Question 1

Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Costa Rica has strong property rights for foreigners. You can own titled land in your own name or through a Costa Rican corporation. The only restriction is within the Maritime Zone: the first 200m from the high tide line requires a municipal concession that foreign nationals cannot hold directly. Beyond 200m, there are no ownership restrictions for foreigners.

Question 2

Do I need a Costa Rican corporation to own property?

Accepted Answer

No. You can own titled property in your own name as a foreign national. A corporation is sometimes used for liability protection or tax planning but is not required.

Question 3

What is the Maritime Zone Law in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

The Maritime Zone Law (Ley 6043) governs all land within 200m of the high tide line. The first 50m is public and cannot be owned by anyone. From 50m to 200m, development requires a municipal concession that foreign nationals cannot hold directly.

Question 4

What due diligence do I need before buying land in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Title verification through the RNPN, Maritime Zone status if coastal, SETENA environmental category, road access and easements, water availability, and electricity access. A qualified Costa Rican attorney is essential.

Question 5

What are property taxes in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Property taxes are 0.25% of the registered value annually, among the lowest in the Americas. For properties valued over approximately $250,000 USD, an additional luxury tax (Impuesto Solidario) applies.

Question 6

Can I get financing to buy land or build in Costa Rica as a foreigner?

Accepted Answer

Local bank financing for foreigners is limited without established residency and Costa Rican credit history. Most foreign buyers pay cash or finance through home equity or private lenders in their home country.

Question 7

What is the process for buying titled land in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

A Costa Rican attorney performs due diligence, the parties sign a purchase agreement (Opcion de Compra), and the final transfer is done before a notary public and registered with the RNPN. The process typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Question 8

What is SETENA and why does it matter when buying land in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

SETENA is the environmental regulatory body that classifies land for development. Every construction project above a certain size requires a SETENA environmental assessment. Category D1 and D2 projects require full environmental impact studies.

Question 9

Can I buy property in Costa Rica while on a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You do not need residency to purchase property or sign contracts. You can close on a purchase while visiting on a tourist visa. Property ownership itself has no residency requirement.

Question 10

How long does it take to build a custom home in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Typically 14 to 24 months from design to key handover: design phase 2 to 3 months, permits 2 to 6 months, and construction 8 to 14 months. Coastal projects near national parks can take longer.

Question 11

How much does it cost to build a home in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

A standard residential build starts around $900 per square meter. Premium finishes range from $1,400 to $2,500 per square meter. Sloped terrain, remote locations, solar, pools, and high-end materials all add cost.

Question 12

What is the difference between steel frame and masonry construction in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Light gauge steel frame (LGSF) is faster, dimensionally precise, termite-proof, and lighter on foundations. Traditional masonry (block and rebar) is the most common method in Costa Rica and well-proven. Both produce equivalent quality when done correctly.

Question 13

Can you build on sloped or hillside land in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it is common across coastal Costa Rica. Hillside lots often produce homes with better views and cross-ventilation than flat lots. The engineering is more complex and cost higher, but results are typically superior.

Question 14

How long does the permit process take in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward rural project can be approved in 6 to 8 weeks. A coastal project near a national park with SETENA review can take 4 to 8 months. Complex zones with environmental studies add additional months.

Question 15

What are the seismic building requirements in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica sits on an active seismic zone. All construction must comply with the national seismic building code (CSCR). Steel frame construction handles seismic loads particularly well due to its flexibility.

Question 16

What is the Viva turnkey system?

Accepted Answer

Viva is a named model system for turnkey homes built with light gauge steel frame. Four tiers: Quartz Nest (up to 80m2), Amethyst Home (up to 180m2, includes pool), Obsidian Villa (up to 280m2), and Aurora Sanctuary (custom from 280m2). Each has a configurable floor plan.

Question 17

Does solar make sense in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Yes, primarily for energy independence rather than environmental reasons. The grid already runs on over 99% renewable energy. Solar eliminates vulnerability to grid outages, stabilizes long-term energy costs, and makes remote lots viable without expensive ICE line extensions.

Question 18

What is the net metering law in Costa Rica for solar?

Accepted Answer

Net metering allows grid-tied solar owners to feed excess generation back to the ICE grid and receive credits against electricity consumed. You do not receive cash, only bill credits. Circuit capacity for net metering is limited in some areas.

Question 19

What permits are required to build a home in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: a building permit from the local municipality, structural and architectural plans stamped by CFIA-registered professionals, and SETENA environmental compliance. Coastal projects may also require ICT approval.

Question 20

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Yes, strongly recommended. Property transfers are conducted by a notary public who must be a licensed attorney. You also need an attorney for title due diligence, contract review, Maritime Zone verification, and protecting your interests throughout.

Question 21

What are the residency options for foreigners in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Programs include: Pensionado (minimum monthly pension income), Rentista (minimum passive income), Inversionista (minimum investment in Costa Rica), and Digital Nomad visa (minimum remote income). Property ownership does not automatically confer residency.

Question 22

How good is private healthcare in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Private healthcare in San Jose (particularly CIMA Hospital in Escazu) is genuinely excellent and attracts medical tourists from across the Americas. In coastal and remote areas, private medical access is more limited. Medical evacuation insurance is recommended for remote locations.

Question 23

What is the cost of living in Costa Rica for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Lower than the US for most things. Construction costs are 30 to 50% below comparable quality in the US. Local groceries are inexpensive. Imported goods and vehicles are often more expensive due to import duties. A US retirement income is sustainable in most of the country.

Question 24

Is Costa Rica safe for foreigners?

Accepted Answer

Expat areas (Escazu, Santa Ana, Guanacaste beach towns, Manuel Antonio) have gated communities, 24-hour security, and cameras. Many residents feel safer there than in comparable US cities. Normal urban awareness is required in San Jose city center.

Question 25

What is the internet connectivity like in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Fiber and cable are available in all major towns and expat communities. Remote properties increasingly use Starlink, which works reliably across Costa Rica. Internet quality in developed expat areas is comparable to the US.

50 questions about building
and buying in Costa Rica.

Buying property

Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?

Do I need a Costa Rican corporation to own property?

What is the Maritime Zone Law and how does it affect coastal purchases?

What due diligence do I need before buying land in Costa Rica?

What are property taxes in Costa Rica?

Can I get financing to buy land or build in Costa Rica as a foreigner?

What is the process for buying titled land in Costa Rica?

What is SETENA and why does it matter when buying land in Costa Rica?

Are there restrictions on buying beachfront property in Costa Rica?

Can I buy property in Costa Rica while on a tourist visa?

Still have questions?

50 questions about buildingand buying in Costa Rica.

Buying property

Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?

Do I need a Costa Rican corporation to own property?

What is the Maritime Zone Law and how does it affect coastal purchases?

What due diligence do I need before buying land in Costa Rica?

What are property taxes in Costa Rica?

Can I get financing to buy land or build in Costa Rica as a foreigner?

What is the process for buying titled land in Costa Rica?

What is SETENA and why does it matter when buying land in Costa Rica?

Are there restrictions on buying beachfront property in Costa Rica?

Can I buy property in Costa Rica while on a tourist visa?

Still have questions?

50 questions about building
and buying in Costa Rica.