your specific scenario before purchase.
Do you charge international buyers extra?
No. We work on the standard market commission paid by the seller at closing. The buyer pays us nothing directly — regardless of country of origin.
Start with a discovery call.
Tell us where you're calling from and what stage you're in. A short initial conversation defines the right route — and saves months of speculative searching.