One country. Endless possibilities.
Live, invest or develop in one of Latin America’s most stable countries.
Nature, international connections and a setting worth understanding through evidence. These are a few starting points for looking at Costa Rica as an investor.
The country announced the abolition of its army, a landmark in its democratic identity.
Source: Museo Nacional de Costa Rica ↗Of domestic electricity generation in 2025. This is not a measure of total energy use.
Source: ICE · 2025 ↗2,943,991 arrivals in 2025 across all entry routes: +0.8% versus 2024 (calculated from ICT data).
Source: ICT · cuadro / table 11 ↗Real annual growth in 2025, as reported by the Central Bank.
Source: BCCR · Memoria anual 2025 ↗The colón is the local currency. HELCOR also lists properties in US dollars; confirm the currency of each transaction.
Source: BCCR · indicadores ↗Source: HELCOR ↗Brilliant blue rivers, forests in the clouds and wildlife that turns every walk into a discovery. Nature has countless ways to surprise you here.
Explore its contrasts. Choose a region to understand its character and the questions worth asking before investing.
Indicative areas, not administrative boundaries. Nosara is grouped with Guanacaste here; Nicoya refers to the southern peninsula. Source: Natural Earth · public domain ↗
Our base: the Central Valley.
HELCOR supports you from Ulloa de Heredia. Explore the area ↗
Guanacaste
Beaches, marinas and coastal communities with very different settings. Compare each location by access, services and the experience you want to offer.
Nicoya Peninsula
In the southern peninsula, beach life and community shape the day. A setting for distinctive projects, where access and utilities deserve careful attention.
Central Pacific
Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio combine beaches, services and nature experiences. Compare personal use and hospitality with a local perspective.
South Pacific · Costa Ballena
Green mountains overlooking the ocean and small coastal towns. Explore land and nature-led projects with particular attention to feasibility.
South Caribbean
Rainforest beside the sea, Afro-Caribbean culture and distinctive towns. Consider small-scale hospitality and a close connection to the community.
Central Valley
Residential neighbourhoods, services and connections for everyday life. HELCOR is based here, in Ulloa de Heredia, supporting your search on the ground.
Northern region and mountains
The volcano, cloud forest and trails inspire projects connected to adventure and rest. Compare microclimates, access and day-to-day operation.
An informed decision
Give the opportunity the same attention as the landscape. These are the foundations for buying as a foreign national.
In general, foreign nationals can acquire registered private property. Always verify the property’s legal status and any exceptions.
Request registry certification, the cadastral plan and checks on the owner, charges and annotations. General equality of rights does not turn a coastal concession or possession rights into freehold ownership.
Source: PGR · propiedad y personas extranjeras ↗Within the Maritime Terrestrial Zone, ownership and concessions are different legal interests. Beachfront land requires specific checks.
The general rule separates a public strip from a restricted strip. Concessions in the latter are subject to requirements, restrictions on foreign participation and legal exceptions. Counsel should verify the parcel’s regime, concession, zoning plan and transferability.
Source: Ley 6043 · arts. 9, 10, 47 ↗Beyond the price, allow for transfer tax, stamps, notarial fees and due-diligence costs. Request an itemised transaction estimate.
Separate acquisition costs from recurring expenses: municipal property tax, condominium charges and maintenance, plus the solidarity tax where applicable. Review the tax base, current rates and allocation of expenses for the specific property.
Coordinate registry and cadastral checks, technical review and movement of funds. HELCOR offers legal and escrow services.
With independent advice, decide between direct ownership and a company. Agree conditions, deposits, deadlines and closing checks in writing. An escrow arrangement should identify the custodian, source-of-funds checks and release conditions.
Source: HELCOR ↗Diagram of the general Maritime Terrestrial Zone rule, measured from the ordinary high-water mark. Specific regimes and exceptions must be checked for each parcel.
Source: Ley 6043 · arts. 9, 10, 47 ↗Indicative information. Each transaction requires specific legal advice.
Your property investment may also support a residency application. Buying does not grant it automatically: each application must meet current requirements.
| Pathway | Financial reference | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Investor | USD 150,000investmentSource: Reglamento Ley 9996 ↗ | Qualifying investment, which may include real estate. Reference under the regulations for Law 9996. Confirm validity, eligibility and the recognised value when applying. |
| Fixed-income resident | USD 2,500/ monthSource: Consulado de Costa Rica en España ↗ | Documented, stable monthly income. Confirm the qualifying income period, sources and required documents. |
| Pensioner | USD 1,000/ monthSource: Consulado de Costa Rica en España ↗ | Monthly lifetime pension from abroad. The pension must meet immigration documentation requirements. |
| Digital nomad | USD 3,000/ monthSource: Visit Costa Rica · Digital Nomads ↗ | Monthly income from remote services abroad, individual applicant. This is a stay category, not residency. Family thresholds must be checked separately. |
Indicative information. Each transaction requires specific legal advice.
The same inspiration can lead to very different projects. Start with what you want to achieve.
