How to buy property in Costa Rica (2025 Guide)
Buying a property in Costa Rica is a unique opportunity, but it is also a process that requires attention, experience, and specialized legal support.
Mistakes in a real estate transaction can lead to delays, unnecessary costs, and legal problems that affect the tranquility of your investment.
At KMR Legal, we assist local and foreign buyers by offering comprehensive and differentiated support, combining exhaustive due diligence, secure fund management through escrow, and independent legal representation, protecting all of the buyer's interests at every stage.
Can foreigners buy a property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners have practically the same rights as nationals, with exceptions such as maritime concessions in restricted areas.
But being able to buy does not guarantee security: the key lies in who supervises the legal process and how each step of the transaction is managed.
The unique support provided by KMR Legal
Different from other attorneys, at KMR Legal we offer comprehensive and complete support covering all legal, registration, and financial risks. Before any closing or transfer of funds, our team conducts a detailed review of the property and all documentation.
Among other aspects, our legal protection process includes:
• Registration review (folio real): history of titles, encumbrances, annotations, and any restrictions affecting the property.
• Purchase agreement: drafting or review with clear clauses, secure conditions, and escrow support.
• Tax and municipal status: control of debts, permits, and tax compliance.
• Identity and legitimacy of the seller: prevention of fraud, false powers of attorney, or special restrictions.
This focus ensures that our clients receive legal support that goes far beyond closing the deal, avoiding hidden risks that other attorneys or real estate agents may not detect.
How we secure your purchase
1. Registry verification – Preliminary analysis of title, encumbrances, and annotations.
2. Review and drafting of the purchase agreement – protection of rights and clear conditions.
3. Complete due diligence – legal, financial, and registry evaluation before committing funds.
4. Escrow supervision – coordination with reliable trust companies to release funds securely and in accordance with the agreement.
5. Granting of deed and registry registration – notarization, payment of taxes, and legal transfer to the buyer.
Frequently asked questions from foreign buyers
Can I buy as an individual?
Yes. In most cases, you can do so in your own name or through a Costa Rican company.
Is it safe to transfer money from abroad?
Yes, as long as you use formal banking channels and regulated escrow services. Avoid direct payments without contractual backing or independent custody.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the complexity of the title and the National Registry. Professional due diligence minimizes delays and prevents surprises.
Why you should NOT hire the lawyer recommended by the real estate advisor without doing your research.
Many buyers trust the lawyer recommended by a real estate agent, thinking that working with an international brand guarantees security. This is false: the brand's reputation does not ensure that the agent has legal knowledge or the ability to protect the buyer.
Choosing an independent, specialized lawyer is the most important decision you can make when buying a property.
Although many real estate advisors recommend a notary or lawyer, that recommendation may represent a conflict of interest.
Risks of relying on the agent's lawyer:
• Conflict of interest: they may represent the seller or the agent, but not the buyer.
• Lack of technical expertise: even agents working for international real estate brands do not always have a thorough understanding of critical legal, registration, and tax issues, which could cause problems in the future.
• Limited due diligence: some real estate agents push to close quickly, without verifying titles or documentation, so they sometimes prefer professionals who perform a simple review.
• Lack of regulation in the real estate sector: in Costa Rica, real estate advisors or agents are not regulated, nor is there any government oversight. Anyone can act as an agent without requiring a license or legal training, so it is important to thoroughly research the real estate agent, regardless of whether they work with an international brand or not. This means that many do not have the technical or legal expertise to know whether they are selling a dream... or a problem.
• Protection of your money: at KMR Legal, we only work with reliable escrow services, with supporting documents containing clear instructions and bank traceability.
With KMR Legal, your purchase does not depend on the good faith of third parties or the reputation of a real estate brand, but on comprehensive, professional, and independent legal support that protects every step of your investment.
Your investment deserves professional support.
Before signing any agreements or transferring funds, it is essential to have a specialist lawyer with comprehensive support.
At KMR Legal, we offer:
• Complete due diligence
• Secure handling of funds through escrow
• Notarial and registry representation
• Supervision until the final registration of the property in your name.
With us, your investment not only becomes a reality, but is also protected with complete security and tranquility.
KMR Legal
Your legal peace of mind, our human commitment.
🌐 www.kmrlegal.com
