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Can Foreigners Get Financing in Costa Rica?

May 30, 2025Uncategorizedadmin

Requirements & Options 💸

Costa Rica continues to attract buyers and investors from around the globe. But one of the most common questions we get at Caiman Real Estate is: Can foreigners obtain financing to buy property in Costa Rica? The short answer is yes, but the full picture includes some important details. Let’s explore the options and requirements 📋.

🏦 1. Bank Financing in Costa Rica

While state banks often have strict policies, some private banks do offer loans to foreigners, including:

Banco LAFISE

BAC San José

Typical terms:

✅ Up to 70% loan-to-value

📅 Terms up to 20 years

📈 Interest rates from 8.5% to 10%

📑 Required documents: passport, proof of income, credit history, property appraisal, etc.

🔍 Important: The process can be lengthy and bureaucratic. Some banks require legal residency, and all documents must be in Spanish or officially translated.

🤝 2. Owner Financing (Direct from Seller)

This is becoming a popular option in tourist destinations like Manuel Antonio. The seller acts as the lender, and you negotiate the terms directly.

Advantages:

Less red tape 📝

Flexible payment terms 💸

Quick approval 🚀

Typical terms:

50% to 60% financing

1 to 5-year terms

Interest rates between 6% and 9%

May include a balloon payment at the end 🎈

This route works exceptionally well for foreigners who don’t yet have a local credit history.

💼 3. Private Lenders

There are also private companies and individual lenders offering property loans.

Advantages:

Faster approval ⏱️

Fewer bureaucratic hurdles 📉

Disadvantages:

Higher interest rates (up to 16%) ⚠️

It’s critical to have legal support to review contracts 👨‍⚖️

📋 4. General Requirements for Foreigners

Regardless of the financing source, foreigners are generally required to provide:

Valid passport 🛂

Proof of income 💼

Personal financial statements 📊

Official property appraisal 🏡

Translated documents (if not originally in Spanish) 🌍

A local attorney to oversee and review contracts ⚖️

🌟 Caiman Real Estate Expert Tip

Before making a decision, evaluate all your options and consult with professionals. We can connect you with reputable lenders, property owners open to financing, and trusted legal advisors.

📞 Ready to take the next step?

At Caiman Real Estate, we’re ready to help you navigate the purchase process—with or without financing. Let’s make your Costa Rica lifestyle a reality! 🇨🇷🌴

Is the Dollar Losing Strength? What the BRICS Are Doing and How to Protect Your Capital by Investing in Real Estate in Costa Rica

May 27, 2025Uncategorizedadmin

In recent years, a growing global movement—led by the economic bloc known as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)—has been gaining momentum to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar as the world’s dominant currency 🌐. This shift has triggered new questions among investors: 📉 Is the dollar still safe? 💼 How can I protect my capital in uncertain times? 🏡 Is real estate a reliable hedge against financial instability? In this blog, we break down what’s happening with the dollar, what the BRICS are planning, and why investing in real estate in Costa Rica remains one of the smartest and safest strategies for long-term wealth protection. 🤝 What Are the BRICS and What Are They Doing? The BRICS are a coalition of emerging economies aiming to create a more balanced financial system. They aim to remove the dollar as the default currency for global trade and finance. Key initiatives include:

Promoting trade in local currencies (like the Chinese yuan or Russian ruble)
Building alternatives to the SWIFT payment system
Proposing the creation of a new currency backed by gold or commodities like oil

Their message is clear: the global dollar’s dominance is no longer guaranteed. 📉 Why Does This Matter for the U.S. Dollar? For decades, the dollar has been the cornerstone of international trade and reserves for now:

More countries are trading in non-dollar currencies
Central banks are reducing their dollar reserves.
A growing global interest in monetary alternatives is emerging.

This doesn’t mean the dollar will disappear, but it could lose value and influence, leading to more volatility—and that’s when investors start looking for tangible, resilient assets. 🏡 Real Estate in Costa Rica: A Reliable Hedge If you’re looking to protect your wealth, real estate remains one of the most trusted options, especially in stable, high-demand countries like Costa Rica 🇨🇷. Here’s why Costa Rica is a top choice: ✅ Foreigners can legally own titled property ✅ Properties are priced in U.S. dollars, reducing currency risk ✅ The country offers political stability and legal clarity ✅ Coastal and tourist areas like Manuel Antonio attract strong rental demand ✅ Real estate is a physical asset that doesn’t vanish when currencies fluctuate 💡 A Smart Investment Strategy in Times of Global Uncertainty From beachfront homes to jungle-view villas and eco-friendly development land, Costa Rica offers more than beauty—it provides financial security. In a Land that remainsand where limited and valuable, where money can be printed or devalued overnight, lann markets shake, owning real estate provides a solid foundation—both literally and financially 🛡️. 📌 Why Now?

Because the global financial system is evolving
Because the dollar is not as untouchable as it once was
Because real estate holds real value over time
And because Costa Rica is one of the safest and most profitable real estate markets in Latin America

📲 Let’s Talk About Your Investment Goals At Caiman Real Estate, we don’t just sell properties—we help you make smart, informed decisions to protect and grow your capital.

👉 Looking for a secure investment in a tropical paradise? Let’s talk. We’re here to help you turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Did You Know That Buying Property in Costa Rica Can Get Legal Residency? Here’s How the Investor Visa Work

May 27, 2025Uncategorizedadmin

Costa Rica isn’t just a tropical paradise with stunning beaches and lush jungles—it’s also a country that actively encourages foreign investment. One of the most attractive incentives for international buyers is obtaining temporary residency through the Investor Visa program.

Let’s examine how this works, what you need to qualify for, and why real estate in Costa Rica is a smart and secure investment.

💰 What Is the Investor Visa?

The Investor Visa (Residencia Temporal como Inversionista) grants temporary residency to foreigners who invest at least USD 150,000 in Costa Rica. This investment can be in real estate, stocks, businesses, or productive projects registered within the country (acacialegalcr.com).

📋 Main Requirements:

Minimum investment: USD 150,000 in eligible assets (real estate is the most common).
Documentation: Certified property value from the local municipality, proof of investment, background check, birth certificate, and other personal documents (must be apostilled).
Presence requirement: To maintain your residency, you must spend at least one day per year in Costa Rica (com).

🕒 Processing Time and Duration:

Estimated timeline: Between 6 and 12 months from application to receiving your residency ID (DIMEX).
Validity: The residency is valid for 2 years and can be renewed. After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency (com).

🚘 Extra Benefits:

Tax exemptions: Import household goods and up to two vehicles tax-free.
Open bank accounts: Access to Costa Rican financial institutions.
Live the Pura Vida lifestyle: Enjoy a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and a safe, welcoming environment.

📝 Important Notes:

Your application will be accepted if the registered value of your property meets or exceeds the $150,000 USD threshold.
It’s highly recommended to work with a qualified immigration lawyer to navigate the paperwork, translations, and deadlines.

📈 Why Invest in Real Estate in Costa Rica?

Beyond the immigration benefit, real estate in Costa Rica offers substantial long-term value. Tourist hotspots like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Santa Teresa continue to see demand for vacation rentals, second homes, and retirement properties.

Owning land in a stable, dollar-based economy like Costa Rica is a smart way to protect and grow your capital, especially during times of global economic uncertainty.

📲 Ready to Make a Move?

At Caiman Real Estate, we specialize in helping international buyers find the right property and guiding them through every step, from the purchase to the residency application.

👉 Let’s discuss your goals and how Costa Rica can offer lifestyle and legal benefits in one wise investment.

Essential to Know Before Buying Property in Costa Rica

May 23, 2025Uncategorizedadmin

Thinking about investing in real estate in Costa Rica? 🏖️ Whether you’re planning to retire, relocate, or purchase a vacation home, buying property in Costa Rica can be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life. However, the real estate market here has its own set of rules and expectations. Here are the essential tips for buying property in Costa Rica to make a wise and secure investment.

🧾 Check Property Title and Ownership

Before closing any real estate deal, ensure the property is titled and properly registered with the National Property Registry. Confirm that the seller has full legal ownership and the right to sell. It is highly recommended that you work with a real estate attorney familiar with Costa Rican property laws.

📍 Location Is Everything in Real Estate

Costa Rica offers a wide range of properties for sale, from beachfront villas and jungle homes to urban condos and mountain retreats. Determine your lifestyle goals: Are you seeking ocean views, natural seclusion, or access to amenities like hospitals, restaurants, and international schools?

💧 Confirm Utilities and Infrastructure

Don’t assume that every property has basic services. Always verify access to potable water, electricity, internet, and road infrastructure. These services can be limited or non-existent in rural and remote areas, impacting property value and development plans.

🛣️ Easements and Access Rights

Ensure these are correctly registered in the deed if the property includes easements, such as rights of way for neighboring properties or shared access. Unregistered or unclear easements can create significant legal issues or block access to your land.

📏 Boundary Verification with a Surveyor

Before finalizing your purchase, hire a licensed land surveyor to verify the property boundaries and check for overlapping claims. This guarantees that the physical land matches what’s on the official cadastral map (plano catastrado).

