The opportunity
Why savvy investors
choose Costa Rica.
🌿
Political stability
Costa Rica has been a democracy since 1949 — no army, strong institutions and one of the most stable governments in Latin America. Your investment is protected.
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8.4% annual appreciation
Premium zones like Escazú, Santa Ana and coastal areas have seen consistent property value growth over the last decade, outperforming many US and European markets.
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World-class lifestyle
From Pacific surf breaks to Caribbean beaches, cloud forests and vibrant cities — Costa Rica offers a quality of life that attracts expats, retirees and remote workers worldwide.
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3 hours from Miami
Direct flights from major US and European cities. Easy to visit, easy to access. Costa Rica is one of the most connected countries in Central America.
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Foreigners buy freely
Costa Rica's constitution grants foreigners the same property rights as citizens. No restrictions on foreign ownership — full title, full rights.
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Digital nomad hub
With fast internet, coworking spaces and a growing expat community, Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the top destinations for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
V
"Properties priced correctly and professionally photographed receive 3× more inquiries. Your NIDO advisor will analyze the ideal market value for any property you're interested in."
Legal residency
Live legally in Costa Rica
with the Rentista Visa.
Costa Rica\'s Rentista residency program allows foreigners to live legally in the country by demonstrating a stable passive income. It is one of the most accessible residency programs in Latin America.
Requirements
✓ Minimum $2,500 USD/month in stable passive income
From pension, investment returns, rental income or annuity
✓ Proof of income source
Bank statements, pension documents or investment records
✓ Clean criminal record
From your home country, apostilled and translated
✓ Valid passport
Must be valid during the application process
✓ Birth certificate
Apostilled and officially translated into Spanish
Residency duration
Initial 2-year residency, renewable indefinitely. After 3 years you can apply for permanent residency.
Work authorization
Rentista visa does not authorize employment in Costa Rica, but you can work remotely for foreign companies freely.
Path to citizenship
After 7 years of legal residency you can apply for Costa Rican citizenship, one of the most valued passports in LATAM.
Tax benefits
Foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed in Costa Rica. Consult a local tax attorney for your specific situation.
Processing time
Typically 6–18 months. NIDO can connect you with trusted immigration attorneys who specialize in residency applications.
ℹ️ The information above is for general reference only. NIDO can connect you with certified immigration attorneys in Costa Rica for personalized legal advice on your residency application.
Where to buy
Costa Rica's top
real estate zones.
Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM)
Coastal & Beach Zones
How it works
Buying in Costa Rica
step by step.
NIDO guides you through every step of the process — from the first property search to signing at the notary.
01
Browse & connect
Explore verified properties on NIDO's portal. Filter by zone, price and type. Contact a certified English-speaking NIDO advisor who will guide you through the process.
02
Property visits
Your advisor coordinates property visits — in person or via virtual tour. We can schedule multiple properties in a single trip to maximize your time.
03
Due diligence
NIDO verifies the property in the National Registry of Costa Rica. We check title status, liens, encumbrances and zoning restrictions before you make an offer.
04
Letter of intent & offer
Once you have found your property, your advisor helps draft a letter of intent and a formal purchase offer with all legal protections in place.
05
Promise of sale contract
Both parties sign a promissory sale contract (promesa de compraventa) with your deposit — typically 10% of the agreed price. Legally binding in Costa Rica.
06
Closing at the notary
The final deed (escritura) is signed before a Costa Rican notary public. Transfer tax (1.5%) and legal fees apply. NIDO accompanies you through the entire closing.
Closing costs reference
Property transfer tax1.5% of sale pricePaid to the government
Notary & legal fees1.25% – 1.5%Shared equally between buyer and seller
National Registry stamps~0.5%Registration of the new deed
NIDO buyer representationIncludedNo buyer commission — NIDO is paid by the seller
Why NIDO
Your trusted partner
in Costa Rica.
🔐
100% verified properties
Every property on NIDO is cross-referenced with the Costa Rican National Registry. No surprises — clear title, verified ownership.
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English-speaking advisors
Your NIDO advisor speaks English fluently and understands the needs of international buyers. No language barrier, no confusion.
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AI-powered market analysis
Valeria, our AI assistant, provides real-time market comparables, price analysis and neighborhood insights to help you make informed decisions.
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Legal & notarial support
NIDO coordinates with trusted Costa Rican attorneys and notaries to ensure your purchase is legally sound from offer to closing.
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Transparent process
Track every step of your purchase from your buyer dashboard. Know exactly where you are in the process at all times.
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No buyer commission
NIDO's commission is paid by the seller (4%). As a buyer, you get full professional representation at no cost to you.
Ready to start?
Find your home
in Costa Rica.
Browse verified properties or connect with a certified English-speaking NIDO advisor. No commitment required.
Also available in Español →