Can Foreigners Buy Property in Costa Rica? Yes—And Here’s Why Acting Now Matters

One of the biggest questions international buyers ask us is simple: Can foreigners legally buy property in Costa Rica? The short answer is yes. In fact, Costa Rica is one of the most open markets in Latin America for international buyers. Foreigners have the same property rights as citizens when it comes to titled land.

But while the law is clear, the opportunity is not unlimited. The South Pacific region—Ojochal, Uvita, and Dominical—has become one of the most desirable areas for second homes, investments, and retirement. Inventory is tight, prime listings move quickly, and waiting too long can cost you not just money, but the lifestyle change you’re searching for.

The Legal Landscape: What Foreign Buyers Need to Know

Costa Rica real estate laws are designed to welcome international investment. Here’s what matters most:

Full Title Ownership – Foreigners can purchase and register titled property in their own name.
Corporation Option – Many buyers choose to hold property through a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.), which can simplify liability protection and estate planning.
Inheritance Rights – Properties owned by foreigners can be passed down to heirs, the same as citizens.
The Exception: Maritime Concessions – Land within 200 meters of the mean high tide mark is governed by concession laws. These properties can still be owned or leased, but the rules are more complex and require specialized due diligence.

Outside of concessions, the path to property ownership in Costa Rica is straightforward and secure—provided you work with experienced professionals to verify title, plan numbers, and escrow.

Why Acting Now Matters in Costa Rica Real Estate

Knowing that you can buy property here is only half the story. The other half is understanding the risks of waiting:

30 Days: Attractive listings are often already under contract.
60 Days: Inventory shrinks, forcing compromises on price, size, or view.
90 Days: Market appreciation and currency swings can reduce your purchasing power.
180 Days: Submarkets cycle, meaning you may pay more for less—or lose out on your preferred town entirely.

In today’s South Pacific market, prepared buyers win. Hesitant buyers often find themselves back where they started, but with fewer options and higher prices.

A Market on the Rise

Costa Rica welcomed 2.66 million air arrivals in 2024—the highest in 16 years. Many of those visitors came looking not just for a vacation, but for a lifestyle. At the same time, the World Bank recently reclassified Costa Rica as a High-Income Country (2025), signaling stability and long-term value for investors.

Closer to home, recent sales data in Ojochal, Uvita, and Dominical shows that well-priced homes are selling close to asking, with fewer discounts than in past years. This is especially true for ocean-view homes, turnkey villas, and prime lots.

From Permission to Possession

Understanding that you can legally own property in Costa Rica is just the first step. The second is turning that knowledge into action—before the market shifts again. Every month of delay risks not only increased costs, but also deferring the lifestyle you want:

Year-round warm weather instead of harsh winters.
A slower, healthier pace of life in safe, welcoming communities.
The financial clarity of low annual property taxes (just 0.25%).

At Osa Tropical Properties, our team specializes in taking you from research to keys with confidence. We provide:

Verified due diligence through trusted attorneys.
Transparent cost breakdowns including taxes, fees, and insurance.
Curated property shortlists aligned to your lifestyle and investment goals.
A step-by-step process that gets you from inquiry to ownership in six months or less.

The Bottom Line

Foreigners can absolutely own property in Costa Rica—and thousands already do. The law is on your side, the lifestyle is unmatched, and the market rewards those who move with clarity and preparation.

The only question is whether you’ll seize this opportunity before the best options are gone.

Ready to explore your options?
Book a clarity call with our team today. We’ll walk you through exactly what foreigners can own in Costa Rica—and show you which properties are available in your budget right now sales@osatropicalproperties

A Note for Sellers

While demand for Costa Rica real estate is strong, not every property sells quickly. Homes that are well-priced, high quality, and in prime locations are the ones moving near asking price. Overpriced or sub-optimal properties often linger, even in a hot market.

Our agents base valuations on real sales data and decades of local expertise—not market hype. The smartest way to sell in today’s environment is to listen to your agent’s valuation and position your property competitively from the start.

Buying a house in Costa Rica