Buy Property in Costa Rica Remotely: What You Can Do from Home
You can buy property in Costa Rica almost entirely from abroad, without a single trip to San José. The keys are a notarized power of attorney, escrow and a team that inspects the property on site for you. In-person presence is usually needed only for some bank accounts and for residency.
What you can do from home and what you cannot
The overview shows each step of the purchase and whether it can be done remotely.
| Step | Remote? | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| Title and lien search at the Registro Nacional | Yes | Nothing from the buyer, the registry is public and online |
| Survey and boundary check | Yes | A surveyor prepares an on-site report |
| Forming a Costa Rican company (S.R.L. or S.A.) | Yes | A Costa Rican notary and shareholder documents |
| Reservation and purchase agreement | Yes | Electronic signature or couriered originals |
| Funding escrow | Yes | Wire to an entity registered with SUGEF plus source of funds documents |
| Transfer deed and registration | Yes | Power of attorney for an attorney or representative |
| Corporate bank account | Sometimes | Some banks open remotely, others require a visit; usually 3 to 6 weeks |
| Filing for residency | Partially | At least one visit to Costa Rica before filing, apostilled documents |
| Biometrics and DIMEX card | No | Personal presence in Costa Rica |
Power of attorney: how to grant it properly
A power of attorney authorizes an attorney or representative to act for you in a specific transaction. You can sign it at a Costa Rican consulate, or before a notary at home with an apostille and an official Spanish translation. We recommend a power limited to one property and clearly defined acts.
It can be revoked at any time by notarial deed. If the power was registered, the revocation must be registered too, otherwise the representative may still appear authorized to a bank or the registry.
Escrow: why it is essential
Never send money directly to the seller. The price is deposited in escrow with an entity registered with SUGEF, which releases it only when the attorney confirms clean title and the transfer is ready for registration.
Banks and escrow agents will ask for source of funds. Prepare bank statements, tax returns or proof of sale of other assets. This step is the most common cause of delays.
What someone must see on site for you
Paperwork can be handled remotely, the property cannot. Someone has to walk the boundaries, check access, water, the condition of the building and the surroundings. Seller photos or videos do not replace an independent inspection.
- Inspection by an independent person, not the seller's agent.
- A live video call from the property showing what you need to see.
- Technical inspection if you are buying a house.
- Neighborhood check: planned construction, noise, rainy season access.
How we help, including buyers from the USA and Canada
We come from Costa Rica and live in Europe, so we understand both the concerns of foreign buyers and how things really work in Costa Rica. Our own team on the ground inspects the property, coordinates an independent attorney and escrow, and keeps you updated in English. Buyers from the USA and Canada receive the same full, turnkey support as our European clients.
Buyers pay us no commission or brokerage fee. Legal, notarial and transfer costs are paid separately, typically around 5% of the price.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Consult a Costa Rican lawyer before deciding.