A Brief Guide to Investing in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, the Green Season which lasts from May to November and the Gold Season which begins in December and continues through April.

During the Green Season expect a daily rain shower late in the afternoon or evening; which keeps the landscape green, During the Gold Season, virtually no rain falls and the landscape turns a golden brown. Temperatures vary primarily with elevation, not with season, on the coasts, the weather is warm all year, while in the mountains, nights can be cool any time of the year.

The Caribbean Coast boasts a Tropical Climate, where you will find sporadic rain showers all year Iong that help maintain the surrounding area a constant green. This area has an average temperature of 79°F / 26°C. The average low is 740F 23°C and average high is 840F I 28°C.

Is it necessary to speak fluent Spanish or have, an interpreter when travellng to Costa Rica?
No, While spanish is the official language English is widely spoken throughout

Is the water safe to drink? Yes, Costa Rica has similar practices and standards found in the U.S. for ensuring that clean, potable water is available to all its citizens.

What & the time zone? Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (-6 GMT) and Daylight Savings Time is not observed.

Which Airlines fly to Costa Rica? The international airlines that fly to Costa Rica are American Airlines, United, American Way, Delta, KLM, British Airways, Taca, Continental, Spirit Airlines and Mexicana.

Are there restrictions for non-Costa Rican nationals regarding ownership of property within the counrry? Foreign buyers have the same rights as Costa Rican nationals when purchasing and owning real estate.

Regardless of your nationality you may want to consider holding title to your property through either a Costa Rican corporation ( "Socieclad Anonima" or "S.A.") or limited liability Company. Please request information regarding specific options on title and any assurances that may be recommended by an Attorney or Lawer.

There are currently no capital gains taxes in Costa Rica on the sale of property or of the sale of the shares the S.A. or Limitada that owns the property as long as the seller is not in the business of buying and selling real estate, in which case he may be subject to Costa Rican income tax law.

How long does it take to transfer legal ownership once funds are received by the developer?
Legal transfer begins upon the execution of the documents and their submission for registration. The complete process can take up to 4 to 5 weeks, but once the documents are stamped as received by the Registry, you have the rights to ownership of the property and no liens or transfers can occur.

Are U.S. dollars required for deposits and at closing for the purchase of property in some developmets Yes. Funds in U.S. dollars are required and can be remitted by cashier's check drawn from a U.S. bank or more commonly wire transferred directly according to the instructions in the Purchase Agreement. International Property Directory can also assist with currency transactions through their partners Moneycorp.

Do buyers of property in Costa Rica need the assistance and advice of an attorney? No, however we recommend that h attorney to assist with the real estate purchase transaction in
Costa Rica. Our Sales Executives can provide you with a list of law firms that are familiar with IslaMoin.

Does ownership of property in automatically qualify owners for Costa Rican residency? No. if you are interested in obtaining official residency, we advise you to consult an attorney specializing in immigration matters. It is not necessary for you to obtain residency if your maximum stay in the country does not exceed the period specified on your tourist visa. After spending a minimum of 72 hours outside of the country, you will be allowed to re-enter Costa Rica and renew your tourist visa.