Buying Land

Building in Costa Rica

Before you buy a property, investigate what land use requirements it is subject to. In Costa Rica only licensed architects and engineers can present building applications. This section will get you started on the building process.

The first thing you should do before buying property is investigate what it may be used for and if there are any outstanding monetary issues. You can either investigate this yourself or make use of a professional. The following institutions should be contacted:

Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle (MAG)
National Institute of Housing and Development (INVU)
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Energy and Environment
Ministry of Housing and Human Resources (MIVAH)
Water and Sewage Authority (AyA)
Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT)
Institute of Farming Development (IDA)
The municipality the property is located at

Costa Rican law states that any building application has to be presented by a licensed architect or engineer. If you want to build it is therefore recommended that you find a good architect or civil engineer to help you with all the bureaucratic procedures. Finding an architect or engineer is not that hard. Costa Rican law requires that certain professions register with professional associations in their field. Architects and engineers are all registered with the Costa Rican Association of Architects and Engineers, El Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos – CFIA (http://www.cfia.or.cr/ ). Fee schedules of what may be charged by architects and engineers are issued by the association.

Construction permits can be applied for at the Oficina Receptora de Permisos de Construcción or Permit Reception Office. In general the following documentation has to be submitted when making an application: