Top Reasons to Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica
1. Adventures, Activities and Tours. Read Outdoor and Leisure Activities in Costa Rica and you’ll be amazed at the plethora of fun things to do in Costa Rica!
2. Easy arrival – Costa Rica is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the States and Canada, Costa Rica is located in Central America and is served by major U.S. airlines (United, Continental, American, Delta, Northwest, USAir, and others). Even Europe is beginning to have non-stop flights to Costa Rica.
3. Fabulous Weather - Year-round temperatures average in the 80's to a max in the low 90's (on the Coasts) with comfortable nights (60's). In the Central Valley, most houses don’t have air conditioners or heat because they’re not necessary!
4. Costa Rica is an ecological paradise. Costa Rica rates 1st in eco-tourism worldwide with only 1% of the earth’s surface – 25% already National Parks & Reserves
5. Costa Rica is a peaceful democracy with no established military. Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949.
6. Unlike some other places in the world, Americans are still welcomed in Costa Rica.
7. Low Property Taxes - The annual property taxes in Costa Rica are extremely low – roughly only $250 per $100,000. No, that’s not a misprint. Property taxes are only .025% per year.
8. No real estate capital gains taxation
9. CNBC forecasted Costa Rica to be “the hottest real estate market on the plant.”
10. Big Business in Costa Rica - If companies like Intel and Citigroup are investing in Costa Rica, don’t you think you should too?
11. Rich culture recognized for highly educated labor force and health care
12. Ocean View Property is Limited. Wherever prime ocean view property such as this remains in the world, it is rapidly being developed. As it becomes scarcer, demand will increase and values will rise, making the beautiful Costa Rican coasts an ever more attractive proposition.
13. No restrictions on foreign ownership of land - Unlike Mexico and most of Central and South America, foreigners can own property in Costa Rica.
14. Secure Title. Title insurance is available in Costa Rica.
15. The CIA thinks Costa Rica is a good investment - The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency World Fact Book ranked Costa Rica as one of five countries that stands "head and shoulders above all other nations worldwide in terms of the potential their real estate markets present property investors."
16. Low Development Costs - Costa Rica property and development costs are remarkably lower than in the United States, and return on investments are higher.
17. No Hurricanes - The Pacific Coast is protected from hurricanes by the mountains
People find Costa Rica attractive and want to live in the country for a variety of reasons. Whatever your unique motives may be for wanting to move to Costa Rica, there are a number of ways to remain in the country on a long-term basis. Tourists from North America and many countries in Europe may remain legally in the country for three months without having to apply for legal residency. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A COSTA RICAN RESIDENT TO OWN PROPERTY, START A BUSINESS, OR MAKE OTHER INVESTMENTS. YOU CAN DO THESE ACTIVITIES WITH NO MORE THAN A TOURIST VISA. Immigration - Traveling to Costa Rica
Several residency categories permit you to retain your current citizenship and obtain long-term legal status in Costa Rica. They are pensionado, rentistaand inversionista(resident investor). Which program you choose depends on your needs and financial position. Becoming a legal resident will by no means affect your U.S. or Canadian citizenship. Be very aware that residency procedures and requirements can change frequently, so always check for current requirements with your immigration lawyer or the American Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR).