| sales@jacorealty.com
Buying property in another country means new rules, new paperwork, and a legal system you don’t know yet — that’s where most of the worry comes from. The good news: Costa Rica’s process is clear and buyer-friendly once you understand it, and we work with established Costa Rican real-estate attorneys to keep every transaction clean. Below are straight answers to the questions buyers ask us most. Still have one? Call or message any of us — we’ll walk you through your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
What ownership rights do foreigners have?
The same as Costa Ricans. Foreigners hold equal title rights, and ownership is recorded in a national centralized property registry.
What is a concession (beachfront) property?
The government owns the first 200 meters inland from the high-tide line — the Maritime Zone. The first 50 meters are public beach, where nothing can be built. The next 150 meters can be used under a “concession” granted by the local municipality rather than owned outright. A few areas, including parts of Jacó beach, are titled all the way to the 50-meter mark and aren’t under concession law. Titled beachfront and concession beachfront are very different things to buy — we’ll always tell you which one you’re looking at.
Is financing available?
Yes. On many of the projects we represent, financing is pre-arranged for foreign buyers (North American and European) as well as Costa Ricans. Expect to complete much of the same paperwork you would for a loan back home.
Do I need an attorney?
Yes — in Costa Rica an attorney closes the transaction. We’ll point you to experienced, qualified ones we’ve worked with.
What are the property taxes?
The annual property tax is 0.25% of the registered value of the property.
Should I hold the property in a corporation?
Often, but not always. A corporation can offer tax advantages, ownership privacy, and an easier transfer when you sell. Your attorney can walk you through the trade-offs for your situation.
How do I get title insurance?
Title insurance is available here from familiar providers — Land America, Stewart Title, and Chicago Title among them. Your agent can help you arrange it.
Can foreigners buy real estate in Costa Rica?
Yes — foreigners have equal ownership rights.
What currency is used?
The local currency is the colón, but US dollars are the usual currency for real-estate transactions.
How does residency work?
There are several paths, including temporary residency and the pensioner (pensionado) program. For your specific case, check with your nearest Costa Rican consulate — we can point you in the right direction.
How is the country organized, and what borders it?
Costa Rica has seven provinces: San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Limón, Puntarenas (which includes Jacó, Hermosa, Esterillos, Bejuco, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio), and Guanacaste. It borders Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean to the east, and the Pacific to the west.
Are internet, cable, and phone available?
Yes — internet (fiber, DSL, and wireless), cable and satellite TV, and phone and cell service are widely available, and many new builds come pre-wired.
What do I need to bring my pets?
Dogs and cats need a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued within two weeks of travel, with current vaccinations (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and rabies for animals four months or older). A valid passport is required for you, too.