A comprehensive guide to navigating the property acquisition process in Costa Rica, ensuring your investment is secure and compliant with local laws.
1. Can Foreigners Buy Property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Costa Rica allows foreigners to buy property with the same rights as locals. You don’t need to be a resident to own land, homes, or commercial property — except for restricted maritime zones (see section 5).
At Grupo Alfaro Prieto, we provide clear legal guidance to foreign buyers, ensuring every purchase complies with Costa Rican law and is free of risk.
2. Start with a Reputable Real Estate Agent and Attorney
Work only with licensed professionals. Your real estate agent should be familiar with the area, and your attorney must be a registered notary public in Costa Rica.
At Grupo Alfaro Prieto, our team includes notarial experts who work alongside your real estate broker to review, verify, and secure your investment from day one.
3. Conduct a Title Search and Due Diligence
- Request a certified property report from the National Property Registry.
- Confirm the property is free of liens, mortgages, or disputes.
- Verify boundaries, zoning, easements, and ownership.
Our notaries at Grupo Alfaro Prieto handle full due diligence to ensure your purchase is clean, legal, and strategically sound.
4. Sign a Purchase Agreement
- Draft a binding purchase-sale agreement.
- Protect your interests with clear legal terms and penalties
- Assist you in reviewing and signing — remotely if needed.
Our legal team ensures all documentation reflects your best interests and is executed properly.
5. Be Cautious with Maritime Zone Properties
- First 50 meters are public.
- Next 150 meters require a concession.
- Foreigners can only hold concessions under certain conditions (usually with residency).
Our notarial department evaluates these cases thoroughly to protect your investment from future legal issues.
6. Close the Deal Before a Notary Public
- The public deed (escritura pública).
- Registration in the National Property Registry.
- Payment of transfer tax (1.5%) and notary fees.
We even offer mobile notarial services, traveling to your home, business, or project site when needed.
7. Register the Property Under Your Name or a Corporation
- Personally (simple and direct), or
- Under a Costa Rican corporation (for privacy, tax planning, etc.)
Our attorneys and notaries will advise you on the best legal structure for your needs and handle the incorporation process if required.
8. Keep Your Property in Good Legal Standing
- File annual property taxes.
- Comply with luxury tax regulations (if applicable).
- Avoid title risks or ownership disputes.
- Maintain ongoing legal support with our firm.
At Grupo Alfaro Prieto, we’re not just here for the sale — we’re here for the long term.
Final Thoughts
Buying property in Costa Rica is a great opportunity — but only when you do it with the right legal guidance. At Grupo Alfaro Prieto, our team of notarial and real estate law specialists ensures your process is safe, compliant, and stress-free, from first inquiry to final registration.
