Investing in Costa Rica -- San Jose, Guanacaste Beaches, and Pura Vida Property
Updated May 19, 2026Intermediate20 min read
Costa Rica is one of LATAM's most stable, prosperous economies with no standing army, a 99% renewable electricity grid, and exceptional ecotourism brand recognition. The economy is robustly growing (3.5%+ GDP) and the colon has been stable / appreciating vs USD. Property markets have boomed since 2020 as US/Canadian remote workers and retirees relocated -- particularly in Guanacaste beach areas. Foreign buyers face essentially no restrictions, making Costa Rica one of LATAM's most accessible markets.
Costa Rica imposes no restrictions on foreign property ownership. Foreigners can directly own freehold property (titulado) with the same rights as Costa Rican nationals -- buy, sell, rent, mortgage, inherit. No nationality-based caps, no approval process, no residency requirement.
The first 200m from the highest tide line is the Maritime Zone (ZMT), divided into: 0-50m public domain (Zona Publica, no construction/ownership), and 50-200m restricted zone (Zona Restringida) where ONLY concessions (not freehold) are granted. Foreigners can hold concessions through a CR corporation with majority CR ownership (51%+).
Short-term lets must be registered with ICT (Tourism Board), pay 13% VAT, and pay income tax. Some condo HOAs prohibit short-term lets in bylaws. Beach communities (Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio) have established short-term-let economies.
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Figures are indicative and subject to change. Regulations, taxes and market conditions vary by jurisdiction. Do your own due diligence and seek independent legal and financial advice.
