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 legal 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.

All properties are recorded in the National Registry. The property section acts as a depositary of documents which have been filed and executed. The Civil code requires all documents related to the title of real property be recorded in the registry. Stewart Title is 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.
• Notary fees are approximately 1.5%