Real Estate Insights
According to the Costa Rican Constitution, foreigners and entities controlled by foreigners have the same rights of Costa Rican citizens. Both are equally permitted to own real estate directly in Costa Rica. Moreover, an investment in real estate in Costa Rica, with a minimum of US$200,000 grants a foreign purchaser the right to opt for a resident investor visa. As for the second part of the question pertaining to owning beach front or coastal land, or land near a beach front, there is a special programme applicable in Costa Rica. Its regulations are provided in the Maritime Zone Act of Costa Rica (Act No. 6043 of 1977), which states that the maritime zone will be 200 metres wide starting at the ordinary high tide mark. After these 200 metres, the first 50 metres inward will always remain in the public domain and may be fully accessed by any interested party. Therefore, access cannot be restricted. As for the remaining 150 metres in the 200 metres in the maritime zone, which is defined as the “restricted zone”, the state may grant a real estate concession for private individuals. Concessions can be held by corporate entities controlled by foreigners with a percentage that does not exceed 50 per cent of the actual stock issued in said corporation.