Buyers should budget for one-time costs at purchase as well as modest ongoing obligations. The categories below are intended as a general orientation; current rates and thresholds should always be confirmed with a qualified Costa Rican attorney or accountant.
At purchase (one-time)
- Property transfer tax — a transfer tax is payable when the property is registered in the buyer’s name.
- Legal, notary, and registry fees — professional and government fees associated with the deed, due diligence, and registration.
- Escrow fees — where an escrow agent is used to hold funds.
Ongoing (annual)
- Annual property tax — Costa Rica’s municipal property tax is long established at 0.25% of the registered value of the property.
- Luxury home tax (Solidarity Tax) — an additional annual tax may apply to higher-value residential dwellings above a set threshold.
- Corporate and maintenance costs — where a holding company is used, modest annual corporate obligations may apply.
Plan with professionals
Because rates, thresholds, and exemptions can change and depend on the specific property and structure, we strongly recommend obtaining a tailored estimate from a qualified Costa Rican professional before committing.
This article is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice.