Buying a property in Costa Rica can do far more than give you a home in the sun: above a certain amount, your real estate investment can open the door to residency, through the “investor” category (inversionista). Here is how it works in 2026 — and the regulatory point you absolutely must check before taking the plunge.
The principle: real estate as a path to residency
Costa Rica offers a residency category for investors. A qualifying investment — and real estate is one of them — lets you apply for temporary residency, renewable, which then leads to permanent residency. It is one of the most popular routes for foreign buyers who wish to settle for the long term or secure a foothold with stable status.
What “investor” residency gives you
- Temporary residency for 2 years, renewable as long as the investment is maintained.
- Permanent residency possible after 3 years of continuous temporary residency.
- A very flexible minimum presence: in principle, you only need to visit Costa Rica once a year.
- Family reunification: your spouse and minor children can be included in the application.
The key condition: holding the property in your own name
For real estate to serve as the basis for investor residency, the property must in principle be registered in the applicant’s personal name at the National Registry — and not through a company. This is a point that is often poorly anticipated: a purchase hastily structured through an S.A. can disqualify the residency application. If residency is part of your plan, tell your lawyer before structuring the purchase.
The main steps
- Buy a property for an amount at least equal to the threshold in force, in your own name (see the warning above regarding the amount).
- Register the property at the National Registry — it is this registration that proves the investment.
- Assemble the file for investor residency (apostilled civil-status documents, criminal record certificate, proof of investment, etc.) and submit it to the DGME.
- Obtain temporary residency, renew it, then move on to permanent residency.
Frequently asked questions
How much must you invest to obtain residency?
The 2021 law had brought the threshold down to $150,000, with a window of benefits that expired in mid-July 2026. The amount actually applicable today ($150,000 or a return to $200,000) must absolutely be confirmed with the DGME or an immigration lawyer before you commit.
Can I buy through a company and still obtain residency?
For the “investor through real estate” route, the property must in principle be held in your own name. Holding it through a company risks disqualifying the application. To be confirmed with your lawyer before the purchase.
Do I have to live in Costa Rica permanently?
No. Investor residency requires only a minimum presence (in principle, one entry per year). This is one of its great advantages for those who split their time between several countries.
Is residency required in order to buy?
No. The purchase is completely independent of immigration status: you can buy as an ordinary tourist. Residency is a possible benefit downstream of the investment, not a prerequisite.
Disclaimer: this article is informative and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. The thresholds and conditions of Costa Rican residency change — in particular the investment amount, in transition in mid-2026. You must have the rules in force confirmed by the DGME (Migración) and a specialist lawyer before taking any steps. Tendance Immo Latina supports you in your purchase in Guanacaste and directs you to the right professionals — discover our properties or contact our trilingual team.
