LEGAL LAND OWNERSHIP

Costa Rican law recognizes the absolute right to ownership of real property. Foreigners have equal constitutional rights to the Costa Ricans in regards to buying and owning real estate. A foreigner is not required to have residency in Costa Rica to purchase property. A foreigner is able to enter the country on a 90 day tourist visa which may be renewed. However residency is required to live here long-term.

The Civil code requires all documents related to the title of real property be recorded in the registry. The property section acts as a depositary of documents which have been filed and executed. Stewart Title and other title companies are available for title guarantee services.

• Annual taxes are accessed at 0.25% of the registered value of the property
• Transfer tax is approximately 1.5% of the registered value
• Public Registry fees are approximately 1% of registered value
• Notary fees are approximately 1.5%