Buying Property in Costa Rica From Abroad, Step by Step

Many people buy their Costa Rica home before they move, sometimes before they have even visited more than once. Buying property in Costa Rica from abroad is common, and most of the process can be handled remotely if you plan it well. This guide walks through the steps in order, with the extra precautions that matter when you are not here in person.

1. Decide what you are buying, and why

A home to live in, a rental or a lot to build on each needs different checks. Set a budget that includes closing costs, and decide early whether you will pay cash or use financing.

You do not need residency to buy. Article 19 of Costa Rica’s Constitution gives foreigners the same individual and social rights as Costa Ricans, with the exceptions and limitations set by the Constitution and the laws, and GAP works with buyers of any nationality.

2. Get trusted eyes on the ground

Photos and video tours help you shortlist, but they do not show a steep driveway in the rainy season or a neighbour’s construction. GAP Real Estate can visit, film and report on properties for you, and you can plan one trip for the final choices. Browse properties with GAP Real Estate to start.

3. Hire your attorney before you make an offer

When you are buying property in Costa Rica from abroad, choose a Costa Rican attorney and notary who regularly handles property purchases, and bring them in before you sign anything. They review the offer, run the registry and document checks and prepare the closing. Ask them early whether you will need to attend the closing or whether it can be signed another way; they will tell you what applies to your purchase.

4. Check the property remotely, but thoroughly

• the registered owner, mortgages, liens and other entries on the title;
• the survey plan, and whether it matches the land;
• legal access, water and utilities;
• municipal taxes and building permits;
• whether coastal land is titled or sits inside the maritime-terrestrial zone, which under Law 6043 belongs to the State and is used under concessions.

Our guide to due diligence before buying property in Costa Rica explains each check.

5. Move money safely

Wire fraud is the risk people buying property in Costa Rica from abroad most often underestimate. Confirm payment instructions by phone, using a number you already had, before you send any funds, and be suspicious of any last-minute change to account details. Contracts in US dollars are common, and Costa Rican law recognises contracts and obligations in foreign currency as valid and enforceable (Law 7558, article 48); your attorney confirms how payment works for your purchase.

6. Close and register

At closing, the deed is signed, closing costs are paid and the transfer is registered in the National Registry. Under Law 3883, the Registry’s purpose is to guarantee the security of registered property and rights with respect to third parties. After closing, ask your attorney to show you that the property is registered in your name, and keep checking it from time to time; see guarding against title theft.

If you need financing

Banks set their own requirements, which can make bank loans harder for newcomers, and they can take many months, if not longer, to close. If you already own titled property in Costa Rica, GAP Equity Loans can lend against it from US$50,000, with no credit score and no residency required, and close within 10 business days once the required documents are complete.

If you also plan to move

Residency is a separate process from buying. CRIE handles immigration and residency questions at info@crie.cr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy property in Costa Rica without visiting?

Much of the process can be handled remotely, but most buyers visit at least once before choosing. Your attorney confirms whether you need to be present at closing.

Do I need a Costa Rican bank account to buy?

Ask your attorney how funds will be handled for your purchase. Whatever the method, confirm payment instructions by phone before sending money.

Do I need residency to buy?

No. Buyers of any nationality can purchase property, and residency is not required.

Who can I contact at GAP?

Email info@gap.cr and your request goes to the right GAP company. Our office is in Escazú.

This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Legal references are summaries of Costa Rican law as published in SCIJ; confirm how they apply to your purchase with a licensed Costa Rica attorney or notary.

Talk to GAP Real Estate → · WhatsApp us at +506 4001 6413 to get started, call or email info@gap.cr