If you’re thinking about packing up and moving to Costa Rica, you’re not alone. There are currently around 50,000 North Americans living in Costa Rica. It’s not hard to guess why, given the incredible nature, beaches, culture, and tropical atmosphere. Whether you’re a young family or a retiree looking to slow down, Costa Rica real estate has it all. Buying a home in a foreign country can seem daunting, but with the right help, you can make an effortlessly seamless transition from bustling city to sandy beach. Deciding where to live The very first step in moving to Costa Rica is deciding where to live! There are several cities and towns that boast thriving expat communities. If you’re looking for that beachy coastal life, perhaps you’ll like Jacó, Tamarindo, Dominical, Uvita, or Puerto Viejo. For a more rainforest and mountain-heavy experience, you might enjoy Santa Ana, Ojochal, Escazu, Atenas, or Grecia. Finding the perfect home Finding a home in a foreign country isn’t simple when you go it alone. But with Coldwell Banker realtors on your side, you’ll have a helping hand every step of the way. Our team is made up of fellow expats who visited and fell in love with Costa Rica’s incredible beauty and charm. We know how important it is to have a home that truly feels like home and we won’t rest until you find it. Establishing residency An important step in moving to Costa Rica is establishing residency. While it is difficult to obtain full-on citizenship, many expats are happy with legal resident status, as it is relatively simple and cheap to secure. There are a few different versions of residency, so it’s important to decide which one fits your lifestyle and financial situation best. Moving to Costa Rica may be the best thing you ever do for yourself. The real estate agents at Coldwell Banker would love to help you along the way.
BUYING PROPERTY IN COSTA RICA - WHO CAN BUY PROPERTY?
Anyone who can enjoy and appreciate; open space, the radiating warmth of mother nature, beautiful flowers, magical birds, monkeys and parrots as neighbors, the smell and feel of the ocean, mystic rain and cloud forests, rolling hills and pastures, fresh cool mountain air, OR even the more rapid pace of the metro city - framed by a mountainous, lush green flora ...
There is more to say about the attractions that motivate people to buy property in Costa Rica then the actual requirements: funds, desire, ability to leave your country and not much more. What will go a long way is a pinch of common sense that should lead you to the right professionals (attorney/notary, escrow company, experienced/professional realtor).
Now for the textbook Answer: A non-Costa Rican "foreigner" has the same rights to own property in Costa Rica as do citizens. All have a legal right to titled property ownership which is reflected in the laws and protected by the Constitution. Citizenship nor residency or even presence in the country, is required for land ownership.
Costa Rican law is based on the civil law system derived from Napoleanic Code with influence from the Spanish Civil Code - unlike the common law system or Anglo-American system. There is considerable difference. The entire transaction process is therefore directed by laws more intrinsic and unfamiliar to most consumers. Again the caveat appears - seek advise from the professionals.
There is one exception to the simplistic legal right to own land. Property fronting the ocean or close to the ocean, within 200 meters above the mean high tide, is known as the maritime-terrestrial zone (concession property). This zone holds certain ownership restrictions affecting foreigners. There are loopholes to some of the restrictions. Due to the scope and focus of our presentation, it is best for serious beachfront enthusiasts to look for the fine line definition and case history interpretation ... again seeking advise from the professionals.
Bon Appetite - there is an endless variety of very special properties for you to choose from. The limit is your energy to search and select the most appealing to your taste. Enjoy your venture ...