Buying land in Costa Rica as a foreigner, step by step
Foreigners can own titled land in Costa Rica in their own name, with the same rights as citizens, outside the maritime-terrestrial zone. Buying a lot at Yakú, or anywhere in Costa Rica, follows the same path of title study, your own lawyer, a notary deed and registration in the National Registry.
Last updated: 2026-11-09
This guide is general information prepared by the seller, who has an interest in the sale. It is not legal, tax or immigration advice and may not reflect recent changes. Laws and fees change; confirm every point with an independent Costa Rican lawyer of your choice before signing or paying anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-22.
Official sources used in this guide: Law 6043, Maritime-Terrestrial Zone · National Registry · Law 6999, Transfer Tax · Law 7575, Forestry Law · SUGEF · National Notary Office (DNN)
Titled land vs. the maritime-terrestrial zone
The first thing to know is whether a property is titled land or a beach concession.
| Titled land | Maritime-terrestrial zone (ZMT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Inland, beyond the coastal strip | The first 200 m from the high-tide line |
| What you hold | Ownership, recorded in the National Registry | The first 50 m are public; the next 150 m can only be held under a concession with a time limit |
| Foreigners | Same rights as citizens | Restricted: concessions generally require years of residency |
| Law | Civil Code and National Registry | Law 6043 |
Yakú is inland. The seller states the lots are outside the maritime-terrestrial zone; the title of each lot is being confirmed.
Title study in the National Registry
Before you pay, your lawyer checks the property in the National Registry.
- Property number (número de finca): the ID of the land in the Registry.
- Cadastral plan (plano catastrado): the official survey with the area and boundaries.
- Liens and annotations: mortgages, easements, seizures or pending claims recorded on the property.
- Owner: that the person or company selling is the registered owner and can sign.
- Land use and water: zoning, creeks and springs. Protected strips along creeks are set by Law 7575.
You can request a literal certificate (certificación literal) online with the property number.
Your own lawyer and the notary
Hire your own lawyer, chosen by you, and do not rely on the seller's.
- Your lawyer reviews the title, the plan, the contract and the payment terms, and protects your interests.
- The notary is a lawyer authorized to sign deeds. The notary prepares the transfer deed and files it with the Registry.
- You can check that a lawyer is licensed with the Bar Association and that a notary is active with the DNN.
Escrow and deposits
Use escrow so your money is protected until the conditions are met.
- An escrow service holds your deposit or payment until the deed is signed and registered.
- The written agreement should say when the deposit is refunded and when it is not.
- Your lawyer can tell you which escrow option fits your purchase.
- Do not wire money before you have a written agreement your lawyer has reviewed.
Taxes and closing costs
Expect a transfer tax, registry stamps and notary fees at closing, plus an annual municipal property tax. Confirm with your notary.
- Transfer tax: set by Law 6999 and charged on the transfer of real estate.
- Registry stamps and fees: paid to record the deed in the National Registry.
- Notary fees: agreed with the notary.
- Annual property tax: paid to the municipality, based on the registered value.
- Your home country: you may have taxes or reporting duties there too. Ask a tax advisor.
Amounts change. Ask your notary for a written estimate before closing.
Residency
Buying property may qualify you for some types of Costa Rican residency. It may qualify — consult a lawyer.
Requirements, minimum amounts and whether the property must be in your own name change over time. Talk to an immigration lawyer before you buy if residency matters to you.
Buying from abroad with a power of attorney
You can buy without traveling, with a power of attorney and your lawyer.
- Walk the lot by video call with us, and ask for the site plan and the lot's details in writing.
- Hire your own lawyer in Costa Rica and have them run the title study.
- Sign a power of attorney at home, before a notary, with an apostille, so someone you trust can sign for you.
- Close through escrow: the funds move only when the deed is signed and filed.
Your lawyer will confirm what applies in your country.
Yakú: what is confirmed today
We say what is confirmed and what is not.
- Location: Belén de Carrillo, Guanacaste, on Route 155. See location.
- Lot sizes: Most lots are half-hectare. See all lots.
- Title per lot: being confirmed.
- Financing: Owner financing available — ask for terms. See owner financing.
Sources
- Law 6043, Maritime-Terrestrial Zone (SNIT, PDF)
- Law 6043, current text (SCIJ / SINALEVI)
- National Registry — online services
- National Registry
- National Registry — Real Estate Registry Services Guide 2025 (PDF)
- Law 6999, Real Estate Transfer Tax (PDF)
- Law 7575, Forestry Law (SCIJ / SINALEVI)
- SUGEF — supervised financial entities
- National Notary Office (DNN)
- Costa Rica Bar Association — member lookup
- Ministry of Finance (Hacienda)
Walk the land
Come on a Saturday, or let us walk the lot with you on a video call. Either way, you get the price list first.
Prefer WhatsApp? Write to us at +506 8980 1919.
Where the day begins