FAQ

1. Can foreigners legally buy and own property in Costa Rica?

Yes! Foreigners enjoy generally the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens, subject to specific legal requirements. You can purchase and hold title under your personal name or through a Costa Rican corporation (such as an S.R.L. or S.A.

The Key Exception: Concession land along the coastline. Under the Maritime Zone Law, property within the first 50 meters of the high tide line is public land, and the next 150 meters are generally subject to a restricted-zone regime where use may be granted through municipal concessions, which are subject to significant restrictions on foreign ownership and control.
Outside of maritime zones, fully titled fee-simple property is standard.

2. How does buying property tie into obtaining legal residency?

Investment Threshold: Purchasing real estate valued at USD 200,000 or higher may qualify you to apply for temporary residency under the investor category, subject to applicable immigration requirements. Purchase does not automatically grants residency.
Do I need residency first? No. You can buy property on a standard visitor/tourist visa.

3. What are the common immigration pathways for moving to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers several flexible pathways depending on your lifestyle and financial background:

Pensionado (Retirees): Requires proof of a permanent and stable pension from abroad of at least USD1,000 per month.
Rentista (Guaranteed Income): Requires proof of a stable income of at least USD 2,500 per month guaranteed for two years.
Inversionista (Investors): Available for those who make a qualifying investment of at least USD 200,000 in Costa Rica, including real estate, active businesses, securities, or qualifying productive assets, subject to applicable immigration requirements.
Estancia (Digital Nomad Visa): Designed for remote workers earning at least USD 3,000 per month or USD 4,000 per month for families) from sources outside Costa Rica. This is a special "stay" category rather than a temporary residency and is generally accepted for one year, renewable for another year.