Why invest in Costa Rica in 2020? Discover the advantages of investing in Costa Rica in our guide for investors.

The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Costa Rica

Are you thinking about buying a home overseas? Have you been thinking about investing in Costa Rica real estate and wondering if it would be a good idea?

We have put together this guide for investors considering making an investment in property abroad and wondering if Costa Rica might be the best destination, whether for a house, a condo or a parcel of land.

Here we take a look at some of the top reasons for buying property in Costa Rica and for investing in this land of pristine natural beauty.

The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Costa Rica

The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Costa Rica

Contents

7 Reasons to Invest in Costa Rica Real Estate
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
2. Political & Economic Stability
3. High Quality of Life
4. High Potential Real Estate Market
5. Investor-Friendly Residency Program
6. High Quality Healthcare
7. Easily Accessible Destination
Best Places to Invest in Costa Rica
Investment Opportunities in Costa Rica
Find Out More About Investing in Costa Rica

7 Reasons to Invest in Costa Rica Real Estate

From its investor-friendly residency program to its outstanding natural beauty, there are all kinds of reasons for selecting this Central American land of forests, waterfalls and beaches. Here are our top 7 reasons for investing in Costa Rica, the Land of Pura Vida.

1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Costa Rica is perhaps best known for its stunning natural beauty. The country is blessed with 800 miles of beautiful beaches along its Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, majestic mountains and volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and pristine tropical dry, wet, and rain forests. A whopping 26% of the country is set aside for national parks, conservation areas and wildlife refuges. Although Costa Rica is a small country and only accounts for 0.03% of the surface area of the globe, it is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Costa Rica is in fact a leader in visionary environmental protection and has made great strides towards reforestation. Few countries are home to such an incredibly diverse range of species such as turtles, manatees and an assortment of tropical birds. With such abundance of wildlife and such an exhilarating landscape, there will always be more to to discover and new places to explore.

2. Political & Economic Stability

Besides outstanding natural beauty, Costa Rica has much more to offer investors. The country is also safe and secure and, without a doubt, one of the most politically and economically stable countries in the Americas. Costa Rica is not plagued by riots, protests and civil unrest like so many other nearby countries in Central and South America. The country ranks best in Central America in terms of lack of corruption, according to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Ever since it abolished its military in 1948, peaceful Costa Rica has been known as the “Switzerland of Central America” and has been able to channel funds that in other countries would be earmarked for defense into inclusive economic development, public healthcare and education. It is therefore little wonder that the country was wanked first in the global Happy Planet Index.

3. High Quality of Life

The spectacular beaches, forests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains and volcanoes have made Costa Rica one of the region’s leading vacation destinations. As a top tourism destination, the country offers fantastic amenities for visitors and is well set up for exploration and discovery. As a result, whether you are visiting the country for a vacation or moving to the country, Costa Rica offers a fantastic quality of life. The magnificent coastlines are fringed by approximately 600 sandy beaches perfect for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking or just relaxing in the sunshine. The Pacific coast, in particular, boasts some of the best surfing conditions in the region, while the country’s mountain trails and suspension bridges through thick forest are ripe for exploration. Best of all, a high quality of life is available at an affordable cost: The average cost of living is far lower than in North America and Europe.

4. High Potential Real Estate Market

As a regional vacation hot spot, investment location and popular destination for retirees and expats, Costa Rica has a well established and growing real estate market. The market is relatively mature and offers a wide range of investment opportunities from affordable condos by the beach through to ultra-luxurious estates in the capital, the mountains and rural areas. Traditionally, homes in areas popular with overseas visitors such as beach-side locations are the ideal place to enjoy life in Costa Rica to the max. Investing in such properties can also offer tremendous rental income generating potential. More recently, the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in inquiries for property in the country from American buyers looking to relocate or retire in Costa Rica.

5. Investor-Friendly Residency Program

Another factor that appeals to overseas investors, is the country’s welcoming residency program. In the case of investors, individuals making an investment of at least $200,000 in a business or property in the country can apply for an Investionista (Investor) visa. This visa provides a smooth route to residency and the pathway to enjoying all Costa Rica has to offer. In addition to the investor visa, there are other pathways to residency such as the Pensionado (Retiree) visa. To qualify, an applicant must have a minimum monthly income of $1,000 (per couple) from Social Security or a government guaranteed pension. Whichever route is taken, after 3 years as a lawful temporary resident, an individual can then apply for permanent residency. Find out more about residency in Costa Rica in our guide to buying property in Costa Rica.

6. High Quality Healthcare

Most importantly for many, Costa Rica is renowned for offering a high quality health care system which ranks among the best in the world. Not only is the standard of care high, but costs are far lower than many other countries such as the USA. Legals residents who pay into the universal social security system (which amounts to approximately 7 to 11% of reported income) enjoy access to both the government-operated universal healthcare system, known as Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (“Caja”) as well as the private healthcare system. Several medical facilities are very highly regarded, including 3 medical centers which have JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation: Clinica Bíblica hospital in San Jose, CIMA hospital in Escazu and Clinica Católica Hospital in Guadalupe.

7. Easily Accessible Destination

Last but not least, Costa Rica is also one of the most easily accessible countries in the region. The country can be reached via direct flights from the US, Canada, UK and Europe into 3 international airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela near San Juan, Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste and Limon International Airport on the Caribbean coast. So, wherever you are traveling from, you can reach your destination in Costa Rica in next to no time.

Summary: A Sought After Investment Destination

So, in summary, whether you are drawn to the country’s lush tropical landscapes or its high standard of living, there are plenty of reasons to invest in Costa Rica and high potential investment opportunities across the country.

Best Places to Invest in Costa Rica

To find out more about where to invest, explore our guide to the best places to buy property in Costa Rica.

Discover High Potential Investment Opportunities in Costa Rica

Discover investment opportunities in Costa Rica on our website:

Find Out More About Investing in Costa Rica

7th Heaven Properties is here to help you. We have the insight and advice you need to begin investing in Costa Rica real estate.

To find out more, contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist.

We look forward to working with you and helping you find your perfect property in Costa Rica.

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