The GAP Companies in Costa Rica: Who Handles What
Grupo GAP is the parent company behind GAP Real Estate, GAP Equity Loans and GAP Investments. Its founder, Glenn Tellier, began in mortgage financing in Canada in the 1990s and formed the GAP companies in 2008. Each company handles a different kind of request, so knowing which is which saves time. This guide to the GAP companies in Costa Rica explains who handles what, and where to start.
If you own property and need capital: GAP Equity Loans
GAP Equity Loans arranges private loans secured by titled Costa Rica property. Loans start at US$50,000, terms run from six months to three years with monthly interest-only payments, and no credit score or residency is required. Around 30% loan-to-value or less is preferred and 50% is the maximum. Borrowers pay nothing before closing, and GAP closes loans within 10 business days once the required documents are complete.
Start with a loan request, or read property-backed financing in Costa Rica first.
If you want to earn interest by lending: GAP Investments
GAP Investments works with private lenders. Loans are secured by Costa Rica real estate, the lender holds a first-lien position, and lender rates range from 9% to 16% a year. The lender receives the full agreed rate because borrowers pay the loan fees. No return is guaranteed, and lending carries real risk.
Funds and other professional capital providers speak with Glenn; see property-backed lending for professional capital. Individual lenders can start with private lending in Costa Rica.
If you want to buy or sell property: GAP Real Estate
GAP Real Estate helps buyers find property and helps owners list and sell. Sellers pay GAP Real Estate only when a sale closes, with no GAP fees before closing; the seller’s commission is agreed in the listing agreement. Buyers and sellers of any nationality are welcome, and residency is not required. List your property or browse properties.
If you have a very large project: Grupo GAP project financing
Projects of US$50 million and up, such as hotels, hospitals and major developments, are a separate process led by Steven. GAP looks for sponsors who already own the land and are shovel-ready, meaning all the paperwork is done. Sponsors who are not ready yet can still talk to GAP about preparing. The borrower pays all project preparation, permit and financing costs, and terms depend on each project. See project financing in Costa Rica.
If you need residency: CRIE
Immigration and residency are handled by CRIE, not by the GAP companies. Buying, borrowing or lending through GAP never requires residency, but if you plan to live in Costa Rica you can reach CRIE at info@crie.cr.
The people you will deal with
- Glenn, founder and managing director, sets the direction across the group and speaks with funds and professional capital providers.
- Lawsen, director of operations, keeps day-to-day loan coordination moving.
- Steven leads conversations about US$50 million-plus projects.
Our office is in Escazú, and one email address reaches all the GAP companies in Costa Rica: info@gap.cr. Learn more on the Grupo GAP team page.
When a plan involves more than one company
Many situations cross companies. Someone who sells a home abroad may buy through GAP Real Estate and lend the rest through GAP Investments. An owner may borrow through GAP Equity Loans to renovate, then sell with GAP Real Estate. You only need to explain the whole plan once; Grupo GAP directs each part to the right team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grupo GAP a bank?
No. The GAP companies in Costa Rica arrange private loans between borrowers and lenders and do not guarantee approval, funding or returns.
Which email should I use?
Use info@gap.cr for every GAP company. For immigration and residency, CRIE’s address is info@crie.cr.
Do I need Costa Rican residency to work with GAP?
No. People of any nationality can buy, borrow or lend through GAP.
Where is Grupo GAP located?
Our office is in Escazú.
This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Every loan depends on property review, documentation and lender approval, and no lending return is guaranteed.
Contact Grupo GAP → · WhatsApp us at +506 4001 6413 to get started, call 855-562-6427 from the US or Canada, or email info@gap.cr
