Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy property in Costa Rica without a real estate agent?

Yes.
In Costa Rica, real estate agents are not legally required for property transactions. The only required professional is a licensed Costa Rican attorney (Notario Público), who handles:

  • Title verification

  • Escrow coordination

  • Legal due diligence

  • Transfer of ownership

  • Registration with the National Registry

Many property transactions in Costa Rica—especially private sales—are completed safely and legally without agents.

How is my ownership protected as a foreign buyer?

Costa Rica offers the same property ownership rights to foreigners as to citizens.
Foreign buyers may own property directly in their personal name or through a Costa Rican corporation.

Ownership is recorded in the National Public Registry, a centralized government system that publicly tracks:

  • Legal owner

  • Property boundaries

  • Liens or encumbrances

  • Easements or restrictions

Once registered, ownership is fully enforceable under Costa Rican law.

What role does the lawyer play in the transaction?

The lawyer represents the transaction itself, not one party over the other, unless the buyer chooses to retain independent counsel.

The attorney will:

  • Confirm the property has clear and marketable title

  • Verify the cadastral survey (plano catastrado)

  • Confirm municipal zoning and land use

  • Draft the purchase-sale agreement

  • Hold or coordinate secure escrow

  • Register the deed after closing

This system is designed specifically to protect buyers and sellers—even in private sales.

How are funds handled safely during the purchase?

Funds are typically handled through:

  • A law firm escrow account, or

  • A regulated third-party escrow service approved in Costa Rica

Funds are not released to the seller until:

  • All legal conditions are met

  • Transfer documents are signed

  • Ownership is ready for registration

This protects the buyer from premature disbursement and ensures transactional security.

Can I complete the purchase remotely if I cannot be present?

Yes.
Many international buyers complete purchases remotely using:

  • A Power of Attorney (POA)

  • Digital document coordination

  • Secure escrow services

Physical presence in Costa Rica is not required to complete the transaction.

How do I know there are no hidden debts, liens, or legal issues?

Before closing, the attorney conducts a full title study, which verifies:

  • No mortgages or liens

  • No unpaid property taxes

  • No registered legal disputes

  • Proper access rights

  • Accurate property boundaries

Costa Rica’s registry system makes these checks transparent and verifiable. If an issue exists, it must be resolved before the transaction can legally close.

Why would someone sell property without using a real estate agent?

Selling without an agent is common in Costa Rica and often done to:

  • Reduce commission costs

  • Allow direct buyer–seller communication

  • Maintain pricing efficiency

  • Simplify negotiations

The legal protections remain exactly the same, as the attorney—not the agent—is responsible for ensuring a lawful and secure transfer.

What are the typical closing costs, and who pays them?

Closing costs in Costa Rica typically range from 3.5%–5% of the purchase price, depending on structure and value.

These usually include:

  • Transfer tax

  • Registry stamps

  • Legal fees

It is standard practice for buyers to pay closing costs, unless otherwise negotiated. This will be clearly outlined in the purchase agreement.

What makes Costa Rica a safe country for real estate ownership?

Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the most stable legal jurisdictions in Latin America due to:

  • Long-standing democracy

  • Strong private property protections

  • Transparent land registry

  • No restrictions on foreign ownership

  • No military since 1948

These factors have made Costa Rica a preferred destination for international property buyers for decades.

We welcome informed buyers and encourage all purchasers to work with a licensed Costa Rican attorney of their choice to ensure a smooth, transparent, and secure transaction.