Any Nationality Welcome: Why Residency Is Not Required

Many people ask whether they need to live in Costa Rica, or hold residency, to buy, sell, borrow or lend. The answer is simple: anyone from any country, citizen or not, can work with the GAP companies, and Costa Rican residency is not required. This guide explains what that means for each company, where the confusion comes from, and what still applies.

Where the confusion comes from

Many newcomers start with a bank. Banks set their own requirements, which can make bank loans harder for newcomers, and banks can take many months, if not longer, to close. After a few conversations like that, it is easy to assume every lender works the same way. With GAP, nationality, country of residence and residency status do not decide who can buy, borrow or lend.

It is worth asking early, before you rule out a purchase, a loan or a lending plan. Knowing that your immigration status does not decide eligibility can open options you may have assumed were closed, whether or not you ever apply for residency.

Buying and selling with GAP Real Estate

All nationalities welcome: Costa Rican residency is not required. Foreigners can buy titled property, and owners of any nationality can list and sell. Sellers pay GAP Real Estate only when the sale closes. Can foreigners buy property in Costa Rica? explains the important exception: land in the maritime-terrestrial zone. Under Law 6043, article 47, concessions there are not granted to foreigners with less than five years of residence in the country, among others.

Borrowing with GAP Equity Loans

If you own titled property in Costa Rica, you can borrow against it whatever your nationality or residency status, and the same applies to purchase financing. Loans start at US$50,000, no credit score is required, and there are no costs before closing. GAP closes loans within 10 business days once the required documents are complete. Who can borrow against property in Costa Rica? covers the details.

Lending with GAP Investments

Lenders of any nationality can fund loans secured by Costa Rica real estate, with lender rates from 9% to 16% a year and a first-lien mortgage in their favor. Lenders receive the full agreed rate, because borrowers pay the loan fees. You do not have to live here; see lending in Costa Rica without living here. Depending on how you lend, SUGEF registration may apply under Law 7786, article 15 bis.

What still applies

• Documents and review. Residency is not required, but identification, documents and review still are.
• Approval. Every loan depends on property review, documentation and lender approval, and approval is not guaranteed.
• The law. Tax, registration and property rules apply to everyone. Ask a Costa Rican attorney and your tax advisers how they apply to you.

If you also want residency

Immigration is a separate matter from buying, borrowing or lending, and GAP does not give immigration advice. CRIE, a separate company, handles residency and immigration questions and can be reached at [email protected]. Your property plans do not have to wait for a residency decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is residency required to buy property through GAP?

No. Costa Rican residency is not required. Coastal concession land has its own rules for foreigners.

Can a non-resident borrow against Costa Rica property?

Yes, if the property is titled. Residency is not required, and no credit score is needed.

Can I lend through GAP if I live in another country?

Yes. Lenders of any nationality can lend through GAP. Check the SUGEF and tax rules for your situation.

Does GAP help with residency applications?

No. For residency questions, contact CRIE at [email protected].

This article is general information only and is not legal, financial, tax or immigration advice. Legal references summarize Costa Rican law as published in SCIJ.

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