Welcome to Your Gateway to Paradise
Helping you find your dream property in Costa Rica with expert guidance every step of the way.
Top 10 reasons to move to Costa Rica
Pura Vida Lifestyle: The local culture emphasizes a relaxed, low-stress, and community-focused approach to daily life.
Incredible Biodiversity: Microclimates range from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to pristine Pacific and Caribbean beaches to volcanos and hot springs.
World-Class Healthcare: Costa Rica offers high-quality, affordable public (Caja) and private healthcare options.
Stable Democracy: Known as the "Switzerland of Central America," it has a long history of political stability and no standing military.
Strong Focus on Sustainability: Over 98% of its electricity comes from renewable sources, and a vast portion of the country is protected national parkland.
Ideal Climate: Year-round warm weather allows for an active, outdoors-oriented lifestyle and fresh local produce.
Clean, Abundant water: Drinking the tap water won't make you sick and all the food washed in it is safe to eat
Rich Flora and Fauna: Huge variety of native fruit trees, veggies and tubers that grow easily in the rich volcanic soil. A bird lovers paradise and lots of exotic animals to try and catch a glimpse of - you'll hear them before you see them
Path to Citizenship: Costa Rica offers a clear path to citizenship for foreigners. After 7 years of legal residency (or 5 for some nationalities), you can apply for naturalization. The country allows dual citizenship, so you don't have to give up your U.S. passport.
Expat Community & Integration:There is a massive, well-established expat community. Whether you speak English or Spanish, you'll find support networks, international schools, and social groups. While learning Spanish helps with integration, many areas are very accustomed to English speakers.
Americans (and all foreigners) can buy land in Costa Rica without becoming a resident. Costa Rica places no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. Since 1995, Costa Rica allows for dual citizenship so there is no need to renounce your current citizenship to become a full time resident but you must live in Costa Rica the majority of every year.
Ownership Rights: Foreigners have the same property rights as Costa Rican citizens. You can buy residential, commercial, and agricultural land.
The "Constitutional" Catch: There is a major exception for land within 50 meters of the shoreline (the maritime zone). This area is owned by the state and cannot be privately owned by anyone, foreigner or local. You can only lease it (usually up to 25 years, renewable), not buy it.
How Ownership Works: When you buy property, your name is recorded in the Registo Nacional (National Registry). At this stage, you do not need to have a visa or residency status. The property title will simply list you as a foreign owner.
Next Steps: Once you own the property, you can use it as the basis to apply for Residency by Investment (Inversionista).
Investment Threshold: You generally need to invest a minimum of USD 200,000 (the threshold was raised from $150,000 in recent years) in real estate to qualify for this visa.
Process:
Buy the land.
Register title in your name
Apply for temporary residency
Maintain status for 3 years
Apply for permanent residency
Wait 7 years total (or 5 if you qualify for an exception)
Apply for citizenship.
Important Consideration: While you can buy the land easily, remember that owning property does not grant you the right to live there full-time. You still need a valid visa (like the Inversionista visa) to reside in the country. If you buy a vacation home but don't have a residency visa, you are limited to tourist stays (max 90 days per year).
To gain legal residency in Costa Rica, you generally start with temporary residency, which transitions to permanent residency after three years.
Key Temporary Residency Pathways
Inversionista (Investor): Requires a minimum investment of $150,000 in real estate, a business, or approved assets.
Pensionado (Retiree): Requires proof of a permanent, lifetime pension or retirement income of at least $1,000/month.
Rentista (Fixed Income): Requires proof of a guaranteed monthly income of $2,500 for two years (often via a $60,000 bank deposit).
Vínculo (Family Relationship): Available if you are immediate family to a Costa Rican citizen (spouse or child).
Required Documentation:
Note: All foreign documents must be issued within six months of submission, apostilled (internationally recognized notary) and officially translated into Spanish in Costa Rica.
Letter of intent to buy land in Costa Rica and a statement that your money has been acquired legally by you. Then you need to get this notarized by your local bank and then sent to a certified apostille which will make the document official in other countries
Birth certificate
Proof of income or qualifying investment.
Marriage certificate (if applying with a spouse).
Application Process:
Submit File: File the application with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) while in Costa Rica under a valid tourist visa.
Provisional Status: Once filed, you receive an expediente (file number) allowing you to legally stay in the country while awaiting approval (typically 9 to 15 months).
Registration & DIMEX: Once approved, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA) and schedule an appointment to receive your DIMEX identity card.
Note: Temporary residency generally prohibits working as an employee in Costa Rica (though owning a business or working remotely for foreign clients is allowed). Permanent residency removes all the working restrictions.
Disclaimer: Real estate laws and investment thresholds can change. It is highly recommended to hire a local attorney to verify the property status and current investment requirements before purchasing. We provide recommendations for lawyers and notaries that we have personally worked with and trust.
FAQs
Can foreigners buy?
Yes, foreigners can own property in Costa Rica without restrictions and have the same rights as Costa Ricans
What are the steps?
Decide which of Costa Rica's many microclimates you would like to live in and if you are looking for a house on the property or just land. We will do a thorough search based on your preferences, send you pictures and videos online and then you can come for a visit to see your top three properties.
Any tips for buyers?
Work with local lawyers to handle due diligence and contracts, verify property titles carefully, and consider the community and environment you would like to live in.
How long does it take?
Typically, the process takes 30 to 60 days from offer to closing.
Are there taxes?
Yes, expect annual property taxes to budget for.
What about financing options?
Financing is limited locally; many buyers pay cash or arrange loans through their home country.
Contact
Call us today to discuss your Costa Rican dream home
Phone
Info@Gateway2Paradise.com
+506 8828 6811
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