The Legal Side of Costa Rica
Featuring Articles Written by Oscar Hernandez, Attorney









Oscar Hernandez is an Immigration Attorney 
Located in San Jose, Costa Rica. He & His Team at
Expat Legal Advisors understand the needs 
of the Expat who has begun a NEW LIFE in Costa Rica.
They know that the best way to enjoy the Pura Vida Lifestyle is to 
have complete knowledge of the Laws of the Land. .
Understanding the Law & Living the Dream. .


Living the Pura Vida lifestyle in Costa Rica means more than enjoying its beaches, jungles and peaceful rhythm.
It means embracing a new way of life built on respect, knowledge and connection. 
At Expat Legal Advisors, we believe that the more you understand the laws of the land, 
the more fully and confidently you can enjoy the beauty of your new home.

These insightful articles, written by Attorney Oscar Hernández, who practices law in San José, 
are designed to guide you through the legal landscape of Costa Rica with clarity and purpose. 
From legal residency & real estate to healthcare & daily living, Oscar’s experience and dedication help demystify complex legal topics, empowering expats to make informed decisions 
and live freely within the framework of Costa Rican law.

Knowledge is Peace of Mind. . and Peace of Mind is Pura Vida. .

Here, you’ll find practical wisdom, trusted guidance and the tools to help you thrive
 as a well-informed member of Costa Rica’s expat community.
Enjoy this Article
Written Especially
for You. .
Buying Property in Costa Rica as a Foreigner:
Legal Framework, Risks & Best Practices. .


Buying property in Costa Rica as a foreigner is widely regarded as a secure and attractive option thanks to the country’s democratic stability, strong legal institutions, and well-established system for protecting private property. Under Article 19 of the Costa Rican Constitution, foreigners enjoy the same rights and obligations as citizens, meaning they may acquire real estate without holding citizenship or legal residency. In most cases, foreigners can hold full ownership of private property, with limited exceptions in specially regulated areas such as the Maritime–Terrestrial Zone along the coastline and certain border regions, where additional restrictions or residency requirements may apply.

Outside these regulated zones, foreign buyers benefit from a high level of legal certainty, provided that proper legal due diligence is conducted. Costa Rica maintains a centralized and public National Property Registry, allowing attorneys and notaries to verify ownership, confirm that registry information matches the deed, and ensure the property is free of liens, mortgages, easements, or judicial claims. A thorough review should also include a physical inspection of the property, confirmation of boundaries and access, and verification of zoning, environmental, and municipal regulations. When potential risks are identified, it is common practice to use escrow or trust arrangements until outstanding issues are resolved.

All real estate transactions in Costa Rica must be formalized through a public deed executed before a notary public, and ownership is legally transferred only once the deed is registered with the National Registry. Closing costs typically include a 1.5 percent property transfer tax, with possible reductions for certain residency categories, as well as stamps and notarial fees that together usually total around 2.5 percent of the purchase price. After acquisition, owners must comply with ongoing obligations such as the annual property tax, potential luxury home tax, and applicable income or capital gains taxes if the property is rented or later sold.

Most legal disputes involving foreign buyers arise from avoidable mistakes, including failing to retain independent legal counsel, skipping comprehensive due diligence, misunderstanding coastal concession rules, or relying on private agreements instead of properly registered deeds. Overall, purchasing property in Costa Rica can be a sound and rewarding investment, especially when supported by experienced legal guidance that ensures the transaction is properly structured, compliant with local law, and aligned with broader investment or residency goals.


Lic. Oscar Andrés López Hernández
Attorney-at-Law
Expat Legal Advisors
When You're in Need of Legal Advice in Costa Rica, 
Contact 
Oscar Hernandez at

WhatsApp: 
506-8543-7650

Email:
legal@expatlegaladvisors.com


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