A new life, a second home or somewhere to return to. Find a location that reflects how you want to live and enjoy the country.
Home selection, viewings, legal coordination and relocation.
Explore properties with rental potential. Consider demand, seasonality, costs and management when assessing possible returns.
Asset selection and rental management consultation, with agreed scope and costs.
Land and assets from which to shape your vision. Assess location, permitted use, services and feasibility before moving forward.
Land search, legal review and coordination of architecture, design and construction.
Land and development
A plot’s potential is established through documents, site visits and a feasibility study. These checks are part of the starting point.
Request the municipal certificate and review zoning, density and restrictions.
Request the availability letter from the competent supplier, AyA or ASADA. A nearby pipe does not establish supply capacity.
Source: AyA · servicios ↗Determine the applicable SETENA procedure for the specific project.
Source: SETENA · trámites ↗Check coastal regimes, protected areas, watercourses and required setbacks. A view is not proof of buildability.
Verify public access or a registered easement, electricity and connectivity on the plot.
Reconcile the plan, boundaries, slopes and conditions for subdivision or development.
HELCOR brings together property searches, legal solutions, architecture, construction and management. The overall scope, responsibilities and terms are defined for each project.
Indicative information. Each transaction requires specific legal advice.
An unhurried coffee. More time outdoors. The freedom to choose the energy of the city, the calm of the mountains or the closeness of the sea.
Living here also means finding your place in everyday life. Services, connections, community and real travel times matter just as much as the view.
SJO in the Central Valley and LIR in Guanacaste are the main air gateways for these destinations. Check flight routes and onward travel before choosing.
Source: ICT · cuadro / table 11 ↗The CCSS is part of the public system, alongside private providers. Review eligibility, coverage and travel distances for your circumstances.
Source: CCSS ↗Explore international and bilingual schools in the Central Valley and selected coastal communities. Check places, curricula and transport with each school.
Fibre availability depends on the address. Ask the operator to check it, and test signal, speed and backup options before deciding.
Dry and green seasons change the landscape and travel experience. The Caribbean has its own pattern: study occupancy by area and month.
Source: Instituto Meteorológico Nacional ↗Your local connection
Behind this invitation to discover Costa Rica is HELCOR: a local real estate team helping you connect your goals with the country's possibilities.
From property searches to legal support, architecture and rental management, we bring together services to support the different stages of your project.
Source: HELCOR ↗
What you are looking for, where you see yourself, your budget and your timeframe.
A selection of locations and properties to consider together.
Coordinate the services and checks your transaction needs.
A selection from HELCOR’s catalogue. Check the original listing to confirm price, availability and terms.
Central Pacific · Land
USD 150,000
24,256 m² · land
View HELCOR listing ↗Source: HELCOR · checked 2026-09-22
Central Valley · Estate
USD 2,300,000
48,313 m² · land
View HELCOR listing ↗Source: HELCOR · checked 2026-09-22
Central Valley · Apartment
USD 140,000
65.87 m² · built area
View HELCOR listing ↗Source: HELCOR · checked 2026-09-22Your starting point
A look at the country, its regions and the checks that will help you prepare your project.
Free PDF guide. No promises of returns.
In preparationYes. Contact HELCOR by phone, email or WhatsApp to share your goals and organise the next steps. An initial conversation can help focus your search before you plan a visit.
Source: HELCOR ↗Start with how you want to use your investment. The team can help you compare locations, access, services and property types. The right location should reflect your project and budget.
Source: HELCOR ↗There is no universal figure or guaranteed return. Every property requires an assessment of its price, expenses, demand, occupancy and management. Contact HELCOR to discuss the assumptions and available information for a specific opportunity.
Source: HELCOR ↗HELCOR offers rental management, architecture, design, construction and relocation, among other services. Scope, costs and availability are agreed for each project.
Source: HELCOR ↗In general, foreign nationals can acquire registered private property. Always verify the property’s legal status and any exceptions.
Source: PGR · propiedad y personas extranjeras ↗Check whether it is registered private property or a Maritime Terrestrial Zone concession. Requirements and restrictions for foreigners differ; legal review is essential.
Source: Ley 6043 · arts. 9, 10, 47 ↗Beyond the price, allow for transfer tax, stamps, notarial fees and due-diligence costs. Request an itemised transaction estimate.
Not automatically. A qualifying investment may support a residency application if you meet current requirements and immigration approves it.
Source: Reglamento Ley 9996 ↗It depends on the lender, your profile, documentation and property. HELCOR offers mortgage support; request a feasibility assessment and written terms.
Source: HELCOR ↗Review municipal property tax and, where applicable, the solidarity tax. Renting or selling may create other obligations that require tax advice.
In some cases, a power of attorney may be used. The notary must define its scope, authentication or apostille, documentation and funds checks for your transaction.
Ownership, the cadastral plan, permitted use, water availability, environmental procedure, restrictions, access and utilities. Feasibility must be confirmed for the particular plot and project.
Source: SETENA · trámites ↗Tell us what you have in mind. The HELCOR team will help you explore how to make it part of your future.