How Foreigners Buy Property in Costa Rica: The Complete 2026 Guide

Quick answer: Yes — foreigners can legally buy and own titled property in Costa Rica with the exact same rights as citizens. No residency, citizenship, or local partner is required. The process: sign a purchase agreement, place a deposit (usually 10 percent) in escrow, have an independent attorney run a title study at the National Registry, and close before a Costa Rican notary. Most purchases close in 30 to 60 days, with closing costs of roughly 3 to 5 percent.

One of the first questions American and Canadian buyers ask me is whether foreigners are even allowed to own property in Costa Rica. The answer is yes — and it surprises people how straightforward it is.

You Get the Same Rights as a Citizen

Costa Rica grants foreigners the same property ownership rights as its own citizens. You do not need to be a resident, you do not need a local partner, and you do not need citizenship. For titled (fee simple) property, you can own 100 percent of it outright, in your own name or through a company, with full constitutional protection of that ownership.

The one major exception is beachfront in the Maritime Terrestrial Zone, which works differently — I cover that in a separate article on titled versus concession property, and it is essential reading before you buy anything near the sand.

The Buying Process, Step by Step

Make an offer. Once you find a property, your agent prepares a written offer. When the seller accepts, you sign a purchase agreement (an opción de compra-venta) that sets the price, the closing date, and the conditions.

Put funds in escrow. You typically place a deposit (often around 10 percent) into a registered Costa Rican escrow account. Using a licensed escrow agent protects both sides and satisfies the country's anti-money-laundering rules.

Do your due diligence. This is the most important phase. Your attorney runs a title study at the National Registry (the Registro Nacional) to confirm the seller is the real owner, that the boundaries match the survey map (the plano catastrado), and that there are no mortgages, liens, easements, or unpaid taxes attached to the property.

Close. A Costa Rican notary — who is a specially empowered attorney — prepares the transfer deed, both parties sign, the balance is released from escrow, and the transfer is recorded at the National Registry. At that point the property is legally yours.

Should You Buy in Your Name or a Corporation?

Many buyers hold Costa Rican property inside a corporation, either a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) or a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL). It is not required, but it can simplify estate planning, make a future sale easier, and keep ownership organized if you buy with partners or family. There are small annual corporation taxes and reporting obligations, so it is worth discussing with your attorney whether it makes sense for you.

Use Your Own Independent Attorney

The single best piece of advice I give every buyer: hire your own bilingual real estate attorney who represents you and only you, separate from the seller. Costa Rica is a safe place to buy, but the protection comes from proper due diligence, not from assuming everything is fine. A good attorney is inexpensive relative to the purchase and will catch the things that matter.

What This Costs and How Long It Takes

A typical transaction closes in 30 to 60 days. Closing costs generally run in the range of three to five percent of the purchase price, covering the transfer tax, registration stamps, and legal fees. I break those numbers down in detail in my article on Costa Rica closing costs and taxes.

Buying here is genuinely accessible for North Americans, but it rewards people who go in informed and surround themselves with the right local team. If you want help building that team and finding the right property, that is exactly what I do.