🏗️ Understand Zoning and Land Use Laws

Check the zoning regulations that apply to the land. Not all land in Costa Rica can be developed or used for commercial activities. If you plan to build, rent, or subdivide the property, consult your attorney or local municipality to confirm what’s allowed.

💼 Work with Trusted Real Estate Professionals

Partner with experienced real estate agents, lawyers, and notaries who understand the local market and regulations. A reputable real estate agency in Costa Rica will guide you through the process and protect your investment.

🌎 Buying Property as a Foreigner

Foreigners have the same property rights as locals in most cases. However, certain restrictions apply in maritime zones (within 200 meters of the coast), and using a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.) to hold property can simplify taxes and inheritance planning.

📑 Always Do Your Due Diligence

Before you sign anything, conduct a complete due diligence process: review the title, property history, taxes, debts, zoning status, and permits. Skipping this step can lead to serious problems later on.

✅ Final Thoughts

Buying real estate in Costa Rica is an exciting opportunity, but it’s essential to be informed and prepared. Whether you’re looking for a dream home, a vacation rental investment, or land to develop, following these steps will help you avoid costly mistakes.

At Caiman Real Estate, we specialize in helping international buyers navigate the Costa Rican property market safely and successfully. 🌴
Stop making it a vacation — make it a lifestyle.

Trump’s Tariffs Have Disrupted Global Markets — Why Savvy Investors Are Turning to Real Estate in Costa Rica

April 22, 2025Uncategorizedadmin

Published by Caiman Real Estate, Experts in premium ocean-view properties in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific

📉 Tariffs Are Back — And So Is Market Turbulence (foto grafico)

With President Donald Trump’s recent announcement and implementation of new tariffs, global markets are again facing high levels of uncertainty. The U.S. has imposed sweeping tariffs — including a 10% baseline on imports and higher, targeted rates against China and other major partners — sparking trade tensions, investor anxiety, and visible drops in global markets.

Wall Street is reacting. Tech stocks are down, inflation fears are rising, and international trade has taken a direct hit. In this volatile scenario, one question dominates investors’ minds

Where can I protect and grow my capital now?

🧠 What Investors Do When Markets Turn Volatile

Periods of instability push capital toward safe-haven assets that offer long-term value, resilience, and a degree of insulation from political and financial shocks. While some turn to gold or government bonds, many investors are moving toward international real estate.

Why? Real estate has proven to be a consistent hedge against volatility, especially in regions with growing demand, natural beauty, and investor-friendly policies.

🌴 Why Costa Rica Is Suddenly in the Spotlight

In times like these, Costa Rica has become more than just a dream destination — it has become a strategic investment move. Here’s why:

✅ Political and economic stability in Latin America

✅ Strong legal protections for foreign investors

✅ Thriving rental markets in areas like Manuel Antonio and the Central Pacific

✅ Appreciation of beachfront and eco-zone properties

✅ Access to a dollarized or dollar-friendly economy without U.S. systemic risks

In short: Costa Rica offers security and growth — a rare combination in today’s global market.

📈 Real Estate in Costa Rica: Tangible, Profitable, and Safe

Real estate in Costa Rica is more than a defensive move — it’s an offensive strategy. Investors can benefit in two significant ways:

Asset appreciation: High-demand zones like Manuel Antonio have seen 6–8% annual growth rates, with no signs of slowing.

Passive income: Short-term vacation rentals continue to outperform, often yielding 5–10% net returns per year.

Plus, investing abroad adds geographic diversification, shielding your portfolio from any country’s political and economic swings.

🔥 The New Wave: Capital Flight from the U.S.

We’re already seeing signs of increased interest from U.S.-based investors, many of whom are:

Selling off riskier stocks

Pulling out of U.S. real estate markets affected by high interest rates

Looking to secure assets in safer, less volatile regions

Prioritizing lifestyle investments that double as income generators

This capital is flowing — and Costa Rica is catching it.

🏁 Final Thoughts : In Times of Uncertainty, Smart Money Moves Differently
Markets are reacting to Trump’s tariffs. Trade wars rarely come without consequences. But for the prepared investor, this moment offers a rare opportunity:
To move capital out of chaos, and into clarity.

Costa Rica stands ready, with solid infrastructure, a stable economy, and a real estate market built for growth. Whether you’re looking for a luxury retreat, a high-performing rental property, or a strategic asset to protect your wealth, this is the moment to act.

💬 Ready to Diversify Internationally?

Let us help you find the perfect investment in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific. At Caiman Real Estate, we combine local expertise, global perspective, and personal service to connect you with high-potential properties.
👉 Contact us for a private consultation