Costa Rica · Pura Vida by HELCOR
Ownership, coastal concessions, costs and due diligence before buying in Costa Rica. Guidance and local support from HELCOR.
An informed decision
Give the opportunity the same attention as the landscape. These are the foundations for buying as a foreign national.
In general, foreign nationals can acquire registered private property. Always verify the property’s legal status and any exceptions.
Request registry certification, the cadastral plan and checks on the owner, charges and annotations. General equality of rights does not turn a coastal concession or possession rights into freehold ownership.
Source: PGR · propiedad y personas extranjeras ↗Within the Maritime Terrestrial Zone, ownership and concessions are different legal interests. Beachfront land requires specific checks.
The general rule separates a public strip from a restricted strip. Concessions in the latter are subject to requirements, restrictions on foreign participation and legal exceptions. Counsel should verify the parcel’s regime, concession, zoning plan and transferability.
Source: Ley 6043 · arts. 9, 10, 47 ↗Beyond the price, allow for transfer tax, stamps, notarial fees and due-diligence costs. Request an itemised transaction estimate.
Separate acquisition costs from recurring expenses: municipal property tax, condominium charges and maintenance, plus the solidarity tax where applicable. Review the tax base, current rates and allocation of expenses for the specific property.
Coordinate registry and cadastral checks, technical review and movement of funds. HELCOR offers legal and escrow services.
With independent advice, decide between direct ownership and a company. Agree conditions, deposits, deadlines and closing checks in writing. An escrow arrangement should identify the custodian, source-of-funds checks and release conditions.
Source: HELCOR ↗Diagram of the general Maritime Terrestrial Zone rule, measured from the ordinary high-water mark. Specific regimes and exceptions must be checked for each parcel.
Source: Ley 6043 · arts. 9, 10, 47 ↗Indicative information. Each transaction requires specific legal advice.
Your property investment may also support a residency application. Buying does not grant it automatically: each application must meet current requirements.
| Pathway | Financial reference | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Investor | USD 150,000investmentSource: Reglamento Ley 9996 ↗ | Qualifying investment, which may include real estate. Reference under the regulations for Law 9996. Confirm validity, eligibility and the recognised value when applying. |
| Fixed-income resident | USD 2,500/ monthSource: Consulado de Costa Rica en España ↗ | Documented, stable monthly income. Confirm the qualifying income period, sources and required documents. |
| Pensioner | USD 1,000/ monthSource: Consulado de Costa Rica en España ↗ | Monthly lifetime pension from abroad. The pension must meet immigration documentation requirements. |
| Digital nomad | USD 3,000/ monthSource: Visit Costa Rica · Digital Nomads ↗ | Monthly income from remote services abroad, individual applicant. This is a stay category, not residency. Family thresholds must be checked separately. |
Indicative information. Each transaction requires specific legal advice.
Yes. Contact HELCOR by phone, email or WhatsApp to share your goals and organise the next steps. An initial conversation can help focus your search before you plan a visit.
Source: HELCOR ↗Start with how you want to use your investment. The team can help you compare locations, access, services and property types. The right location should reflect your project and budget.
Source: HELCOR ↗There is no universal figure or guaranteed return. Every property requires an assessment of its price, expenses, demand, occupancy and management. Contact HELCOR to discuss the assumptions and available information for a specific opportunity.
Source: HELCOR ↗HELCOR offers rental management, architecture, design, construction and relocation, among other services. Scope, costs and availability are agreed for each project.
Source: HELCOR ↗In general, foreign nationals can acquire registered private property. Always verify the property’s legal status and any exceptions.
Source: PGR · propiedad y personas extranjeras ↗Check whether it is registered private property or a Maritime Terrestrial Zone concession. Requirements and restrictions for foreigners differ; legal review is essential.
Source: Ley 6043 · arts. 9, 10, 47 ↗Beyond the price, allow for transfer tax, stamps, notarial fees and due-diligence costs. Request an itemised transaction estimate.
Not automatically. A qualifying investment may support a residency application if you meet current requirements and immigration approves it.
Source: Reglamento Ley 9996 ↗It depends on the lender, your profile, documentation and property. HELCOR offers mortgage support; request a feasibility assessment and written terms.
Source: HELCOR ↗Review municipal property tax and, where applicable, the solidarity tax. Renting or selling may create other obligations that require tax advice.
In some cases, a power of attorney may be used. The notary must define its scope, authentication or apostille, documentation and funds checks for your transaction.
Ownership, the cadastral plan, permitted use, water availability, environmental procedure, restrictions, access and utilities. Feasibility must be confirmed for the particular plot and project.
Source: SETENA · trámites ↗Tell us what you have in mind. The HELCOR team will help you explore how to make it part of your future.