Costa Rica
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ENTRY FROM
$150 000
A benchmark for luxury condos (Escazú, Santa Ana)
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YIELD
7–9%
approximately, for priority locations
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RESIDENCY
from $200 000
Inversionista Residence Permit; the threshold is being revised in accordance with Law No. 9996
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PAYMENTS
USD
Transactions in the foreign demand segment are predominantly denominated in dollars
Why Costa Rica
A niche jurisdiction catering to the wealth preservation and premium lifestyle segments, offering a high level of legal protection for property titles held by foreigners and political stability that is above the regional average.
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Equality Before the Law
Foreigners may own real estate under the same conditions as citizens (Article 45 of the Constitution).
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Payments in dollars
Transactions and leases in the foreign demand segment are denominated in USD
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Low property tax
The base property tax rate is 0.25% per year.
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Institutional stability
One of the region's most stable democracies, with sovereign ratings on an upward trend.
Ownership structure
The vast majority of investment real estate is available to foreigners on a freehold basis. The key exception is the coastal zone.
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Freehold outside the ZMT zone
Full ownership without discrimination based on citizenship—a fundamental, secure framework
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ZMT Coastal Zone
The first 200 meters from the high-tide line are subject to a concession arrangement; they are not fully owned. Not included in the standard offer.
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Condominiums and Apartments
Escazú, Santa Ana — the primary option for long-term rentals.
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Branded residences
Completed properties managed by international operators in Guanacaste.
Key locations
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PRIORITY
Escazú / Santa Ana
Premium apartments, expats and corporate demand, long-term rentals
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SELECTIVE
San Jose (business districts)
Apartments and Offices, Long-Term Corporate Leases
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SELECTIVE, ENHANCED CHECK
Guanacaste (Papagayo, Tamarindo)
Resort cluster, highest demand from the U.S. and Canada, water shortage
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ENHANCED CHECK
Nosara / Manuel Antonio
Eco-villas and vacation rentals, lower liquidity
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OUTSIDE THE OFFERING
ZMT Coastal Zone
Concession, not freehold
Taxes and Expenses
| Tax | Rate | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Tax | 1.5% | Payable upon registration |
| Capital Gains (CGT) | 15% | From the seller's net profit |
| Withholding tax on sales by non-residents | 2.5% | Advance payment toward the seller's CGT |
| Property Tax (IBI) | 0.25%/year | Based on the registered value |
There is no separate inheritance tax, but the transfer of property involves notary and registration fees. The $150,000 residency permit threshold was in effect on a temporary basis (Law No. 9996)—its applicability and the current threshold are verified as of the date of filing.
How We Help
The full cycle—from candidate selection to closing the deal.
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Property Selection
The priority is liquid condominiums in Escazú and Santa Ana, as well as ready-to-move-in branded residences.
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Legal Review
Verification of the Registro Nacional, Plano Catastrado, access to water (AyA/ASADAS), and land status.
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Transaction Support
Bank coordination, sources of funds, ownership structure (individual/S.A./S.R.L.), and registration.
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Post-Purchase Support
Support for management, leasing, tax reporting, and immigration procedures.
Costa Rica is not presented as a market offering a guaranteed return of 7–9%. The actual net return depends on the location, lease model, and operating expenses, and requires a separate calculation.